Declutter

July 13 2026

The Truth About Moving: It’s Not Really About the Boxes

Most people think moving is about boxes.

The boxes become the visible symbol of the move — the stacks in the dining room, the rolls of packing tape on the counter, and the Sharpie markers that somehow disappear the moment you need them.

But after helping hundreds of clients throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore, we’ve learned that boxes are rarely the hardest part.

The hardest part is everything that comes before them.

It’s deciding what stays and what goes. It’s figuring out whether the dining room table that hosted decades of family dinners will fit in the next home. It’s opening closets, attics, and basements that haven’t been touched in years and realizing you’ve accumulated far more than you remembered.

Moving, it turns out, isn’t really about moving.

It’s about decision-making.

And that’s exactly why so many people feel overwhelmed long before moving day arrives.

Why Moving Feels So Overwhelming

Most people assume the hardest part of a move is moving day. In reality, moving day is often the easiest part.

By the time the movers arrive, the biggest decisions should already have been made. The challenge is everything leading up to that moment: deciding what belongs in your next home, coordinating countless details, preparing your current home for sale, and managing the emotional side of a major life transition.

One thing we’ve noticed over the years is that people rarely underestimate the physical work involved in moving. What they underestimate is the decision-making.

Every drawer, cabinet, shelf, and storage bin asks a question.

Should I keep this?

Do I still need it?

Will it fit?

Could someone else use it?

Multiply those questions by an entire household, and it’s easy to see why moving can feel so exhausting before the first box is packed.

What Does a Move Manager Actually Do?

This is where move management comes in.

A move manager helps coordinate and simplify the many moving parts of a relocation. While movers focus on transporting belongings from one home to another, move management focuses on helping people navigate the entire process.

At ShipShape Organize, move management services may include:

Downsizing and decluttering
Creating a moving plan and timeline
Preparing a home for sale
Coordinating movers and other service providers
Packing assistance
Overseeing moving day
Unpacking and settling into the new home
Organizing spaces for everyday living

Think of it this way: movers move boxes. Move managers help people move.

It’s a subtle distinction, but an important one.

Many clients come to us thinking they need help packing. What they discover is that what they really need is support making decisions, staying organized, and keeping the process moving forward.

The Downsizing Dilemma

If there’s one part of the moving process that consistently challenges people, it’s downsizing.

And it’s not because people are attached to everything they own.

It’s because every item comes with a decision attached to it.

Over the years we’ve worked with clients downsizing from large family homes, helping empty nesters transition to smaller spaces, and assisting older adults with significant life changes. In nearly every situation, the biggest hurdle isn’t getting rid of things — it’s deciding what makes sense for the next chapter.

We often hear comments like:

“I didn’t realize how much stuff we had until we started getting ready to move.”

Or:

“I know I don’t need all of this, I just don’t know where to start.”

Those feelings are completely normal.

Downsizing isn’t about getting rid of everything. It’s about being intentional. It’s about identifying the belongings that support the life you’re moving into while creating a plan for everything else.

Together, we help clients determine what should be:

Kept
Donated
Sold or consigned
Passed along to family members
Recycled
Responsibly discarded

Having a clear plan not only reduces stress, but often saves time, money, and effort later in the moving process.

Preparing a Home for Sale and Preparing for a Move

Many homeowners think these are two separate projects.

In reality, they’re often the same project.

One of the first steps in preparing a home for sale is reducing clutter and creating a sense of space. The same work also makes moving easier because you’re reducing the number of items that need to be packed, transported, and unpacked.

When a home feels organized, spacious, and well cared for, potential buyers can more easily imagine themselves living there. At the same time, homeowners gain a clearer picture of what they truly want to bring into their next home.

We’ve seen countless situations where starting the decluttering process early made both the sale and the move significantly less stressful.

It’s one of the few times when one effort provides benefits on both ends of the transition.

The Emotional Side of Moving

Moving advice often focuses on logistics.

What doesn’t get discussed nearly enough is that moving can be emotional — even when it’s a positive change.

Homes hold memories.

They hold holiday dinners, birthday celebrations, family traditions, and everyday moments that become meaningful over time.

The kitchen where everyone gathered.

The living room where children opened presents.

The wall with pencil marks tracking years of growth.

Leaving a home can bring excitement, relief, sadness, anticipation, and nostalgia all at the same time.

