With the arrival of summer and the lifting of restrictions across the country, many Americans are making travel plans, myself among them (I've got a new granddaughter in Montana whom I am dying to meet). While it is a relief to most of the population to have the freedom to travel, doing so during an ongoing pandemic requires careful planning and consideration in order to ensure your safety and that of others. 

I tend to be a careful planner anyway, but this week as we mapped out our route and made other preparations, I felt a need to be even more detailed in my efforts. I learned some things in the process. I hope you'll find my lessons useful as you plan your own road trip.

Restrictions
It's always helpful to do a little research before traveling cross-country, but it's absolutely essential at the moment. All fifty states are in some phase of reopening, and every state has different guidelines and a different timeline. What's more, some states are readjusting their proposed timelines in the midst of a resurgence in COVID-19 cases.

I highly recommend researching the reopening plans for each state you'll be visiting/driving through. You'll want to pay particular attention to the guidelines at your final destination as some states/communities are still requiring out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. The following resources are helpful in determining the current restrictions for a given state. Both of these sites are updated regularly.

• ​U.S. Chamber of Commerce State-by-State Business Reopening Guidance
• COVID-19 State Reopening Guide 

Safety
Another important topic to research when planning travel within the United States is how to keep yourself, your family, and others safe and healthy. I recommend the following resources for travelers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

• Considerations for Travelers - Coronavirus in the US

Route - Rest Areas
As a traveler I have a knack for pulling off at a less-than-desirable location for an emergency bathroom break only to get back in the car and discover a rest stop three miles down the road. While it may be fine to wing it under normal circumstances, I recommend carefully mapping your travel route so long as there's a pandemic going on. At the very least, it's good to get a feel for where the rest stops are located and identify good places to stop for food and/or gas.

You obviously can't control your need to stop entirely, but it's good to know your options. Having just traveled from Kansas to Tennessee (another new grandbaby), I can tell you that there are a wide range of standards in play with regard to sanitation and patron safety. Rest areas are a nice option (if you don't need gas or food) because there tend to be fewer people around, and there is plenty of open, outdoor space to social distance while stretching your legs and getting some fresh air.  

Food
I recommend packing at least some food in order to reduce the number of interactions you need to have while on the road. While most restaurants are now open (assuming they survived the shut down), many are only offering drive through or pick up services - even in states that are fully 'open'.

I'm not a huge fan of eating and driving at the same time (or sitting in the car and eating), so I tend to look for places that offer outdoor seating. If we know there is a rest area not far from where we're stopping, we might pick up food and take it to the rest stop for a picnic as well. If you're staying in a hotel, ordering in or picking up food to take back to your room may be your best (or only) option. 

Lodging
​When it comes to lodging, I recommend choosing a nation-wide hotel chain and sticking with them for a couple of reasons. The first is the potential for earning rewards. We once rented two beautiful, spacious suites on the coast of the Indian Ocean in Oman for three nights for free by cashing in our Marriott rewards points. 

The other reason for choosing a chain that you like and trust is quality. It can be difficult to sleep well when you're on the road. Finding a place where you're consistently comfortable can greatly enhance your travel experience. What's more, large hotel chains are much more likely to have well thought-out, company-wide regulations and procedures in place for things like sanitizing and ensuring guest safety. 

Attractions
One of my favorite things about road trips is visiting new and interesting places along the route. If you're traveling across the United States, you're in for a treat as there are hundreds (if not thousands) of amazing sites to see - everything from the weird and quirky to the majestic and awe-inspiring. The best way to ensure you don't miss any hidden treasures is to do some research. 

A simple way to research attractions is to do an internet search for the highway you'll be traveling (i.e. roadside attractions I-90). You can also go to any of the major travel booking sites (Expedia, Travelocity, etc.), click on their "Things To Do" tab, and enter a city you'll be visiting. Another option is simply to search "things to do in (enter name of city)". You can also check out the list of resources in the box below.

​In doing the research for our upcoming cross-country trip, I discovered some things with regard to attractions that I hope you will find helpful in planning your own trip.

• Many museums and other attractions are not yet open to the public. Check with each place you want to visit to determine their availability.
• Many places are only partially open. We took our grandchildren to a museum where they have a membership only to discover that all the hands on, child-centered exhibits were still closed to the public. 
• Many states are now requiring people to wear masks in public. Even in states where masks are not mandatory, many businesses and attractions require them for entrance. They are strongly recommend pretty much everywhere. 
• Many places are limiting the number of guests who can enter at one time. This may mean waiting outside or in your car for the crowd to thin before you can enter.
• Some places require visitors to schedule their visit in advance in order to limit the number of patrons. 

Once you've done your research, determined the route you'll be taking, planned your stops, and decided on any activities you want to pursue, it's time to solidify your plan. I highly recommend creating a travel folder or binder for keeping track of all the information pertaining to your trip. Your folder could include:

• a daily itinerary 
• hotel information including address, phone number, check-in/check-out times, cancellation policy, and confirmation number
• any pre-purchased tickets for attractions
• coupons (I found one online for a museum we plan to visit)
• brochures, maps, and other information regarding sites you'll be visiting

Driving for hours on end can be an adventure. It can also be incredibly dull and surprisingly tiring. One of the downsides of boredom is that your eyes can get heavy. If you're the driver, this is obviously a problem. Another downside is that one tends to get snacky which can lead to overeating (which can also make you drowsy!). These problems can be reduced with a little planning.

