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How old were you when you realized it was okay to copy other people? We’re not talking about copying the answers in your math class. We are referring to imitating others to produce a desired result. We are first exposed to this shortcut to productivity when we are children.
To use a common experience many people are familiar with, let’s look at riding a bicycle for the first time. Did you just jump on it and give it a go? You probably didn’t. You had a sibling or an adult help you. They gave you pointers and told you what to do. Perhaps you started with training wheels, which made you comfortable and confident enough to try just two wheels.
Whatever the process was, you learned to copy the successful behaviours of other people to produce an intended result. You mimicked what experienced bicycle riders did so you could successfully ride a bike.
You can do the same thing if you want more happiness and contentment. Here are three habits perpetually happy people use to keep smiles on their faces and cheerfulness in their hearts. Just do what they do.
1 – Be Proactive
Don’t expect the world to make you smile. Smile on your own. Don’t take happiness for granted. If you sit back and wait for the world or the people in it to make you smile and feel joy and delight, you might be waiting awfully long.
You are the only person in the world in charge of your feelings. You can create happiness by seeking it out and doing things you know make you smile. The happiest people are those who make an effort to create happiness. Prioritize happiness, and it’ll start showing up more frequently in your life.
Be proactive. Create joy in your home. This article will explain how having a home that makes you feel relaxed, less stressed, and in control adds value to your life by making time for the important things, such as health, relationships, and personal growth, that bring you happiness. When you visit other people’s homes, stop and sense the feeling in their homes. If you like it examine how they create it. Copy the things in their space and make changes in your organization to bring a smile to your face every time you enter your home.
2 – Create a Happiness-Friendly Environment
What do you do when you get off of work? A lot of people go straight home. Their routines are mapped out, and their evening ritual begins with a trip to their cozy, comfortable home environment. Some people who do this might grab a bite to eat and perhaps shower before meeting friends.
They enjoy spending time with certain people. They have friends that make them laugh and smile, and who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Whether getting together at another person’s house or enjoying dinner with friends, this can be the highlight of their day.
There are a lot of positive emotions that make them smile when they remember these occasions. That’s great, but what happens when they return home?
If they haven’t created an environment that promotes positivity and happiness at home, they will always want to flee to an environment that does provide those things.
People who make a habit out of happiness ensure their homes are places where they enjoy being. They can still meet friends and loved ones away from home, but they don’t have to. They plan the possibility of future happiness instead of just worrying about smiling and laughing right now.
3 – Live in the Present Moment
You have memories of your past experiences and probably plan for the future. That’s great, but your entire life is nothing but moments.
Accept your past. It’s gone, and you can’t do anything about it. It would help if you also understood that the future is uncertain. You have absolutely no control over the future, even if you might convince yourself to the contrary.
That means that worrying about what you’ve done and what will happen in the future is pointless.
As Mark Twain said, “Worrying is like paying a debt you don’t owe.” Live in the present moment. It’s the only time you are actually existing. Embrace now and fully experience your life at this moment.
How does organizing fit into living in the moment? Do you have things in your past that you are holding onto? Most people do. Letting go of those things makes room for the present. Things come into our lives, they are not meant to stay forever. When they no longer serve a purpose pass them on. Read this article to learn how to declutter and let go of things that stop you from living in the moment.
4 – Practice Gratitude
Start regularly appreciating what you have. Constantly trying to make yourself happy by purchasing items and chasing experiences will never get the job done. Happiness comes from the inside. It begins with being grateful for all the positive things in your life.
The universe has a wonderful way of rewarding you with more positive experiences when you take the time to be genuinely grateful for who you are and what you have.
When you’re feeling sad do you go shopping retail therapy? Things can’t give you love. Perhaps you fear making decisions and letting go of things. You worry about making the wrong decision. You might have things in your home that remind you of someone and you can’t let go. Read the article, The Psychology of Clutter and examine what are the causes of collecting and keeping things for you. Next, learn how to overcome those triggers and become grateful for all the things in your life.
Don’t stop there. When you see someone smiling, and it looks genuine, ask them their secret. Spend more time around people who are joyful. You will undoubtedly pick up more tips and practices that happy people use to go through life with a smile rather than a frown.
As I asked at the beginning does organizing make people happy? Yes. So I think another habit of happy people is being organized. Spending your time in a stress-free, calm environment surrounded by things you know to be useful and bring you joy, and being able to focus on the important goals in your life instead of accumulating more stuff will bring you happiness.
