This Organized Life: Decluttering Tips for Moms, Entrepreneurs and Professional Organizers

Have you ever wondered how to get your kids involved in sorting and decluttering their stuff? We’re diving into how we as parents can teach our kids some basic organizing skills as we shift into summer. You’ll Learn:(2:16) Importance of Teaching Organizational Skills to Kids(6:09) Decluttering Kids’ Clothes(7:42) Involving Kids in Decluttering Toys(8:57) Decluttering Kids’ Papers and Art Supplies(11:58) Household Chores: Dishes and Laundry(12:48) Household Chores: Gardening and Meal Prep(18:56) Household Chores: Dusting and Vacuuming(20:37) Household Chores: Pet Care(21:24) Encouraging Kids to Choose ChoresLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Streamline Your Wardrobe with Your Color Guru. Visit https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/ and receive 10% off any package with code ORGANIZEDLIFE30 Day Kids Organizing Checklist: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/30daykidschallengeHave a question about Organizing or Decluttering? Join our Ask An Expert Series: https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpertThis Organized Life chats with experts and everyday folks like you and me, about life, relationships, parenting, and of course organizing. Grab a front row seat into my organized, but no-so-perfect life as a mom, wife, author, and founder of Simply B Organized.Liked this episode?Don’t forget to Follow and Leave a Review!

Hi Friends,I hope you’re downshifting into summer mode (I know I am!) and if you’re kiddos are still in school, I’m sure the finish line is within sight!One of the things that I frequently talk about is consistently going through school papers, but as with most good intentioned plans, LIFE HAPPENS.Often, the path of least resistance is to procrastinate on sorting through paperwork until you have “more time” (ha! ha!)Today’s Tip (should you choose to accept it) is to carve out time to sit and go through the backpacks and bins of school stuff that has accumulated the past 9 months.If you child/children are in elementary school or above, you can get them involved in the process, which is teaching them healthy decision making skills.If you’re a parent of college aged kids who have come home for the summer with all their stuff-make sure to have them go through each and every bin, bag and suitcase (you know there is dirty laundry in there-along with lord knows what else!)Taking the time on the front end will set you up for success down the road when it’s back to school time.  But for now, let’s focus on warm weather, sunshine and slowing down for the next few months.Happy Organizing,LaurieP.S.  If you’re interested in working with us or downloading any of our free organizing resources visit simplyborganized.com

Hi Friends,We’re kicking off our Ask An Expert monthly series with a question from our TOL community!Joining me is Dani Cooper, a mom of 3, from Kansas City, who is also an Enneagram Coach and Enneagram 1 (also known as the Perfectionist).  Dani’s question is something that I hear often: “How do I stop telling myself that I’m messy and that my house isn’t as organized as it could be?”Some key take-aways from our conversation include: The importance of writing down specific goals and benchmarks to refer back to (Enneagram 1’s like their lists!)Being intentional with using all 3 intelligence centers: specifically thinking and feeling, (since Enneagram 1’s can get wrapped up in their doing center).Reframing a win from completing an entire macro project, to defining success in organizing a smaller micro areaThis is a great conversation about understanding the importance of defining organizing strategies that align with your natural personality tendencies.If you’d like to learn more about understanding how your personality impacts your relationship with clutter and organization visit:https://simplyborganized.com/enneagram-clutter/Xoxo-LaurieP.S.  If you have a question about organizing your space, time, or life, join us on our show and let's tackle it together! Click on the link below to join our Ask An Expert Series: https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpert

Happy June!As we gradually move into summer mode, different parts of our schedules and routines are bound to shift.I know that when my kids were younger transitioning from full-day school with a solid routine, to a more relaxed but busy schedule of camps, day trips, and family vacations  required another level of logistical planning.For today’s tip of the week episode I am encouraging you to sit down for 15 minutes and look at how your schedule is going to change over the next few months.Some of the areas we talked about are:Coordinating home maintenance while you’re away The impact on your morning and evening schedules Communicating expectations with your partner, spouse and kidsSummer is a time that’s meant to be more relaxed and have fun. Being proactive in planning what’s ahead is an important step in reducing stress and anxiety in your daily life.XOXO-LaurieP.S. If you have an organizing question, we’d love for you to be part of our show!  Check out our new Ask An Expert Series! https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpert

Hi Friends, I talk a lot about the benefits of creating and maintaining simple organizing systems in both your home and routines, but what I don’t always shine a light on is what that looks like when you have someone in your home with physical disabilities.Not only does that often come with added “stuff” like wheelchairs and medical supplies, but it also has an impact on your time.  From spending hours on the phone with insurance companies, to countless therapy sessions, there’s a layer of complexity to what it means to live an organized life.Joining me today is Kelley Coleman, author of the book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports  which has quickly become the go-to survival guide for parents and caregivers raising a child with disabilities.Kelley’s passion, research and advocacy stems from her personal experience raising 2 boys, one with multiple disabilities.  During our conversation we talked about:Why caregivers need a roadmap to help navigate the complexities of everyday lifeThe difference between wearing her “mom hat” and her “caregiver hat”The importance of teaching self-advocacy even when faced with physical limitationsIt comes as no surprise that Kelley is a fellow Enneagram 8-leading the charge to provide resources for parents and caregivers to be informed and organized as they navigate this  journey.XOXO-LaurieP.S.  Do you have 15 minutes to chat? I’d love for you to join me in our Ask An Expert Series!  Click on the link to learn more: https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpertLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with Kelley: www.kelleycoleman.com@hellokelleycolemanBook Recommendation: Demystifying DisabilityReady for a Color Analysis? Get 10% off Your Color Guru with code ORGANIZEDLIFE here: https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/