That’s completely normal.

One of the things we appreciate most about move management is the opportunity to help clients through not just the practical aspects of moving, but the emotional ones as well. Sometimes people simply need a calm, experienced guide who understands that this process is about far more than belongings.

Packing, Unpacking and Getting Settled

Packing tends to fall into one of two categories.

People either don’t mind it, or they would happily avoid it altogether.

Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, packing almost always takes longer than expected.

A kitchen that looks relatively straightforward can contain hundreds of items. Closets reveal forgotten purchases. Storage areas seem to multiply when no one is looking.

Professional packing assistance helps bring structure to the process. Items are organized, categorized, and packed with a plan in mind.

And then comes the part many people overlook: unpacking.

In our experience, the goal isn’t simply to get belongings into a new house.

The goal is to get settled.

There’s a big difference between living among boxes for weeks and walking into a home where the beds are made, the kitchen functions, and daily life can resume more quickly.

That’s often the moment when the stress of moving finally begins to fade.

Who Benefits from Move Management?

One common misconception is that move management is only for seniors.

While ShipShape Organize proudly assists many older adults and families navigating senior move management, the reality is that move management can benefit almost anyone facing a significant transition.

Our clients include:

Empty nesters
Busy professionals
Growing families
Retirees
Homeowners preparing a property for sale
Adult children helping parents relocate

The common thread isn’t age.

It’s that moving is a complex process, and having experienced support can make it feel far more manageable.

Moving Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a move, you’re not alone.

After helping clients throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore, we’ve learned that most people aren’t stressed because they don’t know how to pack a box.

They’re stressed because moving requires hundreds of decisions, countless details, and a significant investment of time and energy.

The good news is that you don’t have to navigate all of it by yourself.

Whether you’re downsizing, preparing a home for market, coordinating a senior move, or relocating to a new space, having a clear plan and the right support can make all the difference.

At ShipShape Organize, that’s exactly what we strive to provide: practical guidance, hands-on assistance, and a smoother path from where you are today to wherever you’re headed next.

If you’re planning a move and wondering where to begin, we’d be happy to help. Call Deb at 978.314.6410.

Frequently Asked Questions About Move Management

What is move management?

Move management is a service that helps individuals and families coordinate every aspect of a move, including downsizing, planning, packing, unpacking, and settling into a new home.

How is a move manager different from a moving company?

Movers transport belongings. Move managers help organize the entire relocation process, including decision-making, planning, decluttering and coordination.

Do I need move management if I’m not a senior?

Absolutely. Busy professionals, families, empty nesters and anyone facing a major move can benefit from move management services.

Does ShipShape Organize provide move management in Greater Boston and the North Shore?

Yes. ShipShape Organize provides move management, organizing, downsizing and relocation support throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore. Contact us here.

May 31 2026

Before Summer Gets Busy: 4 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Less Chaotic

Declutter, Kitchen Organization, Organizing

There’s something about early June that makes people suddenly feel the state of their home.

The school year is wrapping up. Summer travel is around the corner. Guests start popping in. Closets feel crowded. Mudrooms somehow still look like March. And despite longer days, life can start to feel more chaotic, not less.

The good news? You don’t need a full home overhaul to make your space feel lighter, calmer, and more functional for summer.

A few thoughtful resets can make a surprisingly big difference.

1. Create a “Summer Landing Zone”

Summer schedules tend to be less predictable — which usually means more clutter at the door. Consider setting up a simple seasonal drop zone with:

A basket for sunscreen and bug spray
Hooks for beach bags or pool towels
A designated charging spot for portable fans, speakers, or travel tech
A tray for sunglasses and keys

When everyday summer items have a home, they stop migrating across the kitchen counters.

2. Edit Your Refrigerator Like a Pantry

Summer entertaining often means more fresh food, more beverages, and more quick grocery runs. Take 15 minutes to:

Toss expired condiments
Consolidate duplicates
Use clear bins to group grab-and-go items
Designate one shelf for “eat this first”

One of the easiest ways to reduce daily stress is simply being able to see what you have.

3. Rotate What You Actually Use

Many homes are storing too much “just in case” clutter in prime real estate. Early June is the perfect time to:

Move heavy winter items out of reach
Bring summer essentials forward
Donate unused towels, tote bags, or water bottles
Reassess what your family actually used last summer

Function matters more than perfection.

