Do you have a closet full of clothing but nothing to wear? Have you tried shopping for new clothes only to find items unworn with the tags still on them? Or maybe you're holding on to things hoping you will fit into them again in the future. This is pretty common with the closets I declutter and organize. Learning to shop smarter is key. The very first closet I organized was my own. But it requires maintenance and good shopping habits to keep it that way. All my clothing fits in one closet. Every season and yes, socks and underwear too. Getting ready is a breeze because my entire wardrobe is in one place. And when the seasons change, I can transition to the appropriate clothing easily. I no longer drag bins of clothing up and down the stairs to perform the seasonal swap. This saves me two weekends a year. And my guest bedroom closet is ready for guests instead of filled with extra clothing. But this was not always the case, I've come a long way and learned to shop …
5 Reasons Why I Canceled My Costco Membership
For years my family shopped at Costco. We went every month to buy paper products, groceries, and browse all the aisles. Each time, we expected a full cart and a long receipt. We never bought just one or two things. We always deviated from the list because the impulse buys were too tempting. The average Costco shopper spends $114 a trip and shops every two weeks. That’s over $2,700 per year. Costco knows how to design a store. Milk, eggs, and rotisserie chickens are in the back. Seasonal items, toys, and clothing live in the middle so you walk by them twice. Expensive electronics stop you in your tracks at the front door. The store's natural flow encourages you to walk by expensive items first. The groceries (which are what you came for in the first place) will be last as you travel the store. Shopping at Costco is an event. You need to allocate several hours for this trip. Generally the items on the list are spread across the store because of the strategic design. Since, we …
[Read more...] about 5 Reasons Why I Canceled My Costco Membership
3 Easy Steps to Create an Incredibly Organized Kitchen
Who doesn't love an organized kitchen? But many kitchens hold more gadgets and gizmos than anyone needs to cook dinner for their family. At least that's my goal, to cook healthy meals for my family. And I believe everyone would like to prep dinner without cleaning up the kitchen first. Less Clutter and More Organization in just 5 Days with my Free Mini-Course. Kickstart your decluttering efforts with my Free Mini-Course. Click HERE and learn how to create a clutter-free and organized home. Organized Kitchen When it comes to an organized kitchen, I find there's a lot of stuff getting in the way of how the room is made to function. Piles of paper and mail Small appliances covering countertops Bulk food buys with nowhere to live Decorations and dust collectors Items that do not belong in the kitchen Try these 3 easy steps to an organized kitchen. Step #1 - Meal Plan I know. You hate meal planning but it is necessary. The only way to …
[Read more...] about 3 Easy Steps to Create an Incredibly Organized Kitchen
5 Simple Ways to Avoid Over-Scheduling Your Kids
I still remember when my son ran into his kindergarten classroom and now he's a junior in high school. Soon after that first day of kindergarten, came the onslaught of activities and sports. If we hadn’t paid attention, he would have become over-scheduled very quickly. We continue to be vigilant to ensure he is not over-scheduled and stressed. I hope this is your year to embrace fewer activities. Don't get me wrong, the last two years we missed sports, church, and social events. But many families found it to be a breath of fresh air. It was the reset we needed. So, how about you strike a better balance going forward? And say goodbye to some activities? The research on why it matters is staggering. …
[Read more...] about 5 Simple Ways to Avoid Over-Scheduling Your Kids
Time to Mourn
Last weekend was the celebration of life for my dad's friend. They played basketball and softball together, went on basketball scouting trips, and even on a family vacation to Sea World. But this friendship is forever cemented in my memory because of the countless summer picnics in our backyard. Every weekend, several couples gathered with their kids. To this day, I can't look at my mom's backyard without seeing a baseball diamond and the elusive home run over the barn. My dad's name is Joe, just like his friend who passed away. I imagine that makes it harder somehow. As my parents get older, I see how the death of friends and family hits them differently. This one hit me a little differently too. One generation apart. But all the same childhood memories. So, I made the trip home to celebrate his life. Closing the Gap I believe trips like this, even on sad occasions, help close the gap created by miles, months, and generations. Over the years, we celebrated a lot of picnics, …
5 Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Sentimental Stuff
One of the most common questions I answer is sentimental items. "What should I do with sentimental stuff?" Like baby clothes or grandma's china. I suggest a “some not none” approach. In my home, I display my grandma's decorative plate. I pass it several times a day and smile as I think of her. Some is also her silver locket, a timeless piece, inspiring questions when I wear it and an opportunity to share her story and influence. My grandmother and I were a lot alike. So, it was difficult to part with her Christmas sweatshirt. It wasn't the sweatshirt I loved, but rather the picture of her wearing it. I embrace life with less, but sentimental stuff is hard. Tips for Handling Sentimental Stuff Do This Last- Save the memory-laced items for last. Declutter other areas of your home first. Gain momentum and the ability to let go with other categories. Start with spaces you encounter daily to realize immediate benefits. Some Not None - If everything …
[Read more...] about 5 Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Sentimental Stuff