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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.
Don’t wait to discover how packing and storing excess items can cause moving pitfalls.
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.
Fewer things equals lower costs of moving.
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
It can take between 5 -10 hours to completely reorganize a kitchen depending on the size of your kitchen and how much is in each storage space, cupboard, drawer and pantry. Break the job into manageable tasks depending on the time you have to spend. Start by decluttering each drawer and cupboard then begin the reorganizing process described here.
1. Set a day and time
Make an appointment with yourself and don’t cancel it. Leaving this task until you have time will never get completed.
2. Set a goal or 2 for your organizing
It will help you decide what to keep and what to give away. You may decide you want to reduce what is in your kitchen by 50% so you know you need to give away half of your stuff. You might want to be able to find things more easily so things need to be put in zones. You might want to have a better flow to your kitchen so people don’t need to use the same space and keep bumping into each other. To solve this problem, you might need to rearrange where things are located. Decide what your goals are for your project. Write them down.
3. Declutter your counters
Find a home for things that are piled on the counter, and decide if you need them to be stored in the kitchen. Items that are used infrequently can be stored in a basement or garage. Once your counters are clear it helps you psychologically to keep going because you can see progress. Also, it gives you space for the next steps in organizing your kitchen.
4. Declutter your cupboards
These steps 4, 5 and 6 will need a lot of time. Make sure to set a day and time for this task. Take everything out of all the cupboards. Group items that have a like use or purpose together. Food preparation items, baking items, dishes and glasses, appliances, food, spices etc.
5. Part with items you don’t need, love or use.
For this step, you need some boxes or bags. Don’t leave the kitchen to take things to other places you might not get back to finishing the job.
- One container is for things you can donate.
- A second container is for things that go to another room. Perhaps you keep some items in your garage or basement.
- A third box might be for things to return to other people.
- A fourth box might be for undecided. You can’t make up your mind right now and you don’t want to get stalled on deciding about the item. Leave that decision for later.
You have grouped items in step 4 and in step 5 you have decided what you can part with. Look again at how many things you have in each group and decide if you need, love and use them. What can you let go of?
6. Organize your kitchen into zones
Divide your kitchen into zones/centres that are appropriate for your family. Here are some suggestions.
- The meal preparation centre is the home for items needed to prepare and cook food – cutting board, knives, bowls, graters, pots, pans, casserole dishes, strainer, etc.
- The drink centre contains coffee, tea, hot chocolate, drink mixes, cups, glasses, sugar/sweetener, coffee maker, kettle, teapot, etc.
- The dish centre contains dishes and cutlery and should be near the dishwasher for fast and easy unloading. Aim to store items at an age-appropriate height so children can participate without needing assistance.
- The baking centre contains food items and utensils specifically for baking – spices, flour, nuts, chocolate chips, spatulas, cookie sheets, casserole dishes, pie plates, cake pans, rolling pin, flour sifter
- Establish a recycling/garbage centre for easy collection.
- The desk/paperwork centre, located near the telephone, charging center or computer, holds recipe books, notepaper, and a whiteboard or bulletin board.
- The linen center contains small cloth items you use regularly, pot holders, tea towels, dishcloths
- The paper products center holds plastic wrap, tin foil, parchment paper, napkins, plastic bags
- The children’s zone contains dishes and snacks so children can get their things with less help.
- The cleaning center should be located so it is out of reach of small children and pets.
Decide where to locate each of these zones in your kitchen. Write down your zones and where each one is located. Plan it out and work your plan.
From step 5 you can take each of your groups of items and place them in the correct area/zone/center in the kitchen.
7. The miscellaneous drawer
Every kitchen needs one miscellaneous drawer. It contains small tools and items to which you need quick access in the kitchen – screwdriver, tape, twist ties, scissors, pen, marker, etc. Don’t let it become the dumping ground for items you don’t want to organize or two or three drawers.