4. Prep for Guests Before They’re Coming

Whether you’re hosting family, college kids home for the summer, or last-minute weekend visitors, a little preparation now prevents the familiar scramble later. Focus on just three areas:

Clear one nightstand and one drawer in the guest room
Create space in the bathroom for guest toiletries
Make entryways feel open and uncluttered

People don’t remember whether your home was perfect. They remember whether it felt comfortable.

A Final Thought…

Organizing isn’t about making your home look staged.

It’s about creating systems that support the life you’re actually living — especially during seasons that feel busy, transitional, or full.

Summer tends to move fast. A small reset now can help the next few months feel a lot more manageable.

And if you’d like help creating calmer, more functional spaces before summer gets into full swing, we’re here for you. ShipShape Organize offers organizing and move management services throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore. Let us be your crew! Call Deb at 978.314.6410

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May 9 2026

Spring Organizing (No Deep Cleaning Required)

Declutter, Organizing

Spring gets a reputation for being the season of scrubbing, bleaching, and tackling every forgotten corner of your home. But here’s my take: Spring isn’t about cleaning harder — it’s about organizing smarter.

Now is the perfect time to reset the spaces that actually shape your day-to-day life. Not the baseboards. Not the ceiling fans.

This season, start with what’s not working — the little friction points that quietly add stress to your days:

The drop zones that collect everything… until something important goes missing (a permission slip, an unpaid bill buried in the pile)
The closets that make getting dressed harder than it should be (you grab something, only to realize it doesn’t fit or has a stain)
The kitchen cabinets you avoid opening (so you end up buying the same spices again because you can’t see what you have)
The paperwork piles that seem to multiply overnight (uncashed checks, overdue invoices, things slipping through the cracks)
The routines that feel more complicated than they need to be (where a small tweak could save you time and energy every single day)

These aren’t just random frustrations—they’re signs your systems aren’t supporting you the way they could.

The good news? With a few simple shifts, you can create systems that actually make life easier, calmer, and more predictable. Here’s a Spring Reset Checklist to get you started:

Spring Reset Checklist

✔ Step 1: Choose Your One Space

☐ Pick a small, high‑impact area

☐ Set a 20–30 minute timer

☐ Gather a trash bag + donation bag

✔ Step 2: Declutter the Easy Stuff

☐ Toss obvious trash

☐ Remove items that don’t belong

☐ Pull out things you never use

✔ Step 3: Reset the Space

☐ Put essentials back where they actually get used

☐ Use containers you already own

☐ Wipe surfaces only if needed (no perfection required)

✔ Step 4: Create a Simple Weekly Habit

☐ Choose one “reset day”

☐ Spend 20 minutes putting things back

☐ Celebrate the small wins

✔ Step 5: Ask for Help When You Need It

☐ Delegate to family/housemates

☐ Call in a professional for bigger projects

☐ Keep the goal simple: a home that supports your life

Spring organizing is about creating a home that feels lighter, calmer, and easier to live in — not one that’s been scrubbed within an inch of its life. ShipShape Organize is here to make the process simple, supportive, and completely judgment-free. Let’s make your home work better for you this season. Let us be your crew!

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December 8 2021

Declutter now for your health

Declutter

Decluttering is often a huge challenge because it is so emotionally challenging. Letting go is never easy. Declutter now to feel better. One can become so burdened by “stuff”.

Recently I had a call from a client who is an artist and lives in a 4,000 SF home. We have worked with her in the past on two art studio rooms. This call was different. She came to the epiphany that her stuff is really getting in the way and causing her stress. Instead of just organizing everything which was the goal in the past, she wants to let go and feel lighter. Downsizing or letting go, in this case, is liberating. Sometimes one needs to reach that tipping point which leads to being motivated.

In the short one-week timespan between her call and our work session, she accomplished a lot on her own. She had reviewed clothes in her closet and sent us a wonderful picture of a heap of them on the floor which she gave to some friends in need. She reviewed and tagged items in her attic that she no longer wanted so by the time we arrived much of the decision-making process had started.

Set a deadline

This is an advantage of having a deadline. By scheduling an organizer to come in, you will find that you are motivated before the session and even more motivated after the working session because you see the instant gratification and the reward. We tell all our clients to also schedule a donation pick-up so it gives you a timeframe and goal to work towards.

