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The 3‑Phase Home Organizing System Helping New Jersey Families Go From Overwhelmed to Organized

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 05:15:16 GMT

If your home feels heavier after the holidays — more clutter, more paper, more stress — you’re not alone. The New Year brings this mix of hope and overwhelm. We want a fresh start… but the holiday overflow, the full closets, and the shifting routines can make everything feel like “too much.”

The good news is: you don’t need a full home makeover to feel a real shift this year. You just need a gentle reset. I’m Carolina Barreto, a professional organizer here in New Jersey. I help families create homes that feel calm, functional, and beautifully aligned with their lives. Today, I’m sharing my New Year Reset Method — a simple, thoughtful way to create space, clarity, and flow in your home.

Why a New Year Reset Matters

After the holidays, your home holds more than just stuff — it holds the weight of the season. Paper piles, gifts without homes, closets that feel too full, routines that haven’t settled yet.

A reset helps you:

• release what no longer fits your life

• create space for the year you want

• reduce visual and mental clutter

• feel grounded again

You don’t need to overhaul your entire home. You just need a process that brings clarity and direction.

The Reset Method

My method unfolds in three phases: Plan, Implement, and Maintain. Each phase builds on the last, creating a home that supports your life — not one that drains your energy.

Phase 1 — Planning

Before you touch a single drawer, pause and ask yourself:

• What do I want this year to feel like?

• What do I want to make room for?

• What routines do I want to support?

• What’s getting in the way?

This step will enable you to be intentional about your decisions and actions in the next phase, allowing you to create a home that supports those goals. You don't need to overthink things, but take a moment to reflect before you begin.

Phase 2 — Implement

This phase has three steps: Declutter, Organize, and Lable

Phase 2.1 Decluttering

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things — it’s about making space for what matters.

Ask yourself:

• Does this support my goals?

• Does this make my life easier?

• Does this reflect who I’m becoming?

Keep in mind that every item that you bring or keep in your home requires your time, your attention and your space. The more you bring or keep in the house, the larger your inventory and the more complex it becomes to be properly manage it.

When decluttering, follow the SORT system. SORT stands for Stay, Ofload, Relocate, Trash. As you review your belongings, divide things following the SORT system, and this will allow you to stay focused and on task. Don't leave the room to relocate each item that belongs somewhere else that will distract you. You can deal with the Relocate pile towards the end of your decluttering session.

Pro tip: Create an exit system.

Make sure there is an easy-to-access designated space on each floor of your home for donations. That way, you can start decluttering on the go. Every time you come across something you no longer want, you and the rest of your family can immediately set it up for donations. Without this system, items stay around the house, creating more and more clutter. Once in a while, you collect your donations from all floors and bring them to the donation center or schedule a pickup.

In bedrooms, I recommend a garment bag labeled “Donations.” Hang it in your closet or laundry room. Whenever you find something you no longer need, drop it in.

Phase 2.2 Organize

Now that you know what you want to keep, start organizing those items in categories. Make sure that you don't overcategorize things because that will lead to complications later when trying to maintain your systems.

The next step in the process is to "contain" your categories; here is where organizing products come in handy. Use baskets, bins, and dividers to keep like-with-like items together. This step is crucial to make sure your space stays organized for longer.

This is when you start creating supportive systems. What exactly are organizing systems? A system is simply a repeatable way of doing something that makes your life easier.

Examples:

• a paper inbox

• a drop zone for backpacks

• a bin for winter gear

• a charging station

• a donation bag

Systems reduce friction and support your routines. Keep in mind that routines and goals change, so don't expect your systems to last forever, some will, but most won't. Systems need to be reviewed and updated on a regular basis so your home stays in balance.

Phase 2.3 Label

Labels aren’t about aesthetics — they reduce mental load, help everyone participate, and make your systems easier to maintain. When labeling, make sure you use between 1 and 3 words maximum and use a font that is easy for everyone to read. Name the category instead of the items contained in the basket. When labels are too complicated, people tend not to read them, and systems often fail to last.

Phase 3 — Maintain

This is the step most people skip — and it’s why homes get messy again.

Maintenance is about:

• teaching your household the new flow

• building micro‑habits like a 5‑minute nightly reset

• doing a weekly paper review

• resetting seasonally so your home evolves with your life

When your systems match your lifestyle, maintenance becomes natural.

Where Should You Start?

If you’re overwhelmed, start small. Small wins create momentum. In winter, the entryway is a great place to begin — it’s the first and last space you see each day, and it's a space you can reset in an hour or two (maybe less)

Then move to your command center or work area as routines pick back up.

And don’t forget paper and mail — January is the perfect time to reset your paper flow as we prepare for tax season.

A Local Perspective: North Jersey Homes

As a professional organizer serving families in Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Verona, Nutley, and nearby New Jersey towns, I see firsthand how our local homes come with unique challenges:

• older layouts

• smaller entryways

• narrow pantries

• limited storage

• multi‑use spaces

That’s why intentional systems matter so much.

A New Year reset helps these homes feel lighter, calmer, and more functional.

Quick Wins You Can Try Today

These take less than 5 minutes:

• Create a Donation Garment Bag

• Empty and declutter the junk drawer

• Start a paper inbox

• Do a 5‑minute nightly reset

Small steps create big momentum.

Ready for a Home That Supports Your Life?

If you’re in Northern New Jersey and want hands‑on support, I’d love to help you create a home that feels calm, functional, and beautifully aligned with your life.

Follow us on social media for tips and to see the transformations our team creates in New Jersey so you can get inspired!

