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

Latest Episodes:

Tip of the Week- Finding the Balance Between Teaching and Doing Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Hey Friend!
For today’s Tip of the Week we’re delving into a common struggle faced by many parents: finding the balance between teaching your kids how to do certain household chores versus doing everything yourself. The two biggest pushbacks I hear from parents are: wanting things done “right” and wanting them done “quickly.”
As a somewhat Type-A mom, I can totally relate.
Even now that my girls are grown-ish, I find myself wanting to swoop in and offer a solution, even though I know they are capable independent young women.
How much you outsource is going to vary based on age, ability, and family dynamics.This episode addresses questions like:

How to involve children in household chores from a young age.
Setting clear expectations and providing guidance without micromanaging.
Using incentives to help motivate kids through gamifying strategies.
Allowing your kids to take ownership, even if it means accepting imperfection.
How to resist the urge to jump in and do it.

Today’s challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to look at some of the recurring chores in your home and ask yourself “What tasks will empower my kids to become self-sufficient?”
By nurturing their independence and instilling valuable life skills, you’re setting your children up for success both at home and in the future.
Happy Organizing!
Laurie
P.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and looking for some specific strategies to help you or your family live a more organized life, hop on my calendar for a 1-hour strategy session: https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySession

Strategies to Stay Motivated | Ep 379 Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Hey Friends,
Today we're diving into a topic that we all struggle with from time to time – staying on track when you just don't feel like it.
Whether it's decluttering a closet or tackling a daunting project, we've all had those moments when we'd rather do anything else other than what we are “supposed to” do.
I'm here to share five actionable strategies to help you stay on track, even on the toughest days.
Remember, the key is to find what works for you and adapt as needed. If you need some extra accountability, I’d love to help. Click HERE to hop on my calendar for a clutter strategy call https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySession
Happy Organizing
Laurie
Thanks to Our Sponsor:
Factor Meals: factormeals.com/organizedlife50 *use code organizedlife50 for 50% off

Tip of the Week-Scheduling Family Meetings Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Hey Friend!
Today we’re delving into the benefits of scheduling family meetings.When it comes to staying organized both at home and with our schedules, having everyone on the same page helps to significantly reduce conflict and improve communication.
Below are some key benefits that can come from regular family meetings:

They prevent overlap, overscheduling, and things from being overlooked.
Allows you to redistribute responsibilities to ensure that no one is shouldering more than they can handle.
Family meetings provide a platform to ask for help where you might need it.
Regular family meetings demonstrate the importance of teamwork, open communication, and managing shared responsibilities.

When you’re solely focused on your own to-do list and deadlines, it’s easy to lose track of the importance of checking in with the other people in your household-I know it may sound crazy, but it’s more common than you think.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and looking for some specific strategies to help improve communication with your family I’d love to hear from you!
https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySession
Happy Organizing!
Laurie

Identity Clutter with the Minimal Mom, Dawn Madsen | Ep 378 Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

Hi Friend,
You are in for a treat today! By now you know that clutter comes in many forms aside from physical stuff. It shows up in our calendars, on our devices, and our relationships.
But have you ever stopped to think about how your clutter is tied to your identity? Maybe it represents who we once were, or perhaps it’s who we want to be.
From books, to hobbies, and even that old varsity jacket tells a story.
Joining me to talk about the topic of Identity Clutter is Dawn Madsen, host of the Minimal Mom podcast and YouTube Channel where she reaches over 1M women per month with practical tips to simplify and declutter.
During our conversation Dawn shared:

What happened when she and her family gave up 85% of their belongings
The one line in a podcast that changed her life
Specific strategies you can use to work through Identity Clutter

I know that decluttering can be overwhelming which is why we’re here to help you wherever you are in your decluttering journey.
Feel free to leave us a comment, and if you’re looking for some added support you can always schedule a clutter strategy session with me! https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySession
XOXO-
Laurie
Links Mentioned In this Episode:Connect with Dawn:https://www.theminimalmom.com/Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: https://amzn.to/49E6a0i
Thanks to Our Sponsor:Factor Meals: factormeals.com/organizedlife50 *use code organizedlife50 for 50% off

Tip of the Week-Command Center Essentials Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

Today I’m talking about how having a command center can really be a game-changer for your household organization. It's not just about finding a spot to put your stuff—it's about creating a central hub that keeps everything running smoothly.
I’m giving you practical tips like:

Having designated spots for storing your devices
Setting up an action file system to prioritize paperwork
Using calendars and bulletin boards to keep everyone on track

And bonus: keeping a utility drawer stocked with all the essentials - paper, pencils, markers, stamps and envelopes can help to keep the family moving.
By putting these strategies into action, you'll be well on your way to creating a command center that's not only efficient but also tailored to the unique needs of your household. So grab a cup of coffee and let's get organized together!
Happy Organizing
Laurie
Need help organizing your command center? Hop on my calendar: https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySession

Leap of Faith | Ep 377 Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

Hi Friend!
Since leap year only comes around every 4 years, I thought it would be fun to focus today’s episode on leaping into the unknown.
Regardless of whether you're going through a major life transition or thinking about a career change, stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy.It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to pivot, but I want to assure you that you are not alone.In the episode we focus on the 3 major areas where change impacts us most:

Financially
Logistically
Relationally

If you are in a period of change, either personally or professionally this episode is for you!
Here’s my special invitation for you:
Whether you’re tired of the stress that comes from having clutter in your home, or you’re ready to start that professional organizing business you’ve been dreaming of, I’d love for you to book a strategy session so we can work through it together.
Hop on My Calendar! https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySession
The first step is always the hardest, but it’s easier when you’ve got someone in your corner.

