An Organized Thanksgiving: Less Stress, More Enjoyment

It’s never too early to start thinking about Thanksgiving. The stores are already filled with decorations, cooking supplies, and holiday everything - and the holiday will be here soon!

The good news? “Organized,” “stress-free,” and “Thanksgiving” really can be used in the same sentence.

It starts with planning ahead and, perhaps more importantly, deciding what you want your Thanksgiving to look like.

What do you really want?

Do you really want to serve a formal sit-down dinner for twenty people?

Or would a buffet be easier - and just as enjoyable?

If you want a fancy dinner but twenty guests feels overwhelming, make the guest list smaller. If having all twenty people together is important to you, consider a buffet.

You get to decide what works for you.

Thanksgiving doesn't have to look like someone else's Thanksgiving. You don't have to serve every traditional dish just because “that's the way we've always done it.”  Make a menu you actually enjoy. Start a new tradition. Simplify the meal if that makes the day more enjoyable.

Divide and conquer

Don't try to do everything yourself.

Enlist your family. And friends.  Give people specific jobs and let them know what you need ahead of time. Assigning tasks before Thanksgiving means you won't have to spend the day reminding everyone what needs to be done.

And remember - this is your holiday, too. You deserve to enjoy it.

Start early

A couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, decide on:

• Your guest list
• The type of gathering
• Your menu
• What you can prepare ahead of time

Once you know when you want dinner served, work backward. Create a simple timetable for the turkey, side dishes, and anything else that needs to be ready.

Write it down and keep it where you can easily see it. When the house fills with family and guests, it's easy to lose track of what you were supposed to be doing. A simple list can keep you on track and prevent the last-minute panic.

A few days before

Do as much as you reasonably can ahead of time:

• Shop for groceries and other essentials.
• Check your pantry for spices and ingredients you don't use often.
• Bake anything that can be made ahead.
• Thaw the turkey according to its size and the time needed.
• Buy beverages and anything else you won't want to worry about at the last minute.

The day before

Take care of the details that will make Thanksgiving Day easier.

Chop vegetables and other ingredients that can be prepared ahead of time. Make whatever dishes you can in advance. Set out your serving dishes and make sure you have enough plates, glasses, and silverware.

And don't forget the ice!

Most importantly, make sure your family knows what you need them to do the next day.

Thanksgiving Day

Give yourself a little time in the morning before the day gets busy. Have your coffee. Sit down. Take a breath.

Then look at your timetable and get started.

Gather your ingredients and cooking utensils. Measure out what you can ahead of time. Follow your schedule and let your family handle their assigned jobs.

And then comes the part that matters most:

Sit down. Eat. Talk. Laugh. Enjoy your family and friends.

That's what Thanksgiving is really about.

Don't worry about perfection

Everything does not have to be perfect.

The turkey might not look like the picture. The potatoes might get a little cold. Someone might spill something. And that's okay.

If preparing a huge meal makes you miserable, make a smaller meal. Skip the complicated dessert. Use paper plates. Order part of the meal. Ask everyone to bring something.

There is no Thanksgiving rule that says you have to exhaust yourself to make the holiday special.

The goal isn't to create the perfect Thanksgiving.

The goal is to spend time with the people you care about and actually enjoy the day.

So, start early, make a plan, ask for help, and give yourself permission to keep things simple.

And maybe this year, start a new tradition - one that puts family, friends, and enjoying the holiday at the center.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
...

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Making Room for the Season Ahead

Time for a Closet Swap? A Gentle Guide to Changing Seasons

It’s getting colder out, which means it might be time to pull out those sweaters!

For some of us, that also means it’s time to swap out our closets because there simply isn’t room for every season of clothing at the same time.

If that sounds like you, let’s get started — and remember, this doesn’t have to be an all-day, take-everything-out-of-the-closet-at-once kind of project.

Start Small

Depending on the size of your closet, taking everything out at once and putting it all on your bed might feel overwhelming.

If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by big projects, please don’t make this harder than it needs to be.

Start with one rod. Or one shelf.

Take everything off that rod or shelf and put it on your bed (or wherever you’re going to sort your clothes).

Since we’re doing a seasonal swap, only take out the things you wouldn’t wear in the upcoming season — summer clothes if we’re heading into fall or winter, for example.

Then, take a look at each item and ask yourself:

·         Do I still like it?

·         Does it still fit?

·         Is it in good condition?

·         Did I even wear it this past season?

And here’s the important part: there are no wrong answers.

If the answer is “no” to one of those questions, it might be time to let that item go.

That could mean giving it to someone who might get some use out of it or donating it. If it’s in really, really bad condition, maybe it can become cleaning rags. And sometimes, unfortunately, it just needs to be thrown away.

That’s okay, too.

If the answer is “yes,” leave it in your “keep” pile.

Some people might want to sort their clothes by color at this point. (That’s just me.)

Keep Going — One Section at a Time

Once you’ve finished with that rod or shelf, move on to the next one.

You don’t have to finish your entire closet in one sitting. You can take a break. Come back later. Do another shelf tomorrow.

The goal is to make your closet work better for you — not to create another overwhelming project.

Once you’ve decided which clothes are staying, put them back into the closet.

Then, when you’ve removed all of the current out-of-season clothes, put them into a container, storage bin, or compression bag and move them to another area — maybe the basement, another closet, or wherever you store seasonal things.

Now Bring Out the Next Season

Once the summer clothes are packed away, it’s time to bring out the fall and winter clothes.

And guess what?

You’re going to go through those, too.

Use the same questions:

·         Do I still like it?

·         Does it still fit?

·         Is it in good condition?

·         Did I wear it last season?

Because things change.

Your taste might have changed. Your size might have changed. Your lifestyle might have changed. Maybe you bought something that you love more. Or maybe you simply discovered that you never reached for that sweater last winter.

That’s okay.

We don’t have to keep things just because we’ve had them for a long time.

Give Your Clothes Some Breathing Room

One thing I really want to emphasize is this:

Don’t try to stuff more clothes into your closet than will comfortably fit.

You should be able to get your clothes in and out without having to fight with the hangers.

You should be able to see what you have.

And you should be able to reach for something without three other things falling on your head.

A closet doesn’t need to be packed completely full to be useful.

Make Room for What You Value

Going through your clothes at least once a season can be really helpful. Whether you’re swapping them out to make more room or simply giving your closet a little refresh.

If you aren’t wearing the clothes you have, they’re taking up valuable real estate in your closet.

And that space is valuable.

So, as you’re going through your clothes, try not to think about what you should keep or what you should get rid of.

Instead, ask yourself what you actually use, what you enjoy wearing, and what makes sense for your life right now.

Let there be room for what you value — not just stuff you don’t want to make decisions about.

And remember: you don’t have to do it all today.

One rod.

One shelf.

One small step at a time.

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....  

Fall Garage Organization: How to Get Your Garage Ready for Winter

Fall is the perfect time for a garage reset. As summer winds down and cooler weather arrives, it’s time to put away the bikes, kayaks, camping gear and lawn equipment and make room for the things you’ll actually need this winter.

A little fall garage organization now can make a huge difference when that first snow arrives. Instead of digging through piles of summer equipment to find your snow shovel, you'll know exactly where everything is.

The goal isn't to create a picture-perfect garage. It's to create a garage that works for your family and the season you're in.

Start With Garage Decluttering

Before you start moving things around, take a good look at what you're storing.

Fall is a great time to do some garage decluttering and get rid of things you no longer use, need or want.

Ask yourself:

Do we still use this? Will we use it next year? Would we buy it again today?

If the answer is no, it may be time to let it go.

Here are some common garage items that may be ready to leave:

• Holiday decorations you no longer use. If you've stopped putting something out year after year, there's probably no reason to keep storing it.

• Old sports equipment. Kids outgrow bikes, skates, scooters and other equipment quickly. If they've outgrown it — or your family no longer participates in that sport — consider donating it or passing it along to another family.

• Camping equipment. If you know you're not going camping anymore, you don't need to keep an entire collection of camping gear taking up valuable space.

• Old or broken tools. Get rid of tools that are broken, duplicates you never use, or things that have been sitting untouched for years.

• Old gardening supplies. Broken pots, worn-out gardening tools and supplies you no longer use don't need to spend another winter in your garage.

• Things you've been saving “just in case.” If you've had something for years and haven't used it, be honest about whether you ever will.

You don't have to get rid of everything. The idea is simply to make sure the things taking up space in your garage are things you actually use or value.

Clean Out the Garage

Once you've decluttered, it's time to clean.

Sweep the garage floor, remove dirt and debris, and knock down those summer cobwebs. If you've moved things out of the way, take advantage of the opportunity to clean areas that are normally difficult to reach.

And here's an important tip: don't immediately put everything back exactly where it was.

Instead, think about what you'll need over the next several months.

Move Winter Items to the Front of the Garage

This is one of the simplest ways to make your garage more functional.

