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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. This year’s plan may need a lot of updating from the previous years.
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. This year’s challenge may be technology. Ask for help and practice ahead of time. You might want to play Yahtzee at your gathering. Try using these 2 sites.
Score sheet http://www.playonlinedicegames.com/scoresheet/yahtzee
Dice roller https://www.elversonpuzzle.com/yahtzee-dice-roller.html
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
My guest blogger this month is Melissa Knowles a passionate writer and expert in de-cluttering sentimental items. With a background in psychology and a love for preserving memories, she combines her knowledge to help readers cherish their past without the chaos. When not writing, Melissa enjoys hiking and capturing the beauty of nature through her photography.
Often, organizing sentimental items presents a unique challenge. These treasures, rich with personal history and emotions, can quickly accumulate, leading to a cluttered space that overshadows their proper value. The key lies in striking a balance between holding onto those precious memories and maintaining a tidy, peaceful living area. We will address this issue, guiding you through practical strategies to preserve memories without clutter. Whether you’re dealing with a box full of old photographs, heirlooms passed down through generations, or souvenirs from travels, we’ll provide insights on managing these items thoughtfully.
Understanding sentimental value
What makes an item sentimental varies considerably from person to person. It could be a family antique, a trip souvenir, or a simple note, each carrying its own story and emotional weight. These items connect us to memories of important people or events, making them invaluable. The emotional attachment to these keepsakes is deep-rooted, often evoking a sense of nostalgia, joy, pain or comfort. However, objectively evaluating their sentimental value is crucial to avoid clutter. It involves asking yourself hard questions about each item’s significance and role. Does it bring joy or merely take up space? Is its emotional significance still powerful, or has it faded over time? How many items do you need to remember the event or person? Are there other ways to keep the memory alive without holding onto a physical item? Do these items hold you in the past and letting go of them will help you to move forward with your life? Answering these questions can help distinguish between valuable keepsakes and mere clutter, enabling a healthier, more organized living space.
The art of selective keeping
The art of selective keeping is about making conscious choices on what to hold onto and what to release. Being selective ensures that each kept item truly resonates with personal significance, creating a decluttered and organized space. Here’s how you can determine what’s worth keeping:
- Emotional Connection: Does the item evoke positive emotions? Keep those that bring joy or comfort.
- Uniqueness: Prioritize items that cannot be replaced or replicated, like handmade gifts or family heirlooms.
- Usage: Consider if the item is something you use or enjoy regularly. Practicality can be a form of sentimentality.
- Condition: Keep items in good condition, as damaged goods often contribute to clutter.
Creative display options
Creatively displaying sentimental items can transform them from clutter to charming decor elements. These treasures can add a personal touch to your living space, telling your unique story. Create a themed gallery wall where photos, souvenirs, and artworks can narrate a cohesive story. Shadow boxes are another excellent option, perfect for showcasing smaller items with depth and protection.
Incorporating keepsakes into functional decor is both artistic and practical. A vintage quilt, for example, could serve as a striking wall hanging or a cozy throw. Similarly, you can use heirloom dishes for special occasions or display them in a glass cabinet, adding elegance and history to your dining area. Lastly, arranging items in groups of three or five can create a balanced, visually appealing display. This method, known as the ‘Rule of Odds,’ suggests that an odd number of items are more effective at capturing attention and adding visual interest.
Create a small personal area in your home office, bedroom or kitchen to display a few times on a shelf and wall that represent the memories that are most precious in your life. As you work in that space these memories will help you to reflect on the past and bring a sense of gratitude that your life is full of wonderful things and experiences motivating you to become the person you want to be. As you grow and your life evolves change the items that are on display. Life is not static.
Digitize to declutter
Digital preservation saves space, protects from degradation, and allows easy sharing. Here’s a guide to digitizing photos and documents:
- Select the Right Equipment: Use a scanner or a high-quality camera to capture clear images of your items.
- Organize Before Scanning: Sort items by categories, like dates or events, for more manageable digital filing.
- Scan at High Resolution: Ensure scanned images are high quality to preserve details. Use a resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch).
- Edit and Enhance: Use photo editing software to adjust brightness, contrast, or remove blemishes.
