This Organized Life: Decluttering Tips for Moms, Entrepreneurs and Professional Organizers

Happy December Folks!

We’re kicking off December with a simple tip about budgeting for the holidays.

There is no denying that it’s simpler than ever before to spend money. Where we used to have to drive to a store, take out cash and make an in-person transaction, has morphed into a convenience of shopping from your couch in your pjs with a click of a button.

As much as I personally love that, it’s also super easy to overspend without even realizing it, which is why I always create a separate holiday budget.

Whether you are an aspiring minimalist who trades physical gifts for experiences, or you are someone who still enjoys coming down on Christmas morning to houseful of gifts to unwrap, we are still spending money.

XOXO-
Laurie

Looking for a holiday gift tracker? We’ve got you covered: simplyborganized.ac-page.com/holiday-gift-list-tracker

Hi Friends,

Today I am joined by comedian Meredith Masony, who many of you may know from her popular IG & TikTok channel-@thats_inappropriate. I invited her on the show to share her story and possibly add some humor and perspective during the holiday season when many of us need it most!
During our conversation we talked about:

• Why she puts her Christmas tree up in December
• Her fav Taylor Swift Song
• Why parenting is harder than it looks

In the throes of hectic schedules, holiday gatherings, and general feelings of overwhelm, just remember that life isn’t perfect, and the best thing you can do is surround yourself with people who continually remind you that you’re not crazy even when you feel like you are!

XOXO-
Laurie

P.s. Tomorrow is our Live Enneagram and Clutter Workshop! Grab your tickets here: https://simplyborganized.com/webinar

Links Mentioned In This Episode
Website: https://filterfreeparents.substack.com/
Book Recommendations:
Not a Happy Family
Brene Brown
Jen Hatmaker

Hi Friends,
On today’s episode I talk all about my gratitude practice, and why sometimes the biggest thing I am grateful for is a locked bathroom door and a glass of wine.

Taking the time to write down even one thing per day that you are grateful for can have a significant impact on your attitude and mindset.

XOXO-
Laurie

P.S. There is still time to Grab your spot at our Intro to the Enneagram live workshop on Friday Dec 1st from 12-1:30 ET. Grab a friend, Bring your questions and let's talk all things clutter and the enneagram!

Hi Friends,

Happy Thanksgiving! Today’s episode is my Thanksgiving message to each of you. I talk a lot about gratitude and doing things with intention throughout the year, but today in particular I want to highlight 7 specific things you can do to make the most out of your Thanksgiving Day.

Click Here to read the full list

I realize that the holidays can be a time of sadness for many. If I’m talking about you, my wish is that you find strength and peace knowing that you are surrounded by people who love you.
And for all of you- I hope that today is filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude for all that you have.

I am grateful for so much, including you for being a part of our community.
XOXO-
Laurie

Links Mentioned in this Episode
Register for our Upcoming Webinar
Mylio Photos: mylio.com/TOL25

Hi Friends,

As someone who has a houseful of people during Thanksgiving and Christmas I’ve made it a practice to do a deep dive in the linen closet each November.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to how I approach organizing my linen closet:

• Sheets- A quick tip to making any closet appear organized is using baskets.I hate folding sheets-especially fitted sheets, so I use baskets with pretty labels to corral our sheets and hide any imperfections with my folding technique.
  • My rule of thumb is 2 sets per bed -one that’s on your bed and one spare.

BTW, If your sheets have seen better days, I love my new sheets from American Blossom Linens! They are made without any harsh chemicals, have deep pockets and get softer with every wash!

• Towels-Get rid of anything that frayed, torn or worn out. Animal Shelters are always looking for old linens, blankets and towels for the animals!

• My rule of thumb is approx 4 bath towels per person, 2-4 hand towels per person, and 6-8 washcloths per person.

• Toiletries-It’s always good to have extra toiletries on hand like toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, conditioner, lotions. Not to mention things like tylenol, motrin, antacids, benadryl, and other popular over the counter remedies that may come in handy!

• Rule of thumb: before you stock up, make sure you inventory your current stash and throw out anything that is expired.

Even if you're not hosting any overnight guests during the holidays, it’s still a good time to inventory your linen closet and check this area off of your list!

XOXO-
Laurie

P.S. There is still time to Grab your spot at our Intro to the Enneagram live workshop on Friday Dec 1st from 12-1:30 ET. Grab a friend, Bring your questions and let's talk all things clutter and the enneagram!

Hey Friends,

If you are looking for gift ideas during this holiday season, you are in the right place!
Instead of doing our annual gift guide, we decided to select one company with a social impact component that has plenty of gift options for the whole family.

We selected Noonday Collection, a people-first lifestyle brand offering a selection of soulful artisan goods that create opportunity for those living in vulnerable conditions.

Joining me today is the founder of Noonday, Jessica Honegger. You might know her from her best-selling book Imperfect Courage, or as host of the Going Scared podcast, but today we’re talking about fun gift ideas that give back!

To simplify your holiday shopping we created a special shopping event exclusively for This ORGANIZED Life listeners-follow this link: https://jessicahonegger.noondaycollection.com/ to shop our trunk show!

*Holiday orders must be placed by December 14 to ensure they ship in time for you to receive for Christmas

• Gift sets as low as $10
• Candles and coffee to capsule wardrobes
• Jewelry and Accessories that you won’t find anywhere else

You can feel good knowing that with every purchase you are helping end the cycle of poverty for women. (feel free to share this with your friends!)
Use this link to browse the entire catalog

Happy Shopping!
Xoxo-
Laurie

P.S. Grab your spot at our Intro to the Enneagram live workshop on Friday Dec 1st before we sell out!

Special Thanks to our Sponsors for Today’s Episode:
Mylio Photos: mylio.com/TOL25
American Blossom Linens: use code ORGANIZED25 at checkout

Jessica’s Book Recommendations:
Building the Life You Want
The Restorationist

In today's digital world, keeping your identity safe is super important. Here are three top ways to do it:

1. Keep Your Info Secure:

• Strong Passwords: Make unique and strong passwords for your accounts. Think letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to handle the heavy lifting.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security with 2FA. It asks for a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone.
• Guard Your Docs: Keep sensitive stuff like passports and financial papers safe. Shred or trash any old docs with personal info.

2. Keep an Eye on Your Money:

• Check Your Statements: Look through your bank and card statements often for any fishy transactions.
• Credit Report Check: Grab your free credit reports yearly to spot any red flags. Think about credit monitoring for extra security.
• Freeze Your Credit: Lock down your credit report to make it tougher for ID thieves to open new accounts.

3. Protect Your Online Presence:

• Watch What You Share: Be careful about sharing personal info online, especially on social media.
• Dodge Phishing: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files.
• Secure Wi-Fi and Updates: Use secure Wi-Fi and always update your software to fix any security holes.

Also, consider identity theft protection services for added security. If you suspect ID theft, report it ASAP to the right peeps to limit the damage. Stay safe out there!

P.S.
Exciting news – we're hosting a live Enneagram & Clutter workshop! You'll discover your Enneagram type, its connection to clutter, and strategies for better communication. Join us, whether you're an Enneagram newbie or looking for fresh insights.
Save the date: December 1st, 12-1:30pm ET. Only $20 per ticket, and we're recording it for registered attendees.
Secure your spot at simplyborganized.com/webinar

XO
-Laurie

Hi Friends,

Today we’re talking all about simple design tips to help you live a more organized life. Joining me is Interior Designer, Jessica Velazquez who helps clients make smart design choices without breaking the bank!

During our conversation we talked about:

• How to create an inspiring room that doesn’t sacrifice function
• Using layers to give your room personality
• Your UDC=Unique Design Code
• Why she starts each project focusing onLIFESTYLE before STYLE

Jessica has such great tips, you are going to want to listen/watch the entire episode.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors for Today’s Episode:
Mylio Photos: mylio.com/TOL25
American Blossom Linens: use code ORGANIZED25 at checkout

Links Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with Jessica: https://www.interiorsbyjessica.ca/
Free Guide https://keap.page/kth803/how-to-accessorize-your-1st-living-room.html
Design School for Homeowners
Jessica’s Book Recommendation: Clockwork

Hi Friends,

Today we’re talking about Micro Vs. Macro Organizing.Micro and macro organizing refer to two different levels of organization within various contexts and both serve a specific purpose- below is a description and examples of each:

• Micro Organizing: (how)
  • Micro organizing focuses on the smaller, more detailed aspects of an organization or system. It involves managing individual components, processes, or elements within the larger framework.
  • This level of organization often deals with day-to-day operations, tasks, and interaction.
  • Examples of micro organizing at home: decluttering contents of a drawer, shelf, or cabinet
  • Micro Organizing can also include hanging up your keys, loading or unloading the dishwasher, or putting away laundry
  • Examples of micro organizing in a business: might involve managing individual projects, teams, or specific operational processes.
• Macro Organizing: (why)
  • Macro organizing focuses on the larger, more systemic aspects of an organization or system. It involves designing and managing the overarching structures, strategies, and principles that guide the entire entity.
  • This level of organization often deals with long-term planning, vision and purpose.
  • Examples of macro organizing at home: how do we want our garage to serve us? What are the pain points of our kitchen and what problems do we need solved?
  • It can also be, we need to figure out how to build more margin in our weekends, or find time to meal prep, or exercise.
  • Examples of macro organizing in various contexts:
    • In a business, macro organizing could refer to creating the company's strategic plan, setting corporate goals, and establishing high-level policies and procedures.

In summary, micro organizing focuses on the smaller, more detailed aspects, while macro organizing deals with the larger, systemic aspects and big picture. Both types of organizing are essential and they often complement each other in achieving your goals and objectives.

Hi Friends!

Today we’re talking about reducing financial clutter. I always say that clutter and organization come in many shapes and sizes, and financial clutter is a common throughline that we don’t often talk about.

Joining me today is Ashley Patrick founder of budgetsmadeeasy.com.

Ashley knows first hand what it’s like getting out of debt. After paying off $45,000 in just 17 months, Ashley has helped hundreds of other women do the same. She has been featured on Fox Business, Yahoo! Finance, Food Network, USA TODAY, MSN, CNBC, and NerdWallet.

During our conversation we talked about:

• How to develop healthy money habits if you don't have good role models
• What things not to do when getting out of debt (like taking out a 401k loan) and other mistakes she made along the way.
• The dreaded B-word “Budgeting” and how it can give you freedom to spend and save the way you want.
• Simple steps to help you get started if you are feeling overwhelmed, shameful or defeated.

When you begin to reclaim control of your money, it ripples into other areas of your life including physical space, relationships and how you spend your time.

If you know someone who can benefit from this episode, please click the share button!
We appreciate you,
XOXO-

Laurie
Sponsors for Today’s Episode:
Mylio Photos: mylio.com/TOL25
American Blossom Linens: use code ORGANIZED15 at checkout

Links Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with Ashley: www.budgetsmadeeasy.com
Episode 214 Money Habits with Rachel Cruze
Ashley’s Book Recommendation: The Power of One More