Holiday Tidy-Up

Keeping your home organized through the holiday chaos

You spent the last month doing your best to set yourself up for success once Christmas and New Year’s arrive. You did a great job decluttering before decorating, organizing your gifting, and rearranging to make extra space for guests. 

But now, we are in the height of hosting and attending holiday dinners and family parties. And, if you’re anything like me, the chaos is fighting its way back in.

Take back your peace and joy with these three small, daily actions that you can take to keep disarray at bay.

Step 1: Whole Family Effort

Get everyone involved! After dinner, you can ask everyone to put their own plate in the dishwasher to simplify the cleanup. At the end of the evening, send the kids on a spree to pick up toys and wrapping paper and reward them with a Christmas cookie.

Step 2: Festive Multitasking

Indulge in festive multitasking. Fold a load of laundry while you watch your fave Hallmark film. Wash your baking dishes while the pie is in the oven. Tidy up cluttered surfaces for the length of “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

Step 3: Daily Tidy-up Routine

Maintain a daily tidy-up routine. At the same time every day, spend 10-15 minutes setting everything straight. Set a timer and go for it! I like to make it part of my nighttime routine to take stray dirty dishes to the sink, fold the cozy throw on the couch, and move items back to their rightful places.

Does the holiday chaos have you wondering how to make changes in your home? Get started on your home edit during a free 15 minute consult with me or by checking out my advice on Instagram.

Organized Gifting

Tips for managing gift lists, wrapping supplies, and shopping without stress

I’ll be honest — there’s no magic trick for making the holiday season completely stress-free. However, I really believe in preparing well and committing to small actions to keep yourself organized. It just might give you more time and energy to really enjoy the season. Let’s organize my kids’ favorite part of the holiday — presents! 

Read on to become a master gifter.

Step 1: gift list

Start your gift list now. Write down every family member or friend you need to get gifts for. Next to their name, list one or two things they enjoy or might need.
When you know what presents to watch for, you won’t walk right past the perfect gift in November and have to rush mid-December.

Step 2: the store

Stress less at the store. Armed with your list, you might want to set aside a weekend for gift shopping, and try to get smaller items during your regular shopping trips. Black Friday sales or Cyber Monday deals are tempting, but definitely come with extra stress. Save only big ticket items for those  high-pressure days.

Step 3: wrapping

Get easy-to-use, sturdy wrapping supplies. Nothing’s more frustrating than a jumbled ball of tape or paper that tears halfway through wrapping. I love tearing strips of tape and sticking them to the edge of a table before rolling out the paper. For quality wrapping paper, Costco will give you the nicest paper for the price, while Amazon also offers unique and trusty finds — just be sure to search “heavy duty wrapping paper” so you get the thick stuff. Don’t forget festive ribbons, bows, and tags to create the prettiest presents under the tree.

Looking to add function and beauty to your home for the holidays? Start with a free 15 minute consult with me or check out my daily tips on Instagram.

Organizing for a Cozy Home

Tips for creating a warm, organized space as the weather cools

Fall is the perfect time to declutter and prep your home for cozy days ahead. As the crisp weather rolls in, there's no better moment to clear out the clutter and make space for warmth and relaxation. Whether it’s organizing your closet, tidying up your living room, or swapping out summer decor for something more autumn-inspired, a little effort can go a long way. 

So grab your favorite cup of tea and enjoy my best advice for organizing your home for fall.

Step 1: Declutter

It’s hard to feel cozy with clutter everywhere. Ring in the season by decluttering one zone at a time. For example, tackle your home office by sorting through old paperwork or magazines lying around or tackle your outdoor entertainment space by sorting and prepping outdoor items for winter storage. Edit out seasonal items that you know you won’t be using next year before you put anything away.

Step 2: Décor

Add in the fall feels. Once your space is clean and organized, bring in your best fall decor. Seasonal items like Halloween decor or even fall-themed pillows and blankets can make a home feel so inviting. Utilize decorative baskets for storage during the season for items like seasonal blankets or even that bowl of Halloween candy that lives on the kitchen countertop. Make your plan realistic and easy, and it’ll work year after year.

Step 3: Spices

Spruce up your spice cabinet or spice drawer. Fall and winter cooking often involves special spices — allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, etc. When the flavors of the season are organized and ready to go, you’ll have more fun baking your favorite muffins or breads. Restock the jars that are low or consider buying matching spice jars for an extra organized spice system if you don’t have a set already.

Interested in the whole less is more idea? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with me about your home organization goals or follow me on Instagram here for daily organization and minimalist-living tips.

How to Declutter Your House Fast in 2024

If you live in the West, odds are you’ve seen a lot of rain and snow lately. Here in Salt Lake City, Utah where I live, Spring can’t come soon enough.

So even if it is snowing as I write this, I do know that Spring cleaning is almost upon us — and I count organization and decluttering in this annual home phase, too, because spring really is the perfect time to refresh your home and declutter your space. For all my busy mom friends — you can probably relate. This time of year marks the start of a new season and a chance to create a more organized and stress-free living environment. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering your home, don't worry — I’ve got you covered! Here are some tips and tricks to help you declutter your home quickly and efficiently this spring.

Set Clear Goals

Before you begin decluttering, take some time to set clear goals for yourself. Decide which areas of your home you want to focus on and what you hope to achieve. Whether you want to declutter your entire house or just a few specific areas, having a clear plan in place will help keep you motivated and on track. You don’t have to get too crazy with the goals. Jot down your priorities in your Notes app and check them off as you go.

Start Small

When it comes to decluttering, it's important to start small and tackle one area at a time. Trying to declutter your entire house in one go can be overwhelming and may lead to burnout. Instead, start with a small, manageable area, such as a closet or a single room, and work your way up from there.

Decluttering Tips for Specific Areas

• Closets: Start by emptying out your closet and sorting through your clothes. Ask yourself if you've worn it in the last year. If not, it may be time to let it go. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition but no longer serve you. Oftentimes, clients of mine can feel wasteful when they’re getting rid of certain items. Keep in mind that someone else will love and adore that dress that doesn’t suit you anymore. Your square footage is more precious than holding onto something you don’t wear anymore just because.

• Kitchen: Go through your kitchen cabinets and drawers and get rid of any items that are broken, unused, or expired. Consider investing in storage containers to help keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. You can absolutely repurpose existing containers that you already have on hand. If you want to make your kitchen look extra streamlined, purchase new ones that match for a consistent look and feel.

• Living Room: The living room is often a gathering place for clutter. Take some time to go through any books, magazines, or knick-knacks and decide what you want to keep and what you can let go of. Storage solutions, such as baskets and shelves, are a great way to help keep your living room tidy.

Get the Whole Family Involved

Decluttering your home can be a big task, so don't be afraid to enlist the help of your family. Get your kids involved and make decluttering a fun and rewarding experience. You can even turn it into a game or offer rewards for reaching a certain decluttering milestone. I recently learned about the magic trash game from son’s teacher. Have your kids help tidy before bed and then if they pick up the “magical” item that you pre-determined was the one special item of trash or clutter, they get a few minutes of extra awake time or a tasty treat. Whatever helps motivate your household.

Stay Organized

As you declutter your home, it's important to stay organized and keep track of what you've accomplished. Consider creating a decluttering checklist or creating an album on your phone of before and after photos so you can track all of your progress. This can help you stay motivated and see how far you've come. Bonus points if you text those photos to your mom or friend so they can see how far you’ve come!

Donate or Sell Unwanted Items

Instead of just throwing away your unwanted items, consider donating or selling them. There are many local charities and thrift stores that would be happy to accept your donations, and selling your items online or at a garage sale can help you make some extra cash. If you’re a Salt Lake City, Utah local then I recommend both Deseret Industries or Savers for items that can be used again.

Stay Consistent

Decluttering your home is not a one-time task — it's an ongoing process. To maintain a clutter-free home, make a habit of regularly decluttering and organizing your space. Set aside some time each week to tackle a small decluttering project, and you'll be able to enjoy a clean and organized home all year round.

Keep in mind that decluttering your home doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a clear plan, some motivation, and a little bit of time, you can declutter your home quickly and efficiently this Spring. So roll up your sleeves, put on some music, and enjoy a clutter-free living space.

Interested in the whole less is more idea? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with me about your home organization goals or follow me on Instagram here for daily organization and minimalist-living tips.

A Complete Guide to Help You Organize Your Closet Efficiently

The closet.

It can feel less like your own personal retail store and more like an abyss of clothing you forgot you had or items you don’t really love. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to edit out the unwanted or too worn. By embracing a few organizational techniques, you can successfully transform your closet into a haven of efficiency and style.

The Great Purge

Before diving into the world of organization, it's time for the great closet purge. Channel your inner minimalist and honestly pull out every single item to assess what you no longer love, use or need. This could include items that no longer fit (let them go) or things that have stains or holes. Donate or discard (recycle!) clothes that haven't been worn in the past year.

Seasonal Sorting

Clever organization begins with understanding the rhythm of your wardrobe. Divide your clothes into seasonal categories – summer stunners, winter warmers, and everything in between. Pack away off-season items in clear containers or vacuum-sealed bags, allowing you to focus on the clothes that are currently in play. This not only saves time but ensures your closet reflects the current weather forecast.