For digital storage, consider virtual organizers and these tools:
- Cloud Storage Services: Options like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud offer secure and accessible storage solutions.
- Online Photo Services: Websites like Flickr or SmugMug provide dedicated photo storage with organizing features.
- Document Management Software: Ideal for organizing digital copies of important documents, with added features like tagging and search functions.
Themed memory boxes
Memory boxes are a delightful and organized way to preserve special memories. They are containers where you can store various keepsakes relating to a particular theme, event, person, or period. Organizing events like weddings, vacations, or significant birthdays allows you to group related items, creating a concentrated snapshot of that time. Yearly boxes are another option. They are a time capsule for all the notable happenings and small joys each year.
For proper storage and labelling of these boxes:
- Choose the Right Box: Opt for durable boxes. To truly protect the contents from damage, quality materials can help. If you live in a cold area like Toronto, you don’t want precious things to get damaged due to the changing weather. Doing this will make buying packing supplies in Toronto a good investment.
- Keep Them Accessible but Safe: Store the boxes in a dry, cool place where you can easily reach them.
- Document the Contents: Make a list of what’s inside each box, especially those containing numerous or small items
The power of repurposing
Repurposing sentimental items is a creative way to preserve memories without clutter. This approach allows us to honour the past while adapting to current needs and spaces. For instance, a beloved but worn dress can find new life as a stylish cushion cover, adding a personal touch to your home decor. Similarly, old concert t-shirts, often tucked away in drawers, can be transformed into a unique quilt, combining nostalgia with everyday usefulness.
Other examples include:
- Turning old letters or recipes into framed artwork for your kitchen or living area.
- Repurposing children’s artwork into coasters or magnets, keeping their creativity on display.
- Converting a collection of travel postcards into a collage for a coffee table or a wall hanging.
Find a balance between preserving these items’ sentimental value and adapting them into practical, usable objects.
Preserve memories without clutter by sharing and donating
Sharing sentimental items with family and friends can be a touching experience, strengthening bonds and preserving unique memories while creating an organized home at the same time. It’s about passing on a piece of history and personal story, allowing others to cherish and add to the legacy of these items. For example, giving a cherished book to a friend who loves reading or passing down a vintage jewelry piece to a family member can extend the life and stories of these items. Donating items, especially those with historical or educational value, is another fulfilling option. Museums, schools, or historical societies often welcome items that contribute to their collections and educational programs.
Conclusion
This guide has provided actionable tips on how to preserve memories without clutter. We explored the essence of sentimental value, the art of selective keeping, and creative ways to display cherished items. The core message is clear: preserving memories does not require a compromise on living in a clutter-free space. It’s about making thoughtful decisions that honour your past and current lifestyle. With these strategies, you will transform your home into a space that beautifully reflects your memories and keeps them alive without clutter.
Share in the comments how you decide which sentimental items to keep and which ones to pass along.
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
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching. There may be some deals you can find. Ask yourself:
- Will you be spending a lot of your valuable time looking for that special holiday deal?
- Will you end up purchasing things that cause clutter for you or a friend?
- Will you overspend on your budget?
- Will you be happy with your purchases?
Fun Facts
Here are some fun facts. The term Black Friday first became used widely in the 1990’s and refers to retailers reaching profitability or in the black – black ink, as opposed to losses that were originally recorded in red ink.
Black Friday sales declined only once in recent years. It was 2008 during the Recession. Only 263,820 seasonal workers were hired in 2008 – a staggering low compared to the record 764,750 workers hired in 2013.
Here’s an idea you don’t have to wait in line for.
Mind over Clutter.ca has 3 hour packages designed to help with any number of tasks in the home and office. Considering purchasing an
- Income Tax Receipt Organizing Package
- Holiday Cleanup Package
- Streamlining Your Office Package.
- Virtual Organizing Packages
Packages can be designed to fit the individual needs of the person receiving the gift. Purchase your gift package for $195.00. Contact julie@mindoverclutter.ca to purchase your clutter-free gift of time.
Give the gift of time
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 and office. She guides and supports you in managing your 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 X
Lessons
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. Easy enough to do with social distancing.
