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

Laurie Palau
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Apr 10, 2025 • 22min

Overcoming Decluttering Obstacles: Sticking to One Zone | Ep 435

Hey friends! 👋You know that feeling when you start cleaning out the kitchen drawer,  and end up in the laundry room, and somehow wind up overwhelmed in the garage?Yeah. That.We’re diving into the power of sticking to one zone at a time—whether it’s a drawer, a counter, or your closet floor—and how that focused approach can help you actually finish what you start (and feel amazing about it!).Plus, I’m sharing my go-to four-pile method, why emotional clutter is just as real as physical clutter, and how decluttering is a lot like managing debt or weight loss—it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being consistent.💡 Why you should listen:If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of starting and stopping your organizing projects, this episode will help you pause, refocus, and find momentum again. I’m giving you simple tools, real talk about the emotions behind clutter, and a gentle reminder that support is always a smart move—not a sign of weakness.Key Takeaways:Why “ping ponging” between projects keeps you stuckHow to pick your first zone (and stick with it)The four-pile method that helps you sort smarterEmotional clutter is real—and validWhy building healthy habits is the secret to long-term changeWhen to call in reinforcements (hint: it’s okay to ask for help!)✨ Let’s stay connected!Want to work with me? Check out mentoring options Subscribe to our newsletter for tips + encouragement: Sign up hereClutter Clinic: GaragesColor Guru- YourColorGuru.com
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Apr 3, 2025 • 25min

What to Do When You Feel Like You're Drowning in To-Do Lists | Ep 434

New Listener? Start Here.Tired of the clutter taking over? Let’s fix that—together.If you’ve ever looked around and thought, Where did all this stuff even come from?!, you’re not alone. Life gets busy, piles grow, and suddenly, the mess feels impossible to tackle.That’s where Clutter Clinic comes in. Think of it as a judgment-free reset—where we’ll tackle the chaos together and create simple, realistic systems that actually work for your life. No perfection required.Closets, kitchens, garages, that endless stack of paper you keep meaning to deal with—we’re covering it all with strategies that make organizing easier, doable, and (dare we say?) kinda fun.✨Come join us and take back your space! → Grab your spot here.Let’s be honest—most of us have a love-hate relationship with our to-do lists. One minute, they make us feel like we have our lives together, and the next, they’re an overwhelming scroll of things we should be doing but would rather ignore. Sound familiar?In this episode of This Organized Life, I’m breaking down how to transform your to-do list from a stress-inducing monster into a tool that actually works for you. I’ll walk you through five simple strategies to make your list more effective, realistic, and—dare I say—enjoyable? Plus, I’ll call out some of the most common to-do list mistakes (yes, I see you adding “make a to-do list” just to check something off).Whether you’re a busy parent juggling a million things or an entrepreneur trying to stay on top of it all, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get stuff done without feeling overwhelmed.Why You Should Listen:You’re tired of rewriting the same unfinished tasks every week.You want to feel accomplished instead of guilty when you look at your list.You’re curious about the “Top Three Rule” and how it can simplify your day.You need some encouragement (and maybe a little tough love) to stop overloading your schedule.Key Takeaways:✅ How to write tasks that are clear and actionable (no more vague “work on project” nonsense).✅ Why prioritization is the secret sauce to a functional to-do list.✅ The importance of being realistic with your time (because 27 tasks in one day? Not happening).✅ How flexibility can actually make you more productive.✅ The power of celebrating small wins—because progress is progress!Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new one! If you found these tips helpful, share this episode with a friend who’s drowning in their to-do list too. And if you’re looking for more organization strategies, head over to simplyborganized.com for more resources!
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Mar 31, 2025 • 14min

Tip of the Week: Spring Cleaning-Organizing Toys Effectively | Ep 106

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 the final week of our Spring Cleaning Series, and we’re wrapping things up with a topic every parent can relate to—TOYS. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in stuffed animals, building blocks, and tiny figurines that somehow multiply overnight, you’re not alone! This week, I’m sharing practical strategies to tackle toy clutter, make the cleanup process easier, and even get your kids involved.🚨 LAST CALL: Clutter Clinic—Closets! 🚨If you’ve been thinking about joining our Clutter Clinic workshop on closets, now’s the time! This is your last chance to sign up before we close registration, so don’t miss out.Why You Should ListenGet simple, stress-free strategies to tackle toy clutterLearn how to involve your kids so YOU aren’t the only one cleaning upDiscover the importance of seasonal toy purging (trust me, you don’t need all those Happy Meal toys!)Find out more about upcoming Clutter Clinic workshopsKey Takeaways✔️ Break decluttering into phases so it doesn’t feel overwhelming✔️ Sort and categorize toys to make clean-up easier✔️ Create a rotation system to keep playtime fresh and reduce clutter✔️ Involve your kids by making it fun—think donation days, toy swaps, or a “goodbye party” for outgrown items🎧 Listen now and take control of your toy clutter!🔗 Sign up for Clutter Clinic before it’s too late!
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Mar 27, 2025 • 39min

