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

Hi Friend!Since leap year only comes around every 4 years, I thought it would be fun to focus today’s episode on leaping into the unknown.Regardless of whether you're going through a major life transition or thinking about a career change, stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy.It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to pivot, but I want to assure you that you are not alone.In the episode we focus on the 3 major areas where change impacts us most:FinanciallyLogisticallyRelationallyIf you are in a period of change, either personally or professionally this episode is for you!Here’s my special invitation for you:Whether you’re tired of the stress that comes from having clutter in your home, or you’re ready to start that professional organizing business you’ve been dreaming of, I’d love for you to book a strategy session so we can work through it together.Hop on My Calendar! https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySessionThe first step is always the hardest, but it’s easier when you’ve got someone in your corner.

Hi Friends!We’ve made it to the end of February, which if you’re a parent, likely means that you’re sick and tired of looking at toys everywhere and ready to take a big trash bag and dump everything inside it.But before you do…you’re going to want to listen to today's mini episode where I talk about:.Why the winter is a good time to tackle kids toysMaking some executive decisions as a parentThe importance of setting boundaries and getting your kids involved in the process.Remember that kids struggle with decision fatigue and overwhelm too! If they can’t find their toys or are overstimulated with too much stuff, it can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and a desire to avoid their play area entirely.If it stresses you out, there’s a chance it stresses them out-they might just not have the language to articulate it.Happy Organizing!Laurie🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook

Hi Friend!Today we’re talking about how to organize all the 1099’s, w-2’s and other documents needed to prepare your taxes.If you’re like me, this is less than exciting stuff to talk about, but thankfully my guest today is here to help!Joining me is Samanta Besnoff who has been a CPA for 22 years and recently named one of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs Women to Watch. She hosts a podcast called Your Financial Maven and her speciality is helping individuals and small businesses with all of their tax needs. I invited Samantha on the show because not only is she super knowledgeable, but she simplifies what can be a complicated and overwhelming process.During our conversation we talked about:How long we really need to keep old documentsHow to best organize all of the necessary tax documents in prep for April 15thWhen she recommends beginning the process of gathering your tax infoHow to avoid missing important documentsSome do’s and don'ts when filing your taxesWhether you work with a tax professional or file your taxes on your own, this is a great conversation filled with information that we all need to know. Although Samantha is a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania, some information shared may vary from state to state.We advise all listeners to please consult your Accountant taking any advice given in this episode. Happy Organizing!Laurie🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbookLinks Mentioned in this Episode: www.yourfinancialmaven.com IRS.GOVSamantha’s Book Recommendation: The 4 Agreements: https://amzn.to/3wjgdcF

Hi Friends!On today’s Tip of the Week we’re talking about Mindful Consumption. Mindful consumption helps you avoid impulse buying and focus on acquiring things that truly enhance your well-being. In other words, before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item.The timing of this episode aligns with something going on in my personal life. I decided that for lent this year I was going to give up all “non-essential shopping.” What does that look like?No more candles from Home Goods, Lip Gloss from CVS or late night amazon purchases.I’m documenting my experience over the next 40 days so I can report back to you in a follow up episode. Pro Tip: Whether you want to join me on my shopping sabbatical, or practice being more intentional about what you’re bringing into your home, tell a friend! Having some external accountability makes it easier to stay on track when you feel the urge to slip up! Happy Organizing!Laurie🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbookEXEXPERTS: http://www.exexperts.com/newsletter

Hi Friend!Regardless of how organized you might be with your closet, kitchen or garage, the one area that most folks find hard to keep up with are photos.If you’ve been around me for a minute you know that I always talk about “the ease of retrieval” when it comes to organizing, and photos are a prime example of where people waste hours of time looking for those precious memories! Between boxes and bins of “old school” photos that you’ve collected over the decades, VHS tapes and CDs with who-knows what on it, to the tens of thousands of digital photos on our phones, computers and social media-it can seem next to impossible to create a system to keep it all organized.My guest today is Darla DeMorrow, a certified photo organizer, author, and owner of HeartWorkOrganizing where she helps her clients gather, preserve, organize and maintain a system to easily find and enjoy the important moments in their lives.During our conversation we talked about:The 2 universes of photo storage3 places not to store photosHer favorite tool for separating photos (hint: you can get it at the dollar store!)Listen to the entire episode for more of Darla’s tips and strategies!Happy Organizing!LaurieP.S. Have you checked out our NEW Enneagram & Clutter Workbook? Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook/buyLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEConnect with Darla:HeartWorkorg.comDarla’s Book Recommendations:The E-Myth Revisited:https://amzn.to/3UqCsHwAll the Light We Cannot See: https://amzn.to/3wbhTETGoing through a Divorce? Connect up with my friends at the exExperts: http://www.exexperts.com/newsletter