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
From now until January there are many celebrations. During the holiday season expectations are raised. The food needs to be perfect, the gift needs to be thoughtfully purchased, the house needs to be tastefully decorated, and everyone needs to be happy all the time. Record your expectations for the season. Everything you can think of. Look through your list and decide on a plan that makes each expectation manageable for you. If your expectations align with practicality, this holiday will be less stressful and more fun.
Planning Food
Could you:
Make a simple Holiday meal.
- Cook ahead of time and freeze the food
- Plan a potluck with everyone contributing
- Buy your holiday baking
- Simplify your menu, prepare fewer items
Gift Giving
Gift Giving
Could you:
- Reduce the number of people you buy for
- Draw names so everyone gets one gift
- Set a price limit on the value of the gift
- Plan an experience instead of buying a gift: go to a play, go out for dinner, and go to a movie
If your expectations align with practicality, holidays will be less stressful and more fun. Share on X
Decorating
Could you:
Use flowers to decorate.
- Put out fewer items
- Use more oversized items to make the space look decorated instead of using lots of small items
- Decorate with flowers; you don’t have to pack them away when the season is over
Be Happy
Be Happy
Could you:
Spend time together doing things you enjoy
- Plan your schedule so you don’t get over tired
- Plan downtime so each member of the group can spend time alone
- Plan things you like to do, not have to do
- Plan to exercise and get fresh air
Can you learn to ask for help and accept help?
Can you learn to ask for help and accept help?
Virtual organizing allows me to support your organizing projects by providing planning, coaching and mentoring while both remaining safely at home Book a 30-minute complimentary virtual organizing assessment. https://mindoverclutter.as.me/virtualorganizingassessment
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 and office. She guides and supports you in managing your 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
As a Professional Organizer, I enjoy reading about statistics that explain why it is so hard to get organized and maintain the organization in a household. Sometimes people look back on their childhood and see a house that has a place for everything and everything in its place. Read these statistics. They explain changes that can be made in your lifestyle that will make it easier to be organized.
These statistics come from a newsletter published by Joshua Becker of the MInimalists.
1. The average American home has quadrupled in size over the last 100 years—from 700 square feet in the 1920s to 2,700 square feet in 2015. (source)
2. Still, more than a third of Americans rent self storage units—spending $38 billion every year. (source)
3. The average American shopper buys 60% more clothing items than they did 15 years ago but keeps them for half as long. The average garment may be worn as few as ten times before disposal. (source)
4. The average American woman has 103 items of clothing in her closet. In 1930, the average American owned just nine outfits. (source / source)
5. Yet, American households spend, on average, almost $1,500 on clothing every year. (source)
6. No wonder the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year! (source)
7. American credit card debt now exceeds $1 trillion for the first time—twice as much credit card debt as just 10 years ago. (source)
8. Americans make one impulse purchase every two days, spending up to $5400 annually ($324,000 over their lifetime). (source)
9. Americans spend over $8 billion every year on unwanted gifts. (source)
10. The average American household now owns 25 connected devices. (source)
11. The average person in Great Britain owns 80 books which they haven’t read. (source)
12. Each year, 119 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States. That equates to 130 billion meals and more than $408 billion in food thrown away each year. Shockingly, nearly 40% of all food in America is wasted. (source)
13. Even though we stock our kitchens with food we don’t eat, Americans now spend more on dining out than on groceries. (source)
14. 80% of the items we own are never used. (source)
15. Americans spend $18,000 per year, per person, on nonessentials. (source)
As you read these statistics think about how many of them apply to your lifestyle. What changes can you make to reduce how much you own that you are not using? Reducing what you own saves you money by buying less, gives you more time to do other things than organizing your stuff and helps you to develop new habits that lead to a healthier lifestyle.
In the comments let me know which statistic surprised you the most.
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 a-5 minutes
Judith Kolberg founded FileHeads, a professional organizing company, in 1989 and has been a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) since 1990. She formed the Institute for Challenging Disorganization and has served as its director for seven years.
Judith is the author of Conquering Chronic Disorganization, co-author with Dr. Kathleen Nadeau of ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life, and Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural or Unnatural Disaster and Getting Organized in the Era of Endless.
