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

Hey Friends!We’re in the home stretch of 2023 and for our remaining 2 weeks, we’re sharing OUR fav episodes, and YOUR favorite episodes.Joining me is my friend and podcast producer, Kimberly Hermann (since she knows our show better than anyone-even me!) During today’s episode we take turns sharing our favorite episodes from the past year.From relatable topics and down-to-earth guests to specific series that provided helpful strategies to navigate some of life's challenges.If you’re new to our show, we encourage you to check out these episodes if you missed them the first time around.Next week we’ll be back with our listener top 10-don’t miss it!xoxo-LaurieFind your best colors with Color Guru! ​​https://yourcolorguru.com/affiliate/10/Kimberly’s Fav EpisodesEpisode 336 Why I Take On So Much with Rebekah Anne discussed the tendency to take on too many responsibilities and the importance of knowing when to say no. https://simplyborganized.com/2023/05/18/ep-336-why-i-take-on-so-much-with-rebekah-anne/Episode 322 Baby Prep & Nursery Organization with Mary Beth Barlette and Megan McDowell offered tips for new moms trying to get organized before and after having a baby.Episode 333 Core Values with Kate Bosch shared strategies for decluttering based on your personal values. ​​https://simplyborganized.com/2023/04/27/ep-333-core-values-with-kate-bosch/Episode 359 Secrets of a Supermom with Lori Oberbroeckling encouraged women to define success in motherhood on their own terms. https://simplyborganized.com/2023/10/26/ep-359-secrets-of-a-supermom-with-lori-oberbroeckling/Episode 364 Honest Parenting with Meredith Masony promoted a real, humorous approach to motherhood without pressure to be perfect. https://simplyborganized.com/2023/11/30/ep-364-honest-parenting-with-meredith-masony/Laurie’s Fav Episodes Episode 357 Clutter & Anxiety with Dr. John Delony highlighted the connection between clutter and anxiety. https://simplyborganized.com/2023/10/12/ep-357-declutter-and-anxiety-with-dr-john-delony/Episode 348 Organizing Tips Learned From Mom with Janet Taylor examined the helpful and unhelpful organizing habits we learn from our mothers. https://simplyborganized.com/2023/08/10/ep-348-organizing-tips-you-learned-from-your-mother-with-janet-taylor/Episode 340 Adult ADHD Diagnosis & Insights with Christy Lingo discussed her experience getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. https://simplyborganized.com/2023/06/15/ep-340-adult-diagnosis-adhd-insights-and-strategies-with-christy-lingo/Episode 330 Am I a Hoarder? with Matt Paxton distinguished between disorganization and clinical hoarding disorder.Ep 356-Enneagram & Clutter Series with Christa Hardin where we talked about how different personality types value time based on their unique Enneagram type

When it comes to wrapping gifts, I find there are 2 types of people: The ones who totally get into it, and the ones who can’t be bothered. I fall into the first category. I am all about gift presentation, but I also like to keep things simple and uncomplicated. With lots of gifts to wrap I needed to develop a system to help me stay organized. Over the years, I’ve tweaked and refined my process, and today I’m sharing some of my best tips with you.Listen today to grab all the tips!XOXO-LaurieP.s. It’s not too late to download our holiday gift tracker! Click here to grab yours!

Hi Friends!Today we’re joined by Chef Marcela Valladolid, host of popular Food Network shows like The Kitchen and Mexican Made Easy, and the author of several successful cookbooks. With her expertise in the kitchen, Chef Marcela has become an expert in cleaning and organizing as well!I invited her on the show to talk about staying organized during the holidays.During our conversation we talked about Why cleaning was a part of her Mexican upbringingHow having a clean home gives her peace of mindTips on keeping the kitchen organizedHoliday cooking tips to simplify your lifeMarcela also tells the story behind her new cookbook, Familia, which was inspired by the online cooking classes she hosted during the pandemic. If you want to host stress-free this holiday season, this is one episode you don't want to miss!xoxo-LaurieGet Early access to our podcastLinks Mentioned in this Episode Connect with MarcelaMarcela’s Book RecommendationThe Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

Hi Friends,Today’s tip is how to simplify hostess gifts. The month of December is often filled with holiday gatherings and parties. Whether you are going to a Sunday afternoon cookie exchange, or holiday drinks at your neighbors, it’s always a good idea to have quick gifts on hand-especially for impromptu get-togethers! Below are 3 things that I keep on hand during the holiday season that make for easy hostess gifts:Bottles of Wine-let’s be honest, I usually have these on hand anyway, but especially during the holidays I like to have extra bottles of wine or prosecco on hand so that I am not walking into someone’s home empty handed. Candles-If your host/hostess is not a drinker, Candles make for an easy and inexpensive gift. I usually make a homegoods run and stock up on some festive scented candles in fun jars and they are always a huge hit! Desserts-I love bringing a tray of chocolate covered pretzels or truffles from our local chocolatier. Not only am I supporting a local business, but they are delicious! *to add an extra touch, grab an inexpensive festive plate/platter to display the chocolates. Once the treats are finished, the hostess is left with a lovely holiday plate to use.Happy Holidays!LaurieP.S. Don’t forget to grab your free holiday gift tracker!