Put the things you use most often in the easiest-to-reach areas.

During the summer, that might mean keeping bikes, lawn games and gardening equipment near the garage door.

In the winter, your priorities change.

Move your:

• Snowblower

• Snow shovels

• Ice melt

• Winter sports equipment

• Snow brushes and other winter gear

toward the front of the garage, where they're easy to grab.

You don't want to be moving boxes and summer equipment around while standing in the garage during a snowstorm just to find your shovel!

Put Your Summer Equipment Away

Summer equipment can now move toward the back of the garage or into higher storage areas.

Bikes, kayaks, camping equipment, lawn games and other warm-weather items probably won't be used as often during the winter.

This is also a great time to take a second look at those items before storing them.

If something is broken, hasn't been used in years, or your family has simply moved on from that activity, don't automatically store it for another season.

Declutter it now and you'll have less to deal with next spring.

Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter

Before you move your lawn mower and other summer equipment to the back of the garage, clean them up and prepare them for seasonal storage according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The same goes for your trimmer and other lawn equipment.

Once everything is clean and properly prepared, move it toward the back of the garage.

That way, your lawn equipment is out of the way but still easy enough to access when spring rolls around.

Get Your Snowblower Ready Now

Don't wait for the first snowstorm to discover that your snowblower needs maintenance.

Fall is the time to make sure your snowblower is ready for winter. Check it over, perform the maintenance recommended by the manufacturer, and make sure you know where everything you need is located.

Then move the snowblower toward the front of the garage.

The same goes for your snow shovels, ice melt and other winter supplies.

If you need it during a snowstorm, you should be able to reach it quickly.

Don't Store Everything in Cardboard Boxes

Your garage may not be the best place for everything you're currently storing there.

Cardboard boxes can absorb moisture, which can be a problem in a garage — especially for books, papers, photographs and other items that can be damaged by moisture.

Whenever appropriate, consider using sturdy plastic storage containers with secure lids instead of cardboard boxes.

And remember that some items shouldn't be stored in the garage at all.

For example, paint generally shouldn't be stored in a garage because freezing temperatures can damage it. Always follow the manufacturer's storage instructions for paint, chemicals and other temperature-sensitive products.

Organize Your Garage by Season

One of the easiest ways to maintain an organized garage is to organize it according to how often you use things.

Think about your garage in three zones:

Front: Items you'll need throughout the current season.

Middle: Items you use occasionally.

Back or higher storage: Seasonal items you won't need for several months.

This simple system makes it easier to find things and makes your seasonal garage clean-out much easier each year.

When spring arrives, you'll simply reverse the process — moving summer equipment forward and winter equipment toward the back.

Fall Garage Organization Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

You don't need a fancy storage system or an entire weekend of complicated organizing to get your garage ready for winter.

Start with the basics:

Declutter. Clean. Move. Organize.

Get rid of the things you no longer use. Clean the space. Move your summer equipment toward the back and your winter equipment toward the front.

Most importantly, make sure the things you need most are easy to find and easy to reach.

The snow will be here before you know it. A little fall garage organization now will make getting through those first snowy days much easier.

Get your garage ready for winter now — before the first snow arrives!

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....  

When Clutter Becomes a Relationship Issue

Clutter is complicated. It bothers some people deeply, while others barely notice it. You may hear someone say, “What’s the big deal? No one ever comes to visit, so why bother cleaning up?”

And that may be true. But there is another way to look at it: you can clear the clutter and enjoy the home you deserve—not for anyone else, but for yourself.

You don’t have to organize your home to meet someone else’s expectations. But when you share a home with another person, clutter can become a shared issue. What feels comfortable and manageable to one person may feel overwhelming or stressful to another. Neither perspective is necessarily wrong, but both deserve to be heard.

If clutter is creating tension in your relationship, it may be time to take notice. Creating peace in the home starts with having an honest conversation about what the issue actually is - and then finding a compromise that respects both people.

One person should never simply take another person’s belongings and throw them away. Even when the intention is to help, doing so can create hurt, anger, and mistrust. It doesn’t solve the underlying problem; it can make it worse.

Instead, start by establishing some ground rules together. Talk about what you both want your home to feel like and what level of clutter feels reasonable. Perhaps the agreement is that the living room remains relatively clear, while each person has a designated space where they can keep their own belongings without criticism or interference. That can be a meaningful place to start.

Of course, agreements only work when both people make an effort to honor them. If clutter begins to return to a shared space, it may be time for another conversation. Rather than turning it into a confrontation, try to revisit the agreement and decide together what needs to change. If something needs to be moved, perhaps it can be relocated to the person’s designated space rather than simply thrown away.

This can be a very sensitive area, and these conversations don’t always go smoothly. But everyone deserves to feel comfortable and at peace in their own home. Finding that balance may take time, patience, and a willingness to understand where the other person is coming from.

It can also be helpful to step back and ask yourself why the clutter bothers you so much. What did you learn about cleanliness, organization, and possessions while growing up? And consider asking the other person the same question. Understanding each other’s history can bring compassion into a conversation that might otherwise become an argument.

Sometimes, clutter is about much more than things. There may be an emotional attachment to possessions that the person hasn’t fully recognized. They may have difficulty letting go, may not know where to begin, or may be caught in a cycle of acquiring and holding onto things that no longer serve them.

The good news is that understanding what is behind the clutter can be the first step toward meaningful change. It is possible to begin letting go, create new patterns, and move toward a home and a life that feel more manageable.

Upcoming 8-Week Class: Getting Unburied and Moving Forward

Registration is now OPEN for the next 8-week virtual program, Getting Unburied and Moving Forward - a class for people experiencing chronic disorganization and hoarding issues.

·         Is clutter getting in the way of how you want to live your life? 

·         Are you feeling overwhelmed by too many possessions?

·         Are you embarrassed to have people over?  

·         Do you wish you could feel more comfortable and in control of your home?

Ø  You can lead a less cluttered life.

Ø  You can get unburied.

Ø  You can move forward—one small step at a time.

Getting your home and life back on track can be transformative. Clutter is rarely just about “the stuff.” It can reflect deeper challenges, emotions, habits, and patterns that may be difficult to understand on your own. This program provides support and guidance to help you explore what is underneath the clutter and begin moving toward the life you want.

It’s complicated - but there is hope.

Join others who are working to understand their relationship with possessions, learn how to “let go” of things that no longer serve them, and take meaningful steps forward. With support and guidance, change is possible.

Class Details:

Getting Unburied and Moving Forward  -  8-Week Virtual Class (Zoom or phone)

Start Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026

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

Fee: $325 if paid by September 15, 2026; $350 after September 15, 2026

Early registration and acceptance are required.

Participants can join from anywhere in the world through Zoom, using a computer or phone. This is a closed, confidential group, and only registered participants may attend.

Course Topics Include

·         Understanding the complexities of hoarding

·         Identifying what prevents progress

·         Reducing acquiring and beginning effective decluttering

·         Clarifying goals and values

·         Creating workable categories

·         Learning the organizing process

·         Paper and time management

·         Integrating the tools and moving forward

This will be the final class offered in 2026. At this time, there are no plans for another class until fall 2027, although that schedule is not guaranteed. If you have been considering joining a group, this may be a good opportunity to take that first step.

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

 For more information, early registration, or to join the waiting list for future morning or evening groups, please contact me:

Phone: (440) 666-9326

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....  

Organize Your Home & Life: Creating a More Organized, Peaceful, and Manageable Life

Have you ever looked around your home and felt overwhelmed by the clutter, paperwork, or unfinished organizing projects? Maybe you know what needs to be done, but you aren’t sure where to start. Or perhaps you’ve tried organizing before, only to find that the systems didn’t last.

Creating an organized home and life is about more than having a neat space. It is about creating an environment that supports the way you want to live.

An organized home and life can help you save time, reduce stress, find what you need more easily, save money, and create more time for the people and activities you enjoy.

Organization Starts with a Plan

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to get organized is jumping straight into decluttering without a plan. While it can feel productive to start filling boxes and bags, lasting organization begins with understanding your goals and creating a strategy.

Before organizing any space, it is important to ask:

• What do I want this space to accomplish?
• What is working well?
• What is creating frustration?
• What systems would make my daily life easier?

When you take the time to plan, the organizing process becomes more focused and effective.

Decluttering: Making Decisions with Confidence

Decluttering is often the hardest part of getting organized. It is not just about deciding what to remove from your home — it is about making thoughtful decisions about what truly supports your current life.

Learning how to ask the right questions can make the process easier:

• Do I use this?
• Do I need this?
• Does this support the life I want to live?
• Would someone else benefit more from having this item?

Decluttering with a clear purpose helps you create spaces that feel calmer and easier to maintain.

Creating Organizing Systems That Work for You

An organized home is not about perfection. It is about creating systems that make everyday life easier.