Everything A Professional Organizer Needs to Know About Hoarding
- Hoarding disorder has been included in the new version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders. How has your expertise in working with clients with hoarding disorder influenced your ideas about mental wellness?
I love that you use the term ‘mental wellness’ instead of ‘mental illness’. As an organizer, I’m convinced that good psychotherapy is essential to the mental wellness of a person who hoards. A safe place to talk about what kind of life one wants to lead, how the emotional issues of loss, trauma and grief interplay with excessive saving and acquisition, and handling stress are key. Psychotherapy via Zoom, online individual and group, on-site, and peer-led support would be really handy in many hoarding situations rather than in a clinical, office setting.
- When working with a hoarding client or their family,
Conquering Chronic Disorganization
what is one common motivation obstacle and a strategy for overcoming it?
An obstacle to motivation is the fear of discarding the person’s possessions to the landfill. Reassurance that this will not be so is essential, but the age-old issue is will this promise backfire. Will the people charged with sorting and discarding and reducing the hoard be thwarted by “You said my stuff would not be thrown out?” If the person who hoards sees that there are good “pickers”, organizers who take the time to pull out the “good stuff” and load it into lots of clear, labelled containers that helps. Deciding on a specific individual recipient for the excess stuff also helps, as all the shoes go to my brother-in-law. Specific charities also help – all the stuffed animals to the Red Cross for children of natural disasters, all the pet stuff to the pet shelter, and all the unused toiletries to the women’s shelter. I take the time to discuss my entire process with the family.
- As a speaker, author, and trainer, you’ve been helping clients and families learn
Organize for Disaster
strategies to help people with ADD and ADHD get better organized. In what ways have those strategies changed from when you started studying in this field to now?
The “how” has not changed much even though the “why” is better and better understood. I would say that providing strategies to cope with technology, devices, the Internet black hole, and digital distractions is the new frontier. Ironically, helping ADDers to use these very same things to their advantage is also new.
- For those who are especially challenged with ADD, what 2 strategies are most effective?
Getting Organized in the Era of Endless
We have to get better, as organizers, at helping people with ADD manage their tasks and time. One strategy is for the organizer to be the time estimator. It’s great if that skill can be transferred and it often can by example, but there is no harm in the organizer actually being the person who helps the ADD client estimate how long a project or a task will take and accounting for it in scheduling. Another strategy is to think of creative ways for a person with ADD to capture tasks on the run. That might be post-it notes, voice mail notes, texting oneself, sending yourself emails, or using apps that convert voice to text or text to voice.
- What has been your biggest personal challenge around chronic disorganization?
ADD Friendly ways to Organize your Life
My disorganization is centered on directions, getting from place A to place B without getting lost. I use voice GPS and that has been absolutely dreamy. I’m told directionality issues are part of my brand of dyslexia. Lots of little spatial challenges thwart me. I can’t for instance, look at my PowerPoint, advance the slides, and speak at the same time. I have to use index cards, even after all these years.
Judith Kolberg has written many valuable resources and more resources can be found on the website of the Institute for Chronic Disorganization.
What is the most difficult problem you have encountered helping someone who is chronically disorganized? Let us know so we can help.
Along with other wonderful bloggers, I have been selected by the Feedspot panellists as one of the Top 15 Canadian Organizing Blogs on the web. Learn more about all of us. https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_organizing_blogs/?feedid=5584279
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
My guest blogger is Lise Fitzsimmons a Registered Psychotherapist. Visit her website lise fitzsimmons therapy.
In the chaotic whirlwind of our modern lives, where demands pull us in countless directions and obligations seem never-ending, it’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. This is where the art of setting boundaries comes into play, serving as a powerful tool for regaining control, fostering balance, and reclaiming precious time and energy. Whether it’s in your personal relationships, work environment, or daily routines, establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries can be the key to achieving not only greater organization but also enhanced well-being and fulfillment. Enjoy this journey of self-discovery and empowerment as you delve into the profound importance of setting boundaries to transform your life.
What are boundaries:
- Boundaries are rules or guidelines that tell others how we want to be treated
- It’s what is acceptable and what is not
- It sets acceptable limits
Some potential reasons you have trouble setting boundaries:
- you fear being mean
- you fear being rude
- you’re a people pleaser
- you’re anxious about future interactions after a boundary has been set
- you feel powerless
- you get your value from helping others
- you have no clue where to start
Why you want to learn how to set boundaries:
- you’re afraid to say no and don’t want to disappoint people
- you don’t speak up when you want something or when you’re being mistreated
- you frequently feel angry, resentful or overwhelmed
- you don’t communicate your expectations to others
- you don’t make time for self-care
- you feel guilty when you set limits or do things for yourself
- you make commitments that you later regret
- you’re frequently overscheduled, rushed, or tired
- you do things out of obligation rather than because you want to
- you don’t spend enough quality time with people you care about
- you don’t have a strong sense of who you are and what your values, interests, and goals are
- you’re tuned in to how other people feel, but you don’t always know how you feel
- you accept blame for things you didn’t do or couldn’t control
- you enable others to be irresponsible by doing things for them that they can do for themselves
- Relationships work best when we’re clear about expectations and needs.
- Without boundaries, people take advantage of you because you haven’t set limits about how you want to be treated
The benefits of setting healthy boundaries:
- more compassion
- greater assertiveness
- your needs are met
- less anger and resentment
- time and energy to do things that nourish you and bring you joy
- less conflict in relationships
- improved communication
- greater self-esteem
- less anxiety and stress
- increased confidence
- feeling understood and accepted by friends and family
If you are feeling guilty about setting boundaries – here are some reminders:
- it’s healthy for you to have boundaries
- other people have boundaries you respect
- setting boundaries is a sign of a healthy relationship
- if boundaries ruin the relationship, it was on the cusp of ending anyway
Common ways people respond when you share your boundaries:
- pushback
- test your limits
- ignoring
- rationalizing and questioning
- defensiveness
- ghosting
- silent treatment
- acceptance
How to set a boundary:
- Step 1 – communicate your needs. Be clear. Be gracious.
- Step 2 – uphold what you communicate through your behaviour – follow through
- boundaries are worthless if you don’t provide feedback and consequences
Taking care of yourself looks like this:
- setting manageable expectations around caring and being present for others
- maintaining your mental health
- operating in your role as child instead of parent to your parents
- operating in your role as sibling instead of parent to your siblings
- asking for what you need
- spending holidays doing things that you enjoy
- giving people the space to care for themselves
- figuring out who you are separately from what you were made to believe about yourself
- talking about feelings
- allowing yourself to feel pleasure
- being gentle with yourself
Resources
- Glover Tawwab, Nedra. 2021. Set Boundaries, Find Peace
- Martin, Sharon.2021. The Better Boundaries Workbook
Setting boundaries is a crucial skill that enables individuals to establish limits and define their personal space, both in relationships and daily life. These boundaries serve as a protective shield, safeguarding mental and emotional well-being while promoting healthier interactions. By clearly articulating what is acceptable and what isn’t, setting boundaries fosters self-respect and respect from others, allowing individuals to prioritize their needs, reduce stress, and create a more organized and balanced existence. It is a fundamental tool for personal growth and improved quality of life.
Share your experiences in the comments about setting boundaries in your life.
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 – 10 mins
It’s back-to-school time! If you entered a university or college this year, you may be living in a student dorm room for the first time. If you plan to do your best this semester, you should ensure you have a productive study space in your dorm room! Now is the time to start thinking about how to organize your dorm room for maximum productivity.
You may be thinking, “How can I establish a pleasant and effective study place that exudes creativity without overwhelming the room?” Finding solutions that work for you and your limited space is critical. What’s keeping you from getting organized? Will there be enough lighting in the room? What can you do to make this room seem more inspiring? These are all critical considerations to ask yourself when setting up a study place. Are you ready to learn how to make a productive study space in your dorm room?
Maximize your available space
You should first figure out how to make the most of the limited space in your dorm room. You must ensure that you are making the most of your limited space since studying in a cramped or cluttered room won’t be productive. You may use several space-saving tactics and ideas in your dorm room to create the illusion of extra free space.
One method to do this is first to declutter. Remove any large items, such as a bookcase, to create room for a study desk. Instead of a large bookcase, build open shelves on the wall. It enables you to make extra room while still having adequate storage for your books and personal effects. However, if you are missing space for some of your necessities, Centennial Moving can help by renting you the needed storage. A storage unit can also be handy when moving into or out of your dorm. At the end of a semester, it may be more cost-effective to store your items than to move them back home.
Everything should serve numerous functions
When you live in a tiny place, you must make the most of everything you own. Everything in your dorm should serve many tasks. Instead of a regular table near the bed, use an ottoman or cabinet with drawers and storage that can hold a bunch of stuff. Don’t simply use a table to set your laptop on; instead, choose a desk that takes up the same amount of room but has more storage.
Dorm rooms are often small, so make sure everything serves its purpose.
Bed lifts are handy for dorm room dwellers if you do not have a bed loft. Bed lifters are placed on the bottom of the memory foam mattress or beneath bed frames to raise it a further six inches. The wonderful thing about this is that you can now utilize the wasted area under the bed as storage. Another benefit of bed risers is that they have AC plugs built directly into them, giving you a greater choice in where you place the bed. There’s no need to worry about a hidden outlet buried under the bed you can’t reach.
Instead of studying in bed, study at your desk
When you have 30+ pages of your textbook to read, your bed appears quite attractive. Unfortunately, many students tend to doze off in bed. Unless you travel to the library or a study group outside your dorm room, try to accomplish all your studying, school work, and reading at your desk. It’s easy to zone out or fall asleep when studying in bed, particularly if you’re reading boring or too technical stuff. Relocating your textbooks or laptop away from your bed will organize your dorm room for maximum productivity. Bringing textbooks or a laptop into bed sends confusing messages to your body, and studies suggest that using technology in bed may harm your sleep quality.
Zoning out is common if you are studying in bed, so move your stuff to the desk
Reduce Distractions
Is your neighbour’s music blaring across the hall? Or maybe you hear people talking just outside your door? If so, why not invest in a set of noise-cancelling headphones? Depending on what you find most comfortable, you may choose between over-ear, on-ear, and earbud models. It’s also a good idea to get a model with a lengthy battery life so you can remain focused on your studies all day. Furthermore, noise-cancelling headphones are available in various price ranges, so you’re likely to find the right set.
Do you find yourself browsing social media during your study sessions? If this is the case, try designating particular periods of the day for texting or accessing the web. For example, you will get 10 minutes of phone time for every hour spent studying. Furthermore, lock apps may block you from using particular apps on your phone for a set amount of time. If you have trouble maintaining attention, there are many ways of organizing your life. You will be able to focus on your work without being distracted by social media, games, phone calls, or messages.
Try moving your phone out of your line of sight and setting it to Do Not Disturb mode for less distraction.
Introduce personalization
Adding a touch of personalization to your dorm room is also crucial. Your room should be functional and a representation of your personality. This doesn’t mean cluttering your space with unnecessary items but strategically placing a few pieces that make you feel at home. For example, hanging a motivational poster or having a desk photo of your loved ones can provide much-needed encouragement during stressful periods.
Invest in good lighting
One element often overlooked in dorm rooms is proper lighting. While maximizing space and reducing distractions is essential, so is ensuring that you have adequate light. Poor lighting can strain your eyes, especially during extended study sessions. Invest in an adjustable desk lamp with LED lights, which provide bright illumination without consuming too much electricity. If your dorm room doesn’t get enough natural light, consider light therapy lamps or bulbs that mimic daylight, improving concentration and mood.
Prioritize ergonomics
Sitting for long hours can take a toll on your posture and overall health. Make sure your study space is ergonomically friendly. This might mean investing in a chair cushion, ergonomic mouse, or keyboard, or even a standing desk converter. Adjust your chair and monitor so your eyes are at screen level and your feet are flat on the ground.
Use colour psychology
Colour plays a significant role in our mood and productivity. While you might not be able to paint your dorm room walls, you can incorporate colours that enhance concentration and motivation through items like bedding, curtains, or desk accessories. You can also dress in a specific colour. For instance, blue is known to stimulate the mind, yellow can boost creativity, and green is calming and helps improve efficiency.
You must coordinate (with your roommate)
Did you and your roommate bring duplicates of large items? Next time you go home to visit take some of those items back with you so the valuable room space can be organized for maximum productivity. Here are a few examples of space-consuming products that you’ll probably only need one of between the two of you:
- Television (you may not need one, but let’s pretend you bring one anyhow.
- Refrigerator — obviously, a mini-fridge; a full-size community fridge will most likely be accessible for storing large things and frozen meals.
- The microwave oven
- If you believe a gaming console to be essential, just one should suffice.
- Dock for stereo/music player with speakers
Before a conflict arises, communicate as soon as possible to determine what arrangement works best for you. Is one of you comfortable being many feet above the ground on a top bunk bed? Is the other individual at ease sleeping under a bed frame, mattress, and companion weighing several hundred pounds? Now that you have lived together for a while, make changes that help you both to feel comfortable.
How much room will you need to move about in the appropriate living area for yourself and visitors? What about furnishings like toss pillows, futons, and school-supplied desks and dressers? The main point here is to arrange as much as possible with your roommate and have the right mindset so your term is happy, enjoyable and productive.
In conclusion
There’s some truth to the old adage that buddies shouldn’t become roommates. However, there’s no reason you can’t get along with whoever your allocated roommate is. By working together and coordinating your activities, you may save money and organize your dorm room for maximum productivity.
How did you organize a dorm room? Success and horror stories are all welcome 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 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 physical activity to reduce clutter, in your home and office. She guides and supports you in managing your 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
So you want to get organized?
Achieving order in your life doesn’t mean being perfect. That’s not realistic. Getting organized is not an event; it’s a process that happens over time. Like changing your eating or exercise habits, it sometimes involves behavioural changes and routines.
Perfectionism
Is being unrealistic by spending so much time on a task that it deprives other important tasks of sufficient time.
Excellence
Is doing the best job you can with the time and resources at your disposal.
What is organization?
Being organized has less to do with the way an environment looks than how effectively it functions. If a person can find what they need when they need it, feels unencumbered in achieving his or her goals, and is happy in his or her space, then that person is well organized.
Myth #1 Organization is a born talent.
- Organization is a skill. If the right resources or support are available it is easy to learn.
Myth #2: It’s impossible to stay organized.
- Organizing is sustainable, if systems are built around the way the person thinks and designed to grow and adapt to new information.
The 7 Habits of Very Organized People
1. They have a place for everything
- 25% of business documents are misplaced and will never be located so those documents must be recreated.
2. They put things back
- Executives waste six weeks per year searching for items.
3. They write things down
- Make a master list of things to do to determine the priorities for the next day. This may include planning the most effective routine to use to accomplish the tasks, the route driven to see a client or considering high and low energy cycles in the day and planning tasks accordingly.
4. They don’t allow papers/e-mails to pile up.
- The average worker sends and receives over 190 messages each day. Approximately 60 e-mails can be processed each hour. Learn how to use e-mail effectively in order to limit the number of e-mails received and sent each day.
5. They don’t procrastinate
- Procrastinating causes people to spend more time and energy on avoiding the task than completing it. Once it is accomplished it is out of sight and out of mind.
6. They set goals and assign deadlines
- Schedule a time for each task in the project to be completed, so deadlines can be met easily.
7. They only keep what they use and enjoy.
- Clutter is usually the “extra” that is kept on hand just in case it is needed. About 20% of items are used 80% of the time, so 80% of items are hardly used at all. Find the important 20% and let go of the unimportant 80%.
- They have a place for everything
- They put things back
- They write things down
- They don’t allow papers/e-mails to pile up.
- They don’t procrastinate
- They set goals and assign deadlines
- They only keep what they use and enjoy.
If you need help getting organized contact me for a virtual consultation
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, coaching you virtually using Zoom. She enjoys working with her clients to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She reduces clutter, streamlines processes and manages time to help her clients be more effective in reaching their goals. 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