How an Organized Space Fuels Entrepreneurial Success - A Secaucus, New Jersey Case Study

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:23:09 GMT

The Hidden Impact of Clutter on Productivity, Mindset, and Business Growth

A Clear Example in Secacuse New Jersey

The Transformation

Here's How a Well-Organized Space Can Transform Your Business

Luxury Meets Practicality: A Closet Transformation in Upper Montclair, New Jersey

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 21:51:50 GMT

Closest Transformation In Montclair, New Jersey

In the heart of Upper Montclair, New Jersey, we recently had the pleasure of transforming a busy mom’s master closet into an upscale, organized sanctuary where luxury meets functionality. This client needed a space that felt sophisticated but was also practical enough to keep up with her busy lifestyle. With careful planning and a keen eye for detail, we turned this closet into a fabulous one! .

The Challenge

The challenge in this case was that, despite the home being a magnificent historic estate, her closet—like many in Montclair’s older homes—was not designed for a modern wardrobe. Maximizing every inch was essential. Our goal was to optimize the space while maintaining an elegant, high-end aesthetic look without compromising easy access to her everyday essentials.

To elevate the look of her high-end handbags , we incorporated sleek golden purse stands. Not only did they create a boutique-style display, but they also helped maintain the shape of each bag, preventing unnecessary wear and tear. For her growing shoe collection, we introduced stackable shoe racks to maximize space while keeping every pair neatly arranged and easy to find. To keep her belts from ending up in a tangled mess, we used acrylic belt organizers , which not only provided a structured storage solution but also added a sleek, modern touch to the closet.

We also upgraded all her hangers to white and gold velvet, instantly giving the closet a cohesive, high-end feel while preventing clothes from slipping. To ensure smaller items like jewelry, scarves, and undergarments stayed organized, we incorporated drawer dividers , creating a structured system that made it easy to find everything at a glance.

The Transformation

The Results

A stylish and easy-to-maintain closet where every piece has its place. This busy mom now enjoys a stress-free morning routine, knowing that her wardrobe is beautifully displayed and easily accessible. A streamlined, luxury space that reflects her lifestyle.

Ready for a Closet Makeover?

If you’re dreaming of an organized, stylish, and stress-free closet , we’re here to help! Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s create a space that’s both functional and fabulous.

Declutter and Organize your Home - Guide for residents of Montclair New Jersey

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:21:22 GMT

Decluttering and Organizing in Montclair, New Jersey

Embarking on a journey to declutter and organize your home can transform not just your living space, but also enhance your daily life. As an experienced professional organizer, I have witnessed the transformative power of decluttering firsthand, helping families across Montclair reclaim their spaces and, as a result, experience increased tranquility and efficiency at home. My strategy extends beyond simple clean-up efforts; it's about crafting bespoke organizing solutions that perfectly align with the unique needs, lifestyles, and aspirations of each family. This guide is my way of contributing to the Montclair community, offering insights into local resources designed to support your decluttering efforts. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together, turning the challenge of organizing your home into an opportunity to uplift and revitalize your family’s living environment in Montclair.

The Importance of Organizing your Home

Home organization and decluttering is about more than just creating space or maintaining an attractive environment; it's a strategic approach that enhances family life, especially in vibrant communities like Montclair, NJ. The task of organizing a home can seem overwhelming for families balancing work, education, and social life. Yet, the advantages of a neatly organized space are significant, from lowering stress levels to boosting productivity and overall happiness.

Planning Your Organizing Project

Kickstart your project by identifying the areas in your home that need attention. Break the project down into manageable tasks, focusing on one area at a time. The key to decluttering and organizing is starting simple: choose a spot, arm yourself with a trash bag and a recycling bin, and begin.

A common hurdle in decluttering and organizing is not knowing what to do with the items you're ready to part with. To assist, I've compiled a list of resources for Montclair families to navigate the disposal of tricky items.

Key Resources for Organizing and Decluttering in Montclair

Montclair families have access to several resources that can significantly ease the organizing process, especially when it comes to disposing of unwanted items:

Bulk Items Disposal

Montclair Township Pickup: For bulk item disposal, Montclair residents can utilize the township's free pickup service on specified days. Up to three large household items can be collected, though not all items are eligible. For a list of accepted items and to determine your neighborhood's pickup day, visit the Montclair official site here or call 973-509-5711.
GoLoadUp: For a more flexible disposal schedule or for disposing of bulk items outside of township collection dates, GoLoadUp offers a private, convenient same day pick up services. Contact them for a quote and to arrange a pickup at your convenience.

Electronic Disposal

Montclair Recycling Drop-Off Center: Only Montclair residents can drop off electronics and computer equipment for recycling at 216 North Fullerton Ave every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. More information is available on the Montclair government site .

Household Hazardous Waste

Essex County Utilities Authority: They manage HHW Collection Days for all county municipalities, including Montclair, during the spring and fall. These are hosted in Cedar Grove, a short distance for Montclair residents, offering a convenient option for hazardous waste disposal. Visit the website here for more information.

Batteries

Staples : acc epts Lead-acid Batteries - Non-automotive Lithium-ion Batteries Nickel-cadmium Batteries Nickel-metal Hydride Batteries Nickel-zinc Batteries

Prescription Medication Disposal

RX Drug Drop Box : CVS Pharmacy in Montclair located at 49 Claremont Ave.

Paper Shredding

Montclair Shred Fest : For secure document shredding, Montclair hosts annual events every year. Visit the website here to learn more.
The UPS Store and Staples : Alternatively, residents can bring their documents to their local UPS Store for secure shredding, and the cost is very inexpensive.

General Donations

Breast Cancer Pickups and Vietnam Veterans of America : Both organizations offer free and convenient pickup services for those looking to donate clothes and household items. This is a great way to declutter while supporting worthy causes.

By leveraging these Montclair-specific resources, families can greatly streamline the decluttering and home organizing processes, paving the way for a more orderly and serene home environment.

If you want to consider outsourcing this task, give us a call. We would love to take this off your plate so you can focus on other important issues while we declutter and organize your home.

If you know of any updates or additional resources we should include in this article, please let us know. We would love to provide as much information as possible for families in Montclair and help them declutter and organize so they can enjoy every inch of their homes.

Home Organizing and Decluttering in Upper Saddle River New Jersey

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:14:59 GMT

Decluttering and Organizing in Upper Saddle River

As a professional organizer, I've had the privilege of transforming cluttered spaces into oases of calm and efficiency for numerous families in Upper Saddle River and the surrounding areas. My journey has been filled with inspiring stories of households reclaiming their spaces and, in turn, finding greater peace and productivity in their daily lives. My approach goes beyond mere tidying; it's about creating tailored solutions that resonate with each family's unique lifestyle, preferences, and challenges. This article is a gesture of my commitment to the community, offering a resourceful guide to the local amenities and services available to aid in your decluttering journey.

The Importance of Organizing your Home

Home organizing and decluttering is not just about creating more space or maintaining a visually appealing environment; it's a strategic process that enhances the quality of life for families, especially in vibrant communities like Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Organizing a home can be daunting for families juggling the demands of work, school, and social commitments. However, the benefits of a well-organized space are immense, ranging from reduced stress levels to increased productivity and overall happiness.

Organizing your home is critical to achieving a balanced and harmonious lifestyle. It's about making your space work for you, allowing for more efficient use of time and resources. An organized home reduces the time spent searching for lost items, helps manage household chores more efficiently, and creates a sense of calm and order. Planning is crucial in this process, serving as the roadmap for decluttering efforts. It involves setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and determining the best strategies for disposal and storage.

Planning Your Organizing Project

Start by making a list of areas in your home that need attention. Break down the project into manageable tasks and tackle them individually. Don’t overthink it! Pick one area and get started. Grab a garbage bag, a recycling box and do it.

One of the things that stops people from decluttering and organizing is not knowing what to do with the “stuff” they need to get rid of. For this reason, this guide will provide an answer to what to do with the most common items you might come across when decluttering and organizing your home.

If you feel overwhelmed by this process or you just want things get done quickly and efficiently give me a call. We will be happy to help

Key Resources for Organizing and Decluttering in Upper Saddle River

Families in Upper Saddle River have access to several resources that can significantly facilitate the organizing process, especially when disposing of unwanted items. Here are some valuable resources:

Bulk Items Disposal

City Scheduled Free Pickup: Upper Saddle River offers scheduled free pickup for bulk items four times a year in March, June, September, and November. This service is a convenient way to dispose of large items without incurring additional costs. To learn more click here
GoLoadUp: For those who prefer a more flexible schedule or need to dispose of bulk items outside the city's pickup dates, GoLoadUp offers a convenient private service. Contact them for a quote and schedule a pickup at your convenience.

Electronic Disposal

City Arrangements : Electronic disposal is another aspect that Upper Saddle River residents can manage easily. The city facilitates electronic waste disposal. Residents must contact the city at least three days before the desired pickup date by calling 201-327-2196, ext. 221. To learn more visit the website here .

Household Hazardous Waste

Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) : For disposing of household hazardous waste, BCUA hosts several disposal events throughout the year at different locations across Bergen County. Check their website for dates and locations.

Batteries

Staples : acc epts Lead-acid Batteries - Non-automotive Lithium-ion Batteries Nickel-cadmium Batteries Nickel-metal Hydride Batteries Nickel-zinc Batteries

Prescription Medication Disposal

Handling prescription medications requires care. BCUA offers a practical guide for safe disposal. Following these guidelines is crucial to preventing environmental harm or accidental ingestion. Click here to learn more.

Paper Shredding

BCUA Events: For the secure disposal of sensitive documents, Bergen County hosts shredding events throughout the year. These events provide a safe way to dispose of personal papers. Click here to find the next event and location.
The UPS Store and Staples : Alternatively, residents can bring their documents to their local UPS Store for secure shredding, and the cost is very inexpensive.

General Donations

Breast Cancer Pickups and Vietnam Veterans of America : Both organizations offer free and convenient pickup services for those looking to donate clothes and household items. This is a great way to declutter while supporting worthy causes.

By leveraging these resources, families in Upper Saddle River can significantly streamline the decluttering and home organizing processes.

If you want to consider outsourcing this task, give us a call. We would love to take this off your plate so you can focus on other important issues while we declutter and organize your home.

If you know of any updates or additional resources we should include in this article, please let us know. We would love to provide as much information as possible for families in Upper Saddle River and help them declutter and organize so they can enjoy every inch of their homes.

Top 9 Life-Changing Habits For Busy Moms To Reduce Overwhelm

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 14:41:32 GMT

How can you take control of things and reduce overwhelm as a mom?

Are you a busy mom looking for ways to get organized and make your day-to-day life smoother? If so, this article is for you! We’ve rounded up the top nine habits that will help you reduce your stress and be less overwhelmed.

1 - Organize your thoughts and information :

Organizing our thoughts and information can be a challenging process, especially when faced with large amounts of data or complex problems and little time. But if we take the time to structure our ideas logically, we will be better equipped to tackle any project or problem more efficiently.