8. Organize your fridge
Divide your fridge into zones. Have a place for fruit, vegetables, drinks, cheese, meat, bottles, condiments and leftovers. If you have zones it is easier to prepare your shopping list. When you have zones, it is easier to see what food needs to be used before it goes bad. Save yourself money by organizing your fridge and reducing food waste.
9. Give your new kitchen a try
If needed, rearrange items so that they are easy to get at and use. Don’t get stuck thinking you can’t change things to a better place.
10. Donate
Any food you no longer need can be donated to your local food bank. Make sure it is not expired. Donate any kitchen items you no longer need to a local charity.
Want some support or guidance for your project?
There are 3 ways I can assist you.
- Book a virtual organizing appointment and we can do it together. I’ll be in your kitchen with you watching you through your computer, phone or tablet and helping you with the process. https://mindoverclutter.ca/virtual-organizing-services/
- If you’re having trouble making changes to your kitchen book a coaching appointment to discuss how to reduce your fears with making changes. https://mindoverclutter.as.me/organizingsession
- If you live in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada book an in person session for us to work together in your kitchen.
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 minutes
There are lots of blogs on this site helping you to organize any space in your home. You are armed with great information to get started but you’re afraid. All the clutter is overwhelming, and makes you feel anxious and stressed, you want to turn away and leave. This is a common response when you decide to make a change. There are many reasons why letting go of things can be difficult. In this article we are going to look at the fear of decision making.
Organized is defined as
- knowing what you have
- having what you need
- knowing where to find items
- finding things when you need them
Keep this definition in mind as you start making decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
Mindset 1: I won’t know I need it until I don’t have it
Instead of worrying about not having something change your mindset to can I:
- Borrow it
- Do it another way
- Buy it again, try applying the minimalist 20/20 rule. If you can replace it in 20 minutes for under $20 it is not worth storing for just in case.
- Is it still useful to me?
- Is it still good? Many things have expiry dates, like food, medications, and cosmetics.
- Is it time to move on from having too much unnecessary stuff and make my life easier?
Instead of thinking about what you might need someday in an abstract way, change your mindset to when did I last use it? When you put your decision into measurable terms it is easier to decide if the item is important.
Mindset 2: I have never been good at making decisions
Taking responsibility for making decisions can be terrifying. I once heard, that even when you fall on your face you are still moving forward. We learn from mistakes and get better at doing things. Change your focus from not making mistakes to taking risks. You will get better at making good decisions:
- Practice makes perfect, as you take risks making decisions, it becomes less frightening and easier each time
- Pick favourites – it is ok not to love everything equally give yourself permission to have favourites and keep those items
- Treasure hunting – don’t focus on what you are giving away focus on what treasures you might find, make it a fun adventure
- Don’t let the past control your future – decide to take control of your space and make the decisions necessary to make your plan a success, you can do it
Don’t get trapped into keeping things for the reasons listed above. Be aware of those thoughts and ideas and when they start to affect your ability to make decisions, STOP. Clear your mind of these thoughts and remember you are good at making decisions to let go of things.
Mindset 3: It takes so much mental energy to make all those decisions
I always tell clients that decluttering and organizing will take mental energy and they will be tired after our session. Plan for needing energy, enthusiasm and excitement towards creating a new space you love that is energizing, creative and comfortable. Change your mindset from I am too tired to do this to, lets get started on this new journey by:
- Setting an amount of time to work that is right for you so you don’t get burned out, increase the amount of time until you can work for 1 hour or longer without feeling overwhelmed
- Decluttering and organizing get easier and take less energy as you get used to the system of sorting and making decisions more quickly
- Do it at your high energy time of day
- Reward yourself when the session is over
- Break the room into smaller bites so each bite is not taxing you to your maximum abilities
Let’s get started,
Take the first step
When you think about decluttering and organizing your home where do you feel tension in your body? Is it in your:
- Stomach
- Shoulder
- Headache
Recognize your reaction, acknowledge it, understand it, relax and move through that feeling of anxiety. You can do it.