To combat boredom, hubby and I like to listen to lectures from The Great Courses. I highly recommend their streaming service (affiliate link). We also enjoy listening to podcasts, or reading aloud to one another as we travel. When our kids were younger we played a lot of car games. as well 

To curb overeating, try packing some healthy snacks and/or scheduling your eating. ​

Click on the image below to download my Road Trip Daily Planner page. 

It can be difficult planning a road trip at a time like this, but it can also be hard to abandon summer plans, especially after spending several months cooped up at home. With a little research and planning it's possible to keep yourself and others safe while on the road. 

Do you have a road trip planned this summer? If so, I invite you to share any additional tips you may have for staying safe and enjoying the road in the comments section below. ​

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It's a place for cooking, eating, studying, entertaining, and congregating. Given the amount of time we spend in our kitchens, having a kitchen you love is a real plus. Unfortunately, for many of us that is not the case. 

Giving your kitchen a makeover is a great way to fall in love with it. A new kitchen can make your home more modern, more spacious, and more uniquely yours. The one downside to a new kitchen is the cost. Kitchen renovations are expensive. 

The good news is, you don't have to install a brand new kitchen to create a refreshing new look that you love. There are a lot of clever ways to upgrade your kitchen without having to spend a fortune. 

Take a look at these low-cost ideas for refreshing your kitchen.

You don’t have to completely replace your cabinets to give them a fresh look. Painting or wrapping your cabinets is an easy way to fix tired or dated units, and can be a quick fix while you save up for new ones.

The color or pattern of your cabinets can easily be changed. Many people use special cabinet paint or vinyl wraps to transform their kitchen units - you can do it too! This video shows you just how easy it is:

Take a long hard look at your sink and faucet - are they scratched, stained, or outdated? Maybe you never liked them to begin with? A new sink and/or faucet can really transform the look of a kitchen. Allora USA has some fantastic choices to help you give your kitchen a makeover. It’s amazing the difference one small change can make!

Upgrading your hardware can completely change the look of your cabinets. It's a simple, cost-effective way to add style and personality to your kitchen. Matte finishes look sophisticated and expensive but are actually quite affordable. You can install them yourself for a simple, instant upgrade.

Tiles are a great way to bring some life into your kitchen. Tile backsplashes are great because they're easy to clean and care for. The downside is, they can start to look dated and stained over time. One simple solution is tile paint.

Tile paint can give your tiles a new lease of life, making them look brand new. You can choose a color or pattern that suits your taste and enjoy an inexpensive DIY kitchen hack.

If you want to make one update to your kitchen without changing everything, some fresh new flooring can really transform the look. There are all kinds of kitchen flooring ideas you can try, including vinyl, laminate, wood and tiles - each helping to create a unique look in your home. If you choose to install your flooring yourself, you can save even more money, making for a simple but effective kitchen upgrade.

It’s surprising what a little DIY can do to update your home. With some simple makeover ideas, you can make easy and affordable changes that will make your kitchen feel like new again. Got some free time this weekend? Why not give your kitchen a brand new look?

This is a collaborative post. Read my full disclosure here.

While I was home for a visit last summer, my mother commented that we ought to do some organizing. That was all the invitation I needed! She suggested we tackle her kitchen cabinets, and I dove right in, literally - head first. 

Her kitchen cabinets do not extend all the way to the ceiling, and she uses the space on top of the cabinets for display (at least she used to). That's where we began. I climbed on top of the counter and started pulling things down for her to examine. To my surprise, she voted to get rid of pretty much every item I handed her. 

Next we went to work on the upper cabinets, starting with the cabinet above the refrigerator. Again, the entirety of the contents were placed in the donation pile. I was amazed and impressed. As we worked, we talked about the items, many of which had originally belonged to my grandmother. Mom confessed that when she first moved into her current home, she wasn't ready to let grandma go, so she just held onto all of grandma's things, even though she had no real use for many of them. 

It was then that I introduced her to Marie Kondo. Not literally, of course. I just shared with her Marie's famous question from her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (affiliate link) - "Does it spark joy?"

The concept really struck a cord with my mom. Over the next few days we decluttered her entire kitchen, her pantry, and her utility closet. As I held things up for her to examine, she frequently responded with, "Nope. That doesn't spark joy." I have to admit, her enthusiasm for the principle sparked a lot of joy for me, and we made some fond decluttering memories together. We also made three trips to Goodwill! Check out these pictures of some of the stuff we donated. 

Upon returning home, I found myself hyper-aware of items in my own home that hadn't sparked joy for me or anyone else in a long time. Before I knew it, I had a decent sized pile of donations prepared. Since then, I've made numerous trips to the thrift store to drop off a bag or two of stuff that no longer serves a useful purpose in our home. In the process, I've discovered something that consistently sparks joy for me - letting go. 

My mom's enthusiasm for eliminating the non-joy producing things in her life has remained constant since our declutter marathon last year. She shared her appreciation of the concept with my nephew who gave her the above mug for Christmas last year. Needless-to-say, it sparks joy for her. 

I admit I'm not the biggest Marie Kondo fan out there, but I do love this simple question that she introduced to the world: "Does it spark joy?"

Associated with the question is a principle of organization that, when embraced, can remove much of the guilt, fear, and other concerns that are often felt by people struggling to let go of things that no longer add value to their lives. 

Personally, I find it liberating to let go of things that no longer spark joy in my life.  It helps me appreciate better the things that do. If you're having trouble letting go of things that are bogging you down, try asking yourself, "Does it spark joy?" 

Equilibrium can be defined as "a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced." Clutter equilibrium is an idea I stumbled upon while talking with my husband about the concept of maintaining order once a space has been decluttered. Think of clutter equilibrium as the balance between an orderly space and incoming clutter. 

