Organizing and Decluttering

How to Prepare for Online Learning in the Fall

August 3, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith 6 Comments

If you’re a parent with school-aged children, the question of the hour is about school in the fall. How will online learning be taught? When will it start? Should I homeschool? Our family weathered the storm of distance learning this spring, but I recognize that’s easier to do with an only child and a flexible work schedule. For many families, the spring was a nightmare. And now we're trying to start the year off right. I get it. But before you rush out and spend a bunch of money on new desks, homeschooling curriculum, and rearrange your house, I recommend taking a step back to “pause and plan.” You have time, I promise. Take a deep breath and read on. Step 1 - Enjoy Summer The school year will be here before you know it. For the sake of our children and their childhood that was turned upside down in March, let’s try to enjoy the last few weeks summer. Be present, in this moment, which we’ll never get back. Since I have 4 summers left before my one-and-only heads …

How to Organize and Eliminate Digital Clutter

April 11, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

Hundreds of unread emails, lost contact information, and a desktop full of icons. If this describes your digital life then read on, please! I won’t address photos but you can read about digital photo organization, here. Digital clutter may not have the same impact on our physical space but we are still aware of the disorganization and burden. It weighs on us every time we try to complete a project or simply search for a phone number. The key to organizing this information is to know yourself and establish new habits. And adopting tools and technology that work for you. Consider these questions: Do you use a computer? MAC or PC? Pick one. I'm a MAC girl. Where do you work online? Through which device? Phone, tablet or computer? Is it feasible for all family members to have their own device or do you share? Sharing is great but you must consider the needs of all users. What email client do you prefer? Create a "spam" email address for account registrations and …

9 Easy Ways to Organize Your Home

April 9, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith 1 Comment

I love to declutter and organize spaces but it doesn't happen overnight. Over the years, I've established practical habits to control clutter and organize our home. Here are nine easy ways to get started! Stop Shopping I really mean stop shopping. I know, it's easier said than done. But question your purchases before you make them or wait 24 hours to click order. Avoid stores that result in impulse buys and extra purchases. The bullseye store comes to mind. :) Before you buy, identify storage for new items. Where will it live? Do you have space to store it? Borrow, Repurpose, Reuse or Do Without Save time, build relationships and borrow a cup of sugar from your neighbor. Or maybe a weed whacker, power washer or crockpot. I love building community through borrowing. Several of my friends join me in saying "We own 8 folding chairs." and "We own a piano." If you cannot borrow an item, try waiting a few days to see if the need …

Decluttering Duplicates and the Top Third

April 6, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith 4 Comments

Years ago, I heard an organizer talk about how we only use the "Top Third". What he meant was, we own a stack of t-shirts, but rarely wear items beyond the top third of the pile. You can apply this every category in your closet, blouses, shorts, t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters. But what about other belongings? Do you have a favorite pair of sunglasses or gloves? Maybe you prefer one umbrella. So, why keep the rest? Here's the case for owning one or at very least, for owning a lot less. WHY JUST ONE My items are of high quality and fair trade. Are they more expensive? Yes. Are they high quality and made to last? Yes! And they are made with labor that pays a living wage. The average person loses 9 items per day. Have you ever re-purchased something because you could not find it? Minimalism spares this cost because it’s easier to locate items with less. Consider setting up a landing spot to corral your keys, phone, and wallet. Practices like this mean fewer …

Kid’s Artwork, Who Are You Saving It For?

April 3, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

Kid's Artwork is abundant in our house even with just one child. Households with multiple kids struggle to tackle the volume of paper clutter. And every parent finds their kid's artwork difficult to get rid of because of the memories. Artwork more appropriately falls under sentimental clutter versus paper clutter. And sentimental stuff requires its own process. Currently, I am working on a small scrapbook for my son's elementary years. I collected some photos and artwork over the years. With each passing grade, there is less and less. In the end, I asked for his help with a few large books of his first writing samples. We read them together and laughed at the funny sentences. He noted 6 or 7 pieces that he truly remembered. I snapped photos of those. Without prompting, he said, "I think I'm ready to pass these on. I don't need them." Here's 3 Reasons Why Time - Several years had passed since he wrote the stories. He's not attached to them. And he won't be more attached …

3 Simple Steps to Organize Remote Controls

March 30, 2020 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

Take a look around your family room. Are the remote controls easy to locate? Or are they lost under a couch cushion? Remote controls also have a way of multiplying. We may get rid of an old DVD player but the remote remains. Let's declutter and organize this space today. Collect Aggregate all the remote controls from your family room. Check under the couch and inside drawers and cabinets. Address each one. If the remote operates a current device Replace the batteries. Use a label maker to provide additional information. (This can be helpful for guests and aging family members.) If the remote operates a disconnected device Remove the batteries If you own the device, tape the remote to it. Donate or Recycle unused electronics Storage Each night, I put the family room to bed before turning in myself. I fold blankets, return games to the cabinet, and stow remotes in a basket. Get in the habit of "putting to bed" the common spaces of your home …

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