Please share your thoughts with me about the habits of happy people.
Julie Stobbe is the 2024-2025 winner of the Harold Taylor Award for outstanding contributions to the organizing industry and Professional Organizers in Canada. As a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach, she brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides, mentors and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
X– Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading Time – 10 minutes
In this 3 part series on mindset, I started with decluttering your mind and then we looked at being curious. This helps to make room for new ideas and rethink old mindsets.
Let’s explore how to identify, plan, and execute passion projects that align with your interests, skills, and aspirations. By focusing on actionable strategies, you can uncover hobbies or side projects that bring purpose and joy to your daily life. Whether you’re looking for creative outlets, career-boosting ventures, or personal growth activities, this guide will help you get started.
Nine powerful tips and three action steps you can take immediately.
1. Reflect on your interests and skills
Start by making a list of the activities, subjects, or skills you naturally enjoy or are curious about. Ask yourself which experiences drive your excitement or bring you satisfaction when you engage with them. This reflection will provide a strong foundation for identifying passion projects that align with your personal interests.
2. Consider the impact you want to make
Think about the ways you want to contribute to your community, workplace, or even the world. Passion projects often blend personal fulfillment with the desire to create a positive impact. Aligning your project with this purpose can help keep you motivated. I was encouraging people to volunteer for an organization. I told them that my passion was education. All the volunteering I did related to that and I enjoyed it.
3. Start Small and Build Momentum
Begin with bite-sized goals or a simple project to make your idea less overwhelming and more manageable. Taking small, consistent steps helps you gain confidence and refine your vision as you go. The key is to take action, no matter how small, to set your plans in motion. You don’t need it entirely mapped out before you begin, keep evaluating and brainstorming as you go. Sometimes when I am mapping out a project I use Post-It notes. It is very easy to remove, rearrange and add an idea.
4. Experiment with Unfamiliar Areas
Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and try new activities or explore unfamiliar fields. Sometimes passion projects are discovered in unexpected places, leading to personal growth and new skills. Approach this experimentation with an open mind and curiosity to see what new possibilities unfold. A client once said, ” I need to get out of my own way so I can do something new.” For years I have wanted to restart cross-country skiing. This year I participated in an outdoor club. It has scheduled cross-country ski trips every weekend. They do all the planning and I get on the bus and ski.
5. Allocate Dedicated Time for Your Project
Set aside consistent blocks of time in your weekly routine to focus solely on your passion project. Treat this time as non-negotiable, just as you would with a work meeting or family commitment. Regular dedication will help you make steady progress and keep your momentum alive. I can come to a step in my project where I don’t know how to solve a problem and I start procrastinating. Ask for help or keep moving forward and the answer will come to you later.
6. Collaborate With Like-Minded People
Joining groups or communities related to your interests can provide valuable insights and support for your project. Collaboration with others helps you stay inspired and allows you to brainstorm new ideas. It’s also a fantastic way to expand your network and learn from others who share your passions. Their skill set will be different from yours.
7. Leverage Online Resources to Learn
The internet provides a vast array of tools, courses, and forums to help you learn and grow your skill set. Explore free or paid resources that align with your project goals to deepen your expertise. Continuous learning will elevate your project and provide the tools to overcome obstacles.
8. Track Your Progress and Celebrate Wins
Monitoring your milestones, both big and small, can help you stay motivated and see tangible results from your efforts. Use journals, apps, or vision boards to map out your achievements and the steps ahead. Don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how minor, as this reinforces positive habits. As I am working on a project I like to remind myself of the progress I have made by listing all the steps I have completed from the start of the project and the present. Then if I had a day where a small amount of progress was made it reminds me of my success.
9. Be Patient and Adapt to Challenges
Keep in mind that building a passion project takes time and persistence. Expect some challenges or changes along the way, and approach them as opportunities to learn and grow. Staying flexible and patient ensures that setbacks don’t derail your progress or enthusiasm. With the right mindset, you can learn something new from any situation. A favourite saying of mine is, even if you fall on your face you are still moving forward.
Fast Action Steps
1. Brainstorm Ideas and Make a List
Spend 15 minutes brainstorming all potential passion project ideas on paper. Focus on ideas that excite you and align with your skills or the impact you want to make. Keep this list handy, as it will become a starting point for deeper exploration. Brainstorm all areas of your life, work, volunteering, community, family, and health.
2. Dedicate Two Hours This Week to Research
Choose one or two ideas from your brainstormed list and research them thoroughly online. Look for resources, tutorials, or role models who have pursued similar projects. This focused time will help you understand the scope and requirements of your chosen ideas.
3. Take a Small Action Towards a Project
Identify the first simple step you can take toward one of your passion projects. It could be setting up a dedicated space, signing up for a course, or buying supplies. Taking this initial action creates momentum and signals your commitment to the idea. You may want to tell a friend about what you are doing. They can help you be accountable to your new project.
Book a virtual chat with me to help you find your passion project.
Julie Stobbe is the 2024-2025 winner of the Harold Taylor Award for outstanding contributions to the organizing industry and Professional Organizers in Canada. As a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach, she brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides, mentors and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time: 5 minutes
Attending a conference is an opportunity to learn, network, strategize, collaborate, and celebrate—a time to immerse ourselves in growth and connection. This year, I had the pleasure of attending the 2024 Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) conference, marking 25 years of impact and excellence.
A Milestone Celebration
2024 was a milestone year for POC, celebrating its 25th anniversary with the theme 25 Years of Impact. While we had hoped to gather in person, economic challenges, logistical complexities, and rising costs made that dream unattainable. Nevertheless, the National Conference Committee rose to the occasion, crafting an engaging and celebratory virtual summit that exceeded expectations.
The summit’s format spanned two consecutive days, offering 8 dynamic hours of connection and learning. The event kicked off with a heartwarming video montage of POC’s history, set to music and filled with memorable moments from the past 25 years. Our president’s opening message was both reflective and forward-looking, inspiring us to envision the next 25 years of impact and growth.
Inspiring Keynotes and Engaging Sessions
Our first keynote speaker, Joshua Becker, renowned for his work on minimalism, captivated us with the story of his journey into organizing. In a surprising announcement, he shared that he will no longer be offering his annual decluttering course, which has transformed the lives of thousands.
Day one’s breakout sessions provided invaluable insights:
- 6 Dangerous Myths that Keep Us in a Never-Ending Cycle of Anxiety, Fear, and Overwhelm
- Transferring My Knowledge into Workshops and Seminars
- Beyond Diversity 101: From Allyship to Co-Conspirator
On the second day, Juliano Lissoni took the stage as our keynote speaker, introducing us to the potential of artificial intelligence. He demonstrated how AI can simplify content creation by walking us through the process of creating a video using AI tools.
The breakout sessions on day two were equally enriching:
- Safety First for Professional Organizers
- 5 Ways to Promote Yourself with Confidence
- Se Détacher: Arriver à la Fin de Chaque Boucle de Réflexion
Additionally, Allison Weigensberg shared strategies for reusing and repurposing social media content, helping us maximize our outreach while minimizing effort.
Transformative Changes for POC
This year brought significant changes to POC, signalling a new era for our organization. Starting in 2025, POC will become self-governed, parting ways with its management company. This shift empowers the National Board to work directly for members, ensuring their needs remain a top priority.
Another major change is the transition from a chapter-based model to a community-based approach. Members can now join multiple community groups—either by location or shared interests—streamlining administration and fostering deeper connections.
Celebrating Excellence
The conference concluded with the presentation of two prestigious awards.
I am thrilled to share that I received the Harold Taylor Award for outstanding contributions to the organizing industry and POC. It is an honour to be recognized among such talented and dedicated professionals.
Congratulations to Dawn Robertson, the recipient of the Ambassador Award. It was created to honour a POC member who gives back to other organizers, who is involved with his or her chapter and who devotes time and energy to volunteering in the local community.
Gratitude to Our Sponsors
A heartfelt thank-you to our sponsors and speakers whose support made this event possible.
Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience
The 2024 POC conference was a celebration of our collective achievements and a source of inspiration for the future. It reinforced why conferences are such invaluable experiences—to learn, connect, strategize, and celebrate our shared passion for organizing. Here’s to the next 25 years of impact!
If you want to learn more about Professional Organizers in Canada contact me and let’s chat.
Julie Stobbe is the 2024-2025 winner of the Harold Taylor Award for outstanding contributions to the organizing industry and Professional Organizers in Canada. As a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach, she brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides, mentors and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
This is the second blog post in a series on mindset. Last week I looked at decluttering your mind to feel more at peace, less stressed and open to new information. This week let’s explore The Power of Curiosity Unlocking Creativity Through Better Questions.
Nine powerful tips and three action steps you can take immediately.
Let’s explore how cultivating curiosity and asking the right questions can drive creative thinking and innovation. By understanding the art of inquiry, individuals can foster deeper insights, solve problems more effectively, and gain fresh perspectives.
1. Embrace a beginner’s mindset
To ignite curiosity, approach problems as if you were a beginner, even if you’re an expert. When you set aside preconceived notions, you open yourself to new perspectives and ideas. This fresh view allows you to ask questions that challenge assumptions and lead to new insights.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Curiosity thrives on open-ended questions that encourage exploration and deeper thinking. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ For example, instead of asking ‘Is this idea feasible?’ try ‘How might we make this idea feasible?’
3. Practice Active Listening
Curiosity is not just about asking questions but also about truly listening to the answers. Practice active listening by focusing fully on what the other person is saying without interrupting or planning your response. This will help you uncover insights that can inspire new ideas.
4. Challenge Your Comfort Zone
Comfort zones can stifle curiosity by keeping you in familiar routines. Try stepping into new situations or tackling problems you’ve never encountered before. When you expose yourself to the unfamiliar, your mind naturally starts asking questions, boosting creativity.
5. Adopt a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset fuels curiosity by viewing challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles. Celebrate mistakes as valuable lessons and ask questions like, ‘What can I learn from this?’ and ‘What would I do differently next time?’ to enhance creativity.
6. Surround Yourself with Diverse Perspectives
Interact with people from different fields, cultures, or life experiences to broaden your thinking. Diversity of thought prompts questions you might not have considered and inspires creative solutions. Embrace conversations that challenge your usual way of thinking.
7. Harness the Power of ‘Why?’ and ‘What If?’
Asking ‘Why?’ and ‘What if?’ questions can open doors to innovative thinking. These questions help break down complex problems and imagine new possibilities. For example, ask ‘Why does this process work this way?’ and then ‘What if we tried it differently?’
8. Maintain a Curiosity Journal
Document your daily questions, thoughts, and observations in a curiosity journal. This habit encourages mindful inquiry and helps you track the evolution of your ideas over time. Reviewing your entries can reveal patterns and potential solutions.
9. Make Time for Unstructured Exploration
Creativity often emerges when you’re free to explore without rigid goals or schedules. Dedicate time to reading, experimenting, or simply observing your surroundings. The more you indulge in curiosity-driven activities, the sharper your creative thinking becomes.
Fast Action Steps
1. Start Each Day by Asking One Open-Ended Question
Begin your day by asking an open-ended question focused on something you’d like to explore. For instance, ‘What opportunities for improvement could I find today?’ This primes your mind to think creatively throughout the day.
2. Engage Someone with a Different Perspective
Have a conversation with someone who has a different background or expertise from your own. Ask questions about their experiences or viewpoints to broaden your perspective and spark fresh ideas.
3. Experiment with a ‘What If’ Scenario Today
Choose a routine or process you follow daily and ask, ‘What if I did this differently?’ Experiment with the new idea to see where it leads. This simple practice can trigger creative breakthroughs.
I couldn’t possibly have covered everything on this topic. It is a good way to start expanding your mind to new opportunities.
Which tip are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments.
Julie Stobbe is the 2024-2025 winner of the Harold Taylor Award for outstanding contributions to the organizing industry and Professional Organizers in Canada. As a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach, she brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides, mentors and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
We usually think of clutter as physical. It’s all that “stuff” you keep promising yourself you’ll clean up. Left alone, it seems to multiply on its own. Where you just had a few things out of place and distracting you a few days ago, now there are more.
Clutter is like that. A crowded, messy area magically attracts other items that don’t need to be there. While you may think this isn’t a big deal, it can be. Aside from the danger that substantial clutter provides (it can be a fire hazard, you may trip over it, etc.), any amount can be distracting. This kills your focus and concentration.
Maybe you don’t have much physical clutter in your environment. You are exceptionally neat and organized. If that’s the case, good for you. Don’t forget that clutter can also exist in your mind. Having too many unnecessary things in your head at once can keep you from focusing on the things that matter.
Here are four simple ways to de-clutter your mind. They go to work immediately, removing thoughts, obsessions, and other mental messes so you enjoy less stress and anxiety and better mental wellness.
1 – Divorce Yourself from Drama
This might mean saying goodbye to some people in your life. If they don’t provide more positives than negatives, their drama might not be worthwhile. Being around a dramatic individual regularly fills your head with unnecessary distractions.
The issues that the drama queens in your life are constantly dealing with become your issues to some extent. Ditch the drama. Say no to issues and individuals you don’t have to deal with. If the drama isn’t yours, you shouldn’t have to put up with it.
2 – Stop Living in the Past and Worrying about the Future
Well, maybe you can worry about the future just a little bit. It makes a lot of sense to plan your life. If not, you’re letting chance, other people, and circumstances decide how your life will go.
You probably know what we’re talking about here. It doesn’t make any sense to obsess over things in your past. They’re gone, and you can’t change them. Use any lessons learned to move on with more information.
As far as the future goes, constantly worrying about it won’t do you any good. This clogs up your brain and leaves no space for your mental machinery to deal with your life. Read more about how worrying is a form of clutter.
3 – If It Runs on Electricity, Spend Less Time with It
From when some people wake up until they go to bed, they are bathing in digital distractions. Constantly exposing yourself to your phone and tablet, television, laptop, and all the consumer electronics you encounter at work and play can overload your brain and fill it with mind-numbing clutter.
4 – Brain dump
Try a brain dump to help clear your mind. Take a piece of paper or open up a document and write down everything you need to remember to do. If you want you can categorize daily tasks, weekly tasks, monthly tasks and yearly tasks.
Record your workouts, household tasks, birthdays, anniversaries, work schedules, home maintenance, travel, meetings, entertainment, bill payments, financial commitments, health appointments etc. From your lists start to schedule things into your agenda. You no longer need to keep them in your mind. This makes space for your important goals and finishing tasks on time.
These are things you can do right now, this very minute. When you do, you immediately start clearing out your mental storage unit. The benefits are less stress, more focus, and better mental health; you might even find yourself sleeping better at night.
What do you do to help declutter your mind? Let me know. Post it in the comments.
Julie Stobbe is the 2024-2025 winner of the Harold Taylor Award for outstanding contributions to the organizing industry and Professional Organizers in Canada. As a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach, she brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides, mentors and supports you to be accountable for your time, complete projects and reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 1 minute
The longest day of darkness or light is December 21
I am about to pass the longest day of darkness in 2024 and move into more light coming into my life each day. I visited the Northwest Territories in July one year. There were 22 hours of bright sun and 2 hours of dusk. At this time I think of those people with 22 hours of darkness and 2 hours of dusk. Whether you are moving into a time of more light or a time of increasing darkness:
I hope your holiday season is filled with :
- joy for all the things you have learned and conquered in 2024
- light to see a new way of building relationships and
- happy expectations for 2025.
Wishing you a season where you can feel joy, light and happiness.
Share how you overcome the darkness to fill it with light.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually through Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 5 minutes
My guest blogger is Maria Stuart. I appreciate her sharing this advice.
Moving to a new home can be an exciting experience, but the process often comes with unexpected challenges. One of the most common pitfalls is packing and storing excess items, which can add unnecessary complexity and cost to your move. Excess belongings can slow down every process step, from packing and loading to unpacking and organizing. You can plan more efficiently and save time, energy, and money with focus and the right action.
The Hidden Costs of Packing Too Much
When you pack and store items you no longer need or rarely use, it not only increases the time required to move but also adds to your expenses. Every extra box, bag, or item takes up space and adds weight, leading to higher transportation and labour costs. More items also mean purchasing additional packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, which can add up quickly. The increased volume of excess items can significantly inflate moving costs for hiring professional movers. Movers often charge based on the size or weight of the load, so the more you pack, the more expensive your move becomes.
Why Downsizing Matters
Streamlining your possessions before a move is not just about reducing clutter; it’s also a way to save money and minimize stress. Excess items can slow the packing and loading process, delay your move, and make unpacking at your new home overwhelming. When you downsize, you simplify the entire moving process and ensure that your energy is spent only on items that truly matter to you.
How to Downsize Effectively Before a Move
Downsizing simplifies your move and helps you start fresh. Begin by sorting your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard. Ask yourself, “Have I used this in the past year?” or “Does this add value to my life?” If not, it’s time to part ways. Donate usable items to local charities or sell them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. A garage sale is another easy way to remove unwanted items while earning extra cash. Streamlining your belongings will reduce moving costs and create a more organized space in your new home.
How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Packing and Storing Excess Items
To make your move more efficient, follow these steps to declutter and organize your belongings before the big day:
- Sort and prioritize: Separate your belongings into three categories: keep, donate, and discard. Be honest about what you truly need.
- Start early: Begin decluttering weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Rent a storage unit wisely: Only store items you will use shortly or have long-term value.
- Minimize packing supplies: Fewer items mean fewer boxes, saving money and effort.
- Digitize when possible: Scan documents and photos to reduce physical storage needs.
The Role of Excess Items in Moving Delays
One of the most overlooked consequences of packing and storing excess items is the additional time it takes to load and unload your belongings. Take action now, reduce what you pack, and save valuable time and energy. Movers may spend extra hours handling unnecessary items, which can lead to delays in transportation and higher fees if movers charge by the hour. Excess belongings also create logistical challenges, as larger or bulkier items may require special handling or additional storage space. Even if you’re moving alone, the sheer volume of excess items can make the process exhausting. Multiple trips to transport everything can lead to burnout, making the entire move far more stressful than it needs to be.
Packing Smarter, Moving Faster
A well-organized move begins with thoughtful planning. Start by inventorying everything you own and identifying which items you use regularly versus those gathering dust. If something hasn’t been used in months or years, it’s a good candidate for donation or disposal. Decluttering also creates opportunities to help others. Items in good condition, such as clothing, furniture, or electronics, can be donated to local charities or given to friends and family.
Also, to pack like a pro after decluttering, use the right packing supplies, such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape, to keep your belongings safe. Adopt a room-by-room packing strategy to streamline the process, focusing on one area at a time to stay organized. Be sure to label and organize boxes by content and room destination—this simple step will save time and energy when unpacking in your new home. Planning ahead and efficiently packing can make your move smoother and faster.
Rethinking Storage: Value vs. Cost
When storing items, it is important to think critically about their future value and necessity. Seasonal decorations, sentimental items, or belongings you might need in the future can be stored temporarily, but consider whether these items are worth the ongoing storage cost. For instance, if an item hasn’t been used in years and holds little practical or emotional significance, it might be better to donate or sell it instead of paying to keep it in a storage unit.
Additionally, downsizing your belongings before renting a storage unit can lead to significant savings. By carefully curating what you choose to store, you may be able to rent a smaller, more affordable unit. That reduces costs and prevents you from holding onto items that could become a burden over time. Choose from innovative storage solutions when downsizing and moving to a smaller home.
The Long-Term Benefits of Decluttering
Packing and storing excess items doesn’t just slow you down during the move—it also affects how quickly you settle into your new home. Fewer items mean less unpacking, giving you more time to focus on arranging your new space. Moving into a clutter-free home can be refreshing and helps create a more organized living environment from day one. Decluttering before your move also helps you better appreciate the belongings you choose to keep. When your new home is filled only with items that have a purpose or bring joy, it’s easier to maintain a clean and functional space. This approach makes your move a logistical success and a positive start in your new home.
In Conclusion
Packing and storing excess items can quickly complicate your move, wasting time and increasing costs. By decluttering your belongings, prioritizing essentials, and carefully planning your packing strategy, you can enjoy a smoother, more budget-friendly relocation. A little upfront effort can save you time, money, and stress, helping you settle into your new home easily. Start early, pack smart, and make your move a positive experience.
Share a moving tip that made your move easier
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time – 3 minutes
Here are some tips for holiday planning to make a H A P P Y season.
Holiday Decorating
You may be feeling overwhelmed or disorganized by the number of items on display in your house. Try putting the non-seasonal items away to reduce the number of items on display.
Think about decorating with fewer items but larger size items. This means there are fewer items to pack and unpack which will reduce the amount of time you need to prepare your home.
Take advantage of using linens to cover tables or end tables and seasonal pillowcases to cover throw cushions to decorate couches. They may be less bulky to store and cover a larger area making your home seem completely decorated while taking less time to get the job done.
Use items that self-destruct so you don’t need to pack them away, flowers, paper towels, and tissue boxes all give your house a festival spirit but don’t need to be packed away and stored.
When you go through your decorations part with the ones you no longer need early in the month so thrift stores have an opportunity to sell them and so they don’t need to store them until next year. Some stores don’t take holiday décor in January and then you will be stuck storing them for another year.