I've written a lot about how to declutter, but it's also important to think about maintaining a clutter-free (or significantly clutter reduced) environment. That is the key to long-term success. So here are a few simple ideas for maintaining a healthy balance between clutter and...clarity. 

Every day we're bombarded with potential clutter: free samples, junk mail, brochures, fliers, invitations, catalogs, kids' paperwork (to include artwork), etc., etc. etc. Sometimes it is thrust upon us, and sometimes we invite it in, either consciously or unconsciously. 

Unconscious clutter includes the many seemingly innocuous bits of paper listed above. We pick up a brochure or flier because we're interested in whatever it's advertising. We receive an invitation in the mail Our kids bring home an information sheet about an upcoming school or sports activity. These things are all innocent enough...until they start to pile up. Conscious clutter is the stuff we choose to bring into our homes to stay - the new DVD or book or board game to add to our collection, the new kitchen gadget, the six bottles of our favorite shampoo that we found on sale. All of these things are perfectly normal and acceptable. We need access to information. We're going to get new stuff. But if all we ever do is bring stuff in without thought, our clutter equilibrium will quickly become a clutter imbalance. 

Here are some suggestions for stopping clutter before it enters:

• Don't accept free samples or other swag unless you know you've got a use for them. If you do accept a free sample, place it where you're sure to use it right away.
• Instead of bringing home fliers, announcements, brochures and other advertisements, use your phone to snap a photograph of the details. Set up files on your phone for upcoming events, things to do, and things you want to remember (like the name of a new restaurant or the brand of shampoo the stylist used on your hair). Store the photos in the appropriate files. In the case of an event, enter the details in your calendar or schedule a reminder on your phone. 
• Contact the companies that are sending you catalogs and ask them to take you off their mailing list. If it's a store you think you might like to purchase from in the future, look them up online and bookmark their website. then recycle the catalog. 
• Set up a recycling bin close to where you sort mail. Dump junk mail directly into the bin as soon as you bring in the mail. If you live in an area where recycling is not available, drop it in the trash. 
• Be a conscientious shopper. If a new blouse catches your eye, think before you purchase. Do I have other similar items that are perfectly serviceable? Do I have anything that will go with this item? 
• Assess your storage space. Decide how much space you have available for storing surplus food and household supplies. Only store what you have space for. When you use an item from your stash, replace it, but don't buy more than you can easily store. 
• Practice the one in, one out policy. If your DVD collection is bulging, choose an old DVD to donate when you buy a new DVD. The same principle can be applied to clothing, shoes, books, kitchen gadgets, and more. 

Sometimes clutter results from things being out of place or not having a place. You can solve these types of clutter problems by setting up and maintaining systems to keep things organized. A system is simply a way of doing things. I've written about the process of developing simple systems here. 

We've all heard Benjamin Franklin's famous saying "a place for everything, and everything in its place." It's a simple, yet profound solution for preventing clutter. It's also an example of this concept. Having a designated place to puts things constitutes a basic system. 

Almost everyone struggles with paper clutter in one form or another. While there are ways to limit the amount of paper that comes into or stays in our homes, there are also many papers that we want to hang onto for reference purposes. I've developed a simple three binder system for organizing paperwork. You can read more about it here. 

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy clutter equilibrium is to develop a decluttering mindset. Make decluttering a habit, something that comes naturally to you. Here are some examples of what it means to have a decluttering mindset:

• When unloading groceries, look for outdated items or items you know your family won't eat and discard or donate them. 
• When you're folding laundry, identify items that are overly worn, damaged, or getting too small for their owner (mainly children). Instead of putting these items back in the drawer, assess what needs to be done with them. If an item is damaged in some way, decide if it's beyond repair. If the answer is yes, get rid of it. If an item is too small (and there is no younger sibling who could use it) set it aside to donate.
• When dusting, look for books that you haven't read or didn't like. They're good candidates for the donation pile as well.
• Be always on the lookout for items that are broken, missing pieces, outdated, or otherwise beyond their prime. Instead of holding onto them, send them to a better place. It may be the trash or it may be the donation box. 

​Clear a space for collecting items you wish to donate in your garage or mud room or some other out of the way space. Once a quarter (or whenever the space is full) gather up the items and take them to the thrift store. 

People often talk about the need for maintaining balance in their lives. It's something we're all striving for. Clutter is one way in which a person's life can become out of balance. Decluttering is just half the battle when it comes to righting the situation. These simple suggestions can help you maintain your clutter equilibrium long-term. 

Clutter blindness is a condition that is all too common. Simply stated, it is the inability to see clutter and/or recognize it for what it is. When you're clutter blind, your life is often negatively impacted in some way as a result of clutter. Here is an example.

A year or so ago I was helping a lady who was preparing to move to a much smaller home. She had recently lost her husband to a lengthy battle with cancer, she was basically being forced from her current home, and she was understandably feeling overwhelmed and adrift. During the two years that she served as her husband's caregiver, more and more of their home was gradually overrun with medical supplies, to include a large hospital bed which took up a significant portion of their dining room. As the medical supplies moved in, other things were forced to give up their space. There were piles of stuff literally everywhere. For many, many months she had simply been moving stuff aside and shifting things around because she lacked the physical and mental energy to deal with organizing and decluttering. 

I spent a morning helping her move empty boxes from the middle of her living room to the back bedroom (which was mostly empty). As we moved the boxes to their new location, we sorted and stacked them according to size so that she could easily identify what she had and find the perfect size box for her needs. We did little more than move boxes and consolidate a few storage containers on that particular occasion, but when we were finished, she exclaimed, "Wow! This place is clutter-free now!"

Her statement surprised me. The room was obviously not clutter free. Every surface of the room was cluttered. Only the floor had been partially cleared. It was impossible to sit anywhere on the rather expansive sectional sofa without moving something out of the way. The same was true of every other piece of furniture in the room. 

What I came to realize later was that she quite literally could not see the clutter. To her it had become a part of the landscape of the room. It belonged there, in a sense. She was so used to it, that it no longer registered as clutter to her brain. 

This is what it means to be clutter blind. Because of the gradual way in which this "condition" develops, it can be difficult to "diagnose" it, particularly in oneself. Following are a list of "symptoms". 

Like any chronic condition, clutter blindness takes time and effort to cure. There is no miracle pill or magic solution, but a shift in mindset accompanied by a series of intentional steps can cure a person of this habitual plight. 

As is the case in overcoming any persistent medical issue, consistency in following the prescribed treatment is essential to ensuring long term success. The solution outlined here will be most effective if followed in the recommended order.

It's one thing to recognize you have a problem. It's even better to acknowledge that you need help, but until you are mentally committed to making changes in your home and your habits, you are wasting your time. That may sound a bit harsh, but it's true. Real, lasting success is dependent upon unwavering, lasting commitment. Overcoming clutter blindness isn't something you can wish away or fix with minimal effort. The effort involved here is akin to losing a significant amount of weight or getting in shape for a significant athletic competition. The half-hearted approach will not succeed.

If you are truly committed, there are a few things you can do to ensure your success. 

MAKE A PLAN: They say that a goal is just a wish unless you write it down. I would add that a goal cannot become a reality without a plan. The goal is what you ultimately hope to achieve. The plan is your path to get there. 

Your plan should include the process you intend to implement. Consider the following:

• Who will be your support person? If you're hiring a professional, how will you determine the best fit?
• Where will you focus your efforts first? Will you work from room to room or focus on categories such as books, clothing, tools, etc.?
• When will you dedicate time to decluttering? You will need to establish a routine and stick to it.
• What will you do with items you intend to get rid of? 
• What is your timeline for completion? It's important to set some sort of time constraint. This will help you avoid procrastination and stay focused.
• Who will you be accountable to? If you're working with a professional, accountability is built into the relationship. If not, you need to find a trusted person who is willing to take on this role. He or she does not need to be involved in the decluttering process. This person's role is simply to check on your progress regularly and to help you keep your commitments to yourself with regard to progress.

UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS: Almost everyone recognizes a need to get organized, but most people don't really understand what that entails. Organization is a process. It starts with a vision for the space, whether it's a desk drawer, a closet, a room, or an entire home. To have success you must first define success. Otherwise, how will you know when you have achieved it? 

The next step in the process is to dismantle. In the case of an entire house, this means working in small sections. If you are clutter blind, it will most likely mean tackling one pile or clearing one surface at a time. As you break down the stacks of stuff, you should be focused on decluttering and downsizing. Identify the things you no longer need and set them aside for disposal. The things you intend to keep will then be sorted and organized. The final step is to maintain your newly organized space. This will require the development of systems or habits that will help you keep things functioning smoothly and prevent the accumulation of clutter. This is a lot to remember, so here are some resources to help you wrap your head around the process.  

This quote from the Chinese philosopher Confucius is applicable when it comes to overcoming clutter blindness. 

When dealing with clutter people often feel overwhelmed and don't know where to start. The truth is, it doesn't matter where you start, only that you do. Pick a pile and go to work. When you finish with the first pile, move onto another, and just keep moving forward. Don't berate yourself if your pace is slow. Just keep plugging along. So long as you're progressing, you're succeeding. 

Decluttering can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. It's tempting to cut corners or to set things aside to be dealt with at some future date. Resist the temptation. If you need to take a break and come back to something, that's great, but come back to it. Pick up where you left off after each session and don't abandon a particular aspect of the project until it's complete. 

A system is just a method of doing things. When it comes to staying organized, it's useful to design systems that help you to maintain an organized space. I've outlined a simple procedure for designing systems. I call it the Three P's. You can read more about it here. 

Labels are a great way to maintain organization once it's been established. Labels make it clear to everyone what goes where. They make it easy to find what you're looking for and easy to put things away. They also serve as a reminder that stuff has a designated space which can be important if you're used to piling things up instead of putting them away. 

The concept of "resetting the room" comes from an IT developer named Oswald Nuckols, but I learned about it in James Clear's book Atomic Habits (affiliate link). It's something I've always done, but I had never put a name to it. The basic notion is to place things back where they belong before leaving a room so that when you return it's ready to be used for its intended purpose. One example provided by Mr. Nuckols is putting away the television remote, rearranging the sofa pillows, and folding the blanket after watching TV. These simple actions take seconds, but they make a big difference. 

The condition in which you leave a room impacts your mindset whether you realize it or not. For instance, some people will argue that it makes no sense to make the bed if you are just going to get back in it at the end of the day. What they don't recognize is that an unmade bed sends a visual signal that communicates a powerful message: it's OK to be messy. Whereas, a made bed makes you feel accomplished the moment your day has begun and conveys a sense of responsibility for and control over your space that extends beyond the bed to the room and even the entire house. 

If you can develop the habit of resetting the room after each use, maintaining order will become natural and habitual. 

You won't find clutter blindness listed in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), but that does not make it less real. As an organizer I have encountered it on many occasions. It's something to take seriously. If you have any or all of the symptoms I've identified here, please know that there is a solution (or cure). You do not have to be a slave of your stuff. You can gain the upper hand and feel comfortable and at peace in your space.  