Tip of the Week-Decluttering Toys and Games Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

Hi Friends!
We’ve made it to the end of February, which if you’re a parent, likely means that you’re sick and tired of looking at toys everywhere and ready to take a big trash bag and dump everything inside it.
But before you do…you’re going to want to listen to today's mini episode where I talk about:.

Why the winter is a good time to tackle kids toys
Making some executive decisions as a parent
The importance of setting boundaries and getting your kids involved in the process.

Remember that kids struggle with decision fatigue and overwhelm too! If they can’t find their toys or are overstimulated with too much stuff, it can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and a desire to avoid their play area entirely.
If it stresses you out, there’s a chance it stresses them out-they might just not have the language to articulate it.
Happy Organizing!
Laurie
🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook

Organizing Tax Documents with Samantha Besnoff | Ep 376 Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

Hi Friend!
Today we’re talking about how to organize all the 1099’s, w-2’s and other documents needed to prepare your taxes.
If you’re like me, this is less than exciting stuff to talk about, but thankfully my guest today is here to help!
Joining me is Samanta Besnoff who has been a CPA for 22 years and recently named one of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs Women to Watch.
She hosts a podcast called Your Financial Maven and her speciality is helping individuals and small businesses with all of their tax needs. I invited Samantha on the show because not only is she super knowledgeable, but she simplifies what can be a complicated and overwhelming process.
During our conversation we talked about:

How long we really need to keep old documents
How to best organize all of the necessary tax documents in prep for April 15th
When she recommends beginning the process of gathering your tax info
How to avoid missing important documents
Some do’s and don'ts when filing your taxes

Whether you work with a tax professional or file your taxes on your own, this is a great conversation filled with information that we all need to know.
Although Samantha is a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania, some information shared may vary from state to state.
We advise all listeners to please consult your Accountant taking any advice given in this episode.
Happy Organizing!
Laurie
🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
www.yourfinancialmaven.com
IRS.GOV
Samantha’s Book Recommendation: The 4 Agreements: https://amzn.to/3wjgdcF

Tip of the Week-Mastering Mindful Consumption Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

Hi Friends!
On today’s Tip of the Week we’re talking about Mindful Consumption.
Mindful consumption helps you avoid impulse buying and focus on acquiring things that truly enhance your well-being.
In other words, before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item.
The timing of this episode aligns with something going on in my personal life. I decided that for lent this year I was going to give up all “non-essential shopping.”
What does that look like?
No more candles from Home Goods, Lip Gloss from CVS or late night amazon purchases.
I’m documenting my experience over the next 40 days so I can report back to you in a follow up episode.
Pro Tip: Whether you want to join me on my shopping sabbatical, or practice being more intentional about what you’re bringing into your home, tell a friend! Having some external accountability makes it easier to stay on track when you feel the urge to slip up!
Happy Organizing!
Laurie
🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook
EXEXPERTS: http://www.exexperts.com/newsletter

Photo Organizing with Darla DeMorrow | Ep 375 Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

Hi Friend!
Regardless of how organized you might be with your closet, kitchen or garage, the one area that most folks find hard to keep up with are photos.
If you’ve been around me for a minute you know that I always talk about “the ease of retrieval” when it comes to organizing, and photos are a prime example of where people waste hours of time looking for those precious memories!
Between boxes and bins of “old school” photos that you’ve collected over the decades, VHS tapes and CDs with who-knows what on it, to the tens of thousands of digital photos on our phones, computers and social media-it can seem next to impossible to create a system to keep it all organized.
My guest today is Darla DeMorrow, a certified photo organizer, author, and owner of HeartWorkOrganizing where she helps her clients gather, preserve, organize and maintain a system to easily find and enjoy the important moments in their lives.
During our conversation we talked about:

The 2 universes of photo storage
3 places not to store photos
Her favorite tool for separating photos (hint: you can get it at the dollar store!)

Listen to the entire episode for more of Darla’s tips and strategies!
Happy Organizing!
Laurie
P.S. Have you checked out our NEW Enneagram & Clutter Workbook? Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook/buy
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Connect with Darla:HeartWorkorg.com
Darla’s Book Recommendations:
The E-Myth Revisited:https://amzn.to/3UqCsHw
All the Light We Cannot See: https://amzn.to/3wbhTET
Going through a Divorce? Connect up with my friends at the exExperts: http://www.exexperts.com/newsletter

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

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

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected