Rethinking Holiday Shopping: It’s Not About the Stuff

It seems like every year, the holiday season starts earlier and earlier. Christmas decorations are on the shelves months in advance—long before we’ve even had a chance to enjoy the holidays that come before it. Many people jump right into shopping, determined to get ahead of the rush. But in all the hustle, it’s easy to forget what the holidays are really about.

The heart of the holidays isn’t found in the piles of wrapped boxes under the tree. It’s found in connection, kindness, and shared moments. But somewhere along the way, gift-giving can turn from something joyful into something that feels more like a duty.

Some people shop to show love or appreciation. Others buy because it’s expected—“I have to get something for my brother-in-law,” even if the relationship is complicated. That sense of obligation can quietly drain the joy right out of the season.

Even when we’re buying for people we love, we don’t always choose gifts for them—we often choose gifts for the version of them we imagine. Maybe you pick out a bright sweater because you think they’d look great in it, even though they usually prefer soft neutrals. They smile politely and say “thank you,” even if it’s not quite their style. It’s a small thing, but it’s also a reminder: gift-giving is about the recipient, not the giver.

Once a gift is given, it belongs fully to that person. If they decide to exchange it, regift it, or pass it along, that’s okay. The act of giving is the gift itself.

And sometimes, the most meaningful presents are the simplest. There’s no need to overwhelm someone with multiple gifts or spend more than they can comfortably reciprocate. Thoughtfulness matters far more than price.

Consider giving gifts that are meant to be enjoyed, not stored away:

• A basket of favorite snacks or specialty foods they might not splurge on for themselves.

• Tickets to a movie, concert, or play to create a shared experience.

• A gift card to a restaurant they’ve always wanted to try.

• A homemade meal or freezer-friendly dish for busy parents or older adults who might appreciate an easy, comforting dinner on a hectic day.

These kinds of gifts don’t take up space, don’t require dusting, and often mean far more than a random item purchased out of obligation.

This holiday season, try taking the pressure off yourself. Focus less on stuff and more on connection. The best gifts are the ones that make people feel seen, valued, and loved—not the ones that come in the biggest box or fanciest wrapping paper.

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

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Simple Winter Car Essentials to Keep You Warm and Prepared

As the temperatures start to drop and the first snowflakes make their appearance, it’s a clear reminder that winter is on its way. Although our first snowfall didn’t stick around for long, it was enough to prompt me to switch into “cold weather preparedness” mode.

Every year around this time, I restock my winter emergency kit for the car. I always keep a bag filled with extra gloves or mittens, scarves, hats, and hand warmers. These little items can make a big difference if you find yourself unexpectedly delayed on the road—or worse, stuck in the cold.

In addition to warm accessories, I keep a small blanket in the car year-round. It’s not just for emergencies—it’s useful for keeping passengers warm while waiting for the car to heat up or during a long delay. I also pack non-perishable snacks (like granola bars, trail mix, or crackers) and bottled water every time I leave the house. More than once, I’ve been stuck on the highway for hours because of an accident up ahead. A little planning makes those situations far more bearable.

If you have kids, snacks are non-negotiable. A simple hold-up can turn into a major ordeal without them. I also recommend packing a few activities or books to keep little ones occupied during long waits.

Living in a rural state, I’ve learned to think beyond the basics. In the back of my car, I keep a small basket stocked with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wipes—because sometimes, when you’re far from town, you have to make do with what’s available. I also carry a compact first-aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

Other helpful items to consider for your winter car kit include:

• A flashlight (with extra batteries or a crank-style light)

• A small shovel for digging out of snowbanks

• Ice scraper and snow brush

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter

• Cat litter or sand to help with traction on icy roads

• An extra phone charger or power bank

• Emergency contact numbers written down in case your phone dies

Being prepared during the winter months isn’t just about convenience—it can be critical to your safety. A little foresight can turn a stressful, uncomfortable situation into a manageable one.

Before the snow starts piling up, take a few minutes to stock your car with these essentials. Future you will be grateful when winter throws its first real curveball.

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

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Holidays Are Coming Up - Plan Ahead - But Make It Your Own

The holidays are just around the corner, and for many people, that can bring more stress than joy. There’s often pressure to create the perfect holiday—an immaculate house, a flawless meal, and every tradition executed exactly the way it’s always been done. But here’s a little secret: none of that is what actually makes the holiday meaningful.