I hope you've found this information useful. If you know someone else who might benefit from the ideas expressed here, please share this post with them. I hope you will also feel comfortable sharing your thoughts on this rather personal and sometimes painful situation with me and my readers. I invite you to do so in the comments section below. 

I absolutely love this quote (shown above) by Thomas Jefferson. For me it is a foundational axiom of household organization. If applied mindfully and intentionally, a person can use this maxim to create the kind of space that speaks to the soul, a space where one can not only feel at home, but also at peace. 

The problem is, most of us do not approach the establishment, organization, and maintenance of our homes with this adage in mind. Instead of carefully curating a space that represents who we are and what matters most to us, we let the uninspiring, trivial, and outdated inundate our space and overshadow the things that truly bring us joy. I know I have been guilty of this at times. Chances are, you have been as well. 

If your home, or portions thereof, have succumbed to the subtle, yet assertive influence of clutter, it may be sending a subliminal message, both to you and to others who enter, that is inconsistent with who you are or who you are striving to become. 

To begin with, let's talk about what your clutter might be saying about you, your life, and your experiences.

An excessive accumulation of clutter can send a variety of messages to observers. The type of message depends, in part, on the type of clutter. Here are a few of the most common subliminal interpretations that arise when people enter a cluttered space. 

• You Are Indecisive: Do you have piles of mail and other forms of paper stacked on every flat surface in your home? Are there boxes or bags of stuff piled in corners or creeping onto the furniture? If so, you may be sending the message that you are unable to make decisions - specifically about what to keep, what to discard, and where to put things. 
• You Are Overly Sentimental: If everything is treated like a keepsake, then nothing has any real value. If your home is cluttered with mementos of the past, it may seem to others as though you are trapped there, unable to live in the present. Keepsakes are important, but they should be carefully edited to represent those experiences and relationships that are most meaningful to and representative of you. 
• You Are a Procrastinator: When people come over do you find yourself saying things like, "Oh, I've got to deal with that?" or "I'm in the process of..." in reference to the piles of clutter in your home? If so, you're probably sending a message that you are a procrastinator. 
• You Are Caught Up On the What Ifs: Do you hang onto things because they might be useful? Are you convinced that you can't get rid of something you haven't used in ages because you might need it someday? Caches of empty jars, hardware scraps, outdated appliances, and other odds and ends are an obvious indication that a person is more concerned about what ifs than what is. 
• You Are Overburdened: Is your counter top covered with things that need your attention? Is your sink full of dirty dishes? Is the laundry starting to take over valuable real estate within your home? Are there books and toys and daily items strewn about your living space? If so, it may be an indication that you are overburdened. You've got so much on your plate that you can't find the time or energy to maintain basic order in your home. 
• You Are Clutter Blind: Clutter blindness is an inability to see clutter or to recognize it for what it is. If clutter has become such a natural part of the fabric of your life that it no longer registers as clutter to you, you may have developed clutter blindness. The problem with clutter blindness is you can't fix a problem you can't see... 
• You've Been Through a Challenging Time: Life has a way of throwing us curve balls. The loss of a loved one, a move to a new location, a serious illness or injury, and other life changing events can have a significant impact on our ability to manage the clutter in our lives. If you are struggling to make it from one day to the next, then you have more important things on your mind than your clutter. 

As I consider the notion of curating spaces that befittingly represent "the museum of our soul and the archive of our experiences" a quote from Dr. Seuss's book Oh, The Places You'll Go! comes to mind:

In other words, it doesn't matter where you are now with regard to the state of your space. As the architect and administrator of that space, you are in control. You have the power to make meaningful changes that faithfully reflect your personality, passions, and preferences. Here are a few things you can do to begin the process of curating a space that speaks of and to you: 

• Acknowledge Your Clutter: You can't deal with a problem if you haven't identified it as a problem. Take a deliberate, diagnostic look at your space. Where are the trouble spots? What do you need to get rid of? How would you like your home to look? What steps do you need to take to achieve your vision? 
• Decide What Matters Most to You: The first step in this process is to determine what aspects of yourself you want to be reflected in your space. What do you want it to say about you? Once you have thought through these questions, you can use the answers to guide you in the decluttering process. I call this The Power of Positive Purging. The emphasis isn't on what you're getting rid of but rather on what you choose to keep. 
• Act Now: Contrary to popular belief, motivation is the by-product of action, not the precursor. When we act, we get results, and those results motivate us to continue acting. People always tell me that they don't know where to start. The truth is it doesn't matter where you start. It only matters that you do. 
• Find Appropriate Ways to Preserve Your Memories: Much can be said on this subject. The important thing is to focus on displaying those things that are most meaningful to you and find other ways to document and preserve the rest.  
• Streamline Your Schedule: If your life is so busy that you can't adequately maintain your space, it's time to reevaluate your priorities and streamline your responsibilities. Make time for yourself and the things that matter most to you. This means making time to create a space where you can set your stress aside and feel at peace. 
• Give Yourself Some Grace: If you are experiencing (or have recently experienced) a life changing event, be kind to yourself. Give yourself time to get back on your feet. But do get back on your feet. When we fall off the wagon, we have a tendency to sit in the dust and watch the wagon disappear in the distance. Instead, we need to catch up with the wagon and hop back on (figuratively speaking). Do it at your own pace, but do it. Exercising mindful control over your space is a great way to regain your stamina and perspective. Use this potentially unwelcome experience as an opportunity to make some welcome changes. 

A home is like a blank canvas. It will take on a different look for each new occupant. I observed this phenomenon as a military spouse living in on post housing. The houses were typically similar, if not identical, in structure and layout, but the look of each home was unique to its occupants. Whether you own or rent your home, you have the power to create a space that is reflective of you and your family, and if your space is saying things about you that you do not approve of, you have the power to make positive changes in your environment.  

You've sorted through your stuff. You've identified the items that no longer support the life you want to lead. You've boxed or bagged up the things you're not keeping. Now what? 

Decluttering can be a major undertaking. You should be commended for making it to this step in the process, but you aren't done yet. What you do with the things you have decluttered is as important as the decluttering process. 

There are many options available for those wanting to part with no longer needed items. Choosing the right one for your stuff can make a real difference to someone else, either positively or negatively, so let's take a moment to discuss the possibilities. 

It's always nice to end on a positive note, so I'll start by talking about what not to do with the stuff you wish to be rid of. 

It's tempting to give items you no longer need to people you think can use them, but it's also lazy. It is not appropriate to pass your clutter onto others. This is not decluttering. It is avoidance behavior or guilt management. Often the reason people choose this option is to assuage the guilt they feel for getting rid of things - things they paid good money for but never used, things that were gifted to them, things that still have value.  It's OK to get rid of something if you're helping a friend in the process, right? Yes...

...However, as often as not, the person or persons on the receiving end don't actually want what it is you're offering. By giving people things they have no use for, you're adding to their clutter. That is not a considerate thing to do. Instead of feeling guilty for parting with an item, you should feel guilty for forcing something on someone else that neither you or they want. 

If you've got stuff you no longer want or need (and who doesn't?), it's OK to offer it to others. In fact, it's a great thing to do, so long as it's done right. Instead of just handing someone a box or bag of items they may not be able or interested in using, try one of these methods for sharing your unwanted stuff:

• Make Sure Your Stuff is Worth Sharing: First and foremost, look at your stuff with an objective eye. Is it even worth passing on? Is it outdated, worn out, or otherwise unappealing? Even if the honest answer is yes, that doesn't mean there's not a home for it somewhere other than the trash, but it may take a little effort on your part to find the right home.
• Look For Organizations in Need: Instead of "gifting" your tattered old bath towels to an unsuspecting young person who is just starting out, check with the local animal shelter. They often have a need for old towels to line cages or dry animals after bathing, and they couldn't care less about color or condition. Have you got a lot of craft supplies? Contact a local art teacher, preschool teacher, or day care center to see if they would like them. Do you have outdated furniture, household decor, or clothing? Check with a local drama department to see if they are in need of props or costume items. Whatever you do, though, always check first before dropping stuff off with a charity or other organization. If you leave them with things they can't use, you create additional work and possibly additional expense as well. 
• Ask Before You Offer: If there are items for which you have a specific person or family in mind, talk to them before you take them anything. Let them know what it is you're getting rid of and ask if they are interested. If the answer is no, don't be offended. It's nothing against you or your stuff. they just don't have a use for it at this time.
• Find Out Who Needs What: Before you start a decluttering project, let your friends and family know. Ask if there is anything anyone might want or need. For instance, you could say something like, "I'm decluttering children's books (or toys, or DVDs, or board games, or craft supplies, or dishware, or whatever). Who would like first dibs on free stuff?" If someone expresses an interest, invite them to look through your discard pile and take whatever interests them. 
• Utilize Social Media: Facebook and other social media platforms can be excellent resources for the declutterer. Photograph the items you want to get rid of and post the pictures on your Facebook page or on a group page you follow. There are even groups designed specifically for this purpose. Offer your things to the first person who expresses interest. I have seen many items get snatched up quickly using this method. We recently decluttered our attic and came across some sheets of drywall. Since we not longer needed them, I offered them up on Facebook. A friend came by that afternoon and got them. He was literally planning on stopping to buy some on his way home from work that day, so it worked out great for everyone!
• Consider Selling: Sometimes the personal or inherent value of an item makes people reluctant to simply give the item away. If that's the case, consider selling individual items on eBay, Amazon.com, Facebook, or some other online platform. If you have a lot of items to get rid of, a garage sale might also be in order. 

Sometimes despite your best efforts, you will be unable to find takers for you unwanted stuff among your acquaintances. When that happens, there are still options available for responsible declutterers. 

As you can see, there are many ways to responsibly and respectfully get rid of unwanted items. Finding the right way to discard your stuff is an important part of the decluttering process. 

When it comes to decluttering, we often talk about what to do and how to do it, but there is value as well in discussing what not to do with regard to decluttering.  I've identified ten common pitfalls or obstacles to successful decluttering that can sabotage even the most well-intended efforts. Be on the lookout for these attitudes and behaviors when you are decluttering.

Decluttering is a process.  Before you can determine the process you need to pursue, you need to identify what it is you're hoping to achieve. It all starts with a vision for your space. How do you want it to function? How do you want to live within the space? What do you want to be able to do? The answers to these questions will help you to decide what to get rid of and what to keep. You can read more about this phenomenon in my post The Power of Positive Purging.

The first thing many people do once they've decided to declutter is to run out and shop for tons of organization products. While its important to have good storage options for organizing stuff long term, shopping first defeats the purpose of decluttering. The whole idea is to get rid of stuff you don't want, need, or use.

People who buy a lot of organization products up front often end up stuffing things into boxes and bins without doing much, if any, decluttering. The presence of storage containers gives a false sense of being clutter-free when in reality the clutter has just been contained (temporarily). Before long, it will escape it's confines and re-emerge, perhaps in another form, but it will be back. 

Another reason to declutter before  you shop for organization products is to ensure that you get exactly what you need. It can be tempting to overdo it when it comes to the plethora of organizational baskets, boxes, and bins. There are so many wonderful options available! Buying simply what appeals to you or looks promising, without a real understanding of exactly what  your storage needs are, can lead to empty organization products becoming part of your clutter!  

Decluttering is an ongoing, whole house process. If you haven't done it in a while, it's going to take some time. Even if your goal is only to declutter one room or area of your home, it's going to take longer than you think. 

​Be prepared to get sucked in by things you might not be expecting - old letters, photographs, paperwork that needs sorting, etc. To truly declutter,  you have to go through everything and make a determination about what stays and what goes.  

Any number of things can sidetrack people when they are decluttering. You might uncover something you forgot you had, or something you haven't seen in a long time that brings you joy, or something that's going to take a long time to sort through (like paperwork). In such cases, I recommend setting the item or group of items aside to sort through separately at another time (soon).

You might notice things that belong in other spaces and get sidetracked putting them away. It's a good practice to have a container for out of place items. Stick anything that doesn't belong where it's at in the container and return those items to their rightful homes at the end of your decluttering session. 

To quote author Christina Scalise: "Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by procrastination." 

Some organizers will tell you to create a 'maybe' pile if you're having trouble deciding what to part with. I'm going to tell you that this is a bad idea. Maybe piles just turn into their own form of clutter and before long you forget why those particular items are in that particular location. In a fit of organization, you may even put them back where they belong! The whole concept behind decluttering is letting go - letting go of things we don't want, need, or use, the things that weigh us down unnecessarily without providing benefit to our lives. 

Indecision fuels clutter. Be decisive.

A lot of people think they are decluttering when what they are really doing is transferring their clutter. Decluttering means getting rid of stuff, not just moving it to a new location. The desk may be clear, but if there is a new pile of paperwork and other stuff on another surface or in a closet somewhere, you haven't decluttered. You've just moved the clutter. This is a form of indecision and procrastination, and it is counterproductive.

It can be tempting to sort through other people's things, especially if you live with them, but it is not a good idea. Doing so can (and often does) create tension, and even long-term rifts, in relationships. Each person has to deal with their own clutter in their own way. We hope that everyone will choose to do so, but forced decluttering never works. It can actually leave people with an unconscious need to hold onto things (out of a fear that others might try to get rid of them). 

When it comes to decluttering kids stuff, there are some exceptions. For more information on this topic, click here. 

Many people start the decluttering process only to abandon it part way through. The reasons are varied. Perhaps they felt overwhelmed by the process. Perhaps they got busy with life and lost sight of what they had set out to do. Whatever the case, if you want to see real, lasting results,  you have to be consistent. That means not only seeing the process through, but continuing to declutter over time to maintain a sort of clutter equilibrium. 

The work of decluttering is done. Items are set aside for donation...and they sit, and sit, and sit indefinitely in the garage, or the front hallway or the laundry room or even the trunk of the car. Months pass, and still the get rid of items sit waiting to be gotten rid of. This is a common tale. Don't let it be true of you. Your decluttering is not complete until the decluttered items have left your home...permanently (the trunk of the car doesn't count). 

The absolute biggest mistake you can make with regard to decluttering is not doing it. It can change your life. It can ease your burden and lighten you soul and make your home a place where you feel comfortable and at peace. No matter what, decluttering is worth the time, effort, and energy involved.

Clutter is a reality. To some degree every one of us has to deal with it day in and day out, and we always will. That is the nature of clutter. It accumulates. Keeping it at bay requires diligence and an effective strategy. That said, life happens, and often when we're busy focusing on the stresses of life, that's when clutter creeps in and threatens to overwhelm us. 

Ideally, the best time to deal with clutter is when it presents itself, but that isn't always practical or even possible. There comes a time, however, when it becomes necessary to address the elephant in the room - the clutter that has taken over and is impacting the quality of life of everyone in the home. 

So how do you know when decluttering has ceased to be a 'someday' and become a must?  Here are some warning signs that clutter may be taking control of your life.

If you regularly struggle to find simple things, clutter may be the culprit. It's easy to misplace things on a cluttered surface. Necessities get swallowed up by neglected excesses. If you're feeling frustrated at the time you waste searching for stuff, it's time to schedule some decluttering.

This is a common problem in cluttered homes, and it's directly related to the first problem. You can't find what you're looking for, so you buy another one, knowing that you have one somewhere. You need it, so you buy it, but it's a waste of time and money that is both frustrating and bad for the budget. Or maybe you don't realize you have a particular item because it's lost in the clutter. Whichever the case may be, if clutter is impacting your budget, it's time to schedule some decluttering.

Studies show that a cluttered environment causes stress. It's difficult to relax when surrounded by clutter because your brain registers the clutter as something that requires your attention. Your home should be a place where you can feel comfortable and peaceful. If you regularly experience a stress response upon entering your home, it's time to schedule some decluttering. 

I've seen this all too often; many people have entire rooms of their home dedicated to clutter, rooms that could be used for sleeping or crafting or relaxing or interacting as a family. The door remains closed on such spaces, and no one enters except to deposit more clutter. If clutter has claimed one or more rooms in your home, it's time to schedule some decluttering. 

This is the situation that saddens me most as an organizer. If your clutter is preventing you from having people in your home, it's time to schedule some decluttering. 

If you recognized your own situation in any of the above circumstances, you may be feeling overwhelmed and depressed. I can't tell you the number of times I've heard someone say (when speaking of their clutter), "I don't know where to start".

My answer is always the same, "Just start somewhere."

Anywhere will do. I recommend starting in the space that you use the most or that is causing you the most stress because that will have the most meaningful impact on your life. Open a drawer and start sorting, clear off a surface, dig into a pile; it doesn't matter where you begin, only that you do.

You will find that you gain momentum as you work, and with that momentum comes motivation to continue the process. With each item you discard or donate, you will feel a weight being lifted from your heart.

The decluttering process isn't easy. It takes time and effort and energy, but it will be well worth everything you invest. It's an investment in your future and your well-being. Stop letting clutter negatively impact your quality of life. Reclaim your space. You can do it! 

If you struggle with any of the challenges detailed above, please share your experience in the comments section below. 

Working from home is not new to me, but being (basically) stuck at home is. Since working with clients is out of the question at the moment (and my part time job is closed due to COVID-19), I've found myself with extra time on my hands. As we here in Kansas enter our third week of sheltering in place, I thought I'd share my strategy for staying sane while staying put. 

My approach involves a sort of non-traditional to do list. Instead of starting with a detailed list of specific tasks to complete, I am starting each day with a list of experiences I want to have. Your situation is no doubt different from mine, so your list of daily experiences will probably be different as well. Whatever your circumstances, the basic concept behind this approach can be widely applicable. 

Spiritual Renewal: 
For me, this typically takes the form of personal scripture study and time spent in prayer, and it's usually the first big "task" I tackle each day. This experience might also include listening to uplifting music, meditation, or any other activity that leaves you feeling grounded and spiritually connected. 

Physical Strengthening:
By physical strengthening, I am referring mainly to exercise, and the goal is to leave you feeling energized. For me, this includes strength training, stretching and flexibility exercises, walking, or using the elliptical machine. Ideally, I try to do a combination of these activities each day. It doesn't really matter what form of exercise you choose. The important thing is to get moving. Exercise is good for the mind and body. It's an effective means of battling depression, and it boosts the immune system.

As a side note, since adopting this approach, I have been more consistent about working out than I have probably ever been. I seriously have not missed a day, and I feel great! 

Fresh Air and Sunshine:
It is my goal to get outside everyday, if only for a few minutes. Even in bad weather, it's good to stand on the porch and breathe in the fresh air. Some days I have gone for a walk. Some days I have worked in the yard. We have been blessed with (mostly) good weather the past couple of weeks, so we have been eating many of our meals outside on the deck. Every time I step outside, no matter what the weather or the time of day, I feel my spirits lift a little. 

Home Improvement: 
The number of potential items on this list is endless, but my goal is simply to do something to improve my physical surroundings every day. Some days it has been an organization project. Some days it's simple household chores. Some days it's a more involved home improvement project. Today I cleaned out the drawer organizers in my kitchen. Yesterday my son and I transplanted hostas. 

Personal Productivity:
While I am not working at the moment in the traditional sense, there are still lots of things I want and/or need to do. The goal here is to spend a few hours each day doing something productive.  Most of us have a list of projects we've wanted to tackle but haven't had the time (or perhaps the proper mindset) to get them done. Now is a great time to check some things off the list!

While we often crave idle time to do as we please, too much down time is depressing. There is joy in work. Accomplishing a task provides a mental and emotional boost that leaves us feeling good about ourselves. On the flip side, an idle day often leaves us feeling unsettled and dejected. 

Service:
Serving others, even in small and simple ways, is good for everyone. It lifts the giver and the receiver. I've been amazed and impressed by the myriad ways in which people have been serving one another during this crisis. It's truly inspiring., That said, service doesn't have to be grandiose to be worthwhile. It can be something as simple as a phone call to a friend, especially one who lives alone. The best service is the service rendered to individuals within your own home. 

Connect with Family:
This one may seem strange given that we're pretty much all sheltering in place with our families, perhaps spending more time with them than we would like. But being in the same space as another person and connecting with that person are not necessarily synonymous. The key word is connect. How that looks will vary from person to person and family to family. Some days we do something together as a family. Other days I try to make a one on one connection with a family member. Some days my goal is to connect with family members not living in my home. 

Connect with Others:
In addition to connecting with family, I'm striving to reach out to others living outside my home. This can take the form of a handwritten note sent through the mail, an email, a text, or a phone call. It could simply be smiling eyes aimed at a stranger in the grocery store (above your face mask). In a time when people are feeling disconnected physically, emotional connections mean a lot. 

Have Fun:
This is the one area in which I have been most inconsistent so far, but I think it is important (despite my lack of success). Having something to look forward to every day, makes it that much easier to get through the day. I encourage you (and me!) to find a way to fit something fun into every day. 

I get more done when I have a schedule in place. It's tempting not to set an alarm these days, or to think "I can do that later". In an environment in which time has taken on a diminished degree of importance, it's easy to lose track of time.  Losing track of time typically leads to wasting time, and wasting time often leads to regret. It can become a vicious cycle that ultimately results in depression. So, for me, a self-imposed schedule is important when I have no outside demands on my time. 

The more time I spend sheltering in place, the harder it is for me to remember what day it is! My husband recently suggested that we start scheduling certain activities for certain days to help us keep track of the days of the week. For instance, we might designate one night of the week as family movie night, another as family game night, and another as family history night. Personally, I think it's a great idea, and I am excited to give it a try!
​

So, there you have it - my daily experience list designed to save my sanity while sheltering in place. The thing I love about this approach to scheduling the day is that it allows lots of room for interpretation. This means that no two days need look the same. Variety is important in preventing boredom and depression.  

I hope you are having a good experience sheltering in place, If you're struggling to find focus and feel productive, I hope this method will prove helpful. 

​Take care. Stay safe. God bless!