Color Coordination Chronicles

Now that your closet is a curated collection of favorites, it's time to color coordinate. Arrange your garments like a rainbow – from the soothing blues to the fiery reds. This simple trick transforms your closet into a visual delight and makes it easier to locate that navy blouse or coral skirt amidst the sea of colors.

Categorical Conquests

For the busy woman, efficiency is the name of the game. Arrange your clothes by category, grouping similar items together. This could mean dedicating a section to workwear, another to casual ensembles, and perhaps a sacred space for those yoga pants that double as your loungewear saviors. This method not only simplifies your morning routine but also helps you keep track of each category effortlessly.

Shoe Symphony

Shoes – the finishing touch to any outfit and often the culprits of closet chaos. Invest in shoe racks or clear shoe boxes to create an organized shoe symphony. Categorize them by style or occasion for quick access to the perfect pair. No more digging through a mountain of mismatched footwear – just a quick glance, and you'll be out the door in style.

Accessorize with Purpose

Accessories are the unsung heroes of an outfit, but they can quickly become elusive in a cluttered closet. Utilize hooks, pegs, or designated accessory organizers to display your jewelry, scarves, and handbags. This not only adds a touch of flair to your closet but ensures you never forget about those statement earrings or that vintage clutch.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the labyrinth of your closet and emerged victorious on the other side. By embracing these organization techniques, you've reclaimed your time and sanity. A well-organized closet is not just a space for clothes; it's a daily affirmation of your ability to conquer the chaos.

Be sure to check out some of my favorite closet organizers on my Amazon page, here.

Interested in the whole less is more idea? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with me about your home organization goals or follow me on Instagram here for daily organization and minimalist-living tips.

RELATED POST: Top Ways to Simplify Your Closet to Get It Looking Cleaner in Minutes

Amazon Favorites: Fall Must-Haves

It’s fall which means it’s time for another seasonal round-up of a few of my favorite home finds. I always say choose fewer, better items. Here are a few Amazon products I’m loving.

1 // Yamazaki Tower Striped Steel Fruit Basket

I’m a fan of pretty much everything from Yamazaki Home because their products are designed in Japan and mostly made of steel and wood. This basket is beautiful and solid as well.

You can find it, here.

2 // Set of 8 Stackable Kitchen Canisters

I love this set of 8 kitchen canisters with the acacia wood lid. The seal is great and these work for go-to snacks like nuts, candies and other small treats.

You can find it, here.

3 // Glass All-Purpose Spray Bottles

While many of us associate cleaning with spring, I like trusty spray bottles that I can use to make my own cleaners in year-round. These glass bottles are timeless.

You can find it, here.

4 // NEST Essential Oil for Pura

If you love your Pura as much as I do, then you know the seasonal scents are so dreamy. Try this one for the fall season!

You can find it, here.

5 // Bath Towel Alternative for Drying Hands

Because sometimes you want something that has more visual interest and that you can hang on a hook and won’t fall off of said hook.

You can find it, here.

6 // Cable Knit Throw Blanket

Tis’ the season to bundle up. I love the look of this blanket.

You can find it, here.

7 // Dried Pampas Grass Decor

Add a touch of modern fall-foliage to your house with this dried pampas grass decor.

You can find it, here.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you looking for a little (or a lot) of help with your own home organization? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with Britnee about your home organization goals.

RELATED POST: Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves

How to Declutter Your Home and Why It Matters

It's time to face the truth: clutter is the frenemy we didn't know we had. Sure, it seems harmless at first, but then it can feel like it’s accumulated at an exponential rate and the next thing you know, you’re drowning in it.

Why is it important to ditch the clutter?

First and foremost, clutter is a sneaky time thief. Think about it: how many hours have you spent searching for your keys, that one missing sock, or that super important document buried under piles of who-knows-what? Time is precious, especially now that we're juggling careers, relationships, and maybe even a few adorable fur babies. So why waste it playing hide-and-seek with inanimate objects? According to the National Soap and Detergent Association, getting rid of clutter would reduce 40% of housework. So if you can edit out what you no longer use, love or need, you may find that you get almost half of your time back.

Let's reclaim those lost hours and put them towards something much more enjoyable, like binge-watching our favorite guilty pleasure show or treating ourselves to a well-deserved spa day.

What else does clutter do to us?

Let's not forget about the emotional weight of clutter. Remember that top you bought five years ago and haven't worn since? Every time you catch a glimpse of it, it taunts you with guilt and whispers, "You wasted your hard-earned money on me." Let's free ourselves from the unnecessary guilt and make room for clothes that we actually want to put on everyday. Less waste, less guilt and more enjoyment.

Lastly, let's not underestimate the impact of clutter on our mental and physical well-being. Cluttered spaces can make us feel overwhelmed, stressed, and downright grumpy. Let's create a sanctuary where we can relax, unwind, and enjoy the serenity of a clutter-free zone. Trust me, when you come home to a tidy space, you'll feel like you can conquer the world—or at least enjoy your favorite beverage in peace.

What about sentimental clutter?

Now, I get it. Parting ways with our clutter can be tough. We develop emotional attachments to random objects like the vase Aunt Mildred gave us for our birthday. We feel obligated to keep it because, well, she's family. But here's the thing: Aunt Mildred may not even remember she gave it to you, and chances are, she's got enough vases to start a floral shop. So why not donate it to someone who might actually appreciate its... charm?

How do I tackle the clutter?

Tackling the clutter is like eating an elephant - you do it one bite at a time. If the pile of paperwork in the corner of your kitchen has been staring back at you for a month, start there. Pull out all of the papers and go through them one-by-one. Do you need to take action on something? Keep it out in the open. Is something just junk mail or paper you never needed in the first place? Recycle that stuff. Got documents that you should really hang on to for longer than a few weeks? File that a way in a long-term file system.

Just starting with one problem area will help you gain momentum so you see progress and then feel encouraged to keep going.

When and how often should I declutter?

This is going to be different for everyone. You’ll want to declutter your kitchen counters daily to stay on top of the many things that end up on that surface. You’ll want to edit and declutter places like your closet once every few months (when you start noticing things getting a little messy and/or you’re not wearing everything in it.) If you’ve never decluttered your home before, start by zone. Once all of the zones are decluttered then you just need to switch to maintenance mode.

Fortunately, maintenance mode is much easier than that first round of decluttering. Maintenance doesn’t have to be daily or weekly but don’t let spaces go on too much longer than monthly.

So, my fellow 30-something ladies, let's bid adieu to clutter and welcome a life of freedom, organization, and unapologetic enjoyment. It's time to declutter like nobody's business and embrace the amazing women we are. Remember, a clutter-free space is a clutter-free mind, and who can argue with that? Now, go forth, conquer the clutter, and unleash your minimalist outlook on the world.

Want more simple living help to streamline your house? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with me about your home organization goals or follow me on Instagram here for daily organization and minimalist-living tips.

RELATED POST: 10 Simple Ways to Organize Your House Right Now

5 Easy Ways to Organize Your Home Office

When it comes to organizing your home office (because I think by now we’ve all spent more time in them than we could have ever imagined), you want to make sure that you have a few systems in place.

Whether your office is small or simply feeling a bit untidy with paper clutter accumulating, you can tackle the challenge with these five simple ways to organize your home office.

1. Declutter and prioritize. The first step in organizing your home office is to declutter and prioritize your workspace. Begin by removing any unnecessary items such as old paperwork, outdated electronics, or office supplies that you no longer use. Once you have decluttered your space, prioritize your essential items by placing them within easy reach.

2. Utilize vertical space. Make the most of your home office by using vertical space. Invest in wall-mounted shelves, file organizers, and bookcases to help keep your workspace organized and maximize storage space. Utilizing vertical space is especially useful if you have a small home office. Additionally, using a useful paper organization system like this one can make all the difference with the paper clutter dilemma that so many of us find ourselves dealing with.

3. Invest in storage solutions. Investing in storage solutions is essential to keep your home office organized. Consider purchasing storage bins, filing cabinets, and desk organizers to help keep your workspace tidy. Labeling your storage solutions can also help you locate items quickly and efficiently.

4. Create a daily task list. Creating a daily task list is a useful way to help you stay focused and organized. Write down your daily tasks, deadlines, and appointments on a planner or digital calendar. This will help you prioritize your workload and ensure that you don't miss any important deadlines.

5. Keep it clean. Finally, keeping your home office clean is crucial for productivity and overall well-being. Regularly dust your workspace, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum or sweep the floors. A clean workspace can help reduce stress and promote a positive work environment.

If you aren’t feeling motivated just yet, remember that an organized workspace can help boost productivity and improve overall well-being.

By simply decluttering and prioritizing your workspace, utilizing vertical space, investing in storage solutions, creating a daily task list, and keeping your workspace clean, you can create a productive and efficient home office. With these tips, you can work from home with ease and enjoy a clutter-free workspace!

Are you looking for a little (or a lot) of help with your own home organization? Click here and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and chat with Britnee about your home organization goals.