Set a plan
- How much time will you spend in a session, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour or longer?
- Which room will you start on? Try starting with the one that is bothering you the most.
- Which part of the room will you do first a drawer, cupboard, or table? Pick a starting point and then move around the room from right to left.
- What questions will you ask yourself to help you decide to keep it or remove it?
Place your unneeded items in a box to be donated or offered to a friend or family member.
Plan the next session
Make an appointment with yourself; the date, time and area to work on to keep up the momentum. The first session may have been hard and short. Practice makes perfect and makes it easier to let go of things. In each session, you will make more progress as you have a plan to follow and you are able to work longer.
Reward yourself
Big or small, reward yourself for overcoming your fear and successfully removing some items from your home. You’re still alive, you survived and you did it.
Need some support or guidance for your project
There are 3 ways I can help you:
Book a virtual organizing appointment and we can do it together. I’ll be there with you watching you through your computer, phone or tablet and helping you with the process. https://mindoverclutter.ca/virtual-organizing-services/
If you’re having trouble making changes to your home book a coaching appointment to discuss how to reduce your fears with making changes. https://mindoverclutter.as.me/organizingsession
If you live in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada book an in person session for us to work together in your home. https://mindoverclutter.ca/contact/
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 minutes
Thanks to the staff at Arizona Moving Professionals for being my guest blogger.
With children out of school, there is more time to establish new routines. If how your children take care of their rooms has been bothering you take the time to help them learn how to quickly clean and organize their rooms.
All children love making a mess and hate cleaning up. The ones tidying up are the parents. However, tidying up after your child can be problematic when they can do the chores themselves. Firstly, you are creating more work for yourself. Secondly, you are sending the message to your children that you (or somebody else) will always be there to clean up their messes. A group of scientists and psychologists researched this topic – and the results were quite astonishing. Namely, the results showed that children who had to do their chores from an early age grew up to have better relationships (not only romantic but also with friends and family) and more academic success. So, is there a better reason for you to start teaching your children to keep their rooms clean and organized?
Cleaning Should Not Be Punishment
How often have your children misbehaved and, as a punishment, you gave them a chore to do? If you are like most families, the answer is probably – many times. However, when you do this, the child instantly associates cleaning with something bad, dull, tiring, etc., and they start to hate it. Thus, banish the concept of cleaning as a punishment from your home! Instead, teach your children that cleaning and organizing their stuff is something good and worth doing. Show them that doing those chores can be a ‘ticket to other things.’ For instance, offer rewards. And, always offer them on a positive note – remember, if you are negative and keep telling your children what they have to do in a ‘grumpy’ manner, children will be grumpy back about it.
Teach your children that cleaning and organizing can be fun from an early age.
When Teaching Your Children to Keep Their Rooms Clean and Organized, Give Them Options
Speaking of punishments, a large part of what makes chores seem like punishment is that you always tell your children what they have to do and when they have to do it. This will always result in a boycott! Instead, give your children some options. For instance, whether you want them to help with your spring cleaning or have them clean and organize their rooms daily, you should start by offering a list of things that must be done and giving your children the freedom to choose what chore they want to do. This will give them a sense of control – and all children love that. Your children will clean with joy feeling they are in control and rather than forced to do something. And, what is more, by learning that cleaning can be joyful, they will learn to do it with pleasure throughout their life.
Keep the Chores Small and Realistic
If you tell your little one that they have to pick up all the toys, make the bed, organize their closet, put the books away, etc., they will become overwhelmed! For them, doing all these chores is just too much. So, instead of forcing them to do all of these chores in just one day, make it a task a day. For instance, they can organize their toys on Mondays; on Tuesdays, they can organize their books, etc. Moreover, do not expect your children to do those big tasks like vacuuming the house or moping the floors – always stick to small and realistic age appropriate tasks.
