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Amy Slenker-Smith, Life and Business Coach

I help professional organizers attract clients and grow their business.

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The Short List

The few things I actually use and recommend. Nothing more.

I’m Amy, a Becker Method certified professional organizer and life and business coach. I believe less is more: declutter first and reuse what you have. This is my short list.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use and love.

Pro organizer bagHome organizingLifestyleDorm roomJoshua BeckerBusiness books
Shelf 1

Pro organizer bag essentials

What I carry to every client session, loaded so the things I grab most sit on top.

Watch the full bag tour →

OLFA utility knife

Amy’s pick

Not just a box cutter. Every client I’ve handed this to has loved it. Grab the replacement blades too.

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Painter’s tape

Top 10

Temporary labels, marking donation pieces for the hauler, dating freezer meals. No residue.

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Dymo label maker + tape

Top 10

My everyday labeler. Pack spare tape and batteries in the same pouch.

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Rubber bands

Top 10

Corral index cards, markers, chopsticks, or a half-open chip bag. Once you see them as a tool you use them daily.

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Binder clips & clothespins

Top 10

Two sizes of closure so every bag in the pantry gets the clip that fits it.

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Command hooks (heavy duty)

The heavier ones earn their keep. Bath mats, belts, bags, scarves. Instant vertical storage.

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Measuring tape

You will need it, every single session.

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Shelf 2

Home organizing, the less-is-more way

Declutter first, then use what you already own. These are the few things I’ve actually recommended on my blog when a home truly needed them. You won’t find a cart full of acrylic bins here.

Latching stackable bins

Amy recommends

The shallow snap-shut bins I use for my son’s LEGO. They stack, and you can sift for one brick fast. Skip the bins sold as LEGO storage.

From my post: Why I stopped organizing LEGOs

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Wall shelf with hooks

Vertical storage by the door for bags and daily gear, with low hooks for kids.

From my post: Create a landing spot

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Step spice rack

Fits more spices in a cabinet you already have, and you can see the back row.

From my post: Organizing spices

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Pyrex glass food storage

Pick one brand and one shape so lids always match.

From my post: Food storage containers

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Cord organizers

No more tangles, and everyone knows which charger is theirs.

From my post: A minimalist’s favorite things

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Amber glass spray bottles

For homemade all-purpose cleaner. One cleaner, every surface.

From my post: Simply Enough gift list

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Shelf 3

Everyday lifestyle favorites

The things I use daily and pack for every trip.

A minimalist’s favorite things →

Full Focus Wellness Planner

Amy uses

The planner I use. One place for the week so your head isn’t the filing cabinet.

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Moleskine gridlined journal

20+ years

Business and personal notes, and a break from screens.

From my post: A minimalist’s favorite things

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Kindle Paperwhite

Free library ebooks, zero bookshelf clutter.

From my post: Simply Enough gift list

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Travel pill case

Keeps my vitamin routine on track, including a three-week trip.

From my post: A minimalist’s favorite things

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Shelf 4

Minimalist dorm room essentials

What we actually bought for my son’s freshman year, and what we skipped.

Read the full dorm room guide →

3-inch mattress topper

Worth it

Where we spent extra. My son said it beat his bed at home.

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Bamboo sheets (Twin XL)

One good set is enough.

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IKEA-style moving bags

Reusable for move-in and storage. Get 5 to 8 and label them.

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Command hooks, 5 lb

Strong enough for most things in a dorm.

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Shower caddy

A must unless the room has its own bathroom.

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Round padded folding chair

Cozy papasan-style seat that folds small and comes home for reuse.

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Skip it, or check home first: fan · power strips and extension cords · mini-fridge (try Buy Nothing groups) · pillows · extra blankets · paper planner · more than two towels · plastic drawers · decorations
Shelf 5

Every Joshua Becker book

I’m a Becker Method certified professional organizer. These books are where my approach to owning less started.

My story is on page oneUncluttered FaithOwn Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World · 2026
Joshua Becker’s newest book opens with my story. Turn to page one and you’ll meet me.

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Things That Matter

Joshua Becker

Overcoming distraction to pursue a more meaningful life.

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The Minimalist Home

Joshua Becker

A room-by-room guide to a decluttered, refocused life.

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The More of Less

Joshua Becker

Finding the life you want under everything you own.

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Shelf 6

Business books for organizers

The reading behind my videos on pricing, offers, scaling back, and getting out of my own way.

Atomic Habits

James Clear

Small habits, big results. Why tidy systems stick, and how to help clients keep them.

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Building a StoryBrand

Donald Miller

Make your message clear enough that clients know exactly how you help.

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How to Grow Your Small Business

Donald Miller

A practical roadmap for running the business side, not just doing the work.

Pairs with: What organizers have in common

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The Gap and the Gain

Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy

Measure how far you’ve come instead of how far you have left.

Pairs with: Imposter syndrome meets perfectionism

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Expert Secrets

Russell Brunson

Turn what you know into an offer people want to buy.

Pairs with: Why ONE offer works better

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The Millionaire Messenger

Brendon Burchard

Getting paid for your expertise and advice.

Pairs with: Your pricing isn’t high enough

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Company of One

Paul Jarvis

A case for staying small on purpose.

Pairs with: I’m scaling back my business

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The War of Art

Steven Pressfield

Naming the resistance that keeps you from doing your real work.

Pairs with: My realization about time

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Want help with your organizing business? Book a free call with me, or find me on YouTube.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use and love. Prices and availability are set by Amazon and can change.

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