

This Organized Life: Decluttering Tips for Moms, Entrepreneurs and Professional Organizers
Laurie Palau
Whether you're managing a busy household, juggling work and family, or just looking for a little inspiration to tackle that never-ending to-do list, you're in the right place!Each episode shares practical tips, expert advice and real life stories to inspire you to declutter, simplify, and live a more organized life.New episodes released every Monday & Thursday!Have a question or topic idea click hereHosted by Laurie Palau, Professional Organizer, Coach & MomLearn more: https://simplyborganized.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2023 • 11min
Tip of the Week-Declutter your phone
Hey friends,Today's episode is all about taking charge of your digital clutter and boosting your productivity. Simplify and streamline your life with these phone organization tips:Delete Any Unused Apps- Make your phone work for you, free up some space and get rid of the overwhelm.Turn off Notifications-Notifications can be distracting when you’re in your most productive zone. Turn them off or turn on focus mode so you can get back to productivity.Housekeeping-Check your storage, in-app purchases and updates.Keeping your phone organized and up-to-date is key to smoother digital life. Schedule an hour or so to go through your phone and get it organized!By following these simple tips, you can simplify your life and focus on the stuff that truly matters. So, whether you're a digital clutter warrior or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights to streamline your phone and boost your productivity. Register Now for the highly anticipated Free Webinar: 5 Ways to Make Money As A Professional Organizer

Aug 3, 2023 • 57min
Simple Grocery Shopping Ideas with Caitlin McCandless | Ep 347
Hi Friends!If you are tired of wasting money on food that no one eats, or buying ingredients that you use once for a recipe and never touch again, then this episode is for you!Joining me today is Caitlin McCandless. Caitlin’s anti-diet approach to health focuses on foods you can ADD to your life rather than looking at what you can’t eat. Meal planning can be simple and today Caitlin shares her tips and strategies on how to simplify grocery shopping with ingredients that are both healthy and versatile. She even shares her “secret sauce” for picky eaters!Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics and is the owner of Free from PCOS Nutrition where she offers 1-1 nutrition coaching specifically for women struggling with PCOS. During our conversation we talked about:What is PCOS, and how it’s something many women face, but it’s not always talked aboutThe link between chronic illness and foodsHer entrepreneurial journey into Nutrition CoachingDeveloping a recipe libraryThe benefits of meal prep (and her personal strategy that she uses)I love this tip from Caitin:“Each week I put a list on the fridge of all the available food, so when I come home hungry and wondering what to eat, I know exactly where to look.”Check out the entire conversation on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. If this is your first time tuning in, make sure to click the subscribe button so new episodes will get downloaded each week.XOXO-LaurieP.S. Don’t forget to get on the waitlist for our FREE Webinar on 9/20 on 5 ways to make money as a professional organizer. Spots are limited so make sure to get on the list!CONNECT WITH CAITLININSTAGRAMClick HERE to grab a copy of Caitlin’s FREE Grocery Shopping ListClick HERE to Book a Discover Call with CaitlinCAITLIN’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONSIntuitive EatingThe 4 Winds

Jul 31, 2023 • 10min
Tip of the Week-Reconnect with an Old Friend
Hi Friends, Today, we're diving into a topic that's all about cherishing the friendships that have stood the test of time - reconnecting with old friends. Life can get pretty chaotic, right? We're all juggling a million things at once, and finding time for ourselves, let alone others, can be a real struggle. But amidst the busyness, it's essential to be intentional about making time for the people who truly matter to us - our old friends.Now, don't get me wrong, having friends of convenience is fantastic. They're the ones we can rely on for spontaneous hangouts and casual catch-ups. But there's something magical about reigniting those old friendships, the ones that go way back to a different time in our lives.I know it might seem daunting to reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in ages, but trust me, it's worth it. By taking that step out of your comfort zone, you open the door to deeper connections and lasting bonds.Don't let those meaningful friendships slip away. Sometimes, all it takes is that one message or call to reignite the spark.And here's a neat idea - share this episode with one of your old friends! It could be the perfect icebreaker to kickstart a wonderful conversation and create space for those deeper connections.As I always say, there's something truly special about an old friend. Someone who knows you in an intimate way, from a different time in your life, and yet, they still hold a special place in your heart.Join me in embracing the importance of intentionality and reconnecting with old friends. -xoLaurieGet on the waitlist for the FREE WEBINAR: 5 Ways to Make Money As a Professional Organizer