Every home has different needs, which is why organizing solutions should fit your lifestyle. Whether it is creating a functional entryway, improving kitchen storage, organizing closets, or tackling the garage, the goal is to make your home work better for you.

The best organizing systems are:

• Easy to use
• Easy to maintain
• Designed around your daily routines

Managing Your Time and Your Schedule

Organization is not only about physical spaces. Your time is one of your most valuable resources.

Many people feel overwhelmed because they are constantly busy but not always focused on the things that matter most. Learning how to schedule your time, prioritize tasks, and create realistic routines can help your week feel more manageable.

Being organized with your time allows you to spend less energy trying to keep up and more time enjoying life.

Taking Control of Paper and Paperwork

Paper continues to be one of the biggest sources of frustration in many homes. Mail, bills, important documents, and records can quickly become overwhelming without a system.

Creating a simple paper management system can help you:

• Know what needs attention
• Find important documents when needed
• Reduce unnecessary paper accumulation
• Protect important financial and personal information

A good paper system gives you confidence and peace of mind.

Take the Next Step Toward a More Organized Home & Life

Getting organized does not happen overnight, but with the right strategies and tools, you can make meaningful progress and create lasting change.

The Organize Your Home & Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to a More Organized You virtual workshop was created to help you do exactly that. During this six-week program, you will learn practical strategies for planning, decluttering, organizing your home, managing your time, and creating a paper management system that works for you.

Each session includes time for questions and discussion, along with practical tips, real-life examples, and strategies you can put into action right away. You will also receive more than 20 handouts, worksheets, and checklists to support you throughout the process, plus a complimentary “Take Control of Your Schedule” eBook.

The next workshop begins Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Mountain Time via Zoom.

For more information or to request a registration form, email kefconsulting@gmail.com.

A more organized home and life begins with one step — and this could be yours.

 

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....  

Is It More Than Just Normal Clutter? Chronic Disorganization and Hoarding - A Class to Help!

Upcoming 8-Week Class: Getting Unburied and Moving Forward

Registration for our next 8-week virtual program, “Getting Unburied and Moving Forward,” is now OPEN.

A Class for People with Chronic Disorganization and Hoarding Issues

Ø    >>>   Is clutter getting in the way of how you want to live your life?

Ø    >>>   Are you feeling overwhelmed with too many possessions?

Ø    >>>   Are you embarrassed to have people over?

Ø    >>>  You can lead a less cluttered life!

Ø    >>>  You can get unburied!

Ø    >>>  You can move forward!

Ø    >>>>>>>>>    One small step at a time!

Getting your home and life back on track can be transformative. Clutter is rarely just about “the stuff”—it often reflects deeper challenges. This program helps you understand what’s underneath the clutter and how to begin moving toward the life you want.

It’s complicated – but there is Hope! Join others to learn how to “Let Go” of the things that no longer serve you. With support and guidance, you can have the life you deserve.

---

About Chronic Disorganization & Hoarding

Chronic disorganization and hoarding are complex issues. Hoarding is not simply about possessions, but about what those possessions represent.

I have been facilitating the 16-week Buried in Treasures program for over ten years. To support individuals seeking a shorter commitment, I developed the 8-week Getting Unburied and Moving Forward virtual program, which includes the most essential elements of the 16-week class along with additional content on time and paper management.

As a Professional Organizer and Advanced Hoarding Specialist with more than 20 years of experience, I have worked closely with clients both onsite and virtually. I also founded the first Hoarding Task Force in Montana, collaborating with social services and mental health agencies to expand education and reduce stigma.

The real challenge is not the “stuff” - it’s what lies beneath it. This class explores those root causes while providing practical tools, exercises, and supportive discussions.

---

Class Details

8-Week Virtual Class: Getting Unburied and Moving Forward

Start Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM Mountain Time (USA)
Fee:   $325 if paid by September 15, 2026 / $350 after September 15, 2026

Early registration and acceptance are required.

Additional Information

·  Participants can join from anywhere in the world via Zoom (by computer or phone).

·  This is a closed, confidential group - only registered participants may attend.

Course Topics Include:

·  Understanding the complexities of hoarding

·  Identifying what prevents progress

·  Reducing acquiring and beginning effective decluttering

·  Clarifying goals and values

·  Creating workable categories

·  Learning the organizing process

·  Paper and time management

·  Integrating the tools and moving forward

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

For more information, early registration, or to join the waiting list for future morning or evening groups, please contact me:  

·  Phone: (440) 666-9326

·  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....