Here are 10 quotes from our clients after decluttering:

I could never imagine living with less “stuff” but I actually love it now.
I used to open a drawer and let out a sigh. Now I open a drawer and say ah….
Not missing anything I donated.
It was a gift to myself, which I knew, but realize now it is also a gift to my children so they aren’t left to do it later in life.
The items I did keep bring me so much joy and I do love being surrounded by them now that all the other stuff is gone.
Letting go was challenging because of guilt. It was not easy saying good by to some of the things I received after my mother passed, but I now realize I was holding on to them for the wrong reasons. They may have been possessions she loved, but I didn’t.
I’m losing things less often because everything has a place now.
Keep purging. I thought I had purged so much, but now that I have moved, I realize it wasn’t enough (from client who moved to a 2 bedroom apartment in a retirement community) and I am still feeling overwhelmed.
I never thought I could do it and feel so proud of myself.
Being bogged down by my things meant I wasn’t living my life. Now I truly feel less burdened, and less overwhelmed. The clutter was intruding on my home and work life.

We often say, “do you own your stuff or does your stuff own you”. Declutter for your health!

May 8 2020

De-cluttering & Letting Go

Declutter

After speaking with several friends and clients during this “stay at home order”, many have said they are taking the time to focus on their home and de-cluttering. I cringe to think of the long lines at the donation centers when they open up!

We typically help clients with the sorting, de-cluttering & downsizing process. A client who is moving at the end of May is facing this challenge on her own, as we suspect many are. The question of what to keep and what to let go is not an easy one, because many of our belongings have a story which triggers a memory whether it be someone we love who gave it to us, or a souvenir from a special trip or celebration. It is very difficult to separate the memory from the item.

There are lots of reasons that block us from de-cluttering & letting go, from guilt to monetary value and a host of other reason.

Here are 11 questions you can ask yourself to ease the process:

For starters, do I own my stuff or does it own me? If you are feeling like it takes so much time to organize your belongings, maybe it is time to really evaluate what you have. Having too much can cause stress. Believe me, we’ve seen it!

Taking a line from Marie Kondo: does the item bring me joy? In sorting through war memorabilia with a client recently, he said he didn’t want to review some of the items. Clearly, they did not bring him joy and there were painful memories. He wasn’t willing to part with the items but he was willing to put them in a specific box appropriately labelled & note to himself: no need to look at (deep storage).

When was the last time I used this item? If it is useful and practical, then that easily goes in the “keep” category.

Had I forgotten about this item until just now? If you had forgotten about it, you clearly weren’t looking for it and give yourself permission to let go.

Would I buy this item again today? Evaluate what your lifestyle is today. Do you pull out grandmother’s fine china every year or not? Do you even like the pattern?

Is it really worth taking this item with me? If you are in the midst of a move, remember that the more boxes you have the more the move costs. Would a picture be something I could substitute for the item?

If I lost this item would I be upset?

Is this item something that I could easily replace if I decided at a later point that I wish I had kept it. For example, think of a paperback book that if you do decide to read it again could you get it from the library?

What do I gain or lose by keeping this item? Measure the pros and cons.

What is the worst thing that will happen if I let go of the item? Keep a box in an area of your house and keep adding to it. You can let it stay there for awhile, and my guess is you’ll be absolutely fine with what you put in it for donation. The decision making process gets easier as you go along.

Is this item worth money? Many clients equate value to how much an item cost. If it was purposeful and useful to you, don’t you think you would be using it. Just because it cost a lot is not a reason to keep it.

It is one thing to downsize & let go because you have to due to an upcoming move. However, it is also worth considering purging so your loved ones don’t have to! It’s not a gift to leave it to them. If you need help with this process, contact us and we can offer some encouragement or hands on help.

April 22 2019

Decluttering Increases Home Value

Declutter, Moving

Is your house filled with “stuff”?

There are lots of words for it, some good and some not….belongings, possessions, paraphernalia, tchotchkes, and as one of my clients said “C” “R” “A” “P” – I was not expecting to hear that out of a very polite woman’s mouth! However, she is on to something and decluttering increases your home value.

