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

Before we get started a quick reminder: We have an upcoming FREE webinar on Sept 20th called 5 Ways to Make Money as a Professional Organizer. Spots are limited, so make sure you sign up (even if you can’t make the live event) we’ll be sending out the replay, but you MUST be registered first! Now on to the show!

Today, we're diving headfirst into the fascinating concept of selective minimalism.

Let's set the record straight from the get-go: while minimalism has taken the world by storm, you don't need to go all Marie Kondo to rock an organized life. It's about finding your own rhythm, and that's what we're about to explore together. As the years have gracefully passed me by, I've found myself drawn towards simplicity, eager to untangle my physical surroundings to free up space in my mind. And guess what? You can do it too, in your own unique way!

So, here's the scoop: I'm here to encourage you to hop on the selective minimalism train. It's like minimalism's cool cousin, and it's all about focusing on areas of your life you'd like to simplify. Maybe it's your closet, your footwear collection, or even your trove of housewares. The trick is to pinpoint specific categories within these realms and gradually pare them down.

Let's declutter the items that have overstayed their welcome – think old kitchen gadgets, snarled cords, ancient electronics, and those gardening supplies that have seen better days.

But here's where the magic truly happens: as you embark on this journey of selective minimalism in one area of your life, notice how it ripples through other aspects. Trust me, that tidy closet might just lead to a clearer mind and a more organized day-to-day.

I'm all ears for your success stories! Share your selective minimalism tales and give us a shout-out on social media.

XOXO-
Laurie

Hi Friends!

Joining me today is a New York Times best-selling author of 10 books and host of the Slow Living podcast, Stephanie O’Dea. I invited her on the show to talk about what it means to SLOW Down (you’d think it's simple, but we all know how hard it can be to put it into practice!)

During our conversation Stephanie shares how she transitioned from “The Crock Pot Lady” where she built a brand and business sharing crock pot recipes, to now teaching people how to slow down in their everyday lives.

While society is promoting bigger, better, newer, faster, Stephanie is advocating for a slower more intentional way of living.

She walks us through her SLOW acronym which stands for “SIMPLY LOOK ONLY WITHIN.”
Her Peace Pyramid covers 5 areas that we all need to achieve peace in our lives:

• Time Management
• Health
• Finances
• Organization
• Relationships

Stephanie has a ton of resources on her website including a daily worksheet with guided prompts to help you intentionally slow down where you need it most. Make sure to check out the links in our show notes for everything mentioned in today’s episode.

XOXO-
Laurie

Just a reminder that we have an upcoming FREE webinar on Sept 20th called 5 Ways to Make Money as a Professional Organizer. Spots are limited, so make sure you sign up (even if you can’t make the live event) we’ll be sending out the replay, but you MUST be registered first!


CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: 21 Secrets of a Self-Made Millionaire
Beach Read

On today's tip of the week, it's important for you to declutter your digital spaces, specifically your computer. Let me emphasize the significance of digital detoxing in reducing invisible clutter and improving ease of retrieval for you.

Let's start with the first tip: delete old files. You've probably been using the same computer for a while, which means there are likely unnecessary files that can be deleted. Just like decluttering a physical space, consider when you last accessed those files and if you truly need them.

Furthermore, take a look at old drafts or multiple versions of files and feel free to delete them to free up storage. If you have larger files, especially related to video content, I recommend moving them to cloud-based platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive. This will help you create more space on your computer.

To simplify your digital life, it's crucial for you to declutter your inbox as well. Get rid of old files, unread emails, notifications, and emails from sources that are no longer relevant. By doing so, you'll create a more organized and manageable digital space tailored to your needs.

Join the waitlist for the highly anticipated Free Webinar: 5 Ways to Make Money As A Professional Organizer

Hi Friends,

You are in for a treat today! Joining me today is Janet Taylor, founder of Totally Organized, a company she started back in 1994 after leaving her corporate job. Since then, Janet has gone on to help hundreds of clients declutter and get organized, earning her the title “Clutter Free Queen” when she appeared on the Rachael Ray Show! Janet is also the host of the “Got Clutter! Get Organized! podcast.

I invited Janet to come on TOL to talk about a topic that has a huge impact on our habits and behaviors, but one that is often overlooked–Organizing Tips that You Learned from Your Mom.
We often underestimate the things that we deem as “normal” and it isn’t until we grow up and live with other people that we realize not everyone does things the way we do.

During our conversation we talked about the countless things that Janet’s mom, Ida taught her such as:

• Labeling freezer food with dates
• Creating a grocery list the follows the layout of the store
• Purging before purchasing
• When to add syrup to the grocery list

In the second half of the show we turned to YOU, our listeners and followers who shared your own tips (both good and bad!) that you learned from your mom (or other family members!)

If you enjoyed this episode, please do us a favor and share it with your friends and family. It’s a great way to start a conversation with your own family about organizing habits.

If this is your first time tuning in, make sure to click the subscribe button so new episodes will get downloaded each week. Or head on over to YouTube to watch the conversation.

XOXO-
Laurie
P.S. Don’t forget to get on the waitlist for our FREE Webinar on 9/20 on 5 ways to make money as a professional organizer. Spots are limited so make sure to get on the list!

CONNECT WITH JANET WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN

JANET’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Who Moved my Cheese
Disruptive Thinking

Hey friends,
Today's episode is all about taking charge of your digital clutter and boosting your productivity.
Simplify and streamline your life with these phone organization tips:

1. Delete Any Unused Apps- Make your phone work for you, free up some space and get rid of the overwhelm.
2. Turn off Notifications-Notifications can be distracting when you’re in your most productive zone. Turn them off or turn on focus mode so you can get back to productivity.
3. Housekeeping-Check your storage, in-app purchases and updates.

Keeping your phone organized and up-to-date is key to smoother digital life. Schedule an hour or so to go through your phone and get it organized!
By following these simple tips, you can simplify your life and focus on the stuff that truly matters.
So, whether you're a digital clutter warrior or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights to streamline your phone and boost your productivity.

Register Now for the highly anticipated Free Webinar: 5 Ways to Make Money As A Professional Organizer

Hi Friends!

If you are tired of wasting money on food that no one eats, or buying ingredients that you use once for a recipe and never touch again, then this episode is for you!Joining me today is Caitlin McCandless. Caitlin’s anti-diet approach to health focuses on foods you can ADD to your life rather than looking at what you can’t eat. Meal planning can be simple and today Caitlin shares her tips and strategies on how to simplify grocery shopping with ingredients that are both healthy and versatile.

She even shares her “secret sauce” for picky eaters!Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics and is the owner of Free from PCOS Nutrition where she offers 1-1 nutrition coaching specifically for women struggling with PCOS. During our conversation we talked about:

• What is PCOS, and how it’s something many women face, but it’s not always talked about
• The link between chronic illness and foods
• Her entrepreneurial journey into Nutrition Coaching
• Developing a recipe library
• The benefits of meal prep (and her personal strategy that she uses)

I love this tip from Caitin:
“Each week I put a list on the fridge of all the available food, so when I come home hungry and wondering what to eat, I know exactly where to look.”

Check out the entire conversation on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.

If this is your first time tuning in, make sure to click the subscribe button so new episodes will get downloaded each week.

XOXO-
Laurie

P.S. Don’t forget to get on the waitlist for our FREE Webinar on 9/20 on 5 ways to make money as a professional organizer. Spots are limited so make sure to get on the list!

CONNECT WITH CAITLIN
INSTAGRAM
Click HERE to grab a copy of Caitlin’s FREE Grocery Shopping List
Click HERE to Book a Discover Call with Caitlin
CAITLIN’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Intuitive Eating
The 4 Winds

Hi Friends, Today, we're diving into a topic that's all about cherishing the friendships that have stood the test of time - reconnecting with old friends.

Life can get pretty chaotic, right? We're all juggling a million things at once, and finding time for ourselves, let alone others, can be a real struggle. But amidst the busyness, it's essential to be intentional about making time for the people who truly matter to us - our old friends.

Now, don't get me wrong, having friends of convenience is fantastic. They're the ones we can rely on for spontaneous hangouts and casual catch-ups. But there's something magical about reigniting those old friendships, the ones that go way back to a different time in our lives.

I know it might seem daunting to reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in ages, but trust me, it's worth it. By taking that step out of your comfort zone, you open the door to deeper connections and lasting bonds.

Don't let those meaningful friendships slip away. Sometimes, all it takes is that one message or call to reignite the spark.

And here's a neat idea - share this episode with one of your old friends! It could be the perfect icebreaker to kickstart a wonderful conversation and create space for those deeper connections.
As I always say, there's something truly special about an old friend. Someone who knows you in an intimate way, from a different time in your life, and yet, they still hold a special place in your heart.

Join me in embracing the importance of intentionality and reconnecting with old friends.

-xo
Laurie

Get on the waitlist for the FREE WEBINAR: 5 Ways to Make Money As a Professional Organizer

Hi Friends,

Last week we talked about ways to simplify and prep for a move (if you haven’t already listened, make sure to go back and check that out!). Today we are covering the other half to the moving equation, the unpack.

I am joined by my friend and fellow organizer, Martha Carol Stewart, founder of Chaos Organizing in Baton Rouge Louisiana who has helped countless clients through the move process, and having a strategy for unpacking is the first step in setting your home up for success.

During our conversation we talked about the physical, emotional, mental, financial and time toll that moving can have on you. Whether you are downsizing after 30 years or moving up in house to accommodate your growing family, there is a LOT to consider.

• We talk about the importance of the first 48 hours
• Labeling with MC’s start method helps to indicate which boxes are priority
• Why making your bed is the first thing you should do in your new home
• Packing an overnight bag and what items to include
• Zoning beyond “like with like”

There is so much great information in this episode, I couldn't take notes fast enough! If you are prepping for a move, or know someone who is, please do them a favor and share this episode with them.

Make sure to check out the links below for everything we talked about in this episode.
xoxo-Laurie
P.S. If you aren’t already subscribed to our show, please take a moment to click the subscribe button on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
And don’t forget to share this with a friend!

CONNECT WITH MARTHA CAROL WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
*NEW BOOK: SOUTHERN CHAOS
MARTHA CAROL’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The Best Nest by P.D. Eastman

Links Mentioned in this Episode: Free Webinar 5 Ways to Make Money as a Professional Organizer!

Hi Friends,

Ready to simplify your life and get organized? We’re talking about a simple yet effective decluttering tip today!

By removing just one item a day that you no longer want, need, use, or love, you'll be well on your way to conquering physical, emotional, and calendar clutter. It's a small step that can make a huge difference over time!

So, here's the deal - getting rid of just one item daily works wonders for cutting down physical mess and creating a more organized living space. It also helps you flex your "letting go" muscle, which can be incredibly beneficial in tackling emotional clutter too.

The best part is, this practice won't eat up your precious time. Seriously, it takes mere seconds, maybe a minute tops, to bid farewell to that one thing you're ready to part ways with. Now, here's a pro tip - set a recurring reminder or challenge yourself to do it for 30 days straight to really get into the decluttering groove. And remember, it's all about those tiny steps every day, which, when added up, create a remarkable impact.

Oh, and don't stress about keeping track of your progress if you don't want to. You can either document your journey or just go with the flow - whatever works for you!

Share your progress with us and tag the podcast to receive all the support and encouragement you need. Remember, every little step counts in building that "let it go" muscle, and soon enough, you'll be amazed at how much lighter and organized your life can become.

So, let's get started on this exciting journey to an organized and clutter-free life! Happy decluttering!

Links Mentioned in this Episode: Free Webinar 5 Ways to Make Money as a Professional Organizer!

Hi Friends,

Joining me today is DeLorean Reese, the founder of Peace by Piece Professional Organizing in San Francisco. Since starting her organizing business back in 2015 DeLorean has worked with lots of families in a variety of areas, including closet design, clutter management, and other life transitions. One area that she specializes in is move coordination.

Since summer is one of the most popular times for people to move, I invited her on the show to talk about the things you should know to help keep you organized along the way.During our conversation we talked about:

• Supplies: including boxes-what sizes to choose? Bubble wrap vs. packing paper, using space bags, and labels
• Leaving ample time to book movers-most reputable movers are booked out at least 60 days in advance.
• Securing Permits-some area, including major cities may require a permit for your moving truck to double park, so make sure you look into your local area
• Change of Address-this goes for mail, online subscriptions, EZ Pass, or anything else you can think of
• Purge before you Pack-of course this is a big one! It’s worth it to put the time in on the front end, so that when you are ready to unpack, you are left with only the things you need, use or love. *It also saves you time and money from packing up stuff you just plan to donate.

There are so many logistics that go along with a move, let alone the emotional toll it can take. If you are able to hire a professional to help guide you, great! If not, bring in a trusted friend who can help ease the burden. It also makes the process go more quickly and certainly more fun! Make sure to check out the links below for everything we talked about in this episode.

We will be back next week with my friend Martha Carol Stewart from Chaos Organizing to talk about unpacking after a move.

xoxo-Laurie

P.S. If you aren’t already subscribed to our show, please take a moment to click the subscribe button on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to share this with a friend!

CONNECT WITH DELOREAN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM
DELOREAN’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff