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

Mar 17, 2025 • 15min
Tip of the Week: Spring Cleaning-Declutter and Organize Your Pantry | Ep 104
New Listener? Start Here.LIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here.It’s officially spring cleaning season, and what better way to kick things off than by tackling one of my absolute favorite spaces—the pantry! In this St. Patrick’s Day edition of This Organized Life’s Tip of the Week, I’m sharing all my best tips for decluttering and organizing your pantry like a pro.We’re talking about the right way to pull everything out (yes, everything!), how to sort through the chaos, and what to do with those mystery cans from who-knows-when. Plus, I’m giving you my go-to strategies for donating unused but still-good items, finding the perfect storage solutions, and making sure your pantry stays organized long after you finish.And don’t forget—my Clutter Clinic Workshop is coming up in April, where we’ll dive into closet organization (because, let’s be real, your closet deserves a spring refresh too!).So grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a shamrock shake? 🍀) and let’s get your pantry in tip-top shape!Why You Should Listen✔️ You’re tired of playing pantry Jenga every time you need a snack.✔️ You want a system that actually lasts—not just a quick tidy-up.✔️ You’re ready to reclaim your space and make meal prep so much easier.Key Takeaways✨ Take it all out – Yes, even the stuff in the back.✨ Sort by category – Snacks, canned goods, baking supplies… you get the idea.✨ Check expiration dates – No judgment, we all have that one ancient spice jar.✨ Donate what you won’t use – Give those extras to a food bank!✨ Use bins & baskets – Because an organized pantry = a happy you.✨ Label everything – Especially if you have family members who “can’t find anything.”🎧 Tune in now and let’s get that pantry spring-ready!

Mar 13, 2025 • 26min
Declutter Before You Organize | Ep 431
New Listener? Start Here.LIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here.Hey friend! Can you feel it? The days are getting longer, the sun is shining a little brighter, and spring is right around the corner. And you know what that means—it’s the perfect time to get organized!I’m sharing three of my favorite decluttering hacks to make the process quick, easy, and maybe even a little fun:✔️ The five-minute scan—for the stuff you already know needs to go.✔️ The "would I buy it again?" test—because guilt is not a reason to keep things.✔️ Setting limits—so your closet doesn’t turn into a black hole of “maybe I’ll wear this someday.”Plus, I’ll walk you through how to maintain organization in small spaces (hello, tiny closets!) and why decluttering is always the first step to an organized home.And if you’re ready to take things to the next level, don’t miss my Clutter Clinic Workshop this April! We’ll go step-by-step through closet organization, and I’ll be there to answer all your burning questions.Why You Should Listen✔️ Your closet is overflowing, but you still “have nothing to wear.”✔️ You need quick, simple decluttering tricks that actually work.✔️ You’re ready for a fresh start this spring—minus the clutter.Key Takeaways✨ Declutter before you organize – Trust me, it makes a huge difference.✨ Start with a five-minute scan – Quick wins keep the momentum going.✨ Ask yourself: "Would I buy this again?" – If not, it’s time to say goodbye.✨ Set limits – Your space should work for you, not overwhelm you.✨ Small closets can be organized too – You just need the right system.🎧 Tune in now and let’s get your closet spring-ready!P.S. Want hands-on help? Sign up for my Clutter Clinic Workshop in April, and let’s declutter together!

Mar 10, 2025 • 18min
Tip of the Week-Spring Cleaning-Declutter Your Linens | Ep 103
New Listener? Start Here.LIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here.Let’s talk about something we all have but rarely think about—LINENS. If your linen closet is overflowing with mismatched sheets, worn-out towels, and blankets you swear you’ll use someday, this episode is for you.I’m sharing my go-to decluttering strategies, including my Rule of Two (because, seriously, how many sheet sets does one bed need?), the best way to store and fold everything, and what to do with those towels that have seen better days.Why You Should ListenYour linen closet looks more like a disaster zone than an organized space.You have more sheets than beds and no idea how that happened.You want a simple system to keep your linens organized for good.Key Takeaways✅ The Rule of Two—how many sheet sets per bed is actually enough?✅ My favorite ways to fold, store, and label your linens so you can find what you need instantly.✅ Smart ideas for repurposing or donating old linens.✅ How a clutter-free linen closet saves you time, space, and frustration.So, grab a coffee (or let’s be real, maybe some wine), pop in your earbuds, and let’s declutter together. And don’t forget to sign up for my Clutter Clinic—your future organized self will thank you!

Mar 6, 2025 • 35min
How to Stay Organized During a Renovation | Ep 430
New Listener? Start Here.LIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here.Hey friends! Spring is in the air, and you know what that means—it's time to clear out the clutter and refresh your space! 🌸 But let’s be real: nothing creates chaos quite like a home renovation. In this episode of This Organized Life, I’m giving you the inside scoop on how to stay sane during a remodel and sharing exciting news about our upcoming Clutter Clinic spring cleaning workshops!From budgeting tips to tracking expenses to simply surviving the mess, I’m walking you through my own renovation experience—because, trust me, I’ve learned a thing or two (mostly the hard way). If you’re thinking about tackling a renovation or just want to refresh your space without losing your mind, this episode is for you!Why You Should Listen:You’re planning a home renovation and want to avoid major stress.You need help staying organized when your house feels like a construction zone.You’re curious about our Clutter Clinic and how it can help you simplify your home.You just love some good, honest home organization talk with a side of real-life chaos.Key Takeaways:Budget Smart: Renovations can spiral fast—set a clear budget and track every dollar.Stay Organized: Even in the mess, create designated “safe zones” to keep your sanity intact.Talk It Out: Communication with your contractors is everything—don’t assume they can read your mind.Reduce Decision Fatigue: Too many choices? Create a vision board and stick to a plan.Big Picture Thinking: Renovations are temporary—focus on the end goal and the amazing space you’re creating.So grab your coffee (or a hard hat 🏗️), and let’s dive into all things home, organization, and making the most of spring cleaning season!📢P.S. Don't forget to sign up for our Clutter Clinic workshops—because spring cleaning is way more fun when we do it together!

Mar 3, 2025 • 19min
Tip of the Week-Spring Cleaning-Transform Your Medicine Cabinet | Ep 102
New Listener? Start Here.LIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here.Spring is in the air, and you know what that means—time to refresh, reset, and get things in order! This week, I’m kicking off our spring-cleaning series with a deep dive into one of the most overlooked spaces in our homes: the medicine cabinet. Trust me, this tiny space can be a clutter magnet, and I’ve got the best tips to help you get it in check.Plus, I’m super excited to announce our LIVE Clutter Clinics! These live, virtual workshops are designed to tackle common clutter pain points with expert advice and actionable strategies. Whether you need help with closets, kitchens, or digital clutter, we’ve got you covered.So grab a trash bag (you’ll need it!) and let’s get to work clearing out those expired medications, organizing what you actually need, and making your medicine cabinet a functional, stress-free zone.Why You Should Listen:Get easy, practical tips for decluttering and organizing your medicine cabinet.Learn how to properly dispose of expired or unused medications.Find out what essentials you should always have on hand.Get the scoop on our upcoming LIVE Clutter Clinics—trust me, you don’t want to miss it!Key Takeaways:✅ Declutter with intention – Toss expired medications and anything you no longer use.✅ Organize by category – Keep first aid supplies, daily meds, and seasonal items separate.✅ Storage matters – Use clear bins, labels, and proper storage solutions to make everything accessible.✅ Restock smartly – Make sure you have the basics covered, from pain relievers to allergy meds.Ready to take action? Let’s do this together! And don’t forget to check out our LIVE Clutter Clinics for even more expert organizing advice.

Feb 27, 2025 • 33min
10 Essential Steps to Kickstart Your Organizing Journey | Ep 429
New Listener? Start Here.LIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here.Starting an organizing journey can feel overwhelming, but taking the first step is already a big win! In this episode, I’m sharing 10 essential strategies to help you get started in a way that feels manageable and sustainable. Whether you’re decluttering a single drawer or tackling your entire home, these steps will guide you through the process with confidence.I also want to take a moment to welcome new listeners! If you haven’t already, be sure to join my email community for exclusive updates and details on my upcoming Clutter Clinic workshop series. It’s a great way to get hands-on support and accountability as you work through your organizing goals.If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of where to begin with organizing, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through practical steps that make the process feel approachable instead of overwhelming. From identifying your biggest pain points to setting up simple systems that actually work for your lifestyle, these tips will help you create lasting change. Plus, I’ll share why perfection isn’t the goal—progress is!Key TakeawaysCelebrate your decision to start – Just making the choice to get organized is a big deal.Identify your pain points – Understanding what’s causing the most stress helps you focus.Declutter first – Organizing clutter just leads to frustration. Clear things out before setting up systems.Start small – You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Small wins add up.Make your systems work for you – Your organizing solutions should fit your life, not the other way around.Time-block your efforts – Scheduling time to organize helps you stay on track.Create daily reset routines – A few minutes each day keeps clutter from creeping back.Ask for help – Whether it’s family, friends, or a professional, you don’t have to do it alone.Let go of perfection – Organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a system that works.Keep the momentum going – Organization is an ongoing process. Staying consistent is key.Getting organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these steps, you’ll build momentum and create sustainable habits that make your life easier. And if you’re ready to take things a step further, I’d love for you to join my Clutter Clinic workshop for even more practical guidance and community support.If you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love for you to join me in my Clutter Clinic workshop series, where I’ll guide you through these strategies with real-life solutions and a supportive community.

Feb 24, 2025 • 14min
Tip of the Week: Organize Your Winter Entryway | Ep 101
New Listener? Start Here.LIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here.Winter gear can quickly take over your home, so I’m talking about how to create functional spaces that make it easy to store all your cold-weather essentials. I share tips on making winter gear accessible for your kids, ensuring you’re only keeping current and fitting items, and why I recommend hooks over hangers. I also talk about storage solutions like rolling racks and boot trays, plus a handy tip for warming up your outdoor-stored gear before use.Tune in for all the tips to make your entryway work for you, and don’t forget to check out the resource guide for even more support!Key Takeaways:Make sure your kids can easily access their winter gearKeep only current and fitting winter itemsUse hooks, rolling racks, and boot trays for extra storageWarm up outdoor gear before useReasons to Listen:Get practical tips for organizing your winter gearLearn how to make your entryway more functionalAccess my new resource guide for additional supportLinks & Resources:👉 Join the LIVE Clutter Clinics👉 Connect with me on Instagram👉 Leave a review & share the love!

Feb 20, 2025 • 29min
Handling Unwanted Gifts: Practical Tips for Parents | Ep 428
New Listener? Start Here.LIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here.Hey friend! Let’s talk about something every parent has dealt with—unwanted gifts. You know, those toys that make way too much noise, the gifts that take up way too much space, or the ones that just don’t align with your family’s values. In this episode of This Organized Life, I’m diving into the tricky (and sometimes awkward) world of managing unwanted gifts for your kids.We’ll chat about how to set boundaries, ways to handle conversations with gift givers (without hurting feelings), and how to approach this whole situation based on your child’s age. Whether you’ve got a baby, a preschooler, or a too-cool-for-this tween, I’ve got strategies to help you navigate it all.Plus, I’m spilling the details on my upcoming LIVE Clutter Clinics—a must if you’re ready to tackle the chaos once and for all!Key Takeaways:How to graciously navigate the conversation with gift givers (without causing a family feud)Age-based strategies for managing unwanted giftsAlternative gift ideas that won’t clutter your homeTips for setting ground rules with your kids about their stuffWhy it’s okay to let go of gifts that don’t serve your familyWhy You Should Listen:You’ve ever secretly dreaded gift-giving occasions because of the clutter they bringYou struggle with how to tell family members “thanks, but no thanks”You want to be intentional about the gifts your kids receiveYou need practical, guilt-free ways to handle excess toys and stuffAnd don’t forget to check out the details for my LIVE Clutter Clinics—because you deserve a home that feels good, not just one filled with stuff.Links & Resources:👉 Join the LIVE Clutter Clinics👉 Connect with me on Instagram👉 Leave a review & share the love!

Feb 17, 2025 • 11min
Tip of the Week-Snow Day Survival: Keeping Kids Entertained Without Screens | Ep 100
New Listener? Start Here.LIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here.Hey friends! If you’ve ever been hit with a surprise snow day, you know the struggle—kids bouncing off the walls, constant snack requests, and the temptation to just hand over the iPad. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!In today’s episode, we’re talking about simple ways to keep your kiddos entertained without screens. I’ll share my go-to strategies, including setting up a Snow Day Preparation Station (trust me, this is a game-changer!), repurposing unopened holiday gifts, and pulling out old-school fun like dance parties, puzzles, and even car games (yes, they totally work indoors too!).We’ll also chat about why planning ahead can make snow days way less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone. Because let’s be real—if we’re going to be snowed in, we might as well make the most of it, right?Key Takeaways:❄️ How to set up a Snow Day Preparation Station with minimal effort🎨 Fun, hands-on activities to keep kids engaged (without defaulting to screens)📦 The magic of repurposing unopened holiday gifts🎶 Why a spontaneous dance party might be your best tool for survival📝 The benefits of planning ahead so snow days don’t catch you off guardIf you loved this episode, share it with a fellow parent who needs a snow day survival plan! And don’t forget to grab my free resource guide to help you stay organized year-round.

Feb 13, 2025 • 26min
Creating Sustainable Organizing Systems for Your Home | Ep 427
New Listener? Start Here: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/newlistenerLIVE WORKSHOPS! Join us for our Clutter Clinic Workshops, where we’ll tackle the mess and create simple systems that actually work for your life! Whether it’s your closet, kitchen, garage, digital files, or even that endless pile of paper, we’ve got you covered with practical, doable strategies that make organizing easy—and even a little fun! https://simplyborganized.com/workshop/Thanks to our amazing sponsor, Kate Hufnagel, aka the Digital Wrangler, we’re starting the year with a focus on decluttering not just our homes, but our digital lives, too. You can check out her offerings here: https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolHey friends! Today, we’re tackling a big one—how to create organizing systems that actually stick. You know the drill—you spend a weekend getting everything neat and tidy, but two weeks later, it’s chaos again. Why does this keep happening? Well, a lot of organizing systems fail because they’re too complicated, unrealistic, or don’t actually fit into our daily lives.In this episode, I’m breaking down how to design systems that work for you (not against you). We’re talking about keeping it simple, making it flexible, and creating habits that actually make sense. Because let’s be real—if it’s not easy to maintain, it’s not going to last.Oh! And if you’ve ever thought about starting your own professional organizing business, I’ve got a brand-new YouTube mini-series just for you. Plus, I’m sharing an amazing resource from The Digital Wrangler on legacy planning (because digital clutter is a thing too).Why You Should Listen:You’re tired of setting up organizing systems that don’t last.You want easy, practical solutions that fit your real life.You’re curious about how to make organizing work for you, not feel like another chore.Key Takeaways:Figure out what specific problem you’re solving before creating a system.Design organizing solutions around your natural habits (not some Pinterest-perfect fantasy).Keep steps minimal—if it’s too complicated, you won’t stick with it.Build in flexibility—life changes, and your systems should adapt with you.Accountability is key! Find ways to check in and tweak as needed.So grab your coffee (or your favorite cozy drink), press play, and let’s get into it!P.S. If you haven’t subscribed to our weekly newsletter yet, what are you waiting for? It’s packed with tips, updates, and all the organizing goodness you love. https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/newlistener