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

On today's episode we are joined by SBO Partner, Erin Barbot founder of Erin Barbot & Co. This is Erin’s second visit to the TOL Podcast-Erin first appeared all the way back in episode 54 where she talked all about her 365letgo project. I invite you to go back in and listen! Erin is based in Silver Spring, MD with her rock-n-roll husband, three amazing kids, scruffy dog, Stevie and a fish named Charlie.  Today we chat about an area of organization that often gets overlooked:  Home Maintenance.  You know, things like getting your AC serviced, the carpets cleaned and the house exterminated-(all the fun stuff!)  Erin shares some simple strategies that you can do RIGHT NOW to streamline the process of running a household.  Best of all, they don't cost a penny! This is one episode you won't want to miss!  Click on the link below to listen to our conversation: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! CONNECT WITH ERIN WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM  PINTEREST | TWITTER | LINKEDIN Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today's episode, Erika and I talk about some strategies for de-cluttering people on social media who no longer spark joy :). Whether it's someone's ongoing political rants, or boastful post about their kids accolades that you perceive as "braggy,"  sometimes you just don't want to see it. Most times it's really not about them, and more about you. Perhaps you are struggling with something in your own life, and scrolling through other people's seemingly perfect IG feed is bringing you down (trust me, I've been there!), that's usually a good indicator that it's time to put yourself in a social media TIME OUT. As hard as it is to imagine, it wasn't too long ago that we led full lives before the invention of the smart phone!  Let's get back to basics (even if for a short while!) Who's with me?  Check out the full episode here: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE WATCH LAURIE ON ABC Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

Welcome to part 2 of my interview with New York Times best selling author, Gretchen Rubin.  In addition to several blockbuster books, Gretchen is also the host of the award winning podcast, "Happier with Gretchen Rubin," which she co-hosts with her sister Elizabeth Craft. Quick Side Note: If this is your time tuning in, make sure to go back and check out last week's episode where we talked about her book, The Four Tendencies, and what life is like as upholders! Today, in part 2 of our interview, Gretchen and I talk about her new book Outer Order, Inner Calm, and how removing physical clutter has a direct correlation to feelings of empowerment, accomplishment, and you guessed it, calm!  I loved chatting with Gretchen, and I invite you to check out part two of our conversation here: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! CONNECT WITH GRETCHEN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today's episode of TOL we are joined by New York Times best selling author, Gretchen Rubin.  She has written several blockbuster books including Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, and the newly released Outer Order, Inner Calm. Gretchen  is also the host of the award winning podcast, "Happier with Gretchen Rubin," which she co-hosts with her sister Elizabeth Craft. In part one of our 2-part interview, Gretchen and I do a deep-dive into her book The Four Tendencies (which was a HUGE game-changer for me, and I hope for each of you!). Each tendency focuses on the value each of us place on both outer and inner expectations. What does this have to do with organizing?  I guess you'll have to listen to find out :) Whether you are looking for ways to improve communication, understand motivation, or perhaps you are a personality geek like me, you will LOVE this episode!  I invite you to check out part one of our conversation here: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! CONNECT WITH GRETCHEN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 4 TENDENCIES QUIZ Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today's episode of TOL we are joined by SBO partner, Kate Swenson, founder of ORDER by Kate in Atlanta, GA.  Kate not only runs a successful organizing business, but a non-profit too! We chat about her passion for animals (she has 2 rescue dogs and a rescue horse!) and why she started a non-profit dedicated to providing aid and funding for homeless animals in need of care.  What does this have to do with organizing you ask?   We talk about the connection between how giving back reduces the guilt associated with emotional clutter. She shares how she incorporates both of her passions with her clients, and shares some resources for all of you! It's a great conversation filled with valuable info! You can listen to the entire episode right here: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE BC2A.ORG | ORDERBYKATE.COM | FB: ORDERBYKATE | IG: ORDERBYKATE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY | DRESS FOR SUCCESS | VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA | TO FIND A LOCAL CHARITY THAT WILL PICK UP YOUR DONATIONS VISIT DONATIONTOWN.ORG Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