Just because your parents pulled out the fine china, cooked enough food to feed an army, and served dishes no one really liked (cranberry relish, anyone?) doesn’t mean you have to do the same. Traditions can be wonderful, but they should serve your life—not the other way around. Too often, people follow rituals out of habit, and the result is a long, exhausting day that ends with a kitchen that looks like a food tornado just touched down.

This year, try something different. Give yourself permission to let go of traditions that no longer work for you. Be intentional. Start early. And build a celebration that feels right for you—not one built on other people’s expectations.

Here’s a simple timeline to help you keep the holiday stress to a minimum:

4–6 Weeks Before the Holiday

• Decide what kind of celebration you want. Big gathering or something smaller? Formal dinner or casual potluck?
• Create your guest list and send out invitations (email, text, or formal invites—whatever suits you).
• Set your boundaries and expectations early. If it’s a potluck, let guests know what you’d like them to bring so the menu feels cohesive.

3–4 Weeks Before

• Plan your menu. Choose foods that you actually enjoy, not just what tradition dictates. Don’t love turkey? Serve something else!
• Take stock of what you already have—dishes, table settings, cooking equipment—so you know what to borrow, buy, or skip.

2 Weeks Before

• Do your big grocery shopping list. Nonperishables, drinks, pantry staples, and frozen items can all be purchased early to save time and reduce last-minute chaos.
• Prep anything that can be made ahead and frozen. (Think pie crusts, casseroles, or sauces.)

1 Week Before

• Deep clean the spaces that matter most. Don’t stress about making your house look like a magazine—just focus on the kitchen, dining area, and guest bathroom.
• Confirm your guest list and any contributions from others.

2–3 Days Before

• Pick up fresh ingredients like produce, bread, and meats.
• Start prepping sides, desserts, and make-ahead dishes. Chop, bake, or assemble anything that can be stored easily.

Day Before

• Set the table or create a serving station.
• Do final food prep—marinate, mix, or pre-cook what you can to make the next day smooth.
• Take out the dishes and serving utensils you’ll need so you’re not scrambling.

Day Of

• Keep your menu simple.
• Don’t be afraid to accept help (or ask for it).
• Enjoy the day, the people, and the moment—not just the meal.

Remember, this is your holiday. If you want a relaxed brunch instead of a formal dinner, do it. If you want to eat pizza on fancy plates, that’s allowed too. Your house, your rules, your joy.

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

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How to Start Decluttering Without Overwhelm

Decluttering doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing project. It can be thoughtful, respectful, and yes—even healing.

1. Start small.
Pick one drawer. One shelf. One box. Set a timer for 15 minutes. You’re not aiming for perfection—just progress.

2. Use the “Four-Box” method:
Label boxes as: Keep, Donate, Trash, Unsure. It gives you a system and lets you revisit things without pressure.

3. Set emotional boundaries.
It’s okay to feel sad, nostalgic, or even angry while letting go. But remember: you’re not throwing away people or memories. You’re making space—for peace, clarity, and maybe even joy.

4. Celebrate your progress.
Take before-and-after pictures. Share your wins. Notice how your space—and your mood—lightens with each step.

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Decluttering is not just a physical act. It’s emotional work. It’s also an act of self-respect and self-care. If you’re feeling stuck, it’s not because you’re lazy or disorganized—it’s because the process is more layered than it seems.

But it is possible. And once you begin, you may find that letting go of what no longer serves you doesn’t erase your past—it simply opens up space for your future.

 

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

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Creating New Habits: A Simple Guide to Lasting Change

Decluttering, purging, and organizing doesn’t always come easily to everyone. For many, it’s a skill they need to learn, step by step, and then truly commit to practicing. When these habits are integrated into your daily routine, they gradually become second nature. But how do you make that happen?

Forming new habits can feel like a challenge, but it’s something we all experience at different points in our lives. Whether it’s eating healthier, moving more, or improving our work or spiritual routines, the goal of creating better habits is universal. But the question is: How do we make those changes stick?

Habits, especially the “good” ones, seem harder to form than the bad ones. So, how do we turn positive actions into automatic behaviors that we don’t have to think about? Let’s break it down into a simple, three-step process that can make any new habit easier to implement.

Step 1: Decide What You Want To Do

The first step is crucial: get clear about the habit you want to create. Don't just say, “I want to exercise more.” Instead, make it specific: “I will go for a 30-minute walk every day at 5:00 PM.” The more precise you are, the easier it will be to track your progress.

Committing to what, when, and how you will execute this habit is half the battle. By defining your goal in concrete terms, you set yourself up for success.

Step 2: Remind Yourself to Get It Done

At first, forming the new habit might feel exciting. You’ll be motivated and energized. But as days pass, the enthusiasm can fade. That's when reminders come into play.

Set an alert on your phone, or add your new habit to your daily to-do list. A few days in, life will start to get in the way—rainy weather, busy schedules, or simply forgetting. Having a daily prompt ensures you don’t fall back into old habits and keeps you on track.

Step 3: Make It Part of Your Routine

Over time, the new habit will need to feel less like an “extra task” and more like something you just do without thinking. This is where routine comes in.

Making the habit a regular part of your day—like integrating your daily walk into your after-dinner routine or swapping a sugary snack for a healthy one at 10 AM—helps make it automatic. With consistency, you’ll find that your new behavior becomes second nature, and eventually, you’ll no longer need to remind yourself. It just happens.

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Congratulations, You’re Well on Your Way!

By following these simple steps—deciding clearly what you want to do, setting reminders, and making it part of your routine—you’re already on the path to forming a new habit. Keep practicing until it becomes as automatic as brushing your teeth, and soon enough, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of your new, healthy habit without even thinking about it.

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

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What’s Stopping You from Decluttering?

And How to Finally Let Go Without the Stress

Your closets are bursting. Your garage is a maze. There’s a growing sense that your home is less a space to live and more a storage unit for memories, obligations, and “maybe someday” items. Everyone tells you it's too much. You know it's too much. But every time you try to declutter, you get stuck. Why?

It’s Not Just About Stuff

Decluttering sounds easy in theory—just get rid of what you don’t use. But for many of us, clutter isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s tied to grief, identity, guilt, and hope. That’s why even broken lamps, yellowing greeting cards, and old mismatched mugs can feel impossible to part with.

1. You’re Afraid of Forgetting

That chipped vase? Your mother gave it to you. The chair you never sit in? It was your grandfather’s. You’re not really keeping the item—you’re trying to hold on to the person, the memory, the moment in time. There’s a quiet fear that if you let go of the thing, you’ll lose the connection.

What to do instead:
Take a picture. Write a note about its story. Keep one meaningful item from that person instead of twenty. Memories don’t live in objects—they live in you.

2. You Think Your Kids Will Want It

You imagine your children someday taking these things into their own homes. The fine china, the antique mirror, the hundred family photo albums. But more and more, adult children are saying: “We don’t want it.” It’s not because they don’t love you—it’s because they want to choose their own life, just like you did.

What to do instead:
Ask them directly what they want. Respect the answer, even if it’s hard. If they say no, consider selling, donating, or giving those items a new life with someone who will appreciate them.

3. You’re Tied to “Someday” Thinking

You might be holding onto clothes you haven’t worn in a decade, gadgets you never used, or fabric scraps for a quilt you never started. There’s comfort in the idea that you might need it, that someday you’ll be the person who uses it.

What to do instead:
Be honest about who you are now, not who you might be in some hypothetical future. If an item hasn’t been used in years, it’s probably not going to be. And that’s okay.

4. You Feel Guilty Letting Go

There’s a silent weight of guilt with certain things: gifts you never liked, things that were expensive, items you inherited but don’t enjoy. Giving them away feels like a betrayal—or a waste.

What to do instead:
Remind yourself: the gift has served its purpose. You appreciated the gesture. Keeping something out of guilt is not honoring the person—it’s burdening yourself. Free yourself to let go.

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

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Declutter Without Thinking: A 10-Minute Blitz That’s Actually Fun

Let’s be real—decluttering sounds productive but often ends in overthinking. Decision fatigue. Emotional spirals. “What if I need this someday?” Nope. Not today.

You want less clutter and more calm—fast. Here’s how to declutter without thinking, in one quick, fun 10-minute burst.

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🕒 Step 1: Set a Timer

Start with 10 minutes on the clock. That’s it. The urgency keeps your brain from spiraling into “maybe” territory. This is a speed round, not a therapy session.

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🎵 Step 2: Play a Feel-Good Song

Crank up something upbeat—whatever makes you want to move. You’re not just decluttering—you’re starring in a cleaning montage.

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🚮 Step 3: Grab a “Goodbye Bag”

Trash bag, box, laundry basket—anything to collect stuff you’re ditching. Label it “Bye!” if you want to make it official.

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🔍 Step 4: Pick ONE Tiny Zone

Not the whole house. Just one drawer, shelf, or corner. Some ideas:

• Kitchen: Spices older than your last vacation. Crusty condiments.

• Bathroom: Dried-up makeup, stretched-out hair ties, half-used samples.

• Closet: One category only—sweaters, pants, shirts. Grab what you don’t love. Don’t think. Toss.

• Bedding: Old, scratchy towels or sheets with mystery stains? Gone.

• Tupperware drawer: Anything with no lid or base = out.

• Socks & water bottles: If it has no match, it has no future.

• Junk drawer: Expired coupons, dead batteries, mystery cords? Bye.

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❌ Step 5: Use the “No-Brainer Toss” Rule

If it’s:

• Broken

• Expired

• Unloved

• Forgotten

• Missing a match
  … it goes. Skip the guilt and move fast. If you hesitate, leave it for later.

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📧 Bonus Round: Digital Declutter

• Emails: Delete 10 a day for 5 days or set a timer and purge for 10 minutes.

• Unsubscribe as you go. Your inbox deserves peace too.

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✅ Step 6: Stop When the Timer Dings

Seriously—stop. You did what you came to do. Toss the goodbye bag in the trash or put it by the door for donation. Want extra motivation? Snap a “before and after” pic for yourself.

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Repeat Daily (or When You’re Bored)

Ten minutes a day. Different zone each time. It gets easier—and dare we say, a little addictive.

You don’t have to think. You just have to start.

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

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Hoarding Disorder: More Than Clutter - by Cecelia Garrett, MSW, LICSW

Hoarding is a complex issue that affects a lot of people. Ceci Garrett grew up in a hoarding situation. Her story is heartbreaking and inspiring. She overcome her past to find her passion as an advocate for children of parents that hoard. She went on to become a therapist, an advocate, and a mental health educator in hoarding issues.

Below is a Podcast that gives you a picture of life as a child of a parent that hoards.

Ceclia “Ceci” Garrett, MSW, LICSW, is a therapist who specializes in treating Hoarding Disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Ceci’s unique personal and professional experience with hoarding informs her advocacy efforts with individuals, families, agencies and communities. Her passion is destigmatizing hoarding disorder through compassionate and engaging education about the importance of mental health treatment as a vital part of addressing hoarding behaviors

Practical Psych with Kyrie Russ  - a Podcast

Hoarding Disorder: More Than Clutter.   with Cecelia Garrett, LICSW

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

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New Podcast available - Overwhelmed with Too Much Stuff?

Everyone has stuff - lots of stuff in their home. The problem comes in when there is more stuff coming into our home than leaving our home.

If you live in a 1,000 sq ft home - you can't squeeze 2,000 sq feet of stuff into your home.

Well - you could - if you piled it from floor to ceiling and had no space to sit down and could barely move throughout your home. But who wants to live like that?

Some people do. Not because they want to - but because they can't let go of their stuff.

It's not about the stuff. But the emotional attachments.

Listen to a new Podcast to find out more - and how you can start to make changes to your life.

 Podcast - "An Uncluttered Life" 

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

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Decluttering All Areas of Your Home

Here are some practical ideas to start decluttering key areas of your home, so it feels more like you:

1. Closet & Clothes

• Pull everything out and sort by category: pants, shirts, shoes, etc.
• Try on clothes you’re unsure about — if they don’t fit or you haven’t worn them in 6–12 months, consider donating.
• Keep only what suits your current style and lifestyle.
• Organize by color or type to make daily choices easier and more enjoyable.

2. Kitchen

• Clear out expired food or spices.
• Remove duplicates or appliances you never use.
• Organize pantry items into containers or baskets.
• Keep countertops mostly clear except for your favorite tools or decor that inspire you.

3. Living Room

• Declutter surfaces like coffee tables and shelves.
• Donate books, magazines, or media you no longer engage with.
• Keep decor items that spark joy or reflect your personality.
• Create a cozy, inviting space by grouping meaningful items.

4. Bathroom

• Toss old or unused products.
• Organize daily essentials for easy access.
• Limit decorative items to those that bring calm or refresh your mood.

5. Work or Study Area

• Remove old papers, broken gadgets, or cluttered stationery.
• Only keep tools and materials you actively use.
• Use organizers or drawers to keep the surface clean and focused.

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Quick Tips for Staying Motivated:

• Set a timer for 15-30 minutes and focus on just one area or drawer.
• Take before-and-after photos to see your progress.
• Play your favorite music or podcast to keep energy up.
• Celebrate small wins — even clearing one shelf counts!

 

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

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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

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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

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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

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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
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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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....