Imagine what your entryway closet looks like today. Is it filled with your coats, hats, mittens, some cleaning supplies, lightbulbs (because you can’t find anywhere else to put them), dog items and a few other odds and ends that just get dumped there? Now, imagine your entryway closet with the coats you actually love and wear, a nice basket with your winter gloves, a matching basket for hats, and a shoe shelf underneath using what used to be wasted space. Everything hung neatly, and maybe I will go so far as jackets are zipped and hanging in the same direction. The two closets leave very different impressions.

Declutter is one of those words you may dread hearing.

Yet, realtors often advise their clients to do just that. Overwhelmed? Don’t know where to start? Too big of a task? Yes maybe, but by changing your mindset you will see there is an upside of decluttering. And, if you can sell your house for more, then that really changes things!

“Clutter Eats Cash”

Clutter, personal belongings, photos, and tchotchkes that decorate your home and make it feel special to you get in the way when a prospective buyer is looking. They may view it as that lovely word my polite woman client uttered.

Potential buyers feel entitled, and will often open every kitchen cabinet, closet, laundry area, and any built-in. Stuffed closets scream lack of storage. You want these areas to be decluttered so they look spacious and organized and your house has a calm, orderly feel to it.

Clutter is distracting and makes a negative impression.

Why pay to move items you may no longer want or need.

The time to review your belongings is now, and you will save money on the move, as well as the stress of finding a home for everything you may not need in your new place.

Don’t think of decluttering because someone told you to, but do it as a gift to yourself!

After even tackling a small area, you will feel lighter and less stressed. Clutter causes stress and the less we have of it the better. Oftentimes, I receive emails from people after I have worked with them for a morning, and they tell me that they kept going because they were so motivated, and it provided such a sense of instant gratification. Yes, it feels like a daunting task preparing your home for sale, but it actually can be quite cathartic. The decision making process becomes so much easier as you go along. I promise!

You want potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home, not as an intruder in yours. Showcasing your home in it’s best light will have great rewards in the end, from a lucrative and personal perspective.

January 13 2019

What may you have in common with Al Roker, Marie Kondo and ShipShape Organize?

Declutter, Organizing

…and at times, what seems like ½ of America! If you are looking to declutter and organize, you are not the only one.

The New Year is abuzz with organizing resolutions and Marie Kondo’s Netflix series. Al Roker committed to declutter as his New Year’s resolution, and Kondo is making her way into homes and giving us a glimpse of the clutter her clients face.

Everyone’s talking. I overheard a woman mentioning the Kondo episodes to a friend; facebook friends are commenting that they are inspired; and I received an e-mail from a client saying “I’m in one of those moods again.” When I opened the email, she says “a mood where I want to throw everything in my house OUT! Tchotchkes are bugging, too many things blah blah blah!”

Marie Kondo has obviously generated a big buzz and is bringing light upon a very old issue. Too much clutter. I have watched half her series and will probably watch them all by this weekend. What is it that makes us so intrigued about other people’s clutter?

Here are 10 take-aways from Marie Kondo’s Netflix series.

Best to commit. Organizing is a long process, takes a lot of energy and you need to set aside time to tackle the organizing projects. There is instant gratification, but there is no quick fix. Kondo’s shows go into days and weeks and present the reality of decluttering. Yesterday, we were on Day One with a client who wants to organize her kitchen to 3rd floor. Her husband happened to walk in mid-day to grab some lunch. He could barely make his way from the front door to the refrigerator because we had so many boxes and piles around. I hear my business partner say “it always gets worse before it gets better” While that was probably some comfort, I’m sure his initial reaction was not one of “joy”! Hopefully at 7:00 last night when he returned, he was amazed at the transformation because the kitchen counters were completely cleared off, the dining room table was no longer buried under “stuff”, and his wife was ecstatic with the progress she had made. When we left, the dining room table had two candles and a decorative table runner and went from chaos to an actual table where they could eat dinner. It was a lot of hard work on her part. Did we get to the second and third floor that same day? A complete house transformation? Definitely not. It takes time.
Vision. Every single client of ours has home decorating magazines and most look at those magazines and say “that is what I want”. When a client starts to melt down through the process after hours of work, I always tell them to remember the end goal for the space. Know why you are embarking on the organizing challenge. Do you want to be able to enjoy family more, relax in your own home, find your belongings so you aren’t always late for an appointment or bill to be paid? Keep the vision and you’ll be encouraged to keep going. Kondo asks her clients “why they want to start this organizing journey” at her first consultation which is very important. You have to want to take the challenge and be all in.
Sort by Categories? Marie Kondo’s first session is always facing the clothes. She tells clients to gather every single piece of clothing and put it on the bed. My guess is she hopes they will be shocked by what they find that they haven’t seen in a long while and by the sheer volume. This in turn hopefully inspires them to let go. Kondo asks them to say thank you to clothing that does not spark joy and begin a donate pile. We do the same with our clients specifically when it comes to clothes. We often go a step further by pulling out pants first. It is helpful to see how many pairs of black pants one has in order to make an educated decision on what to donate – too short, too long, too wide in the hips, too tight in the hips. All these factors help the decision making process and when you see 20 pairs of similar pants in front of you it is easier to pick the ones that fit you well and that you feel good in.
Blessing the home. This is a first which I have not seen yet, nor practiced. Afterall, I do live in New England! However, I do understand the home should be appreciated and why closing your eyes and having a peaceful moment at the beginning of a session can give you the courage and focus needed. When our clients get overwhelmed, and trust me this happens a lot, it is beneficial to take a break and walk away for a while, or just close your eyes and take a deep breath. Think how relaxing and centering yoga can be. It’s the same concept.
Folding Clothes? Yes, in certain drawers it is beneficial to have your t-shirts all standing up so you can see the different colors and the favorite pink one is not buried at the bottom. Is it sustainable during busy lives? I am not so sure. Confession of an organizer, I throw my socks into a basket. They are not neatly in a row in a drawer. After all, it needs to be easy at times. However, with t-shirts the Kondo method works.
Containers. Kondo uses boxes as sectionals in drawers which is great, especially when it comes to sorting small items from batteries to hair accessories. We use them all the time and an iphone box often finds a new life when we organize.
Celebrate the accomplishments. Encouragement goes a long way, and it helps to have someone tell you that your progress is fantastic. Kondo is constantly returning to clients’ homes to see their progress and praising the hard work that it takes. Congratulate yourself at the end of an organizing session!
Permission to let go. It is clear in every episode that Kondo asks her clients to see what sparks joy and thank the items that no longer do. In a nutshell, she gives them permission to let go and expects them to do so! It’s ok and actually rewarding to let go of items you no longer use or need.
Teaching. Marie Kondo teaches her clients how to organize on their own. If you don’t get involved in organizing your home, it doesn’t accomplish the real goal which is to have you take ownership of the organizing process now and in the future.
Team Effort. When it comes to organizing a family home, everyone must be involved for it to be successful. Kondo does a good job of bringing the family into the process, even if it is a child trying to fold a piece of clothing.

I thank Marie Kondo for bringing light to our profession, but most importantly, for inspiring so many to make a change. Yes, it is a TV show with an edited glimpse into families lives, but my guess is everyone who watches the show can find some aspect that resonates with them. It is hard to walk away without evaluating our own lifestyle. Her clients inspire viewers to make a similar change and give them a sense that there can be an end to what may be causing them so much stress. At the end of every show, the message is clear. Kondo’s clients are happier with less and maybe you will be as well. If you need help, check out our organizing services. We’d love to hear how you are inspired by decluttering.

January 2 2019

13 Tips to Keep Your New Years Resolution to Declutter

Declutter, Organizing

We all know New Years is a time to evaluate our goals and of course, set a resolution. There are a large number of people who have made it their resolution to declutter but don’t know how to start and achieve lasting success.

Life is fast paced these days, and many feel so overwhelmed when their house is out of control. When I have my initial consultation with a client, the first words with an apologetic note are typically “I didn’t have time to clean up for your visit” and that is followed by:

“I don’t know where to start”

“I am just so overwhelmed”

“My house is out of control”

“My life is out of control”

“I can’t find anything”

“Clutter is taking over”

So, we know there is a desire to get organized. Here are 10 steps to help you de-clutter and organize and reduce stress.