Happy Memorial Day Friends!As we officially kick off summer, I thought it would be fun to share one of my favorite organizing/entertaining tips-creating a signature drink.  This is fun for adults and kids (yes, you can have a non-alcoholic option!) My personal signature drink for Summer 2024 is Watermelon Cucumber MargaritasIngredients:Fresh watermelonCucumber Fresh limeIceTequila Salt (optional)Directions: Add the following to blenderHandful of ice2 cups of chopped watermelon½ peeled and chopped seedless cucumber1 fresh squeezed lime1 cup of tequila Blend all ingredients together and salt rim of glass if desired.  Pour drink and garnish with a slice of lime.Enjoy!LaurieP.S. If you have an organizing question, we’d love for you to be part of our show!  Check out our new Ask An Expert Series! https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpertGet 10% off Your Color Guru Consultation use code ORGANIZEDLIFE at https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/

Hi Friends,Spring weather in PA is finally here! And with that, comes a whole other category of organizing-outdoor stuff!  Today we’re talking about:How to keep your gardening tools and supplies organized and easily accessible. Using labels to group supplies and make it easy to store and find what you needContaining Chemicals like ant and wasp spray, weed killers, so they are accessible, but out of reach from the kiddosBlocking time to clean up and work on the outdoor parts of your home that bring you joy (in my case, this is my garden and outdoor porch)Scheduling and delegating the task you don’t want to (or have time) to do.Organizing the outside of your home is equally as important as the inside-don’t be afraid to ask for help!Xoxo-LaurieIf you have specific questions or need additional help, visit us at https://simplyborganized.com/Get 10% off Your Color Guru Consultation use code ORGANIZEDLIFE at https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/

Hey Friends,Today’s tip came to me after Logan was rummaging through the medicine cabinet looking for allergy meds (geez, the pollen is bad this year!)May is a great time to go through your supplies to refresh and replenish things like:Allergy medsBug sprayAntihistaminesIbuprofenSunscreenFirst Aid SuppliesIt’s always better to be proactive and have your staple supplies on hand rather than needing something and having to run out.Happy Organizing!LaurieP.S. If you have an organizing question, we’d love for you to be part of our show!  Check out our new Ask An Expert Series! https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpert

Hey Friends,Today we’re talking about 5 Tips for an Organized Party.  Monday’s tip of the week was all about my favorite party planning tool- Pinterest!  If you haven’t already listened, here’s a link to the episode. https://simplyborganized.com/2024/05/13/tip-of-the-week-organize-your-party-planning-with-this-simple-tool/Whether you’re having a backyard bbq, or a full on bash-the strategy surrounding planning an event remains the same.  In this episode I unpack 5 areas that are key to streamlining the party planning process: BUDGET- Determining your overall budget is essential to making sure that you don’t overextend yourself financially.  Once you have your overall budget, you can then allocate funds to the different areas: food, decorations, etc.THEME-Clarifying what type of party you’re having “casual, sit down, adults-only, family friendly” are all important pieces of the party puzzle. Once you nail this down, it removes a lot of the overwhelm and decision fatigue.ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES-Establish who is only your team and what their job is. Are you outsourcing food or is someone in charge of the grill?  Who is doing the centerpieces? Do we need to order party favors? These are just a few questions that you’ll want to ask.TIMELINE-Every organized event, large or small, has a timeline that you’re working from. When do things need to be ordered? When do invitations need to go out? How long do we need to set up? You may not have all the answers off the bat, but it’s important to ask the questions early on so you are prepared.COMMUNICATE-One of the most important aspects to an organized event is clear communication with everyone involved. From vendors, to your team, and of course your guests!  Happy Organizing!LaurieP.S.  For more organizing tips, free checklists, or personalized support visit https://simplyborganized.com/

Hey there, party planners! Whether you're prepping for a cozy gathering or a grand celebration, one thing's for sure: organizing a party can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. But fear not, because I've got a secret weapon up my sleeve to share with you today: Pinterest!If you haven't jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon yet, now's the perfect time. This visual discovery platform isn't just for finding mouth-watering recipes and DIY crafts (although it's great for those too). It's my favorite tool for streamlining the party planning process. INSPIRATION. Pinterest is a treasure trove of creative ideas for themes, decorations, and more. Just type your ideas into the search bar like “beach themed graduation” or “Barbie Birthday Party for a 6 year old” and let pinterest do the heavy lifting.BOARDS. Create a dedicated board for your event and start pinning away! From decor ideas and color schemes to menu plans and party favors, you can keep all your inspiration and plans neatly organized in one place.INFORMATION.  Pinterest isn't just about pretty pictures—it's also a goldmine of practical tips and tricks. Need help figuring out how much food to order? There's a pin for that. Looking for easy DIY decor hacks? Pinterest has you covered. COLLABORATION. Planning a party with friends or family? Pinterest makes it easy to share your ideas and collaborate in real-time. Simply invite your fellow party planners to join your board, and you can brainstorm ideas, make suggestions, and keep everyone on the same page.ORGANIZED. Say goodbye to toggling between texts, emails and the internet.With Pinterest, everything you need is right there at your fingertips, saving you time and sanity in the process. So whether you're throwing a birthday bash, a bridal shower, or a backyard BBQ, let Pinterest be your go-to party planning sidekick. With its endless inspiration, practical tips, and effortless organization.While you’re there, check out our page which is filled with all sorts of organizing inspiration. https://www.pinterest.com/simplyborganizedHappy Organizing!LaurieP.S. If you have an organizing question, we’d love for you to be part of our show!  Check out our new Ask An Expert Series! https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpert