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

Laurie Palau
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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
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Feb 10, 2025 • 10min

Tip of the Week-Winter Car Kit Essentials for Staying Organized | Ep 99

New Listener? Start Here: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/newlistenerThanks 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 friend! You know how winter can be a total mess—between the snow, ice, and all the extra layers we’re hauling around, it’s easy for our cars to turn into chaos zones. In this episode of This Organized Life, I’m sharing my must-have winter car kit essentials to keep you prepped and clutter-free all season long. Because let’s be real—nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the road freezing while digging through a mountain of stuff just to find their ice scraper!Why You Should Listen:If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to find your ice scraper or wishing you had an extra blanket during a winter drive, this episode is for you! Learn how to keep your car stocked with the right essentials so you’re always prepared for whatever winter throws your way.Key Takeaways:The must-have items for your winter car kitSimple ways to keep your car clutter-free (even with all the winter gear)How to store everything so it’s easy to access when you need it most A quick tip to keep germs at bay while on the goI hope this episode leaves you feeling prepared (and a little less stressed) for the chilly months ahead! Stay tuned for upcoming episodes—we’ve got more organizing hacks and real-life solutions coming your way. Until then, stay warm and stay organized!Links Mentioned in this Episode:Organizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolNew Listener? Start Here: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/newlistenerThis Organized Life chats with experts and everyday folks like you and me, about life, relationships, parenting, and of course organizing. Grab a front row seat into my organized, but no-so-perfect life as a mom, wife, author, and founder of Simply B Organized.
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Feb 6, 2025 • 20min

Ask an Expert: Enneagram & ADHD | Ep 426

New Listener? Start Here: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/newlistenerThanks 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/tolEver wondered if your dreamy, go-with-the-flow nature is just your Enneagram Nine vibes or something more? You’re not alone. Today on This Organized Life, we’re tackling a great listener question: What’s the difference between an Enneagram Nine and ADHD inattentive type?I’m breaking down the key traits of both—where they overlap, where they don’t, and why it’s important to get real-deal medical advice before self-diagnosing. Spoiler: just because you zone out mid-conversation doesn’t automatically mean you have ADHD. But it might mean you should pay attention to this episode.Plus, I’ve got a brand-new organizing resource to share, and a big shoutout to The Digital Wrangler for making digital chaos a little less... chaotic.Why You Should Listen:You’re an Enneagram Nine and have wondered if your “chill” might actually be inattentiveness.You (or someone you love) struggle with focus and want to understand if it’s ADHD.You love a good personality deep dive and want practical insights, not just labels.You enjoy hanging out here and learning how to get life just a little more organized.Key Takeaways:ADHD inattentive type and Enneagram Nines can look similar—but they come from different places.While Nines tend to choose disengagement as a way to keep the peace, ADHD inattentiveness isn’t intentional.A professional diagnosis is key—your Enneagram type won’t land you a prescription, but talking to a doctor might.Knowing the difference can help you find the right strategies for focus, productivity, and organization.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Organizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolNew Listener? Start Here: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/newlistenerThis Organized Life chats with experts and everyday folks like you and me, about life, relationships, parenting, and of course organizing. Grab a front row seat into my organized, but no-so-perfect life as a mom, wife, author, and founder of Simply B Organized.
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Feb 3, 2025 • 8min

Tip of the Week-Get Organized for Tax Season | Ep 98

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! Tax season is coming, and I know it can feel overwhelming—but a little prep now will make things so much easier later. In this week’s Tip of the Week, I’m sharing a super simple way to stay organized: creating a tax folder. Whether you prefer a physical or digital system, having a designated spot for W-2s, 1099s, and other important paperwork will save you so much stress when it’s time to file.I also want to remind you that getting organized isn’t just about the paperwork—it’s about having the right support. That’s what Simply B Organized is all about! So, if you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone.Key Takeaways:📂 Set up a tax folder (physical or digital) to keep everything in one place.🗂️ Stay on top of W-2s, 1099s, and other tax-related documents as they arrive.🤝 Having a support system makes staying organized easier!Hit play now and get a head start on tax season!Special ShoutoutA huge thank-you to The Digital Wrangler for sponsoring this episode! Ready to declutter your digital life? Don’t miss their exclusive offer—because your digital life deserves some TLC too.Tune in, get inspired, and as always, happy organizing! 💛~ Laurie.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Organizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolThis Organized Life chats with experts and everyday folks like you and me, about life, relationships, parenting, and of course organizing. Grab a front row seat into my organized, but no-so-perfect life as a mom, wife, author, and founder of Simply B Organized.
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Jan 30, 2025 • 37min

A Simply Healthy Life with Caroline Fausel | Ep 425

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/tolConnect with Caroline: https://www.oliveyouwhole.com/bookListen to Caroline's Past Episode here: https://simplyborganized.com/2022/02/17/episode-271-prep-cook-freeze-with-caroline-fausel/I’m so excited to welcome back the amazing Caroline Fausel to the show! It’s been almost three years since we last connected, and I can’t wait to dive into this conversation. Caroline is here to talk about her new book, A Simply Healthy Life, and share her holistic approach to living a healthy and intentional life.In today’s episode, Caroline opens up about her own health journey, including how she embraced nutrition, movement, and the importance of sleep.We also discuss the power of connection, the role of our environment, and how faith plays a huge part in overall wellness.Caroline offers some practical tips for integrating these holistic practices into your daily life. Whether it’s through small, gradual changes or being more intentional with your habits, this conversation is packed with actionable advice that you can use to start living a more balanced and healthy life!Key Takeaways:Caroline’s journey to health and wellness, and the inspiration behind her book A Simply Healthy Life.How the Paleo diet helped Caroline transform her health.The importance of stillness in our busy lives and how to embrace it.Practical advice on creating a healthy family lifestyle and integrating values into your daily routine.How you can make simple, sustainable changes that fit into your life!Why You Should Listen:This episode is all about living intentionally and embracing a holistic lifestyle, from nutrition and movement to mental well-being and family life. If you’re feeling a bit off-balance or looking for ways to make small, sustainable changes for better health, this episode is for you!You can connect with Caroline on her website here, and check out her book A Simply Healthy Life for even more insights and tips!Stay ConnectedOrganizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolThis Organized Life chats with experts and everyday folks like you and me, about life, relationships, parenting, and of course organizing. Grab a front row seat into my organized, but no-so-perfect life as a mom, wife, author, and founder of Simply B Organized.

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