Embrace the Step-by-Step Approach to an Organized Life

The Step-by-Step Approach to an Organized Life:
Everything You Need to Get Your Home & Life in Order

If you’re interested in decluttering, downsizing, getting organized and gaining greater control of your life then you’ve come to the right place.

My goal is the help you eliminate all the unnecessary stuff that weighs you down and learn the skills that will allow you to live an organized lifestyle, free from the chaos that comes with too much clutter.

Virtual Organization Support

Don't let social distancing and other restrictions prevent you from achieving your organization goals!
With my Virtual Organization Support services you can access the knowledge, expertise, and support
of a professional organizer without risking person to person contact. Learn more about the process here.

What's New

Guidelines for Getting Rid of Photos

Do you have boxes or drawers of printed photos from the pre-digital camera days? Or perhaps you have old magnetic albums that are slowly leaching the life out of your old photos? Not every photo that is taken is worth keeping but deciding which ones to part with can be difficult. Use the guidelines provided here to make the task much simpler.

Thrift Store Etiquette

Sometimes in an effort to ease our consciences about getting rid of things, or simply out of convenience, we pass things on to thrift stores that they cannot use. Doing so increases their burden while decreasing their bottom line, or profit. Since most thrift stores are run by charities, that means less money is available to go toward the cause and more is being wasted on unnecessary expenses.

Lessons I Learned About Life and Organization from Writing About War and Chaos

As a professional organizer writing a book on the Afghanistan war, I discovered many parallels between the writing process and the organization process.

A Few of My Favorite Things - Volume 2

As I engage in personal reflection, I find myself feeling an abundance of gratitude for the opportunities and resources and blessings I enjoy, despite recent losses, so I thought I'd share what's tickling my fancy, making me think, motivating me, and bringing me joy. I hope you find something that peaks your interest and enriches your life.

The Single Most Essential Requirement for Successful Decluttering

Decluttering is a personal pursuit. It cannot be done on another person's behalf. Results may be obtained short term, but in order for the effects to be lasting, this one factor must be present. This truth applies to those of us attempting to declutter our own belongings as well.

The Benefits of Planning Your Own Funeral

By taking care of certains details associated with your funeral in advance, you can ease the burdens faced by your loved ones at the time of your passing. Doing so will also provide you with some peace of mind, knowing they won't be forced to make important decisions in the midst of a tremendously difficult experience.

Why It's OK to Get Rid of Things You Might Use

Clients often express a reluctance to get rid of things they haven't used in years because they might need them at some future date. While I understand and respect the desire to be frugal and not waste resources, I also recognize that 'might' often acts as a crutch, preventing us from venturing out on our own two feet away from the things that are holding us back. During our recent downsizing and associated move, I got rid of lots of things. In a couple of instances, I have found a use for things I parted with, but even then, I do not regret letting go.

Finding a Place for Everything

We've all heard the axiom "A place for everything, and everything in its place." This simple saying actually teaches two important organization principles. While they may seem obvious at first, the fact is that both aspects of this maxim can, and do, present challenges for many people.

How to Edit Your Space

As an editor and an organizer, I’ve put together some suggestions for editing your space. Doing so serves much the same purpose as editing a written product; it makes the space better, more enjoyable to experience, easier to work with (or within), and nicer to share with others.

Life is not a Balancing Act

People often talk about leading a more "balanced life". This phrase arose from the notion that you can "do (or have) it all". The problem is a balanced life is not possible, nor is it truly desireable. There are a number of reasons why this is the case.

10-Minute Organizing Tasks

Organizing doesn't have to take a lot of your time. Try some of these 10-minute tasks and experience the satisfaction of accomplishing a lot in very little time. So them regularly to stay on top of things and keep clutter at bay.