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.

10 Simple Ways to Organize Your House Right Now

You know the feeling. You’ve stared at the same pile of paperwork building in the corner of your kitchen for weeks. You’ve meant to sort it. You really wanted to see it gone.

You even have designated piles within the pile that have seemed totally harmless up until now.

Unfortunately, the paper has multiplied and you are now completely overwhelmed.

And the truth is, you work really hard at keeping the kitchen neat and tidy. It’s just that one relentless pile staring back at you. Ok and the junk drawer. But that’s pretty much the only culprit.

It’s scenarios like this that can make home organization seem daunting - especially for busy women. But the benefits of a clean and clutter-free home are immense - it can reduce stress, improve productivity, and create a sense of calm. Here are 10 home organization hacks to help take a cluttered home to calm, even for the busiest of women.

1. Start Small: One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to organize their home is taking on too much at once. Instead, start with a small area like a drawer or a shelf, and then move on to bigger projects.

2. Use Vertical Space: Maximize your storage space by using vertical storage solutions such as floating shelves or hanging organizers. This will help you keep your floors clear and create more space.

3. Label Everything: Whether it's a label maker or a piece of masking tape, labeling everything in your home will help you stay organized and save time in the long run.

4. Create a Command Center: Create a designated area in your home for important documents, keys, and other everyday items. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you always know where things are.

5. Use Drawer Dividers: Drawer dividers are a great way to keep small items like socks, underwear, and jewelry organized and easy to find.

6. Implement the "One In, One Out" Rule: Every time you buy something new, get rid of something old. This will help prevent clutter from building up and make it easier to maintain a clutter-free home.

7. Store Seasonal Items: Keep seasonal items like holiday decorations and winter clothes in storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags when they're not in use. This will free up space in your home and keep your seasonal items organized.

8. Create a Cleaning Schedule: Set aside time each week to clean and organize your home. This will help you stay on top of clutter and prevent it from getting out of control.

9. Utilize Under-Bed Storage: Invest in under-bed storage containers to store extra linens, blankets, and off-season clothing. This will help free up space in your closet and keep your bedroom clutter-free.

10. Keep a Donation Box: Keep a designated box in your home for items you no longer need or want. When the box is full, donate the items to a local charity or thrift store.

By implementing these 10 home organization hacks, you can take a cluttered home to calm, even if you're a busy woman. Remember to start small, label everything, and use vertical space to maximize storage. With a little effort and determination, you can create a calm and clutter-free home that will benefit you for years to come.

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: This Is The Kind of Clutter That Overwhelms Type A Women + How To Get Rid of It

Amazon Favorites: Cleaning Must Haves

Whether you consider yourself a clean freak or you just like to do an annual deep clean, you may have Spring cleaning on your mind and if you’re like me, you’ve been opting for less toxic cleaning options that will still tackle the grime.

I’ve rounded up a list of my favorites on my Amazon storefront page, here.

1// Distilled White Vinegar

I use white vinegar on almost all of the places. Windows, bathroom glass and mirrors, countertops and even in the cup holders in my car.

My obsession has less to do with the odor and more to do with the fact that it cleans just about everything. And I mean clean like sparkling clean. It’s also non-toxic, deodorizes and disinfects. All-in-one and affordable.

You can find it, here.

2// Bamboo brushes

These little guys are tough on food build up on any dish. I like that they’re not made of plastic and they last a long time.

You can find it, here.

3// Microfiber cleaning cloths

Use them on just about any surface - especially windows! And you can never go wrong with classic white.

You can find it, here.

4// Cleaning Caddy

I love a good cleaning caddy. This option made by Yamazaki Home is not only beautiful to look at but it’s incredibly sturdy. I love that brand because of their steel and wood combinations.

You can find it, here.

5// Swedish Dishcloths

Sometimes you don’t want to use a ton of paper towels. Sometimes all you need is a strong and durable rag to wipe down your kitchen counters or table. That’s where the Swedish dishcloths come into play. Love the prints of these black and white ones!

You can find it, here.