Hi Friends!One of the most popular questions I get asked as a Professional Organizer is “Is it Worth it to Sell My Stuff?”On today’s Tip of the Week I’m going to walk you through the process I go through with my clients to help them determine the right answer for them. We talk about some general guidelines I like to follow including:What types of items typically hold their value When to consult an expertWhen to donate vs sellIf your goal is to simplify your life, and your stuff is holding you back, you’re going to want to listen to this episode.Happy Organizing!Laurie🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook

Hey Friend,If you’ve ever been through any type of renovation you know that budget can be a sticky subject.On today’s episode I’m sharing with you: the different factors that contribute to renovation costsWays you can save money on your projectThe importance of getting a breakdown of product and laborHow to determine how much to spend on a projectIf you are thinking about doing any home reno projects OR if you are a professional organizer wanting to learn how to have the budget conversation with your client-this is the episode for you!Curious about your relationship with clutter? Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. Let's declutter your space and your mind together! Get it here →Enneagram & Clutter Workbook https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook

Hey Friend!For today’s tip we’re talking about High Impact Areas. What do I mean by a High Impact Area?I’m referring to making time for any room or obligation that has a direct impact on your life currently.Many people make the mistake of focusing on what’s loudest, messiest, or right in front of them, but that approach often comes at the expense of the things that are most important.During the episode you’ll learn:When to determine something as a High Impact AreaHow to create Action Steps for following throughWhy I constantly comparing my time to a closetIf you are in a season (or entering one) that has you feeling overwhelmed, this is the episode for you!Curious about your relationship with clutter? Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. Let's declutter your space and your mind together!Get it here →Enneagram & Clutter Workbook https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook

Hi Friends, In today's episode, we're diving into downsizing, staging, and moving. Linda and Betsy have mastered the art of decluttering and staging homes over the past six years, especially during the pandemic real estate boom. Their approach starts early, two months before moving, allowing ample time for decluttering and organizing.They're all about creative storage solutions within the home, making the moving process smoother. Their color-coded labeling system and precise packing techniques save time and hassle.But it's not just about stuff—it's about stories. Linda and Betsy take the time to listen to their clients' tales, uncovering fascinating treasures like an invitation to JFK's inauguration.Having a support system during decluttering is crucial, keeping distractions at bay and maintaining focus. Linda and Betsy encourage staying in one space and surrounding yourself with supportive friends.To connect with Linda and Betsy, find them on Instagram as @CuratedSpacesOrganizing or visit their website at curatedspaces.art.Thanks for joining us today! Don't forget to share this episode and leave a review. Tune in next week for more adventures on This Organized Life! 🌟Links Mentioned in this Episode:http://www.exexperts.com/newsletter

Hey Friend!I don’t know about you, but It’s been a crazy month-not necessarily bad crazy (thank goodness) but lots going on! I am actually writing this from ☀️ Florida where I’m speaking at the 10th annual PodFest Conference all about Creating a Content Calendar.But I digress….Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at not one, but TWO career day fairs about life as a Professional Organizer and a Podcaster. One was for our HS students, and the other was for our elementary students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade.If you’ve ever sat down with kids 8-10 years old, you know that they speak their minds-and boy did these kids not hold back!Check out this quick 10 min episode that talks about their different takeaways, and why it was a great reminder that you can say the same thing 4 different times and get 4 different responses.We often take for granted that when we say something, that everyone hears the same thing, but as the Enneagram has taught me, that’s so NOT the case! If are a parent, partner, or professional organizer, I’d love for you to join me Friday Feb 2nd, at 1 p.m. EST for our Applying the Enneagram Webinar! Register here: https://simplyborganized.com/webinar