On today's episode of TOL we are joined by my new friend, Meggan Wood. Meggan is mom to two girls, wife to her hubby, Landon, and the co-founder/visionary behind Lily-Jade.  Meggan shares her story of  how she struggled, as a new mom, to find the perfect diaper bag, so she decided to do something about it! Meggan's solution was to carry her leather tote filled with a ziploc bag “organizational” system. Her friends thought it was hilarious but her husband, Landon, knew she was on to something. Encouraging her vision, Landon asked her to design the diaper bag of her dreams, and friends, that’s how she went from happy homeschool mom to successful business owner in one year!  We also talk about her passion for adoption, and why it's near and dear to her heart.  She talks about the importance of community and how she and the team at Lily-Jade give back (preach it, sister!). Regardless of whether you are a mom,  a woman with a vision, or simply want to enjoy a chat between 2 women who love helping others,  I invite you to listen to our entire conversation:   If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE LILY-JADE.COM| IG: LILYJADECO | FB: LILYJADECO | PINTEREST: LILYJADECO EMBRACE GRACE | #LJADOPTION Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the “stuff” that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

Hey Friends! On todays' episode of TOL we are joined by one of our SBO Partners, Michaela Santen, founder of Simple-Sweep in Portland, OR. Michaela started Simple Sweep six years ago after a career as a television news producer. Michaela specializes in helping people live better with less stuff. She is a regular contributor on the NBC affiliate station KGW where she shares her tips for living an organized life. But she is also a real life human, with 3 kids, a dog, 2 cats and a husband so she knows how chaotic life can get. With all of our hectic schedules we don't always have large chunks of time to dedicate to decluttering, am I right?  I asked Michaela to come on TOL to share 20 THINGS YOU CAN GET RID OF TODAY WITH NO REGRET. Listen to our conversation below: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! CONNECT WITH MICHAELA WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK  20 THINGS LIST Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the "stuff" that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

Hey Friends! On todays' episode of TOL we are joined by one of our long time SBO Partners, Beth Wilson from Wilson Home Organizing in Tacoma, WA where she lives with her chef husband and 2 adorable pugs! This is also Beth’s second appearance on TOL, she was a guest on episode 059, if you want to go back and check it out. Beth talks about BULLET JOURNALING.  What it is, How it works, and Why she prefers pen & paper to a digital option. I learned so much from our conversation, and can't wait to do some additional research,  because as we all know, there is no one-size-fits all approach to reducing stress and increasing productivity. You can listen to our entire conversation right here: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE BULLET JOURNAL | CONNECT WITH BETH ON IG | CONNECT WITH BETH ON FB READ MORE ABOUT BETH'S JOURNEY WITH BULLET JOURNALING  Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the "stuff" that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

Hey Friends! On todays' episode of TOL Erika and I talk about the Hallmark Holiday, otherwise known as Valentine's Day. If you are looking for some clutter free gift options (other than flowers and chocolate), we've got your back. They range in price, category, and just as an FYI, the items we talk about are strictly our opinion derived from our own research. No paid endorsements. No free goodies.  Just our own honest editorial suggestions.  Listen to the full episode here:  What are your thought's on V-Day? Do you love it? Do you dread it?  What are you memories of Valentine's Day when you were young? We'd love to hear your stories!  Feel free to pop into our facebook group, This ORGANIZED Life Podcast and join the conversation! If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Movie Scratch Off Poster ($15): available at uncommon goods Wine Tasting Kit ($99): available at winc.com Cooking Classes (starting at $49): available at surlatable Bath Bombs (starting at $4.95): available at Lush Day of Pampering or Couples Massages (prices vary): Check your local spa in your area Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the "stuff" that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.

Hey Friends! On todays' episode of TOL Erika and I share our thoughts about Netflix show: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.  Why people like it, and why we fear that the series might be setting people up for increased feelings of shame, embarrassment, and failure. Regardless of whether you have seen the series or not, this is a great episode, and we'd love for you to join the conversation in our facebook group, This ORGANIZED Life Podcast. Click below to listen to our conversation: If you know someone who would enjoy this episode, will you please share it with a friend?! Your Opinion Matters!   I am so appreciative of anyone who takes a moment to help the growth of our show by SUBSCRIBING and listening each week.  We would be so grateful if you would click the  5-star button & leave a short REVIEW on apple podcast (aka Itunes).     Stop feeling like a Hot Mess!  HOT MESS: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized is my witty little survival guide that helps you get to the root of your clutter. Learn about the 3 types of clutter, Physical, Emotional, and Calendar, along with how to avoid the 5 Clutter Pitfalls. Now is the time to reclaim time, find freedom, and feel empowered from the "stuff" that is holding you back. Available on amazon, barnes & noble or wherever books are sold. Let’s Connect!  We love hearing from you! Head on over to facebook and join our group, This ORGANIZED Life where you can post topic ideas, guest suggestions, questions, comments and photos. Of course you also connect with us on the IG or follow us on PINTEREST for some added inspiration.