6// Wool Dryer Balls

For the past three years I’ve been trying to opt for less toxic cleaning solutions my home because turns out, the air inside of our homes can be more toxic than outside. Part of the switches I have made are to laundry detergents and dryer sheets. I love applying a few drops of essential oils to wool dryer balls for an extra fresh load of laundry.

You can find it, here.

7// Glass Spray Bottles

Make your own cleaning solution with these glass spray bottles. I use mine for my vinegar, soap and water cleaning favorite!

You can find it, here.

8// Dust Pan and Broom Set

Sometimes you just need to sweep up the crumbs and you don’t exactly need a full-size broom. Love this minimal and modern option.

You can find it, here.

9// Full Size Broom and Dust Pan

For the regular clean-ups you’ll want a broom and dust pan that can handle the dust bunnies and food droppings. This minimally designed option will blend in with just about any aesthetic and help you when you need it most.

You can find it, here.

10// Cleaning Gloves

These aren’t the turquoise cleaning gloves you grew up with. The dark charcoal color is easier on the eyes and durable to help with dish duty or bathroom duty. This pair is also skid and tear resistant.

You can find it, here.

I hope you find those cleaning essentials helpful for your own spring cleaning this year! You can find more of my Amazon favorites on my storefront, 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: My Favorite Spice Jars and Labels to Match

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.

Looking for more minimal-inspired content? Submit your name and email below to join my free email list and you'll be sent simple living tips, insights and invites to future webinars.

RELATED POST: Amazon Favorites: Cleaning Must Haves

Design Series Feature: Renew Home Staging & Design

I’ve always appreciated a beautifully styled home.

Even as a kid, I remember my own “oohs” and “ahhs” when I’d walk through a model home - always wishing I had the kid’s room styled with the minimal but sophisticated decor.

Now (a few decades later) I’ve come to the conclusion that those elegantly staged homes impressed me at 10 and continue to impress me now because interiors make all the difference in a home.

This month I am so excited to feature Harmony Young and Laneè Miller of Renew Home Staging & Design. Harmony and Laneè bring both interior design chops and an in-depth knowledge of real estate to their work. They created a growing company in Utah with a team that helps homes sell faster and for more. I had the pleasure of meeting them via social media last year and have been so amazed by their business and eye for styling. I am so excited to share their insight with you this month.

Photo credit: Renew Home Staging & Design

Q: Is there anything unique about the Utah home market right now from your perspective?

L: Not completely unique because other areas are growing as well, but it is very obviously a sellers market that’s going up rapidly.

H: Something interesting is that I did a consultation yesterday in a $400,000 home and then another consultation for a $4M home. Every price point is selling and going for top dollar, and every home sells better with staging.  

Photo credit: Renew Home Staging & Design

Q: What’s one mistake you see homeowners making before they list their homes from a design perspective? Any tips to avoid it?

L: The biggest mistakes people make are underestimating the large impact that small design changes can make. You don’t have to flip your entire home for it to be completely transformed.

H: They clear out too much so that there’s not appeal or warmth because it’s so empty. Or they end up spending too much money on repairs that might not make a big impression. 

Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to update their space?

L: Check with a professional first for what’s going to make the biggest difference so you don’t spend unnecessary time or money on something that won’t have that big of an impact. For example, you might not need to completely replace your floors and instead putting down a few cute rugs will completely transform a space! It can truly save you thousands of dollars.

H: Start with paint! Because it’s cheap and easy. And then try to incorporate your existing pieces, but add in some new pieces to give it a refresh and update. Rugs also can be inexpensive and transform a room. 

Photo credit: Renew Home Staging & Design

Q: What are your thoughts on home organization and interior design?

L: I think that in order for people to feel good in their space and get the most out of their space, design and organization is the only way to really do that. Our homes are where most of us spend the majority of our lives, and so why not put our effort into it and feel good about it?

H: Hire a professional. If you know you’re not amazing at it, spend your money on a professional because you’ll get the most for your money. Home organization and interior design are such an important duo because it creates a beautiful AND functional space.

Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with us, Harmony and Laneè. You can learn more about Renew Home Staging & Design on their website, here. You can also find them on Instagram, here.

RELATED POST: Design Series Feature: SPACES Collective

Design Series Feature: Elyse Garlock Home

Photo credit: Elyse Garlock Home

I’m always inspired by what interior designers can do to a space. While I think in terms of how a space is organized, an interior designer is so easily able to balance things like color and texture all while creating a beautiful scene out of furniture and form.

This month, I am so happy to feature Elyse Garlock of Elyse Garlock Home. I had heard how amazing Elyse was from mutual friends that she and I had in common but didn’t end up meeting her in-person until years later when we both relocated from California to Utah.

Once we connected, I just knew I wanted to interview her and have her share some of her design insights with you in this month’s Design Series Feature.

Photo credit: Elyse Garlock Home

Q: How do you go about planning out a new space?

A: I usually sit down with the client (or myself) and talk through a few things—1) the purpose/main use of the space (want it pretty but also practical); 2) what their general design style is—simple, modern, traditional—I usually have them send me a few inspiration pictures so I can really get a sense of what they’re picturing in their head for the space; 3) and their realistic budget.

Q: What budget-conscious tips do you have for someone who wants to redo a space in their home? Where should they look for ideas and pieces?

A: I usually tell people to invest in nicer large items that will hold up well and that they can have for a long time - think area rugs, couches, kitchen table, etc. I think a lot of people - especially those with kids - will just get something cheap because they figure it will get trashed anyway. Well, cheap items usually do get trashed pretty quickly, and then they just don’t look nice! And no one wants that. Instead, purchase large items that are good quality and will be able to withstand the wear and tear. Solid wood, performance fabrics, etc. These will usually cost more up front, but will last longer, look nicer, and clean up easier. Other items that are easily influenced by ever-changing design trends are great places to save money. This could include decor to fill shelves & built-ins, throw pillows, art work, etc. For things like this, I turn to places like Target, Amazon, H&M home, Zara Home, IKEA, and Heirloom Art Co (for art prints). Bringing in natural elements like wood tones and greenery can also make your space feel more refined without costing a lot.

Photo credit: Elyse Garlock Home

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

A: For me, home organization and home design are completely intertwined. I value simplicity and clean lines in my design, and that is impossible to achieve when things are cluttered and disorganized. Designing is all about how the space is going to make you feel - for me I’m looking to feel peaceful and content - and a huge part of that feeling comes from knowing that everything has its place and that I know where to find the things I need. When I can see all the messes in my house, it adds so much to my anxiety. I wish I were better at keeping things organized - it’s definitely a constant battle!

Q: Design isn't the only thing you're an expert about - can you share more about Dualspace?

A: Dualspace is a company my husband and I started in 2018. It is essentially a marketplace of locations - homes and studios - that are available to rent for photo and video shoots. It wasn’t something we ever really intended to do. In 2017, the company my husband was working for needed a house for a product shoot (my husband was on the marketing team), and he volunteered our house as a last minute replacement. It went well and was a super easy way to make money. After that, some of the people on the video team asked for other location recommendations for other shoots, and we reached out to some friends and neighbors who had cool homes to see if they’d be interested. It just kind of snowballed from there. We found there wasn’t really a great option for finding locations, other than these sites with thousands of homes that were all over the place style/design wise. We thought it would be helpful for crews to have a smaller, more curated collection to choose from. And, it would also be helpful to those homeowners wanting to host shoots to have a platform to get greater exposure… I find that brands are looking for a couple different types of homes when they do shoots. One preference is for spaces that are light and bright, free of clutter, and that are neutral enough to change decor as needed to match the brand. Alternatively, they sometimes are looking for a home with a very specific style - mid-century modern, tuscan, farmhouse - that is consistent throughout the space.

Thank you so much Elyse for taking the time to answer my interior design questions and for sharing your tips! Be sure to give her a follow on Instagram and you can learn more about Dualspace here.

RELATED POST: Design Series Feature: Renew Home Staging & Design

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!