What? Nutrition affects clutter?
 
     Clearing clutter and getting organized require executive function skills such as defining tasks, planning steps, initiating tasks, staying on track, and following through. When our executive function skills are compromised through inadequate nutrition, our brain’s ability to function is diminished. So, yes, nutrition plays a critical role in supporting brain function and therefore aiding our decluttering ability. This concept may sound far-fetched but I will describe the logic and then list which foods to avoid and include for best brain performance. I will conclude with a bit of motivation. (Click on Read More)

     You would likely benefit from a strong body to successfully declutter your home, but this post is about strengthening the mind in preparation for decluttering. In a previous post on self-care, we learned that quality sleep improves brain function and in turn enhances the specific skills needed for decluttering and organizing tasks. To repeat, those skills include defining tasks, planning steps, initiating steps, staying on track, and completing tasks. Sleep is only one of the three basic components of self-care. The others are nutrition and exercise. Today’s topic is physical exercise and I will show how it strengthens the brain to enhance those skills. (Click on Read More to continue.)

     What does self-care have to do with organizing your home? In some cases – everything. Here’s why. Basic self-care (sleep, nutrition and exercise) improves brain function and good brain function supports effective decluttering and organizing skills. If you are challenged by clutter, overwhelmed by too much stuff, don’t know where to start or lack energy to make decisions consider self-care to bolster your decluttering efforts! Today’s focus is on the sleep component. Upcoming posts will discuss the value of nutrition and exercise.
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     First, let’s identify the necessary decluttering and organizing skills.

    What is virtual organizing? It is exactly as it sounds – working on decluttering and organizing tasks over the phone or via a video platform using a phone, tablet or computer. Though the professional organizer is not on site, the procedure is the same as in person: set goals, sort, declutter, organize, and maintain systems in your home. The professional organizer still provides motivation, focus, accountability, guidance, and encouragement at a distance. Here are the benefits, responsibilities and expectations. (Click on Read More to continue.)

​If you experience a lack of motivation to declutter your home try these solutions to get in gear!

    1. INVOLVE SOMEONE ELSE IN YOUR DECLUTTER EFFORTS.​ 
Enlist a clutter buddy, a friend or relative, who will work with you to keep you focused. They might even keep your spirits up and manage time for you.
 
Set up a declutter schedule on your calendar, then find someone to whom you will be accountable. Again, this might be a friend or relative. They don’t necessarily have to be physically on site. You can simply check in with them and follow up later with a progress report.
(click on Read More to continue)

(OR you can organize your basement!)
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1. Think before you stash
2. Label and date boxes/bins
3. Declutter regularly
4. Purge things that can be borrowed
5. Use sturdy open shelves
6. Use clear bins
7. Create zones
8. Avoid storing cloth, paper and metal if basement is damp
9. Inventory and reevaluate annually

July is here already! The past few months have incongruously flown and crawled by at the same time. It seems the COVID-19 pandemic kept me in an extended holding pattern - like a really long snow day – where I ignored lots of household tasks. Can you identify? Is it time to take control and tidy up your home?
 
Initiate a first step to get back into the decluttering swing of things. Here are some (short and sweet) ideas:
 

• Organize your car.
• Declutter a closet, bookshelf or kitchen drawer.
• Shred the waiting pile of papers.
• Clean, freshen and air out blankets.
• Re-arrange a room.
• Tidy up your house plants.
• Declutter newspapers and magazines.
• Thin out a coat rack or shoe rack.
• Clean out the freezer.
• Take a bag of donations to a charity.
• Organize hobby materials.

 
Take control - One step leads to more!

Is getting organized your number one New Year’s resolution? Here’s how to achieve it: AWARENESS! How can awareness help to declutter and organize? And how do you become aware? (Click on Read More)

​Do these things well in advance (or even a little in advance) to gain control over the season. Then enjoy!
 
1. Clean out the fridge and pantry if not already done for the Thanksgiving holiday. Open up space to make it easier to store/find holiday ingredients. Find and clean special serving ware.
 
2. Take stock of  bills and important paperwork. Many a bill has gone overdue as a result of the frenzied “clean-it-up-by-putting-it-in-a-box” style of prepping for the holidays. Make special notes of due dates and replies required on the calendar as reminders.
 
3. For children, declutter clothes and toys prior to incoming gifts.
 
4. Prepare space for guests in advance. Make the guest bed, clear horizontal surfaces, and clean the bathroom. Anticipate supplies that guests might need and purchase in advance.
 
5. Inventory the logistics of entertaining. Count chairs and place settings. Select table coverings, linens and candles. Purchase extra take-home containers for giving leftovers/desserts. Make space for extra coats/boots in entryway or hall closet.
 
6. Set up a special envelope for Christmas receipts and use it religiously as the season progresses.