This rule is also applicable to adults. Just think about it – if you start with the thought everything is a mess and everything needs to be cleaned up today, you will probably find yourself overwhelmed. Your thoughts should be small and realistic – see what needs to be cleaned and organized and split everything into smaller tasks that can be done over the next week.
The same applies to other life events. For example, if you have to move, do not overwhelm yourself with everything that needs to be done, and do not force yourself to do everything in just a day. Moving specialists at professionalmover.ca advise that it’s always best to organize your time and chores. Create a moving checklist and list all the duties that await. Then create a timetable that will guide you through all the steps. That, and the help of a moving crew, will help you go through the process stress-free.
Give your child small and realistic cleaning tasks, and they will be happy to do
Make it a Family Affair
Another great way to teach your children how to keep their rooms clean and organized is by making this chore a family affair. Trust us; no child likes being sent off to their room and forced to clean and organize. That sounds boring and, to be honest, lonely. So, instead of having your child clean alone and you and your partner cleaning by yourselves, make this cleaning event a family affair. Clean together. And, while doing so, make sure to keep things fun – chat, listen to music, have a race who is going to clean something faster, etc. This will make cleaning and organizing with children less tedious for the entire family. Moreover, it will make it seem like a game – and once it seems like a game, your child will start doing it alone and on a daily basis.
Whatever you do – do it together with your family.
Explain to Your Child Why Cleaning is Important
In most cases, children do not want to clean because they do not see its purpose. Why would they make their bed today when they will mess it up tonight? This and similar thoughts are present in young children’s minds. Thus, if you never take the time to sit down with your child and explain the importance of cleaning and organizing their rooms, they will never truly know why they do it. As a result, they will hate cleaning and organizing. So, we suggest teaching your children about hygiene and avoiding those tiresome cleaning and organizing myths. Talk about germs and bacteria. Make them connect the dots by talking about what happens to our bodies when they get in touch with dirty things such as the previously mentioned germs and bacteria.
Teaching your children to keep their rooms clean and organized is neither easy nor complicated. It’s somewhere in between. It will take some of your time and dedication, but you will reap the benefits if you do it right.
Share how you made organizing with your children fun.
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 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
The quick declutter challenge is on week 6. The other challenges were to declutter cosmetics, bedrooms, livingroom dining room and office quickly.
It is said that we use 20% of things we own 80% of the time. This leaves 80% of our stuff that we seldom use. For example, do you have a certain style of pens you like and don’t use the rest of the ones in your drawer? You receive lots of newsletters and only read 2 or 3 of them. Do eat the same thing for breakfast most days leaving cereals to go stale or fruit to rot?
Look at your closet, are there clothes you wear a lot? Outfits you love? Items that never seem to get selected? This time of year is good for decluttering your clothes. The types of clothing you wear will be changing with temperature changes. As you reorganize your closet look at the 80% of your clothing you seldom wear and donate them.
Start with a quick declutter of your clothing.
Most times when you are decluttering clothes you find a lot of items in your closet that are not related to your wardrobe. If you have time and energy you can continue with your project organizing your closet so you can quickly find what you need.
If you need help with the quick declutter challenges book a virtual organizing session with me.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, 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 – 5 minutes
The bathroom is a high traffic area used by many people in a home. Use the storage spaces well. Think about wall space and if a cabinet or over the toilet stand can be added. Is there space beside the toilet to add a slender cabinet for towels or toilet paper and Kleenex? There are over the cabinet door products to hold blower dryers and flat irons. Before organizing your bathroom you might want to do a quick declutter to remove unneeded and unwanted items. Next, use these 5 tips to make your bathroom function better and safely.
1. Have a drawer for each person who uses the bathroom to store his or her toiletries and cosmetics. If you don’t have the space to store items in the bathroom, give each person a basket to transport their things to and from his or her bedroom, where the basket is stored.
2. Purchase under-sink storage shelves or baskets to make good use of this under-utilized area. It can be a difficult area to organize because of the pipes under the sink and it is a very deep cabinet.