Jul 27, 2023 • 45min
Unpacking After a Move with Martha Carol Stewart | Ep 346
Hi Friends,Last week we talked about ways to simplify and prep for a move (if you haven’t already listened, make sure to go back and check that out!). Today we are covering the other half to the moving equation, the unpack.I am joined by my friend and fellow organizer, Martha Carol Stewart, founder of Chaos Organizing in Baton Rouge Louisiana who has helped countless clients through the move process, and having a strategy for unpacking is the first step in setting your home up for success.During our conversation we talked about the physical, emotional, mental, financial and time toll that moving can have on you. Whether you are downsizing after 30 years or moving up in house to accommodate your growing family, there is a LOT to consider.We talk about the importance of the first 48 hoursLabeling with MC’s start method helps to indicate which boxes are priorityWhy making your bed is the first thing you should do in your new homePacking an overnight bag and what items to includeZoning beyond “like with like”There is so much great information in this episode, I couldn't take notes fast enough! If you are prepping for a move, or know someone who is, please do them a favor and share this episode with them.Make sure to check out the links below for everything we talked about in this episode. xoxo-Laurie P.S. If you aren’t already subscribed to our show, please take a moment to click the subscribe button on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to share this with a friend!CONNECT WITH MARTHA CAROL WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM*NEW BOOK: SOUTHERN CHAOSMARTHA CAROL’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The Best Nest by P.D. EastmanLinks Mentioned in this Episode: Free Webinar 5 Ways to Make Money as a Professional Organizer!

Jul 24, 2023 • 9min
Tip of the Week-Remove One item per day
Hi Friends,Ready to simplify your life and get organized? We’re talking about a simple yet effective decluttering tip today!By removing just one item a day that you no longer want, need, use, or love, you'll be well on your way to conquering physical, emotional, and calendar clutter. It's a small step that can make a huge difference over time!So, here's the deal - getting rid of just one item daily works wonders for cutting down physical mess and creating a more organized living space. It also helps you flex your "letting go" muscle, which can be incredibly beneficial in tackling emotional clutter too.The best part is, this practice won't eat up your precious time. Seriously, it takes mere seconds, maybe a minute tops, to bid farewell to that one thing you're ready to part ways with. Now, here's a pro tip - set a recurring reminder or challenge yourself to do it for 30 days straight to really get into the decluttering groove. And remember, it's all about those tiny steps every day, which, when added up, create a remarkable impact.Oh, and don't stress about keeping track of your progress if you don't want to. You can either document your journey or just go with the flow - whatever works for you!Share your progress with us and tag the podcast to receive all the support and encouragement you need. Remember, every little step counts in building that "let it go" muscle, and soon enough, you'll be amazed at how much lighter and organized your life can become.So, let's get started on this exciting journey to an organized and clutter-free life! Happy decluttering!Links Mentioned in this Episode: Free Webinar 5 Ways to Make Money as a Professional Organizer!

Jul 20, 2023 • 45min
Prepping for a Move with DeLorean Reese | Ep 345
Hi Friends,Joining me today is DeLorean Reese, the founder of Peace by Piece Professional Organizing in San Francisco. Since starting her organizing business back in 2015 DeLorean has worked with lots of families in a variety of areas, including closet design, clutter management, and other life transitions. One area that she specializes in is move coordination. Since summer is one of the most popular times for people to move, I invited her on the show to talk about the things you should know to help keep you organized along the way.During our conversation we talked about:Supplies: including boxes-what sizes to choose? Bubble wrap vs. packing paper, using space bags, and labelsLeaving ample time to book movers-most reputable movers are booked out at least 60 days in advance.Securing Permits-some area, including major cities may require a permit for your moving truck to double park, so make sure you look into your local areaChange of Address-this goes for mail, online subscriptions, EZ Pass, or anything else you can think ofPurge before you Pack-of course this is a big one! It’s worth it to put the time in on the front end, so that when you are ready to unpack, you are left with only the things you need, use or love. *It also saves you time and money from packing up stuff you just plan to donate.There are so many logistics that go along with a move, let alone the emotional toll it can take. If you are able to hire a professional to help guide you, great! If not, bring in a trusted friend who can help ease the burden. It also makes the process go more quickly and certainly more fun! Make sure to check out the links below for everything we talked about in this episode. We will be back next week with my friend Martha Carol Stewart from Chaos Organizing to talk about unpacking after a move.xoxo-LaurieP.S. If you aren’t already subscribed to our show, please take a moment to click the subscribe button on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to share this with a friend!CONNECT WITH DELOREAN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMDELOREAN’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Jul 17, 2023 • 12min
Tip of the Week-Be Neighborly
Hey Friends,Today's episode is all about being neighborly and its connection to organization. Inspired by a recent sermon, I want to share three key points that stood out to me.First up, hospitality. Being neighborly means opening our homes and fostering connections through simple gestures like inviting a neighbor for coffee or hosting a barbecue. Don't let fear or shame about the state of your home hold you back. Building relationships is what truly matters.Next, let's talk about sharing. In close-knit communities, we can share resources and reduce clutter. Instead of buying something you'll rarely use, reach out to friends or neighbors for borrowing or sharing. It adds variety without accumulating unnecessary stuff.Lastly, being neighborly means asking for help when needed. Building relationships allows us to offer and receive assistance. Don't hesitate to reach out; most people are happy to lend a hand. And remember, reciprocal relationships mean it's okay to decline if you can't help at the moment.By embracing these principles—hospitality, sharing, and asking for help—we can foster connections and lead a simpler, more organized life.Here's your tip of the week: Reflect on how you can be neighborly in your own life. Offer to share, reach out before making unnecessary purchases, and engage in small acts of neighborly kindness. True value lies in the connections we make, not just the things we own.PS. If you're enjoying our show, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us improve. Thanks for your support!

