Does Your Home Reflect Who You Are Today?

Does your home look like the you of 10 or 20 years ago? Do you still have crafts and sports equipment of things that you no longer do or are interested in?

It's time to make your home reflect the you of today!

Your home can definitely reflect who you are today, because it’s where your personality, habits, and values often show up in physical form. When your space is cluttered, it can feel chaotic or disconnected from your true self. Decluttering is a powerful way to bring your living space back into alignment with who you really are now.

Here’s how your home can reflect you through decluttering:

1. Identify what matters to you now
   When you declutter, you get to decide what things are truly important or useful to you today—not what used to matter or what you feel obligated to keep. This helps your space feel authentic.

2. Let go of outdated stuff
   Items tied to old habits, past versions of yourself, or things you don’t use anymore can weigh your space (and mind) down. Removing them clears the way for the person you are now.

3. Create space for your current interests and lifestyle
   Whether you love cooking, reading, art, or fitness, decluttering creates room for those passions to flourish and shows what you care about.

4. Simplify to express clarity and calm
   A decluttered home often feels more peaceful and intentional, which can mirror your mindset and help you stay grounded.

Tips to make your home reflect who you are through decluttering:

• Start with a clear goal: What vibe or feeling do you want your home to give? Cozy, minimalist, vibrant? Let that guide what you keep or toss.

• Sort by category: Clothes, books, decor, sentimental items—this helps you make focused decisions.

• Ask yourself questions:

  • Do I use or love this item now?

  • Does this reflect my current style or needs?

  • Does it bring me joy or serve a purpose?

• Organize what stays thoughtfully: Arrange your belongings in a way that feels functional and aesthetically pleasing to you.

• Be honest but gentle: It’s okay to keep some meaningful items that reflect your journey, even if they’re not “perfect.” Your home can show growth, not just a snapshot.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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Do You Have Family Members with Hoarding Issues? A Seminar to Explain How to Help - or Not.......

Don’t Miss This Upcoming Seminar!

Family & Friends: Hoarding Explained – What to Do and What Not to Do

If someone you care about struggles with hoarding, this seminar is for you. Learn what hoarding really is, how to help effectively, and what approaches may actually do more harm than good.

📅 Date & Time:

Tuesday, August 27, 2025  -  6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Mountain Time – USA)

📍 Held via Zoom | 💵 Seminar Fee: $45
🎟 Registration required
🔗 Register Now

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In This Seminar, You’ll Learn:

• What hoarding is – and what it’s not

• The emotional and psychological complexity behind hoarding behaviors

• What to say (and not say) to your loved one

• How to be truly supportive without enabling

• Strategies that help encourage real change

• How to help someone begin the difficult process of letting go

• Plus: Time for Q&A to ask the hard questions in a safe, judgment-free space

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About the Presenter:

Led by a Professional Organizer and Advanced Hoarding Specialist with 18+ years of experience working hands-on and virtually with individuals across the globe. Hoarding is deeply misunderstood — and rarely discussed. This is a chance to gain clarity, compassion, and tools for real progress.

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“It’s not about the stuff. It’s about support, understanding, and the right approach.”

This session is ideal for anyone who wants to understand and support a family member or friend with hoarding or chronic disorganization — whether you’re just beginning to learn or have been struggling with how to help.

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📌 Register Here:

https://forms.gle/XwQruYY5Vq3PKVHL7
📧 kefconsulting@gmail.com | 📞 (440) 666–9326

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Also Available:

• “Buried in Treasures” – A 16-week workshop for individuals with hoarding challenges

• “Getting Unburied and Moving Forward” – A focused 8-week class for people ready to begin their decluttering journey 

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Get Supported in Your Clutter Journey

 New 8-Week Virtual Class: "Getting Unburied and Moving Forward"

A supportive group for individuals struggling with chronic disorganization and hoarding

We’re excited to offer a condensed 8-week version of the popular 16-week Buried in Treasures program — designed for those who want structured help but need a shorter commitment.

This intensive and focused course includes the most essential material from the original 16-week class, with expanded content on paper and time management.

In this 8-week course, we’ll cover:

• Understanding the complexities of hoarding and chronic disorganization

• Identifying what’s stopping you from working on clutter

• Strategies to reduce acquiring and begin decluttering

• How your personal goals and values impact your progress

• Creating categories that work for you

• Learning the organizing process

• Paper and time management techniques

• Putting it all together and moving forward

Let this be the beginning of your journey toward the life you want to live.

Class Details:

• Dates: Begins Tuesday, September 16, 2025

• Times (Mountain Time - USA):  6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

• Format: Virtual (held via Zoom)

• Cost: $240 USD for 8 weeks

• Who can attend: Open to participants anywhere in the world

• Environment: Confidential and judgment-free

Registration:

Early registration and acceptance into the group are required.

For more information or to register, email: kefconsulting@gmail.com

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Decluttering Memorabilia Without Losing the Memories

Decluttering memorabilia can be emotional and tricky—it’s not just stuff, it’s symbols of moments and meaning. Here’s a practical guide to help you simplify without feeling like you’re erasing your past:

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🧭 Step 1: Get Clear on Why You're Decluttering

Ask yourself:

• Do I want more space?

• Am I downsizing?

• Do I want less emotional weight from physical items?

This helps anchor your decisions in purpose.

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📦 Step 2: Gather and Sort

Bring your memorabilia together. Sort into broad categories:

• Photos

• Cards/letters

• Childhood items

• Travel souvenirs

• School/job awards

• Gifts

Seeing the scope helps you be more intentional.

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🧠 Step 3: Use the “One Keepsake, One Story” Rule

You don’t need 15 items to remember a person or event—choose one that best evokes the memory. Ask:

• “Does this still move me?”

• “Would I miss this if it were gone?”

• “Am I keeping it out of guilt or love?”

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📸 Step 4: Digitize What You Don’t Need to Physically Keep

• Scan letters, photos, or ticket stubs

• Use apps like Google Photos, Evernote, or Artkive

• Add a short caption or audio note to capture the story

This way, the memory lives on without the clutter.

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🪄 Step 5: Create a Memory Box (or Album)

Limit yourself to one small box or binder per life stage (childhood, college, etc.). It makes space for what matters most.

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🖼️ Optional: Make a Display or Project

Some ideas:

• Frame 3 favorite travel items

• Create a collage or scrapbook

• Turn fabric items (like t-shirts) into a quilt

This honors the memory in a creative way—and gets it out of storage.

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❌ Step 6: Let Go Gently

Say goodbye. Thank the item for what it gave you (a la Marie Kondo). Remember:

"You're not throwing away the memory, just the object."

If it helps, take a picture before you let it go.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Declutter ing Your Pantry

Decluttering your pantry can definitely feel overwhelming, but with a clear plan and some simple steps, you can get it done without going crazy! Here’s a straightforward approach:

1. Set the Mood & Prepare

• Put on some upbeat music or a podcast to keep you entertained.

• Clear a workspace nearby to sort items.

• Have cleaning supplies ready (wipes, trash bags, containers).

2. Empty It Out

• Take everything out of your pantry.

• Wipe down shelves while empty.

• This helps you see exactly what you have and frees you from cluttered spaces.

3. Sort & Categorize

• Group items by type: canned goods, snacks, baking supplies, spices, grains, etc.

• Check expiration dates and toss anything expired or stale.

• Decide what you actually use and what you don’t.

4. Declutter Ruthlessly

• Donate unopened, non-expired items you won’t use.

• Toss expired or damaged items.

• Be honest about what you really need.

5. Organize Thoughtfully

• Use clear containers or bins to group similar items.

• Label containers or shelves for easy finding.

• Place frequently used items at eye level or in easy reach.

• Reserve higher or lower shelves for less used stuff.

6. Maintain Regularly

• Once a month, do a quick check to keep clutter from piling up.

• Rotate older items to the front to use them first.

Bonus Tips:

• Consider shelf risers or lazy susans for better space use.

• Avoid buying duplicates by keeping an inventory list.

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Declutter Your Closet for Summer

Here is a quick checklist to help you declutter your closet for the summer and put away your fall & winter clothes.

✅ Summer Closet Declutter Checklist  

🧺 1. Prepare

• Set aside 1–2 hours

• Have donation bags/boxes ready

• Clean your closet space

🧤 2. Empty Closet

• Take everything out

• Wipe down shelves and vacuum floor

🧦 3. Sort Items

• Keep for Summer

• Store for Fall/Winter

• Donate/Sell

• Toss/Recycle

👕 4. Try On & Edit

• Try on anything you’re unsure about

• Remove duplicates

• Say goodbye to items you haven’t worn in 1+ years

📦 5. Store Seasonal Items

• Wash before storing

• Use labeled boxes or vacuum bags

• Add sachets or cedar blocks

📚 6. Organize Summer Wardrobe

• Hang dresses, blouses, light jackets

• Fold shorts, tanks, tees

• Use bins for swimsuits, accessories

🔁 7. Maintain

• One-in-one-out rule

• Monthly 10-minute check-in

• Donate seasonally

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....   

Stress Free and Fun Kids Summer

Planning a stress-free summer at home for your kids can be fun, enriching, and affordable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a low-stress, high-fun summer your kids will remember:

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🎯 Step 1: Set the Summer Tone

• Create a flexible routine: Kids thrive on some structure. Design a simple daily schedule (not strict) that includes time for free play, learning, outdoor time, and rest.

• Balance quiet and active time: Alternate energetic activities with calm ones to keep energy balanced throughout the day.

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🗓️ Step 2: Weekly Themes for Variety

Give each week a fun theme to keep things fresh. Examples:

• Nature Week: Backyard scavenger hunt, bug observation, planting seeds.

• Water Week: Sprinklers, DIY splash pad, water balloon games.

• Science Week: Simple home experiments, like volcanoes or baking soda rockets.

• Art Week: Painting outside, tie-dye shirts, sidewalk chalk mural day.

• Around the World Week: Explore a different country each day via food, crafts, music.

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🧠 Step 3: Keep Their Minds Engaged

• Summer reading challenge: Create a reading chart or bingo.

• DIY “Camp at Home”: Pick a theme (e.g., “Camp Discovery”) and plan simple crafts, games, or nature activities around it.

• Screen time that teaches: Let them watch educational YouTube channels or apps like PBS Kids or Nat Geo Kids.

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🧩 Step 4: Create a Fun “Boredom Buster” Jar

Fill a jar with easy activities like:

• Build a fort with blankets

• Make a treasure hunt

• Create a puppet show

• Make homemade playdough

• Invent a board game
  Let kids draw an idea when they say “I’m bored.”

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🌳 Step 5: Maximize the Outdoors (even at home)

• Backyard camping (tent, flashlight stories, s’mores in the oven)

• DIY obstacle course

• Picnic in the yard

• Stargazing nights

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🧘 Step 6: Minimize Stress for You

• Prepare some go-to snacks and lunches ahead of time to avoid daily stress.

• Designate independent play time every day, even just 30–60 minutes.

• Keep expectations low: Not every day needs to be amazing — downtime is healthy!

• Let them be bored sometimes. It encourages creativity and problem-solving.

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🎉 Bonus: Sprinkle in Surprises

• “Yes Day” (within reason!)

• Popsicle party

• Water fight

• Backyard movie night

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
.

Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

*** check out the Products tab for self-paced workshops, planners and more....