3. If medications are stored in the bathroom, safely store them where small children and pets can’t gain access. If you have expired medications take them to your pharmacy to be recycled. Most pharmacies want the pills removed from the packaging and placed in a plastic bag. All the medication can go in one bag.
4. Store cleaning supplies safely, out of the reach of children and nearby so you can do quick clean-ups.
5. Add hooks or towel bars to the walls or over-the-door racks/hooks to hang and dry towels after use. Not enough room in the bathroom? Install hooks or bars in the bedrooms. This will keep towels off the floor, neat and clean. This Ikea towel bar has 3 bars that swing out from the wall. It gives lots of space for towels and doesn’t need much wall space.
What is the biggest storage problem in your bathroom?
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
The challenge started with cosmetics, continued with bedrooms, and then the dining room. You can join the challenge anytime and do it in any order. Remember to work quickly for 10 – 30 minutes going around the space and collecting items you no longer need, use or love. Use music to motivate you and a timer to help you stay on task.
Donating and recycling
Many items can be recycled, batteries, pens and markers, and printer cartridges at Staples. Habitat for Humanity takes building supplies and old electronics for recycling. Check with thrift stores in your area. They take household goods, clothing, toys and furniture. Books can be donated at Value Village.
Selling
You may want to sell some items, look at Facebook Marketplace, consignment stores, Kijiji and Craigslist. When selling items to strangers, meet them in a public place and have someone with you. It is the time of year when you can do yard sales.
The Challenge
This challenge can be applied to your family room, living room and recreation room. Get everyone involved and make the quick declutter challenge go faster.
In the comments let me know what interesting things you discovered.
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
I hope you found the tips for decluttering quickly in Quick Declutter Challenge 2 helpful.
Don’t skip this challenge because you don’t have a dining room. Many dining spaces have been turned into offices. You probably have a table that collects clutter or a cupboard that collects too many candles, napkins and unused dishes. It might be in the kitchen, a hallway or a dining room. When clutter is continually visible in a common space area people can start to feel anxious.
In a book I am reading Limitless by Jim Kwik he says, “A Princeton study found that physical clutter competes for your attention ( frontal cortex of your brain) and decreases performance and increases anxiety and stress. Divest yourself of things that attract your attention and distract you.” In the common areas of your home, you want to reduce anxiety, stress and overwhelm. Join the quick declutter challenge 3 and bring happiness to your home.
If you have missed Quick Declutter Challenge 1 – cosmetics or Quick Declutter Challenge 2 – bedrooms you can join the challenge now. Complete the challenges in any order.
In the comment let me know what you found when you decluttered this area.
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
My guest blogger today is Emily Mitchell. She is a passionate mother, blogger, and interior design enthusiast. With a keen eye for creating stylish yet family-friendly spaces, she shares her insights and inspirations to help other parents make their homes beautiful and functional.
The journey of family life is a beautiful and rewarding one. However, as your family grows, so do the challenges and the need to adapt your living spaces. From welcoming a new baby into your home to watching your children grow into school-age individuals, the dynamics of your family spaces will continuously evolve. Let’s explore the art of organizing for a growing family, offering insights, tips, and creative solutions to ensure your home remains a comfortable and functional haven for everyone.
The Evolution of Family Spaces
From a Couple to a Family
One of the most significant changes in a couple’s life is the arrival of a baby. This transition often involves converting a spare room into a nursery. To make the best use your nursery space, consider multi-functional furniture like cribs with built-in storage or changing tables that double as dressers. Safety is paramount, so baby-proofing measures such as outlet covers, cabinet locks, and corner guards should be installed.
The Toddler and Preschooler Years
As your child grows, so does their need for space to explore and play. Designating a playroom can help contain the toys and mess while creating an environment for learning and imagination. Organize toys by type and use storage solutions like bins and shelves to keep them accessible yet tidy. Creating educational spaces within the home, like a reading nook or art corner, encourages cognitive development and creativity. Consider storing away some toys and changing the toys that are out on a regular basis. This makes cleaning up much easier.
School-Age Children
Once your child enters school, the home’s organization shifts again. Homework and study areas become essential. Provide a quiet, well-lit study space, and consider ergonomic furniture to promote good posture. Develop your child’s responsibility by involving them in organizing their study materials and belongings. Additionally, storage solutions should evolve to accommodate changing interests, hobbies and the child’s growth.
Maximizing Space Efficiency
Decluttering and Organizing
The key to efficient space utilization is decluttering regularly. Start by purging items your family no longer needs – organize belongings by category and invest in storage containers and systems that make it easy to maintain order. Implementing daily and weekly cleaning routines can help keep spaces clutter-free.
Multi-Functional Furniture and Design
In smaller homes or rooms with limited space, multi-functional furniture is a game-changer. Consider items like sofa beds, fold-down desks, or ottomans with hidden storage. These pieces save space and also add versatility to your rooms. Get creative with room layouts to maximize functionality while maintaining aesthetics.
Vertical Storage Solutions
Don’t neglect the vertical space in your home. Install shelves, hooks, or pegboards on walls to keep frequently used items accessible. Vertical storage can be very helpful in kitchens, home offices, and bathrooms. It reduces clutter and also adds an element of design to your spaces.
Creating Personalized Spaces
Designing Rooms for Individual Preferences
As your children grow, their personalities and interests evolve. Allow them to express themselves by personalizing their bedrooms. Incorporate their favourite colours, themes, and hobbies into the room’s design. This personal touch fosters a sense of ownership and comfort.
Encouraging Family Involvement
Family spaces should reflect the collective identity of your household. Encourage family members to participate in decorating projects. Collaborative efforts, such as creating a family photo wall or painting a mural together, strengthen the sense of togetherness in your home.
Adapting space in a family home after moving
After a move, reshaping the family home involves a mix of excitement and challenges. As you settle in, it’s a chance to re-envision your living spaces to suit your family’s needs and preferences better. Explore versatile furniture arrangements, declutter for a well-organized environment, and personalize rooms to reflect your family’s unique identity.
Another important step when moving with family is hiring assistance, so you might want to trust the process to specialists who will ensure a smooth transition. As you focus on envisioning your new living space, professionals can do all the planning and hard lifting. With the right moving professionals by your side, you can transform your new house into a warm and welcoming home.
Budget-Friendly Approaches
DIY Projects and Upcycling
Organizing for a growing family doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider do-it-yourself (DIY) projects and upcycling. Repurpose existing furniture or give it a fresh coat of paint to match your evolving decor. Creative and cost-effective ideas can be both fun and budget-friendly.
Smart Shopping Strategies
When you do need to purchase new furniture or decor, adopt smart shopping strategies. Look for budget-friendly options that still meet your quality and style preferences. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, discounts, and online deals to make the most of your budget. Declutter and organize first. You may be surprised how few things you need to purchase.
Future-Proofing Your Home
Planning for the Future
Your family’s needs will continue to change over time. Plan for the future by creating adaptable spaces and space-saving solutions. Consider how rooms can evolve to accommodate different life stages, from toddlers to teenagers. Think about accessibility as family members age, ensuring that your home remains safe and functional.
Maintenance and Durability
Invest in durable materials and design choices that can withstand the wear and tear of family life. Easy-to-maintain surfaces, stain-resistant fabrics, and furniture with removable, washable covers can make your life easier as your family grows.
Conclusion
Organizing for a growing family is a dynamic process that requires flexibility and creativity. As your family evolves, so too must your living spaces. From welcoming a new baby to supporting school-age children, organizing and adapting your home is a rewarding endeavour. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; your family’s unique needs and preferences should guide your choices. Maximizing space efficiency and creating personalized spaces can ensure that your family’s living spaces remain functional and welcoming for years to come. Embrace the journey of family life, and let your home evolve with you.
Share a way you adapted your home to suit your growing family.
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, 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 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