There are several strategies you can use to organize your thoughts and information more effectively. One of the most popular methods is called mind mapping, which involves creating diagrams that connect related concepts visually, so they’re easier to remember and understand. This technique allows you to quickly identify patterns in your data and potential solutions or ideas for further exploration.

Another helpful strategy is using lists which enables you to prioritize tasks according to importance while also breaking them down into smaller steps that are easier to complete one by one instead of all at once.

Additionally, keeping track of progress through checklists ensures that no critical details are overlooked during the execution.

Using a central hub of information to dump all your references and thoughts on the go is a fantastic way to keep things off your mind. I use Asana, but Trello, Evernote, or any other cloud-based project management tool would also work.

2 - Plan ahead of time

Taking the time to plan and create a schedule can help you better manage your time. And the best time to plan your day is the night before.

Be realistic and prioritize. Define what those activities that will move the needle toward your goal are. Use The 80-20. Spend 80% of your time on 20% of the "needle mover" tasks.

As yourself:

- What is most important now?

- What is the one thing I want to focus on tomorrow?

- Are you giving yourself permission? Meaning are you allowing yourself time and space to do it?

Download our Free Time Management Workbook to help you define your goals and prioritize efficiently.

3- Delegate

One of the most important habits busy moms can adopt to manage their time and energy better is delegation. Here are the best resources you can use to help you take things off your plate."

Family members

Delegating household tasks to other family members, such as children or spouses, can help reduce stress and free up more time for activities that require mom’s attention. It also helps teach kids valuable skills like responsibility and independence while giving them a sense of ownership in the home. Moreover, delegating tasks among family members allows everyone to contribute meaningfully to keeping the house in order.

Store Pick up or Delivery

Did you know that the average person spends in average about 60hrs per year on the grocery store ? 60hrs! That is more than a 1 and 1/2 weeks of extra vacation time a year. You should always try to optimize the time you spend on grocery and other house inventory shopping. Online orders to pick up in-store or deliver groceries directly can be incredibly time saving.

While there is nothing like choosing the fresh items yourself, the benefit of saving 60+ hours per year with this time-consuming task makes it worth the risk of getting a few less-than-perfect apples every now and then. I almost never go to the supermarket nowadays.

Virtual Assistants

You can also consider using external resources to help you save time. Hiring a virtual assistant is a fantastic way to do that. There are so many great options with very different price ranges to choose from, such as Upwork, Fiver, Hiremymom.com, or overseas networks of freelancers with very affordable hourly rates.

Food Prep Services

Consider finding someone to help you with the food preparation. Check Care.com. The best way to do this is to prepare a weekly menu and have it ready for your helper when she/he comes once or twice a week. They can do the shopping, and leave things washed, pilled, chopped, sliced, portioned, etc., for the entire week, so you can conveniently finish healthy dishes in a few minutes daily.

4-Reduce Distractions

In an era of constantly-connected devices and instant notifications, it can be difficult for busy moms to stay focused on their tasks. While it can be difficult to eliminate distractions, there are some simple steps that busy moms can take to reduce them and make the most of their precious time. Here are the two best strategies for that:

Emails

Stop checking your emails constantly. Instead, get into the habit of setting up blocks of time during the day.

Try downloading a focus app

Fortunately, focus apps are becoming increasingly popular among parents looking to reduce distractions and maximize their time. These helpful tools help users block out distractions, set timers for certain activities or tasks, and offer other features designed to boost productivity. By using a focus app, busy moms can make the most of their limited time without getting overwhelmed by constant notifications or sidetrack by social media posts.

7-Stop multitasking

Multitasking has been hailed as a great way to increase productivity, but in reality, it can be detrimental to your success. While multitasking may seem an effective way of getting more done in less time, research shows that it reduces productivity and increases stress levels. Studies have shown that people who attempt to multitask often take longer to finish their tasks than those who focus on one task at a time.

When you multitask, your brain cannot fully focus on any task. Instead of being able to dedicate all of its resources towards the completion of one task at hand, your mind is constantly switching back and forth between different activities, which makes it difficult for you to concentrate or remember details about what you’re doing. This means that even if you manage to get through multiple tasks quickly while multitasking, the quality will suffer due to the lack of attention given to each task.

Additionally, when we try and do too much at once, our brains become overwhelmed with information which can lead us to make mistakes or not catch errors before they happen, causing rework down the line or missed deadlines altogether. Furthermore, attempting too many things simultaneously also increases your stress level, reducing your productivity.

In his book " The ONE Thing ," Gary Keller talks about the extraordinary results people and companies can achieve if, instead of multitasking and setting up multiple goals, they focus on just ONE thing until it's accomplished and then move to the next one.

8 - Use a household notebook

UStaying organized with a household notebook or command center can help keep the family on track.

A proper household notebook should include, Meal planning, School information, Kids' Friends information, Neigthbous Information, a Family Emergency Plan, Travel Planner, and Party Planner.

Download our Free Family Organizing Handbook to help you get started.

9 - Let go of perfectionism

Perfectionism can often be a source of stress in our lives as we strive to reach an unattainable ideal. Unfortunately, this thinking can keep us from achieving our goals or enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It is essential to recognize the importance of letting go of perfectionism and embracing imperfection to reduce stress and enjoy life more fully.

Remember that done is better than perfect, and your goal should be a happy and balanced life, not a perfect one.

8 - Organize your Home in a S.M.A.R.T way

For busy moms, home organizing can be essential to reduce stress and create a functional home environment. Keeping things simply organized can provide an atmosphere of control and help keep daily routines running smoother.

Your home should be organized in a S.M.A.R.T . SMART stands for: Systematic, Minimalistic, Appealing, Realistic & Tailored.

Systematic

Create systems based on your family routines. Think about what process you can implement that will systematize your efforts. For example, if you buy in bulk, place half of the purchase in an easy-to-reach, "prime real estate" location and the other half in "a storage" location. Once you finish what you have in the easy-to-reach location, order more and bring the rest from "storage." I keep half of my toilet paper in the basement and the other half in each bathroom under the sink.

Minimalistic

The best way to keep things organized is to reduce what you have in your home. The more you reduce and the least you have, the easier it will be to keep things under control.

Think that each item you bring to your home will require your time and attention. Reduce and keep things simple.

Appealing

Creating a cozy and inviting environment will help you relax and enjoy your home with your friends and family.

When it comes to organizing your home in an appealing way, simple and functional is the way to go. Consider purchasing simple furniture that can be easily organized into any room you need while providing ample storage where needed.

Use mirrors, which can make a space look larger and brighter and eliminate clutter - only concentrate on items that bring you joy.

Soft fabrics such as curtains and rugs, with cushy pillows for comfortable seating, will help create an inviting atmosphere for you and your guests.

Hang photos and artwork that speak to your style, or add some houseplants, which come in all sizes and can add a touch of sophistication or a fun pop of color, creating a cozy atmosphere without investing too much effort or money.

Realistic

Don't try to create a picture-perfect home. Instead, think about your situation and what can realistically work for you. For example, decanting food into containers it's the perfect way to keep food fresh and make the party look beautiful, but It is very time-consuming. It might not be realistic for you to maintain a system like this in your home.

Tailored

The way you organize each space should be tailored to the needs and preferences of the members of the family who uses the space. Don't try to replicate a Pinterest post just because it looks beautiful. In my blog post "Mistakes To Avoid When Home Organizing" , I explain why it is important to keep your family dynamics in mind when organizing and why it is essential to include everyone in this process.

9 - Be grateful

It sounds simple but expressing your gratitude for what you have in life, especially at night time, can go a long way toward helping you better manage stress levels and achieve more balance in your life.

Being grateful does not mean ignoring the problems we may face or glossing over difficult situations; rather, it means taking stock of our blessings and appreciating them despite any challenges we may encounter. Focusing on positive aspects such as good health, meaningful relationships, or even simply having enough food to eat can help us realize how much we truly have to be thankful for. This realization can make us feel calmer and less overwhelmed when faced with stressful situations. Additionally, research has shown that practicing gratitude helps improve physical health by reducing inflammation linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Expressing gratitude also helps us shift our focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. Being in a positive state of mind will also help you stay productive and achieve your goals.

Being a busy mom is not easy, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. It is always possible to strive for balance by setting clear priorities and being mindful of your goals. Those ten habits help us keep focused on what matters to us most and make time for ourselves. Working smarter is the key to finding balance and establishing healthy life patterns. We can learn to stop multitasking and start focusing on one job at a time, prioritize tasks, delegate home duties when possible, reduce distractions, let go of perfectionism, and find moments to be grateful.

To make this process easier, download our Free Organizing Toolkit , a practical guide to help you organize your Home, Time and Family.

Mistakes To Avoid When Home Organizing

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 18:18:48 GMT

What mistakes should you avoid when organizing your home?

Organizing your home can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Following simple guidelines and avoiding common mistakes can make the process easier and more successful.

1. Not setting a home organizing plan:

Developing a plan of action with clear objectives can help create organized home systems that are easy to maintain. When it comes to home organizing, not taking the time to define objectives and setting clear priorities can quickly lead to frustration and wasted time.

Developing a plan of action with a clear path takes some time and effort upfront but can help you create organized home systems that will save heaps of effort in the long run. Ensure that you understand and prioritize what needs to be done, and don't underestimate the time investment required for tasks - proper time management is critical.

2. Not decluttering:

When organizing a space, some people make the mistake of starting by buying organizing products. Some people want to avoid the decision-making process of having to get rid of things and try to organize them in pretty containers instead.

However, if you want to create a functional and easy-to-maintain home, the first step to success is to declutter. Start by removing unnecessary items that take up valuable space in your home. This will help simplify the room and make it easier to organize what remains. Decluttering can be challenging for some people, but if you keep pushing yourself to do it, you will find that it becomes easier over time.

3. Focusing on aesthetics over functionality:

It can be easy to get caught up in perfecting aesthetics when organizing a home but creating a space that is both pleasing to look at and functional is essential. While it's great to want your space to look beautiful, simplicity and function are arguably more important factors when considering a design plan or storage solutions.

An overly perfect environment can be daunting, difficult to maintain, and unobtainable. On the other hand, an organized space that is easy to use and simple to maintain is far better for day-to-day living. When organizing a home, it's essential to keep your specific family dynamics in mind, too; functionality doesn't mean compromised style but rather comforting simplicity tailored for each person in your home.

Focusing on practicality will make the home inviting for all and easier to maintain in the long term, even if imperfection exists!

4. Overlooking problem areas or awkward spaces:

Home organizing should be more than just tidying up our living space and main areas - it should be about challenging every inch of your home and unlocking the potential of awkward spaces. We often forget to focus on the hidden parts of the home, like under-the-sink cabinets, utility closets, or attics.

But neglecting these problem areas can lead us to waste the opportunity to create additional functional spaces and an overall practical home. If we start home-organizing with a specific focus on these hard-to-reach places, we can make sure they are functional and efficient when the time comes to use them. Looking after problem spots now means enjoying efficiency later - and that's what home organizing is all about!

5. Ignoring preferences and family dynamics:

When organizing your home, it is important to customize the effort to fit the family dynamics. Keep in mind how different members of the household prefer to organize and store things. While it may be quicker for you to decide how to organize each space based on your preferences, it is much more effective to keep each person’s preferences in mind if you want to create long-lasting organizing systems around your home. A great way to accomplish this is to invite home members to participate in the organizing process.

Ask for questions and ideas, and listen to their complaints, create together a vision board, ask for feedback. This will not only create an environment that allows everyone to feel comfortable participating, but it will also help minimize anxiety and frustration, which can lead to better results.

Kids, especially, need to have these customized approaches tailored for them to take ownership of their spaces and learn the proper way of keeping their area clean and organized without feeling a burden. Ultimately, this collaborative approach can help create an environment where all members feel comfortable participating in the effort, ensuring more successful results.

6. Rushing the process

Underestimating the time it takes to organize can be a huge mistake; lasting results from organizing won't show up if you rush through or try to do too many projects in a short amount of time. This often leads to frustration as the focus becomes scattered and energy levels run out sooner than expected. It's essential to allow yourself enough time for each project so that you can take everything out, tidy up and reorganize properly.

Remember that it will get worse before it gets better, especially with larger-scale tasks - don’t feel despondent, though; after some hefty chunks of work, the transformation should be worth the effort! Most people fall into this mistake simply because of a lack of experience or because misleading organizing YouTube or TV shows makes them believe that organizing is quick and simple.

To avoid this mistake, assume that organizing a space will take you twice as much time as you think it will and divide the project into manageable steps. Work is in stages, and keep an eye on the watch so you can tide up the room and continue later if you run out of time. Enjoy the journey and celebrate your progress.

Now that you know the common mistakes to avoid when organizing your home, you can confidently start decluttering and setting up a system that works for you and your family. For help getting started, download our free Home Organizing Planning Guide.

How to Organize According to your Personality (Ultimate guide for Organized Homes)

Thu, 06 May 2021 18:49:26 GMT

How does your personality influences your organizing style?

Have you ever wondered why certain people seem to be able to get organized and maintain their spaces better than others?

Our personality, natural preferences, and habits influence how we use space, plan our lives, and process information.

In this post, we will explain the four main organizing styles that Cassandra Aarssen outlines in her book The Clutter Connection and what are the best organizing strategies for each.

In this post we will cover:

1) The importance of considering our organizing styles

2) Micro-Visual Organizers

3) Macro-Hidden Organizers

4) Micro-Hidden Organizers

5) Macro-Visual Organizers

6) Can I have more than one organizing style?

7) What to do when people with different organizing styles have to coexist?

So, let’s dive in!

1) The importance of considering our organizing style

We all agree that those perfect pantry and closet pictures on Instagram look fantastic. Still, in reality that type of organization is not for everyone. Looking at those impeccably aligned containers, one person might think they create a beautiful balance in the kitchen. In contrast, someone else might think that it is crazy to take the time to empty all cereal boxes so things can look good.

The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all in the art of organizing. If you or someone else tries to push you to adopt a system that doesn't fit your organizational style, it simply won't work. In fact, in some cases, can even make things worse.

Choosing systems that align with your personality is crucial when creating functional organizing systems.

Here are some variables I usually use, as a professional organizer, to create customized systems to fit my clients' specific style:

How much to categorize and divide spaces
The size, material, and color of containers we use
The location where we place the items

Let's have a look at those different styles, their particular challenges and what strategies work best for each!

2) Micro-Visual Organizers

Characteristics

Micro-Visual Organizers are very detail-oriented. They love to plan and research. They prefer to see everything so they can easily find what they need. Typically, they like to have everyday items out and accessible.

Challenges

They often over plan, and their tendency to aim for perfection makes their organization efforts time-consuming. As a result, they tend to procrastinate.

Strategies

Maximize vertical space with open shelving, pegboard, and hooks. Use clear containers, see-through bags, and wire baskets to quickly find what you need while having things in a designated space.

Don't allow your perfectionism to stop you from getting started. Work on stages. Begin with basic organizing systems and remind yourself that you can come back later to improve them. Consider that it is better to have things less than perfectly organized now than cluttered for months until you have time to install the perfect system.

3) Macro-Hidden Organizers

Characteristics

They hate clutter, but they like to move fast. Macro-Hidden organizers only want to see the big picture and don't have the patience to work on details.

Challenges

They tend to put things away without a storage and retrieval system because they hate to see chaos. If they are presented with too many options and categories that are not obvious, they will put things in any place and move to the next task quickly.

Strategies

Use macro-categories so you can put things away quickly without much thinking. Avoid clear containers and instead choose solid and neutral colors or materials for a calm and uniform look.

Use uniform baskets or boxes on open shelves and use drawer dividers so you can put everything away while keeping things organized.

When possible, avoid hanging too many small things on the walls. Doing so can make you feel overwhelmed. Instead, consider command hooks which can be placed inside door cabinets to keep things out of sight.

Labeling containers is a fantastic strategy for Macro-Hidden organizers so they can quickly find each item's designated space.

3) Micro-Hidden Organizers

Characteristics

Micro-Hidden organizers also like to see things out of sight but very well organized inside drawers and closets. They are perfectionist and very detail-oriented, so differently than Macro-Hidden organizers, they love subcategories.

Micro-Hidden Organizers, on the other hand, need to see what is pending. So they will typically leave bills to pay or unfinished projects outside. As soon as they are done 100%, they will take the time to put things away neatly.

Challenges

Micro-Hidden Organizers share the same challenges as Micro-Visual Organizers. Their perfectionism sometimes plays against them, allowing them to accumulate clutter or burnout because of exhaustion.

