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

Hi Friends! Today on TOL Podcast, we are joined by Productivity Specialist,  Amber De La Garza. Amber is a sought-after coach, trainer, speaker, writer, host of the Productivity Straight Talk podcast, and creator of S.T.O.P.! The Entrepreneur’s Success Solution. She helps driven entrepreneurs execute actionable solutions to maximize profits, reduce stress, and make time for what matters most! She is also the mama to a 9-year old son, and knows first hand the challenges of juggling work & home life.  I asked her to chat with us about her Productivity Pit Stops that help us to "slow down, in order to go fast." Her list includes simple strategies like creating templates, taking breaks and turning off notifications (even if just for a little while!) And like all of our guests, Amber shares where she feels like the biggest HOT MESS, and where she is thriving! If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! CONNECT WITH AMBER WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE FREE DOWNLOAD  | PODCAST | FB GROUP  ***BONUS:  Check out my chat with Amber on HER show! Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW    Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls.  Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration. One more thing....before you go, click HERE to take our free clutter quiz!

On today’s show, Erika and I reveal some BIG news!  We have a new intro, a longer show (thanks to all of your many requests!) AND, a new podcast producer--welcome Don! I share our personal story of how I stressed for months about making changes, the fear of the unknown, and finally taking a leap that will allow us to grow.  Through this process, I learned that by being vulnerable, and sharing our mental overload, it frees us to be our best, most authentic selves.  Mental Overload looks different to everyone.  It can range from trying to run a business by yourself, to keeping everyone's schedule organized, to figuring out what to make for dinner.  (Here's a little secret, mental overload is another form of Calendar Clutter!) Although these may seem benign on the surface, carrying the mental load will eventually catch up with you. We talk about the dangers of being the "bottleneck," and the ripple effect of resentment, frustration, guilt, and shame that often result when we finally reach our breaking point. So, What Can We Do? 1. WRITE IT DOWN What are the areas only you can do? What are the things you want to do? What tasks can you delegate? Stop relying on memory! (there are lots of apps out there!) 2. BE HONEST Know your limits Are you doing too much? Are things falling through the cracks? Are you snappy at your kids/spouse? Do you feel resentful? 3. DELEGATE & MOVE ON Let it go! What would happen if you didn’t do X Lose the Guilt (there is no prize for the longest to-do list) There is power in asking for help If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW    Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls.  Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration. One more thing....before you go, click HERE to take our free clutter quiz!

On today's episode of This ORGANIZED Life, we are joined by Betsy Miller, Founder of 2-B Organized in Springfield Missouri. Betsy is no stranger to the organizing world!  Over the last 20+ years, Betsy has helped hundreds of clients declutter, demolish & design their spaces to reflect a simplified space that is both pretty & practical. Betsy has been a recipient of the 40 Under 40 Business Award as well as one of Springfield’s Most Influential Women Award. She has been a guest organizer on the show Hoarders and worked twice on Extreme Home Makeover. In addition to working with clients, Betsy leads the growing team of 2B Organized franchise owners, and like me, loves helping other women entrepreneurs turn their passion into a profession. We talk about moving management, senior downsizing and what to do if you don't live near a parent who needs help. I invite you to listen to our conversation below: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! CONNECT WITH BETSY WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM Did you know that we have a free clutter quiz on our website?  If you’ve read my book or heard me speak, you know that I have identified 3 distinct types of clutter, physical, emotional, and calendar--each with its unique distinct qualities and characteristics. Understanding your dominant source of clutter is the first step in helping take you from chaos to calm.   TAKE THE QUIZ Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW    Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today’s show, Erika and I talk about one of her favorite topics, SHOPPING! and how it relates to Emotional Clutter. We discuss several triggers such as  Boredom Depression Companionship FOMO Insecurity Listen to the entire episode below, and let us know your thoughts inside our facebook group, This ORGANIZED Life Podcast or on Instagram at @simplyborganized If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! Did you know that we have a free clutter quiz on our website?  If you’ve read my book or heard me speak, you know that I have identified 3 distinct types of clutter, physical, emotional, and calendar--each with its unique distinct qualities and characteristics. Understanding your dominant source of clutter is the first step in helping take you from chaos to calm.   TAKE THE QUIZ Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today's episode we are joined by SBO Partner, Erin Barbot founder of Erin Barbot & Co. This is Erin’s second visit to the TOL Podcast-Erin first appeared all the way back in episode 54 where she talked all about her 365letgo project. I invite you to go back in and listen! Erin is based in Silver Spring, MD with her rock-n-roll husband, three amazing kids, scruffy dog, Stevie and a fish named Charlie.  Today we chat about an area of organization that often gets overlooked:  Home Maintenance.  You know, things like getting your AC serviced, the carpets cleaned and the house exterminated-(all the fun stuff!)  Erin shares some simple strategies that you can do RIGHT NOW to streamline the process of running a household.  Best of all, they don't cost a penny! This is one episode you won't want to miss!  Click on the link below to listen to our conversation: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! CONNECT WITH ERIN WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM  PINTEREST | TWITTER | LINKEDIN Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today's episode, Erika and I talk about some strategies for de-cluttering people on social media who no longer spark joy :). Whether it's someone's ongoing political rants, or boastful post about their kids accolades that you perceive as "braggy,"  sometimes you just don't want to see it. Most times it's really not about them, and more about you. Perhaps you are struggling with something in your own life, and scrolling through other people's seemingly perfect IG feed is bringing you down (trust me, I've been there!), that's usually a good indicator that it's time to put yourself in a social media TIME OUT. As hard as it is to imagine, it wasn't too long ago that we led full lives before the invention of the smart phone!  Let's get back to basics (even if for a short while!) Who's with me?  Check out the full episode here: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WATCH LAURIE ON ABC Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

Welcome to part 2 of my interview with New York Times best selling author, Gretchen Rubin.  In addition to several blockbuster books, Gretchen is also the host of the award winning podcast, "Happier with Gretchen Rubin," which she co-hosts with her sister Elizabeth Craft. Quick Side Note: If this is your time tuning in, make sure to go back and check out last week's episode where we talked about her book, The Four Tendencies, and what life is like as upholders! Today, in part 2 of our interview, Gretchen and I talk about her new book Outer Order, Inner Calm, and how removing physical clutter has a direct correlation to feelings of empowerment, accomplishment, and you guessed it, calm!  I loved chatting with Gretchen, and I invite you to check out part two of our conversation here: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! CONNECT WITH GRETCHEN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today's episode of TOL we are joined by New York Times best selling author, Gretchen Rubin.  She has written several blockbuster books including Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, and the newly released Outer Order, Inner Calm. Gretchen  is also the host of the award winning podcast, "Happier with Gretchen Rubin," which she co-hosts with her sister Elizabeth Craft. In part one of our 2-part interview, Gretchen and I do a deep-dive into her book The Four Tendencies (which was a HUGE game-changer for me, and I hope for each of you!). Each tendency focuses on the value each of us place on both outer and inner expectations. What does this have to do with organizing?  I guess you'll have to listen to find out :) Whether you are looking for ways to improve communication, understand motivation, or perhaps you are a personality geek like me, you will LOVE this episode!  I invite you to check out part one of our conversation here: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! CONNECT WITH GRETCHEN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 4 TENDENCIES QUIZ Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today's episode of TOL we are joined by SBO partner, Kate Swenson, founder of ORDER by Kate in Atlanta, GA.  Kate not only runs a successful organizing business, but a non-profit too! We chat about her passion for animals (she has 2 rescue dogs and a rescue horse!) and why she started a non-profit dedicated to providing aid and funding for homeless animals in need of care.  What does this have to do with organizing you ask?   We talk about the connection between how giving back reduces the guilt associated with emotional clutter. She shares how she incorporates both of her passions with her clients, and shares some resources for all of you! It's a great conversation filled with valuable info! You can listen to the entire episode right here: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE BC2A.ORG | ORDERBYKATE.COM | FB: ORDERBYKATE | IG: ORDERBYKATE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | DRESS FOR SUCCESS | VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA | TO FIND A LOCAL CHARITY THAT WILL PICK UP YOUR DONATIONS VISIT DONATIONTOWN.ORG Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today's episode of TOL we are joined by my new friend, Meggan Wood. Meggan is mom to two girls, wife to her hubby, Landon, and the co-founder/visionary behind Lily-Jade.  Meggan shares her story of  how she struggled, as a new mom, to find the perfect diaper bag, so she decided to do something about it! Meggan's solution was to carry her leather tote filled with a ziploc bag “organizational” system. Her friends thought it was hilarious but her husband, Landon, knew she was on to something. Encouraging her vision, Landon asked her to design the diaper bag of her dreams, and friends, that’s how she went from happy homeschool mom to successful business owner in one year!  We also talk about her passion for adoption, and why it's near and dear to her heart.  She talks about the importance of community and how she and the team at Lily-Jade give back (preach it, sister!). Regardless of whether you are a mom,  a woman with a vision, or simply want to enjoy a chat between 2 women who love helping others,  I invite you to listen to our entire conversation:   If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE LILY-JADE.COM| IG: LILYJADECO | FB: LILYJADECO | PINTEREST: LILYJADECO EMBRACE GRACE | #LJADOPTION Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.