Closet Organizing Tips for Each Enneagram Type | Ep 433

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.In this episode, I’m diving into how your personality affects the way you organize (or don’t) and sharing tips to help you create a closet that works for you.I’ll walk through all nine Enneagram types, breaking down their unique struggles—because let’s be honest, a Type 1's idea of “messy” is a Type 7’s idea of “organized chaos.” Whether you’re a meticulous Perfectionist, a sentimental Helper, or an out-of-sight-out-of-mind Enthusiast, I’ve got strategies to make your closet functional, efficient, and maybe even enjoyable. Plus, I’m spilling the details on our upcoming Clutter Clinic Closet Workshop—because sometimes, you just need a little outside help to finally tackle that avalanche of shoes.Why You Should ListenYou’ll finally understand why you struggle with closet organization (hint: it’s not just procrastination).Get tailored strategies based on your Enneagram type—because a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work.Learn how to set boundaries with your wardrobe (yes, you CAN break up with that dress from 2012).Find out why clutter isn’t just a physical issue—it’s a mental one too.Get the inside scoop on our Clutter Clinic Closet Workshop and how to join.Key TakeawaysType 1 (The Perfectionist): Closet must be just so—but beware of decision fatigue.Type 2 (The Helper): Tends to keep clothes out of guilt—let’s talk about letting go.Type 3 (The Achiever): Loves a power outfit—time to make sure every piece is working for you.Type 4 (The Individualist): Sentimental much? Here’s how to balance creativity with function.Type 5 (The Investigator): Minimalist or just detached? Let’s create a system that makes sense.… and so on for all nine types!If you’ve ever stared at your closet and thought, Why is this so hard?—this episode is for you. Hit play, take notes, and maybe (just maybe) start that closet clean-out you’ve been avoiding.Mentioned in This Episode:Clutter Clinic Closet Workshop – Sign up and let’s tackle this together!Tag me on Instagram and tell me—what’s your Enneagram type, and did I totally call you out?Subscribe & Review: If you love the show, leave a review! It helps other organizing enthusiasts find us.
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Mar 24, 2025 • 17min

Tip of the Week: Spring Cleaning-Declutter Your Garage | Ep 105

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.Today, we’re rolling up our sleeves and heading into the garage. Yep, that mysterious land where bikes, holiday décor, and random mystery boxes go to disappear.If your garage has turned into a dumping ground, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. In this Tip of the Week episode (part of our Spring Cleaning series), I’ll walk you through practical strategies to declutter and reclaim your space. We’ll talk about creating zones, purging the excess, and making the most of your vertical space (because yes, walls are for more than just spiderwebs). Plus, I’m spilling all the details on my upcoming Clutter Clinic Workshop Series, where we go even deeper into home organization—so you definitely want to stick around for that!Why You Should ListenYour garage is a black hole of stuff, and you need a plan to tackle it.You want practical, realistic organization tips that don’t require a major renovation.You love a good before-and-after transformation (even if it’s just in your head for now).You’re curious about my Clutter Clinic Workshop and want to know how to join!Key Takeaways✅ Start with zones – Categorize your space so you actually know where things belong.✅ Purge like you mean it – If it’s broken, forgotten, or hasn’t seen daylight in five years… let it go!✅ Think vertical – Shelves, hooks, and pegboards are game changers.✅ Use clear bins – Because nothing says “organized” like actually being able to see what’s inside.✅ Make space for what matters – Your car called… it wants back in the garage.So grab your gloves, maybe a trash bag (or five), and let’s get that garage in shape!🎧 Listen now and let’s get organized together!
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Mar 20, 2025 • 26min

Ask An Expert: How Do I Get My Family to Help with Organizing | Ep 432

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.Ever feel like organizing your home is a solo mission, only for your family to come through like a tornado and undo all your hard work? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But guess what? It is possible to get your family involved in keeping things tidy—without nagging (too much).In this episode of This Organized Life, I’m sharing my go-to strategies for turning reluctant family members into organization allies. We’ll talk about why giving ownership is a game-changer, how to simplify systems so everyone can actually follow them, and why a little positive reinforcement can go a long way. Oh, and let’s not forget about clear communication, setting consequences, and modeling good habits.Plus, I’ve got an exciting update—our Clutter Clinic is back! This time, we’re tackling closets. If yours looks like a black hole of forgotten clothes and mismatched shoes, you don’t want to miss this one.Key Takeaways:The five strategies that actually work to get your family involved in organizingWhy ownership, simplification, and consistency are non-negotiableThe power of clear communication (and what to do when words alone don’t cut it)A sneak peek into the upcoming Clutter Clinic—your closet will thank you!Why You Should Listen:If you’re tired of cleaning up after everyone (and having to do it all over again), this episode will give you the tools and mindset shift you need. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on how to revamp your closet with the Clutter Clinic!Links & Resources:Sign up for Clutter Clinic: Closet EditionJoin The Digital Wrangler for digital organization tipsLet’s get your whole family on board—because organizing should not be a one-person job!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!

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