Strategies

Command centers with wire or acrylic baskets to see what they have is a great way to organize pending items for Micro-Hidden Organizers.

Clear containers for work-in-progress projects is a good idea to keep visible yet organized all those unfinished projects. Drawer organizers with multiple dividers work great for Micro-Hidden Organizers.

4) Macro-Visual Organizers

Characteristics

Like Macro-Hidden Organizers, Macro-Visual Organizers are big picture thinkers, and they don't have the patience to put things away in a detailed manner. However, they also like to see everything they have and keep things very accessible.

Challenges

This combination of looking to have things at hand and not having the patience to organize in detail facilitates a tendency to generate clutter very often.

Strategies

Using large clear containers without lids in open shelves is a very effective system to help Macro-visual organizers maintain order.

Trays and wire baskets are fantastic to keep items contained on top of counters. Use walls and hooks to hang things, so they are away from the floor and counter but still easy to find and grab.

Avoid macro-categorizing and use large labels (even in clear containers) so you can see quickly where things should go.

Make a daily effort to survey your spaces. Take a few minutes per day to put things away and create small weekly decluttering sessions. Work one drawer or shelf at a time. Small but frequent sessions will allow you to keep things under control.

5) Can I have more than one organizational style?

Absolutely. Typically one of these styles is more predominant than others but most of us have a blend of styles. Some people might tend to organize things in one way at work and differently at home. Or we might feel inclined to use some systems for everything related to paper and a different approach with kitchen items.

Our styles also might change with time. Changes in our life cycle or lifestyle, new responsibilities, or dynamics at home or work might change our priorities or how we perceive and interact with our belongings. We might have been a type of organizer when we were young students and a different one now that we have kids, to name an example.

For this reason, when you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unproductive, take the time to analyze if the systems you are using are well aligned with your current organizing style. Try different strategies and see what works best for you.

6) What to do when people with different organizing styles have to coexist?

We can often find a common problem when someone you share the space with has different organizing styles than you. What do you do then? Well, In this case, you will most likely have to compromise.

Think about who really uses the space more often and put in place systems according to this person's natural needs as much as possible. For instance, your closet might need to be organized entirely differently than your husband's.

If different personalities share the space, it is recommended to choose visual macro strategies. Macro organizers will find it very challenging to maintain a microsystem. They will most likely put things in any space or leave them on top of a counter. Similarly, a visual organizer will struggle to put away items if they are not visible enough. Piles of things will start to emerge everywhere.

Final Thoughts

Take the time to analyze your style and current systems. Don't feel guilty or discouraged if things are not working great. Allow yourself to try new things until you find your balance.

Knowing and keeping your family members' dominant organizing style in mind will help you create better systems to keep a tidy and functional home.

Now I want to hear from you:

Which is your dominant organizing style? Do you have a combination of them?

Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Top 5 Benefits of Getting Organized (Ultimate guide for Organized Homes)

Wed, 05 May 2021 15:45:51 GMT

“For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned” –Benjamin Franklin.

Different studies show that maintaining an orderly space is not just a matter of appearances and aesthetics. Our space also influences our daily life, including our health and relationships. The Journal of Environmental Psychology published a study where they found that clutter increases stress, decreases productivity, and leads to unhealthy habits.

In this article we will cover the Top 5 Life-Changing benefits of getting organized

1. Reduces Stress

2. Increases Productivity

3. Promotes A Healthier Diet

4. Protects Your Relationships

5. Sets Up Kids for Success

But first, why is it so difficult to keep an organized home?

We live in a capitalist society that pushes us to consume, buy and accumulate more than we need.

On the other hand, we keep increasing the number of hours we work and keeping ourselves busy with social and extracurricular activities is more normal than ever.

This combination leads to a constant flow of increased household items and no time to manage them. As a result, we find ourselves in a constant battle against clutter.

Understanding the actual benefits of being organized can make the difficult task of decluttering entirely worthwhile.

Top 5 Life-Changing Benefits of Getting Organized

1. Reduces Stress

Anxiety

Every pile we accumulate is a constant reminder that we need to take action and that things are getting out of control. This situation makes us feel overwhelmed and causes anxiety. We might fear serious consequences such as missing important deadlines, missing bill payments, misplacing documents, or things that we will later need.

Once we improve our organization, we start to feel empowered and in control. We can relax and sleep better, reducing our anxiety and decreasing our stress levels.

Frustration

Dr. Sherrie Bourgh explains that clutter limits our ability to relax and increases our frustration and anger when we can't find what we need.

When you take the time to declutter and get rid of things we don't use or need, we will have fewer distractions and more space to organize what we need to take control of our lives.

2. Improves Productivity

Piles of things everywhere distract our attention constantly and don't allow us to focus on our essential daily tasks.

Additionally, when things don't have a home, we spend time and energy looking for them over and over. When this happens repeatedly, we start to feel discouraged about doing things because we know how frustrating, time-consuming and demanding it might be to get things done.

When we are organized, we can function quickly and efficiently. We can find things promptly and effortlessly. When we operate smoothly, we feel optimistic, at ease, and stimulated to take action. It is easier to complete tasks and get results which improve our confidence and consequent productivity.

3. Promotes A Healthier Diet

A study made in Australia shows that people tend to eat more unhealthy foods if the environment in which they are is disorganized.

Also, having a cluttered kitchen and disorganized pantry might discourage families from trying to cook at home. If, on the other hand, your kitchen is clean, with comfortable working zones, we might feel inspired to cook healthy meals.

