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

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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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

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
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Visit our Life & Business Coaching website:  North By Northwest

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

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

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

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....