Hi Friends,Today we are talking about the importance of sleep.I’m joined by Kali Patrick, an adult sleep coach and the bestselling author of the book Mastering Your Sleep Puzzle: Your 12-Week Guide to Sleeping Better. She helps stressed-out tired people reclaim their sleep, energy, & enthusiasm for life. It should come as no surprise that good night sleep is tied to our physical & mental health which includes being able to keep up with the daily demands within our home.During our conversation we talked about:Some of the leading causes of sleep disruptionThe cycles of sleep and stressHow technology impacts our brain's ability to relaxDifferent strategies to create healthy sleep habitsThere was so much great information during this interview, I had to go back and re-listen!Make sure to check out the links below for everything we mentioned in the episode.XOXO-LaurieP.S. Did you know that you can now listen to our show dynamic ad free? With a subscription to This ORGANIZED Life+ you’ll get early access to new episodes without interruption! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEConnect with Kali PatrickKali’s Book Recommendations:Loving What IsPositivity

Happy December Folks!We’re kicking off December with a simple tip about budgeting for the holidays.There is no denying that it’s simpler than ever before to spend money. Where we used to have to drive to a store, take out cash and make an in-person transaction, has morphed into a convenience of shopping from your couch in your pjs with a click of a button.As much as I personally love that, it’s also super easy to overspend without even realizing it, which is why I always create a separate holiday budget.Whether you are an aspiring minimalist who trades physical gifts for experiences, or you are someone who still enjoys coming down on Christmas morning to houseful of gifts to unwrap, we are still spending money.XOXO-LaurieLooking for a holiday gift tracker? We’ve got you covered: simplyborganized.ac-page.com/holiday-gift-list-tracker

Hi Friends,Today I am joined by comedian Meredith Masony, who many of you may know from her popular IG & TikTok channel-@thats_inappropriate. I invited her on the show to share her story and possibly add some humor and perspective during the holiday season when many of us need it most!During our conversation we talked about:Why she puts her Christmas tree up in DecemberHer fav Taylor Swift SongWhy parenting is harder than it looksIn the throes of hectic schedules, holiday gatherings, and general feelings of overwhelm, just remember that life isn’t perfect, and the best thing you can do is surround yourself with people who continually remind you that you’re not crazy even when you feel like you are!XOXO-LaurieP.s. Tomorrow is our Live Enneagram and Clutter Workshop! Grab your tickets here: https://simplyborganized.com/webinarLinks Mentioned In This EpisodeWebsite: https://filterfreeparents.substack.com/Book Recommendations: Not a Happy Family Brene Brown Jen Hatmaker

Hi Friends,On today’s episode I talk all about my gratitude practice, and why sometimes the biggest thing I am grateful for is a locked bathroom door and a glass of wine.Taking the time to write down even one thing per day that you are grateful for can have a significant impact on your attitude and mindset.XOXO-LaurieP.S. There is still time to Grab your spot at our Intro to the Enneagram live workshop on Friday Dec 1st from 12-1:30 ET. Grab a friend, Bring your questions and let's talk all things clutter and the enneagram!

Hi Friends,Happy Thanksgiving! Today’s episode is my Thanksgiving message to each of you. I talk a lot about gratitude and doing things with intention throughout the year, but today in particular I want to highlight 7 specific things you can do to make the most out of your Thanksgiving Day.Click Here to read the full listI realize that the holidays can be a time of sadness for many. If I’m talking about you, my wish is that you find strength and peace knowing that you are surrounded by people who love you.And for all of you- I hope that today is filled with joy, laughter, and gratitude for all that you have. I am grateful for so much, including you for being a part of our community. XOXO-LaurieLinks Mentioned in this EpisodeRegister for our Upcoming WebinarMylio Photos: mylio.com/TOL25

Hi Friends,As someone who has a houseful of people during Thanksgiving and Christmas I’ve made it a practice to do a deep dive in the linen closet each November.Here’s a quick cheat sheet to how I approach organizing my linen closet:Sheets- A quick tip to making any closet appear organized is using baskets.I hate folding sheets-especially fitted sheets, so I use baskets with pretty labels to corral our sheets and hide any imperfections with my folding technique. My rule of thumb is 2 sets per bed -one that’s on your bed and one spare.BTW, If your sheets have seen better days, I love my new sheets from American Blossom Linens! They are made without any harsh chemicals, have deep pockets and get softer with every wash! Towels-Get rid of anything that frayed, torn or worn out. Animal Shelters are always looking for old linens, blankets and towels for the animals! My rule of thumb is approx 4 bath towels per person, 2-4 hand towels per person, and 6-8 washcloths per person.Toiletries-It’s always good to have extra toiletries on hand like toothbrushes, razors, shampoo, conditioner, lotions. Not to mention things like tylenol, motrin, antacids, benadryl, and other popular over the counter remedies that may come in handy! Rule of thumb: before you stock up, make sure you inventory your current stash and throw out anything that is expired.Even if you're not hosting any overnight guests during the holidays, it’s still a good time to inventory your linen closet and check this area off of your list!XOXO-LaurieP.S. There is still time to Grab your spot at our Intro to the Enneagram live workshop on Friday Dec 1st from 12-1:30 ET. Grab a friend, Bring your questions and let's talk all things clutter and the enneagram!