Jul 13, 2023 • 47min
Ditch Your To-Do List with Maya Lombarts | Ep 344
Hi Friends,Joining me today is Maya Lombarts. Born and raised in Belgium, Maya was like many-living a full and hectic life and career. After struggling with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, she moved to Peru, changed her lifestyle, and became symptom-free. I invited her on the show to talk about Calendar Clutter and how it impacted her physical health, and how a lifestyle change contributed to her healing.During our conversation we talked about:Why a lifestyle filled with Calendar Clutter was contributing to her illnessHow changing her physical location was the first step in her healingWhat prompted her to ditch her over-scheduled lifestyle and embrace a less way of lifeWe talked about the cultural differences between Americans and Peruvians“When you spread yourself too thin and struggle to stay focused because there are so many things you want to do, your body will catch up with you and you’ll end up feeling burned out, frustrated and disappointed in yourself.By wanting to do MORE, you end up not being able to do anything at all.”-Maya LombartsIf you are struggling with Calendar Clutter or FOMO, Maya has a free ebook that we’ve linked to below.CONNECT WITH MAYAWEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | YOU TUBEFREE EBOOK: Journal Prompts To Zoom Out Of Your Busy LifeMAYA’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:The Power of NowFinding Your Own North StarChillpreneurOther Links Mentioned In this Episode: Enneagram & Clutter Framework

Jul 10, 2023 • 11min
Tip of the Week-Create An Exercise Routine
Hi Friends,Welcome to this week's Tip of the Week. Whether you're a newbie or a loyal listener, we're thrilled to have you here. If you haven't already, make sure to hit that subscribe or follow button to stay updated on all our episodes. We release two episodes every week - a short tip on Mondays and exciting conversations with interesting guests on Thursdays. We're all about inspiring you with small doses of goodness.Last week, we talked about the importance of making time for reading. This week, we're diving into the topic of exercise and movement. We understand that finding time for fitness can be a challenge, but it's all about replacing activities that don't add value. You don't need an expensive gym membership or hours of workouts. Even small pockets of time can make a difference. I’m sharing my personal experiences and tips to help you incorporate movement into your daily routine. Prioritizing your physical wellbeing is crucial for leading an organized and fulfilling life. So let's get moving and make our health a priority. Remember, it's not about perfection, but about progress. If you have any questions or tips to share, reach out to us on social media or through our website. Until next time, peace out!HAVE A QUESTION?FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

Jul 6, 2023 • 47min
Emotional Eating with Amber Romaniuk | Ep 343
HI Friends,Joining me today is Amber Romaniuk, an Emotional Eating, Digestive and Hormone Expert and host of “The No Sugarcoating Podcast” . I invited her on the show to talk about the parallels between people’s relationship with clutter, organization, and food.Amber shares her own story of weight gain, binge eating and the shame that comes with it. Her honesty and vulnerability, talking about her own “rock bottom” moment, and how she finally found a path to healing.As I listened to her story, I was reminded of clients, and even friends, who have looked at me and asked “why can’t I let go of this?’ or “why do I keep buying things even though I don’t need them?”During our conversation we talked about:The importance of understanding your emotional TRIGGERSThe difference between PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL hungerBeing VULNERABLE enough to ask for helpWe also touched on hormonal IMBALANCES for my fellow sisters in menopauseSimilarly to clutter, our eating habits are developed over years and change takes time and intentionality, but committing to changing unhealthy behaviors is the first step.Whether you are someone who struggles with emotional eating or clutter, this is a great conversation worth the listen.If you know someone who can benefit from this episode, please share it with a friend!XOXOLaurieP.S. Make sure to check out the links below for everything that we discussed in the episode.CONNECT WITH AMBERWEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | PODCASTAMBER'S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONYou Can Heal Your Life by Louise HayCheck out our Enneagram & Clutter Framework and learn about your relationship with clutter.