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.

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My Favorite Spice Jars and Labels to Match

Some organization seems extra to some people.

Like why decant spices into pretty little jars? Why spend the time when you can just keep them in the jars they came in from the store?

If that sounds like you, I get where you’re coming from. I didn’t always organize my spices and snacks by individual containers (yes, there was a time).

But I do think that this little bit of extra work is totally worth it.

Why?

Because taking the time to separate something like your spice collection into uniform jars with beautiful labels is worth its weight in gold when you feel the calm that it creates. And when you experience the happiness you see from every spice in your cabinet (or drawer) uniformly placed and labeled.

Uniformity creates calm.

Containment creates a sense of control.

Neat labels mean you can read what you have without searching.

So yes, the extra effort is worth it.

If that doesn’t convince you, I can attest to the transformation I’ve seen with my clients. It’s been these extra details that really set a space a part from others. It’s the detail that creates a custom experience - an experience that is felt every time they walk into their pantry or open a kitchen cabinet.

So without further adieu, my favorite spice jar set is from Neat Method and my favorite labels are from Paper and Pear.

Buy them, transform your spice collection and thank me later.

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3 Ways to Teach Your Kids to Tidy Up and Organize

I get asked a lot of the same questions when people find out I’m a professional home organizer.

Some of the more common questions I get are:

“How do I teach my kids to tidy up?”

“How do I manage toy clutter?”

While I could go on and on about ways to declutter toys, I’ll instead focus this post on ways to teach your kids to organize and tidy up around the house. These are things I do with my own kids and what I share with clients.

First - show them.

You can’t expect your little ones to instinctively know how or when to organize their toys. Be sure to show them by doing and be consistent. Consistency helps create lifelong healthy habits.

Remember that by showing your child where their items go - you are literally teaching them. Designate certain containers for their personal items. Show them where their clothing should live. Show them where the cars and the blocks and the bikes go when they’re done with playtime.

Second - patiently remind them.

Just because you told them and showed them where their things go, doesn’t mean your child will magically be amazing at tidying up. Kids have distractions and their own agendas and their own free will! It takes constant, patient reminders and for many parents this can mean reward systems or other systems to help kids make and keep good habits. Organization and tidying up are no different. Be patient and you’ll be amazed at the results over time.

Third - be clear.

Be sure you have designated zones for your child’s items. If you say, put your clothes over there - what does “over there” actually mean? Instead, put your dirty clothes in the hamper in the corner. Or please put your cars in the car bin in the closet. I don’t know about you but I appreciate when adults give me clear direction - same is helpful for little ones when it comes to home organization and tidying up.

What tips or suggestions have you used with your own kids? Do you use any of these tips already? Let me know in the comments!

Design Series Feature: Sarah Gibson from Room for Tuesday

So much of how a home feels is directly correlated to how it is designed and styled.

Because as it turns out, good design matters.

Like a lot.

I have always had an appreciation for beautiful interior design and as a home organizer I’m a firm believer that thoughtful interiors matter. Interior design sets a tone and a mood for the day-to-day of all those who are surrounded by it. It’s powerful and beautiful.

This month I am so excited to get to share my interview with Sarah Gibson - the creative director, designer and founder behind Room for Tuesday and owner of the shop, Tuesday Made.

When I first saw Sarah’s work, I had to stop and stare. Her eye for detail and her thoughtful approach to the various elements that make a house a home are just a few of the things that have made her projects so memorable for me.

What I love about Sarah’s approach to designing and styling is that her designs are timeless and oh so sophisticated. It’s the kind of sophistication that makes you want to sit in one of her spaces and soak in all the details that she has so intentionally placed.

Photo credit: Sarah Gibson from Room for Tuesday

Q: You're no stranger to home renovations - how do you approach your new projects? Do you set mood boards? Or do you follow your innate interior design mind and go for it?

A: While I no longer design for clients, I treat our projects at home much like I would a client project. I love planning, getting organized, and completing the entire design before demolition even begins. That includes floor planning, elevations, moodboards, selecting finishes, gathering samples, and ordering the bulk of the items that will exist in a space. I like having a set plan! The design and styling portions of the process are always my favorite- so the beginning and the end. It's fun to watch something you envisioned in your mind come to fruition and become reality.

Q: How would you describe your style and do you think it has evolved over time?

A: I believe our personal aesthetic and style is ever-changing and evolving as we grow. I'd like to think it's shaped by our experiences and as we age, we become more capable of determining what feels and looks like us. My personal style has definitely changed over the years. I started my blog at such a young age - it has really proved to be great documentation of my growth and evolution, in regards to aesthetics. I also believe the style or architecture of your home comes into play when it comes to design... I always take that into consideration, because not only do I want my home to reflect my personal aesthetic, but I also want it to feel cohesive to the architecture of the house itself. It's so tricky to nail down a specific style because I enjoy curating and blending multiple aesthetics and design styles. I love classic and traditional design, as well as curating vintage and more eclectic or modern pieces. It's always a mixed bag in my house, but I always try to keep timeless design in mind... if I bring something into my home, I want to make sure I'll still love it in a year, five years or even ten years.

Photo credit: Sarah Gibson from Room for Tuesday

Q: How do you feel about the relationship between home organization and home design?

A: I think organization and home design is very correlated. I always consider function and organization when designing rooms or renovations. It's especially important in small or high-functioning spaces! When designing our kitchen, I thought about how each cabinet would be used, what the interior of that cabinet would look like, how it would be organized, and designed accordingly. Having a clean and organized home is important to me - it enhances my happiness and productivity, so it's something I always consider when designing a space. I try to use every square foot in a smart and thoughtful way.

Q: What do you love about Salt Lake? Any favorite places that inspire you?

A: I'm a Salt Lake City transplant (I've lived here 6 years now), and the beautiful mountains are what brought my husband, Emmett, and myself to Utah. We love adventure and the outdoors, and this is the perfect place for that. On weekends, you can find us skiing, camping, paddling, on a trail, etc. The mountains are always a creative and inspiring escape for me. We feel very lucky to live close to so many beautiful spots, trailheads, and incredible (and varied) landscapes.

Photo credit: Sarah Gibson from Room for Tuesday

Q: What is your advice to someone looking to update their existing home? Where should they start?

A: I always start with a list... I jot down wants, needs, the budget, and try to figure out how to accomplish those things. It's always easiest to set parameters first (the budget, the amount of space you have to work with, etc), then think creatively about how to achieve a beautiful and functional space, when it comes to design. Whether that path includes getting quotes and hiring contractors or taking the DIY route, it's always best to have a solid plan before the project even begins. That's especially important now that lead-times have been extended thanks to supply chain issues and backorders!

If you’ve ever needed major interior design inspiration then be sure to check out Room for Tuesday and Sarah’s shop, Tuesday Made.

Thanks again Sarah for all of your tips and insight into how you make a house a home. So looking forward to your upcoming projects!

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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 me about your home organization goals or follow me on Instagram here for daily organization and minimalist-living tips.

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