Recognize and remember throughout the process, the why behind the desire to de-clutter. It is because the clutter is causing you stress.
Be realistic about what you want to achieve and set yourself up for success. This is critical so you don’t get discouraged.
Start small with one certain area. I typically tell clients to start in an area they use the most so they can feel that wonderful sense of instant gratification. If you see and feel the benefits of de-cluttering you will want to keep going. I cleaned out my pantry yesterday and discarded old canned goods, expired vitamins, and dried cranberries that were a little too dried. It felt great!
Carve out a designated time and be sure it is a sufficient amount of time. There is no quick fix. If you decide to start in your pantry, be sure you have enough time to pull everything (yes, everything) out, group like with like, clean the shelves and then put everything back. You don’t want to come home to chip bags and tomato sauce overtaking your floor! That is a recipe for disaster.
Maybe it would be helpful to ask a friend or family member for help. Or, there is professional help. Check out our services.
Ask yourself if you have used the item, love the item, and what purpose it serves.
Sometimes you need to be ruthless. Be sure the reason you are keeping an item is not because someone gave it to you, you may use it some day, or you are storing it for someone else.
Keep a donation box handy so you can fill it up throughout a period of time.
Shop for solutions only after you know what is going to live in a specific area. For example, if your entryway is bothering you because coats and shoes are everywhere. Look for a solution that not only solves the shoe/coat issue but also ask yourself where does your incoming mail live; what about backpacks and pocketbooks; umbrellas; dog leashes etc.
Educate your family members about the new expectations and how they can help keep the area organized.
Now that everything has a home, be sure you take the few minutes every day to put things away.
Set up a monthly maintenance plan.
Celebrate the small successes along the way and congratulate yourself for a job well done.

I can’t tell you how many times I leave a client’s home and they later send me a note saying how motivated they were to keep going because they saw the benefit of what we had accomplished together.

Now is the time.

2019 is a great year to de-clutter and organize and you can do it! While it may be difficult, it is so worth it in the end.

October 13 2015

Top 5 excuses that get in the way of de-cluttering!

Declutter, Organizing

There are a lot of challenges when it comes to de-cluttering and many excuses for not taking on the task.

IT WAS A GIFT

By far, one of the biggest hurdles, is the gift. We all have them lingering around our homes! The gift that a grandchild made you, a neighbor gave you for your 50th, a wedding gift that your great aunt gave you but you’ve never used…The list goes on and on. You know, the fondue pot that was a wedding present? Or, the plate that came with a special pencil to write your memories on? It’s important to remember the intention of the gift. It was given to you in hopes that you would appreciate it and use it. If it sits in a cabinet taking up valuable space or wrapped in a box in the attic, give yourself permission to let it go. That was not the intention of the gift.

I DON’T HAVE TIME

Yes, we acknowledge that time is valuable but like anything else you need to make the time. Just like making time to exercise, make organizing a priority in your busy schedule. Set a designated time slot and tell your family that you are not to be interrupted. If you really want to achieve results, we recommend a 3 hour window. Of course, there are the quick fixes you can do in ten minutes, but to tackle a closet or room or category, you need a lot more time and it will get worse before it gets better. You don’t want to be left with piles on the floor that you’ve pulled out but haven’t had time to organize.

I MAY USE IT SOMEDAY

I can’t tell you how often we hear this. This holds especially true for kitchen items and clothing. The bean cooker…really? Be realistic, if you haven’t used the pizza stone for your grill yet, you won’t miss it. Have you been a size 8 for three years now, but are still holding onto the size 4 pants?

IT WAS EXPENSIVE

Put past price aside. To judge worthiness, you must ask yourself do I love it and does this item bring me joy? Don’t think about price.

IT WAS ON SALE

Recognize you got a great deal and had that sense of thrill when purchasing the particular item. If you use it and enjoy it, great. If not, let it go regardless of the deal.

July 9 2015

De-Clutter by Category

Declutter

I typically tell clients to take a room by room approach to organizing or de-cluttering. However, there are exceptions. The other day, I was working with Marie. She loved her books, and it seemed they were as one would imagine spread out among several bookshelves in multiple rooms and a few piles lurked on the floor next to furniture. We were trying to make space on the bookshelves for other items that needed a “home” so we needed to sort through books and start a donate pile.

When you focus on one category whether clothes, vases, Tupperware or books, it is helpful to see in entirety what you have in order to determine what can be donated or given to a friend. You may find you have 12 pairs of similar black pants among your closet and the guestroom closet and a few old pairs that have been sent to the attic. If I were to ask you initially, you may find yourself telling me you have 5 pairs of black pants.