What tips do you have for a H.A.P.P.Y holiday season? Share on XAccept Help
Acknowledge that you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed and when people offer to do things say yes. We all love to help people so let people feel good about themselves by allowing them to help you.
Parties may be larger again this year. It is a good time to try a new way of doing things. Allow people to help clean up dishes on their way out the door. Be ready for it. Have a place to put cutlery to soak. Have a container for compost. Put glasses or coffee mugs directly into the dishwasher.
You may need to accept help with setting up a hybrid party. Put one of those “youngsters” in charge.
Planning is important
Use a to-do list. Divide your to-do list into to pick up, to e-mail, to call, to buy then you can plan your day and route to get things done and not be driving back and forth all over town. The trick here is to look at the list and use it not just make it.
Keep your plans from year to year, record your menu, grocery list quantities and timelines. Each year you can reuse, revise and update the plan.
People and relationships are the reason for the season
Some people like to send cards in December. I keep my cards and addresses and stamps together. When I am going somewhere where I will be waiting I pick up the supplies and take them along and write my cards. I have done it in many places including my van. I usually leave replies to someone who has sent me a long letter until January.
Use your spare moments to write cards
You may want to send e-cards. Jacquie Lawson is the site I use. If you want to automate the card-sending operation there is a company called Send Out Cards. You can attach a gift to the card.
Gift-giving may be an area where you are developing a system. Have you thought about Clutter-free gift giving?
Consider the idea of a gift that self-destructs. See my post on Clutter Free Gift Giving .
Yes you can
Being organized is more about an attitude than how something looks. It is not about having the perfect home, party or gift. It is doing the best you can with the time and resources that you have. The only way to get better at organizing is to practice. It is a skill that can be learned and with practice, it becomes easier and easier.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space
Reading time 5 minutes
There are many considerations when trying to purchase the perfect present. Sometimes the person has everything. Some people may feel that they have enough stuff and they don’t want to have to decide how to store more items. Some people feel that they need to keep everything they are given whether they need it or like it or can use it. They are afraid of hurting the giver’s feelings. It may feel like an impossible mission. Consider the idea of a gift that self destructs.
Give tickets to an event
Sporting, theatre, art gallery exhibits, or musical events. Most of these types of events have virtual or live performances. Give them tickets so it won’t be a gift card that they file or lose. Most performances will allow tickets to be exchanged for a different date. You can support your local community by purchasing tickets to a little theatre production, or concert. Give them the gift of entertainment.
Rent a sports venue
It can be an hour of ice time, indoor soccer, indoor tennis, indoor pickleball and indoor golf. This type of gift usually gets people together to socialize and be active. It is a gift of physical and emotional health.
Give an experience as a gift then there is nothing to store Share on XLessons
You can give lessons to a person. Art lessons, wine tasting, golfing, home improvement, music, craft, beading, the ideas are limitless. Many lessons are delivered virtually and in person. Goggle _______lessons. You fill in the blank It can be one lesson or a group of lessons. You can do it as a group or a person can do it solo. Give the gift of a new experience.
Food
Give a gift of a meal, prepared by you for them on a mutually agreed date. You may want to give them a batch of muffins every month or whatever their favourite food is. People enjoy receiving homemade Christmas cookies or a fruit plate. You can go online and search COOKIES in a Jar. The recipient of the cookie mix adds water or milk and bakes the cookies. Give the gift of sharing your time with others.
A Service
Someone may enjoy being relieved of performing a tedious job. Arrange for a cleaning service, car detailing, professional organizer, snow removal, and lawn care. Give them the gift of time for themselves.
Charities
There are many charities that can benefit from donations. Select a charity and make a donation in the name of the person. Look at one aspect of the person’s life and try to find a charity that represents their interests. Give them the gift of generosity.
Give the gift of Fun
One year we rented a hot tub for a week. Another year I bought rocket kits for everyone, we built the kits and shot off the rockets.
Give the gift of memories
This year may be the perfect time to collect family photos and make a calendar. There are many online sites you can use to make the calendar. At the end of the year, you can let it go and make a new one. Give them the gift that keeps on giving.
Here are a few gifts that are clutter-free, personal and thoughtful and the ideas are endless. Don’t let time stop you from creatively finding the gift you want to give.
Share your idea in the comments
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually on Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to help you reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Contact her at julie@mindoverclutter.ca
Twitter – Facebook – Facebook group Organizing Mind and Space