Lastly, planning a strategic location for pantry items to show healthy options first can have great results. You can keep sweets and cheeps out of the reach of kids and or out of sight from adults, which will also help in the effort to improve your healthy eating habits.

4. Protects Your Relationships

Missing deadlines, payments, and essential documents are negative consequences that can happen when we are disorganized. Those consequences can impact our loved ones and us creating fights and negative feelings that hurt our relationships.

Also, when our home is cluttered, all members of the family experience frustration and negativity. When our home is clean and organized, our family can function in a calm and open environment avoiding fights and discomfort.

5. Sets up kids for Success

The benefits of growing up in an organized home for children are countless. Being organized is a skill that can be learned. Therefore, the sooner is it taught, the more influential the result will be. Learning is significantly incorporated through observation and experimentation in early childhood but mainly through "example."

Children should be in spaces that allow them to explore and learn through the body. The environment plays a significant role in making kids feel safe and stimulated to advance their psychomotor evolution. A disorganized space can hinder the normal development process.

Children who manage to organize their belongings prove to be more efficient in different areas, including their relationship with their family, social interactions, and at school.

The learning that is achieved in the early stages of development lasts and is persevered throughout life. Parents should not miss this tremendous opportunity!

Final Thoughts

Pause to think about these realities and benefits while you're tempted to let the chaos continue. Allow them to inspire you to plan your life and live it to the fullest. After all, you deserve the best of it!

Now I want to hear from you:

Have you started your organization journey? Which of these benefits did you see or wish to see first?

Let me know by leaving a comment below.

How to Categorize Household Items (Ultimate guide for Organized Homes)

Tue, 04 May 2021 16:43:40 GMT

How to Categorize for optimal organization results

Categorizing or classifying is an essential step in your organization's process. It will determine the success of your project in the long term. This step can be difficult and time-consuming if you are not used to doing it. In this article you will find helpful tips and tricks to guide you in the process.

So let's begin!

1. S.O.R.T. First

2. Macro Vs. Micro Categorizing

3. Types of Categorization

4. Common Categories by Room

1. S.O.R.T. First

When organizing any room or area of your home or office, the first thing to do is to S.O.R.T. every item. S.O.R.T. is an acronym designed to guide you when decluttering any room.

S.O.R.T. Stands for:

S. Stay: Items that you want to keep

O. Offload: Items that you wish to donate or sale

R. Relocate : Items that belong to a different room

T. Trash: Items that are un-donatable

First, grab four boxes, baskets, or bags and label each with a S.O.R.T. word.

Next, start taking items from the area you are organizing (by sections) and analyze them one by one to decide in which basket they should go.

This step is also called purging or decluttering and can be a challenging step in itself. I will publish an article soon to cover more about it, but here are the most important things to keep in mind:

When Purging

Let go: Let go of what no longer serves you. Think about what you use and how it makes you feel. Keep only what you have used in the past year and make you feel good.

Focus : Stay focused during the process. It is easy to get distracted when we look and evaluate our belongings. An excellent strategy for this is to work on small sections of the room and set up a timer. Use your "Relocate" basket to help you stay focused on your current project and not leave the room to relocate each item that doesn't belong there. You can take care of this basket later.

Breathe: If you feel overwhelmed, stop and breathe. Take a break if needed, open windows, make sure you have good light, have plenty of water, and eat some nuts or a high-protein snack to help you keep your energy level up. Turn on the music and make it fun!

2. Macro Vs. Micro-Categorizing

Macro-Categorize first

Once you have decided what will stay, start creating categories. The best way to approach this part of the organizing process is to think of macro categories which will help you move faster and more efficiently.

Subcategorize without Micro-Categorizing

Once we have macro-categories, you can start creating subcategories, if needed, depending on the volume of things you have.

Be careful not to micro-categorize. Let's say, for example, you create too many folders which end up with only one one of two items inside. Your system might be at a point where a paper can fit into five different categories. As a result, you will have problems finding your items later.

Avoid Miscellaneous

On the other hand, if you don't subcategorize enough you might find yourself struggling to find items quickly and efficiently. Going back to the paper's example, if you end up with a large category where you have a file with 100 different documents inside, finding things within the folder will not be easy. To this end, my recommendation is to try to avoid miscellaneous as much as possible.

3. Types of Categorization

When sorting or categorizing things, you want to think about the most practical way to do so and how to do it. Here are some options to choose from:

Categorize by Similarity - Group items that are the same type or similar. For example in a pantry we can group snacks, oils, cans, nuts, carbs, etc.

Categorize by Function - This is a way of grouping items that are different but would typically need at the same time. For example in the bathroom we can have mouth products, hair products, face products, etc.

Categorize by User - Another way of grouping things is by the user. This will generally be effective in rooms where space is shared but the items are not. This is very effective for example, in mudrooms or entryways. For instance, grouping items in baskets or drawers for each house member can help everyone quickly find their belongings.

Categorize by Color - This is usually used as a subcategory and works well when organizing kids or craft room items. Creating categories by color for kids' things is a fantastic strategy to help kids stay organized. This approach will make it easy for them to know where to find and put away their items following a specific order.

Categorize Alphabetically - Grouping things by letter is a fantastic way to keep things organized and avoid micro categorizing. Examples of when you should consider alphabetizing include Spices, Books, Files.

4. Common & Basic Categories by room

Each of these rooms have a number of different subcategories which would be useful to explore depending on the quantity of items you have. However these main categories will be a great beginning in your organization journey!

Now I would like to hear from you:

Which rooms in your home do you struggle with finding the write categories to function efficiently?

Let me know by leaving a comment below.