Learn about creating a values-based approach to home organizing, sustainable living tips, organizing belongings after death, cultural diversity in home design books, and the value of tracking personal habits.
Organize your home based on your personal values, creating a space that reflects who you are and what you care about.
Before organizing, declutter and reduce the volume of belongings to make organization easier.
Deep dives
The Power of Values in Home Organizing
In this podcast episode, Shira Gill, a home organizing expert, discusses the importance of tuning into personal values and the limitations of space when decluttering and organizing our homes. She emphasizes the need to redefine values and question the idea of 'enough.' By setting up our homes to reflect who we are and what we care about, we create living spaces that serve us. Shira also addresses the pressure women feel to have a perfectly organized home and encourages them to focus on creating a space that aligns with their values rather than societal expectations.
Common Home Organizing Mistakes to Avoid
In this podcast episode, Shira Gill highlights some common mistakes people make when organizing their homes. One key mistake she emphasizes is organizing before decluttering, as reducing the volume of belongings makes organization much easier. She also advises against attempting to organize the entire home in one go, emphasizing the importance of taking it one space at a time or even one micro space at a time. Shira encourages people to shop their own homes before buying new storage solutions and to consider maximizing vertical space to make the most of limited storage in small spaces.
Living Sustainably Through Mindful Consumption
Shira Gill discusses sustainable living in this podcast episode, focusing on the importance of buying less and using what we already have. She challenges the perception that sustainability means solely purchasing eco-friendly products, highlighting that the most significant impact we can make is by reducing our consumption. Shira recommends auditing our buying habits and being mindful of purchases that are unnecessary. She suggests alternatives such as borrowing instead of buying, repairing before replacing, and supporting small local businesses. By adopting these practices, we can make a big difference in living a more sustainable life.
Preparing for Generational Decluttering
Shira Gill addresses the complex topic of managing family possessions before or after a loved one's passing in this podcast episode. She emphasizes the importance of centralizing critical life documents, such as financial records and estate planning documents, in one place and ensuring loved ones are aware of their location. By taking the time to organize these essential documents, individuals can provide peace of mind to their family members and make the process of estate management more manageable. Shira also shares her personal experience and the value of her father's preparatory measures, such as purchasing a plot, in easing the burden on his loved ones.
Why is it important for your home to be a living, breathing reflection of you and your values? Christine chats with Shira Gill—a bestselling author, home organizing expert, and mom—about why a values-based frame for organizing and living is a crucial starting point, as well as common organizing pitfalls, living with kids, sustainable solutions, and more.
RELATED EPISODES (for additional links, visit the show notes):
Edit Your Life is an award-winning podcast that shares practical ideas for decluttering your home, schedule, and mental space without getting bogged down by perfection. Visit edityourlifeshow.com for show notes and to connect with host Christine Koh.
