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

Laurie Palau
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Jan 27, 2025 • 12min

Tip of the Week-Unexpected Organizing Hacks | Ep 97

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/tolYou don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy organizing products—your next genius hack might already be sitting in your junk drawer.In this episode, I’m dishing on three unexpected household organizing heroes: zip ties, painter’s tape, and good ol’ Ziploc bags. (Yes, really!) These low-cost, multi-purpose tools are total game-changers when it comes to keeping your home tidy and chaos-free.And since organization isn’t just about physical clutter, I’ve teamed up with The Digital Wrangler to help you tackle the digital chaos, too. Stay tuned for a special offer just for my listeners!Why You Should ListenYou’ll learn how to repurpose everyday items to organize your space without breaking the bank.Discover practical, quirky, and easy-to-implement hacks that you can try today.Get inspired to think outside the box (or bag!) when it comes to household organization.What You'll Take AwayZip Ties: Not just for your cable mess! I’ll show you how these tiny plastic heroes can tidy up toys, corral cords, and more.Painter’s Tape: The unsung hero of labeling and temporary fixes. You’ll wonder how you lived without it.Ziploc Bags: Beyond food storage, these reusable bags are perfect for organizing small items in drawers, travel bags, and beyond.I’m all about making organizing simple, relatable, and dare I say… fun. So, give this episode a listen and let me know which hack you’ll be trying first!Connect & ShareLove this episode? Snap a pic of your new organizing hack in action and tag me on Instagram or Facebook @SimplyBOrganized. I’d love to see your brilliance!Special Shoutout: A 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 inbox 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/tolIf you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today!Business Mentoring Winter Cohort https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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 23, 2025 • 29min

Harnessing AI to Simplify and Organize Your Life | Ep 424

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/tolIn this mid-January episode, I’m diving into one of my favorite topics—how we can use technology to make our lives easier. Specifically, I’m sharing how I use ChatGPT (yes, AI!) to streamline everyday tasks and get more organized.Before we jump in, I have a couple of updates:🎉 Our February cohort for aspiring professional organizers is kicking off soon! If you’ve ever thought about turning your passion for organizing into a career, this is your chance.💻 A big shoutout to our sponsor, The Digital Wrangler and their Legacy Planning Course. This resource is a game-changer for digital organization and peace of mind.From recipe planning to chore charts and time blocking, I’ll walk you through how I’ve been using AI tools in real life. Plus, I’ll share the exact prompts and tips that have made these strategies work for me—and why I think they can work for you too!Why You Should Listen✔️ Get practical ideas to simplify everyday tasks.✔️ Learn how AI can help you save time and stay productive.✔️ Hear personal stories and tips to inspire you to try something new.✔️ Find out why refining prompts is the secret to getting the most from AI tools.Key TakeawaysRecipe Planning: Use ChatGPT to generate meal plans based on your pantry ingredients or dietary preferences. It’s like having a personal chef assistant!Chore Charts for Kids: Turn AI into your partner in creating age-appropriate, engaging, and clear chore lists for your family.Time Blocking: Streamline your schedule by asking AI to help organize your tasks into manageable chunks.Let’s embrace this incredible tool together and use it to free up more time for what truly matters.Stay ConnectedOrganizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolIf you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today!Business Mentoring Winter Cohort- https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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 20, 2025 • 15min

Tip of the Week: New Year Organizing with Enneagram Insights: Enneagram Types 5,6,7 | Ep 96

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/tolDitch the overwhelm and tackle your New Year’s resolutions with tips tailored to your Enneagram type. Whether you’re a deep-thinking Five, a loyal yet cautious Six, or a free-spirited Seven, you will walk away with ways to navigate your unique challenges with clutter and organization.Why You Should ListenGet personalized organization strategies based on your Enneagram type. Discover actionable steps to help you actually stick to your New Year’s resolutions. Laugh, learn, and feel seen—because let’s face it, we’ve all got our quirks when it comes to clutter!Key TakeawaysFor Enneagram Fives: Take a small step toward action—whether it’s decluttering one drawer or scheduling time to sort through papers.For Enneagram Sixes: Start with items you haven’t used in the last year. Trust yourself—you’ll survive without that box of mystery cords!For Enneagram Sevens: Choose one area (hello, craft closet!) and finish decluttering it before moving on to the next adventure.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Organizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolEnneagram Cheat Sheet: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/enneagramcoremotivationsIf you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today!Business Mentoring Winter Cohort https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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 16, 2025 • 22min

Navigating Loss and Preparedness Amidst Wildfires | Ep 423

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/tolBefore we get to today’s episode, my heart goes out to those who have lost their homes, belongings, and sense of safety, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the first responders who continue to show up with bravery and dedication in the most unimaginable circumstances.Today’s episode is a personal reflection on the emotional weight of losing sentimental items and the importance of allowing ourselves to grieve. Preparedness matters not just for the sake of being organized, but to safeguard the things that mean the most to us.Why You Should Listen:Learn practical ways to prepare for emergencies, including organizing sentimental items and safeguarding vital documents, while also being reminded of the importance of leaning on your community for support during challenging times. Discover how small, proactive steps can have a significant impact on protecting the belongings you hold most dear.Key Takeaways:Loss is Emotional: Losing sentimental items is more than just "stuff"—it’s losing pieces of our history and identity.Grieving is Necessary: Give yourself grace and space to process the emotional impact of loss.Preparation is Empowering: Organizing essential documents, photos, and sentimental items can help you protect what matters most.Digital Backups Matter: Partnerships like the one I have with Digital Wrangler make it easier to digitize and organize important life assets.Community is Key: In times of crisis, support from friends, neighbors, and first responders is invaluable.Take a moment to reflect on what’s most important to you and how you can protect it. My hope is that this episode not only offers practical advice but also serves as a comforting reminder that you’re not alone in navigating life’s challenges. 💛Stay Connected:Organizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolIf you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today!Business Mentoring Winter Cohort- https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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 13, 2025 • 16min

Tip of the Week- New Year Organizing with Enneagram Insights- Enneagram Types 2, 3, 4 | Ep 95

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/tolIn today’s episode, we’re diving into more Enneagram resolutions tailored specifically for Enneagram Types 2, 3, and 4. Since it’s Get Organized Month, I thought it would be the perfect time to connect the dots between personality and organization.We explore how your dominant decision-making center—whether it’s thoughts, feelings, or actions—affects your organizational habits and how you can set more meaningful goals for the year ahead. Whether you’re an empathetic Two, an ambitious Three, or a creative Four, I’ve got practical tips to help you embrace 2025 with clarity and purpose.Key Takeaways:Type 2: Learn to set healthy boundaries, say "no" more often, and let go of clutter that tugs at your heartstrings. Emotional attachments don’t have to weigh you down!Type 3: Focus on intentionality and prioritize open communication in your relationships. Success is more fulfilling when it’s shared authentically.Type 4: Understand that your value is not tied to your possessions. Letting go of clutter can help you embrace the beauty and worth within yourself.Why listen? This episode isn’t just about organizing your home or your digital space—it’s about aligning your goals with who you are at your core. By understanding your Enneagram type, you can tackle organization and resolutions in a way that feels personal, practical, and deeply fulfilling. Plus, I share insights that might inspire you to see the connection between how you think, feel, and act—and how these factors influence your environment. Links Mentioned in this Episode:Organizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolEnneagram Cheat Sheet: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/enneagramcoremotivationsIf you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today!Business Mentoring Winter Cohort https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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 9, 2025 • 27min

Ask an Expert: Navigating Life Transitions: Tips on Balance, Retirement, and Self-Discovery | Ep 422

In this episode of This Organized Life, I had the chance to sit down with Maggie, a listener navigating some big life changes. Maggie reached out seeking guidance on how to manage early retirement while juggling challenges like weight, finances, and clutter. Her honesty about these struggles inspired a meaningful conversation about creating balance during life’s transitions.Together, we explored how to break the cycle of overwhelm, craft sustainable routines, and even use tools like the Enneagram to better understand ourselves. I shared actionable tips on scheduling, decluttering, and staying productive through major shifts—all while keeping self-awareness and grace at the forefront.Key Takeaways:Life transitions can feel messy, but creating small, manageable routines makes a big difference.Understanding the connection between weight, finances, and clutter can help us break unhelpful cycles.Tools like the Enneagram provide deeper self-awareness to guide us through change.Decluttering isn’t just about stuff—it’s about clearing space to focus on what matters most.Why You Should Listen:If you’ve ever felt like life’s transitions leave you spinning, this episode is for you. Maggie’s story might feel familiar, and the strategies we discuss are ones I think anyone can benefit from. Whether you’re approaching retirement, tackling a new season of life, or just seeking balance in your day-to-day, this episode offers relatable insights and practical advice.Take a listen—I think you’ll leave feeling encouraged and empowered to handle whatever life throws your way.Stay ConnectedOrganizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolIf you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today!Business Mentoring Winter Cohort- https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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 6, 2025 • 16min

Tip of the Week: New Year Organizing with Enneagram Insights: Enneagram Types. 8, 9, 1 | Ep 94

Happy New Year! 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/tolIn this week’s Tip of the Week episode, I’m diving into the Enneagram personality types, starting with Types 8, 9, and 1. If you’ve ever wondered why certain organizing strategies work for some people but not for others, this episode is for you!I’ll walk you through each of these types, sharing insights into their unique traits:Type 8: The Challenger – Let’s channel your bold energy into creating structure without feeling boxed in.Type 9: The Peacemaker – I’ll show you how to tackle procrastination and embrace routines that bring you peace and simplicity.Type 1: The Perfectionist – We’ll focus on celebrating progress over perfection and finding balance in your organizing journey.Why listen? Because organization isn’t one-size-fits-all, and by understanding your personality, you can build habits that truly stick. Plus, decluttering isn’t just about making space—it’s about making space for what matters most.Stick around until the end, where I’ll give you a sneak peek into next week’s episode, featuring organizing tips for the heart-centered types (2, 3, and 4). You won’t want to miss it!Key Takeaways:Your Enneagram type offers powerful clues for what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to organizing.Tailoring your resolutions to fit your personality makes them easier to stick with and more effective.Organization is about progress, not perfection—and I’m here to help you get started!Links Mentioned in this Episode:Organizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolEnneagram Cheat Sheet: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/enneagramcoremotivationsIf you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today! Business Mentoring Winter Cohort https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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 2, 2025 • 23min

Kickstart 2025: Overcoming Common New Year's Resolution Pitfalls and Decluttering Strategically | Ep 421

Thanks to our Sponsor Kate Hufnagel from The Digital Wrangler! Learn More https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolWelcome to the first episode of This Organized Life in 2025! Start the year off right by addressing common New Year’s resolution challenges and decluttering with intention.By looking into the five key areas of clutter - physical, emotional, calendar, digital and financial clutter and giving you practical strategies to tackle each one effectively we can Set realistic goals and intentions while avoiding the pitfalls that often derail resolutions.Why You Should ListenThis episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to:Avoid common mistakes in setting and sticking to resolutions.Understand how different types of clutter affect daily life.Create a realistic plan to achieve goals in 2025.Discover tools and resources for ongoing support.Key TakeawaysFive Areas of Clutter: Physical, emotional, calendar, digital, and financial clutter were identified as key focus points.Mistakes to Avoid: Resolutions often fail due to unrealistic expectations or lack of a clear purpose.Actionable Strategies: Listeners were encouraged to prioritize their why and take small, manageable steps to declutter and organize.Resources Available: Support options like group coaching and mentorship programs were discussed for those needing extra guidance.Stay ConnectedOrganizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolIf you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today!Business Mentoring Winter Cohort- https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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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Dec 30, 2024 • 9min

Tip of the Week: Digital Tools to Simplify Your Life: AnyList | Ep 93

As 2024 wraps up, this week’s Tip of the Week focuses on ending the year with a little more simplicity—starting with grocery shopping! This episode reflects on the ups and downs of the past year while expressing heartfelt gratitude for the amazing listeners who make it all worthwhile.The spotlight is on AnyList, a digital tool that takes the hassle out of grocery shopping. With its shareable lists, user-friendly design, and handy categorization features, AnyList is perfect for keeping everyone in the family on the same page. Whether you’re managing weekly meals or holiday feasts, this app can help streamline your shopping routine and reduce stress.This episode shares practical advice for using shared lists to stay organized, so fewer things are forgotten at the store and everyone can contribute. It’s all about starting fresh in 2025 with tools that make life easier and more efficient.Key Takeaways:Reflecting on 2024: A challenging year filled with growth and gratitude.Simplify Grocery Shopping: Digital tools like AnyList make meal planning and shopping more manageable.Shared Lists for Family Organization: Keep everyone in sync and avoid last-minute store runs.Looking Ahead to 2025: More tips, tools, and support are on the way for the year ahead.Why You Should Listen:If grocery shopping feels like a chore, this episode is for you. It’s packed with simple, actionable tips to make meal planning and shopping a breeze using the AnyList app. Plus, it’s a great way to end the year on an organized note and start fresh in 2025!Tune in for the final tip of 2024 and get ready to kick off the new year with a more organized, stress-free approach to everyday life!Links Mentioned in this Episode:Organizing with Digital Tools: Kate Hufnagel’s Course : https://www.thedigitalwrangler.com/tolIf you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today!Business Mentoring Winter Cohort-Sign up by 12/31/2024 and save $500! https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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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Dec 26, 2024 • 18min

Managing Holiday Excess: Expert Tips for a Clutter-Free Season | Ep 420

The holidays are full of joy, but they often bring an overwhelming amount of gifts, decorations, and clutter. In this episode of This Organized Life, discover actionable tips for managing holiday excess and creating a stress-free, clutter-free home this season.With simple, practical advice, this episode covers everything from organizing new holiday items to responsibly recycling and donating old possessions. Creative strategies for upgrading and repurposing existing belongings are shared, along with tips for making the decluttering process a family affair. By the end, you’ll feel ready to tackle the post-holiday chaos with confidence.Why You Should ListenLearn how to organize and integrate holiday gifts and decorations into your space.Discover eco-friendly tips for recycling and donating items you no longer need.Get family-friendly ideas to involve kids in organizing, turning it into a fun and rewarding activity.Gain inspiration for upgrading and repurposing to create a more sustainable and clutter-free home.Explore exciting opportunities to grow your organizing skills in the new year.Key TakeawaysPost-Holiday Organization Made Simple: Start with a plan for new items to prevent unnecessary clutter.Decluttering with Purpose: Decide what to keep and learn the best ways to donate or recycle responsibly.Involving the Whole Family: Teach children the importance of organization and make the process enjoyable.Sustainable Solutions: Creative ways to repurpose or upgrade items you already own.Opportunities for Professional Growth: Hear about upcoming ways to elevate your organizing skills in 2025.Stay ConnectedFor more organization tips and resources, subscribe to This Organized Life. Stay tuned for details on the upcoming 2025 organizing mentoring program and other exciting opportunities!If you’re ready to grow your professional organizing business, schedule a discovery call today!Business Mentoring Winter Cohort-Sign up by 12/31/2024 and save $500! https://simplyborganized.com/businessmentoring/This 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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