This Organized Life

Joining me today is Bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side, Jess Ekstrom. Jess has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View, Vanity Fair, People Magazine, Business Insider, Huffington Post and Forbes.After starting and growing her multi-million-dollar company, Headbands of Hope, in her dorm room, her speaking and writing career took off. But Jess realized that her success wasn’t about how far she can reach—but how far she can help other women reach.She helps women uncover the value in their story through her popular Mic Drop Workshop®, so they can make a living and a difference at the same time. She, her husband and her 70lb fur baby reside in Raleigh, NC.During our conversation you’ll learn:Jess’ origin story-what prompted her to start a business while being a full time college student.Life living in an Airstream-how she paired down her things and how they stayed organized on the road.Entrepreneurship-how she manages her time while running multiple businesses.CONNECT WITH JESS:T

Hi Friends,Before we get started into today’s episode, we would like to thank our sponsor, Denise Albright for sponsoring this episode. Check out her entire catalog of products, including her gratitude journal and take advantage of a special offer exclusive for TOL listeners. Use code SBGIFTS and receive 25% off your order.We’d also love for you to check out the new look of our website. There you will find links to past episodes, tons of free resources and downloadable checklists, plus you can easily connect with our trusted SBO Professional Organizers in a variety of cities across the US and Mexico. Now more than ever we are here to help you in your decluttering journey!Now for today’s episode, I know that the time between Halloween and New Years can be stressful and overwhelming. Those 60 days seem to happen overnight, leaving you feeling like there is never enough time to get it all done.Today we are talking about all of it:The feeling of drinking from firehoseIncreased mental loadMaxed out BudgetsThe

Hi Friends,Joining me today is Angela O’Brien, founder of Your Space Reclaimed in Dallas, TX. Angela is one of our incredible SBO Partners and I invited her on the show to talk about motherhood, organizing and all things Enneagram!I specifically asked Angela to visit our show in October as we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month. As a mom of 2 grown-ish kids, Angela shares her story of finding out her daughter was born with Down Syndrome and what she wants people to know about the Down Syndrome community.During our conversation we talked about:Life transitions, knowing when to pull back and when to lean in.Her personal discovery into the Enneagram and how it led her to becoming a certified Enneagram coach and finding her passion as a professional organizer at the age of 51.The importance of teaching independence, providing support and building confidence for all kids, especially those with Intellectual Disabilities.How she gives back and supports the Down Syndrome community in Dallas We also talked about

Hi Friends,Today I am joined by Joshua Becker, founder and editor of Becoming Minimalist, a website dedicated to intentional living. He is also a best-selling author of five books, including The Minimalist Home, The More of Less, Clutterfree with Kids, and his most recent book: Things That Matter.Joshua is also the Creator of Simplify Magazine and Simple Money Magazine.It comes as no surprise that he is one of the leading voices in the modern simplicity movement based on his thoughtful and intentional approach to minimalism.Currently, he lives in Peoria, AZ with his wife and two teenage kids.I invited Joshua on the show to share his story of how he was introduced to minimalism 14 years ago, and what has transpired since then.During our conversation we talked about:How a conversation with one of his neighbors changed his lifeThe power of leading by exampleChoosing Time over StuffSetting BoundariesThe one question that you should ask yourself while you are decluttering We also talked about The Hope Effect, a no

Hi guys,Thanks to everyone who sent in questions for our Ask Me Anything episode. We tried to answer as many questions as possible, and encourage you to continue submitting questions to info@simplyborganized.com for future episodes.Below are a few of the questions that you asked:What is the best bin or basket to use?What are simple ways to declutter everyday so the mess doesn't pile up?How do you start your day?What is your top organizing tip?What books have inspired or had an impact on your life?What organizing product are you loving these days?Where do you feel the most organized?Where do you feel like a bit of a hot mess?  XOXO-LaurieP.S. ***If you are a fan of our show, would you take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating & review so others know how awesome we are?

Hi Friends,To kick off October, I had the opportunity to sit down with a very special guest. Joining me today is Shannan Martin, author of The Ministry of Ordinary Places and Falling Free. I have been a long time fan of her work and had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of her new book, Start with Hello, which is due out on Oct 11th (but available for pre-order today!)Shannan writes and speaks about the simple things we can do to build community. For many people, clutter is a roadblock to welcoming people into their homes, and we are here to help remove the shame and embarrassment you may be feeling by sharing some simple ways to start the conversation.During our conversation we talked about:The power of communityLiving with intentionPushing past fear of awkwardness to build something newPrioritizing what matters   I loved this conversation and hope you discover some nuggets of wisdom from my chat with Shannan!Make sure to check out the links below for things we talked about in this episode.XOXO-Laurie

Hi Friends!Today we are back with another one of our incredibly talented SBO Partners. Joining me today is Courtney Wilson, founder of Simpli Sort in San Diego. Courtney started her career as a graphic designer turned stay-at-home mom to her 3 kids who are now “bigs”.Like many, when Courtney’s kids started getting older, she began to look for an outlet that afforded her the flexibility to be able to juggle a household, motherhood and a career. Courtney found her passion in professional organizing and officially launched her business in 2019.Her mission is simple: “helping clients turn stress into calm one project at a time.”Courtney is in the process of downsizing, and is faced with making the decisions of what to keep, something she is used to doing alongside her clients. During our conversation we talked about:Asking yourself tough questions, like “what is my life like now?”“Am I holding onto this because it reminds me of my old life?”The importance of establishing and maintaining systems in your home   

Hi Friends!Last month I had the pleasure of sitting down with my dear friends, Kirsty and Amy, for their popular podcast The Art of Decluttering to talk about my Enneagram and Clutter framework.It was such a great conversation that I decided to share it with all of you. Grab a cup of coffee (or whatever you prefer) and enjoy!BTW, if you’re not already subscribed to their show, you are missing out. Check out the links below to learn more!XOXO-LaurieP.S. There is still time to send in your questions for our “Ask Me Anything” episode.Email: info@simplyborganized.comDM: @thisorganizedlifepodcastComment in our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thisorganizedlifepodcastLinks Mentioned in this EpisodeEnneagram and Clutter Course(s) https://simplyborganized.com/enneagram-and-clutter/Use the code DECLUTTER20 at the checkout to receive 20% offConnect with The Art of Decluttering https://www.theartofdecluttering.com.au/This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on t

Before we get into today’s episode, I have a favor to ask you. We are planning an “ask me anything episode” where we answer listener questions on the air. Questions can be about organizing, parenting, marriage, the enneagram, entrepreneurship-you name it! Nothing is off limits.To submit a question:Send an email to info@simplyborganized.com with Ask Me Anything in the subject lineShoot us a dm or better yet, make us a short video and send to @thisorganizedlifepodcastWe can’t wait to hear from you!Now back to today’s episode. Joining me today is Noell Jett- the creative force behind the popular Jett Set Farmhouse, where she and her husband Daniel, along with their now FIVE children share their lives, DIY tips, cleaning and organization hacks, recipes, and their home building journey with their millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram. In her debut book, From the Ground Up, Noell tells her incredible life story. Today, I’ve invited her onto This ORGANIZED Life to share her story with all of you.During o

Hi Friends!Join me in celebrating our 300th episode

Hi Friends,Before we get into today’s episode, I want to remind you to visit DeniseAlbright.com for all of your back to school organizing products. Use promo code SIMPLYB to receive 40% off your entire purchase of -valid through Sept 15, 2022Today we are talking about an area of organizing that most people prefer not to think about-after life wishes.My guest today is Dean Lambert. Dean has worked with funeral professionals for nearly 30 years to help them connect and serve the families facing one of the most challenging moments of their lives: the loss of a loved one.As a father who has himself experienced the loss of a child, he knows first hand the grief that clouds the vision needed to honor a life well-lived.Dean is leading the Love Always Project with a team of experienced subject matter experts and people committed to its purpose: encouraging people to think more positively and proactively about end-of-life issues and funeral prearrangement.During our conversation we talk about:HOW and WHEN to start th

Before we get started, I’d like to thank our sponsor for today’s episode The ClassKeeper and ClassKeeper App! Use Promo code SIMPLYB when you visit DeniseAlbright.com to receive 40% off your entire purchase-valid through Sept 15, 2022We are back today with another one of our Partner Spotlight episodes! I look forward to learning from other Professional Organizers about their journey and approach to organizing.Joining me today is my friend, and SBO Partner Kate Bosch, founder of Kate Bosch Professional Organizing in Rhode Island. Kate is a Certified Professional Organizer, and mother to two teenage daughters. Prior to becoming a CPO, Kate has an eclectic background that includes:B.A. from Yale University in Art HistoryAssistant Buyer of Bras and Shapewear (aka girdles) at Filene'sBeing a milliner (aka a hat maker)Retail business ownerStay-at-home mom, Wife to her artist/professor husband , and serial volunteerAll of these skills and jobs have played a role in helping her work with clients, not to mention jugg

If you are a parent of school aged kids, you are going to want to lean into this episode!Joining me today is Denise Albright. Founder and Queen Bee for a collection of organizing products she designs and distributes through her website denisealbright.com. You may recognize her fun and functional line of organizing products when they were featured on Good Morning America and the View.As most parents know, the influx of school papers, especially artwork can be overwhelming, so I invited Denise to share with us how you can keep the memories, without drowning in paper clutter.Her products also include journals, pads and notebooks for:BudgetingGratitudeWeekly CalendarsTo-Do lists   If you are a digital memory maker, her Class Keeper App serves as a digital scrapbook where you can easily (and safely) store and share your memories.Denise is offering an exclusive promotion for TOL listeners that you won’t want to miss.Visit denisealbright.com and 40% off your entire purchase + free shipping over $75!Use code SIMPLYB

Hi Friends,This episode was originally scheduled to release last week, as a follow up to our Enneagram and Clutter series (side note: If you haven’t had a chance to listen, I highly recommend you do!)Over the past 9 weeks I had the opportunity to sit down with some incredible guests, each one representing a different type on the Enneagram (a personality typology that looks at motivation rather than behavior). In other words, “the why you do what you do.”During the first half of our show I talked about:Similarities & differences with how each type deals with clutterThinking, Feeling & Doing and the value in recognizing which center you default to.The importance of having language to communicate how clutter and organization affect your lifeIn the second half of the show, we get tactical about what I call the 5 C’s to Getting Organized. 5 simple steps to help you navigate a project from start to finish. The 5 C’s are:ClarityCategorizeContainConsistencyContentmentAs you think about the areas of your hom

Hi Friends!Joining me today is Emmy-winning filmmaker and photographer, Kate Schermerhorn. Kate recently completed her third feature length documentary, 'Do I Need This?' about consumerism, excess, and the stuff from which happiness is truly made. The documentary is already getting critical acclaim. In the documentary, Kate turns the camera on her own family and chronicles how her parents, brother and kids each navigate the decluttering process.I invited Kate on the show to talk about what drew her to the topic of environmental consumption and how it’s impacted how she looks at “stuff”.During our conversation we talked about:The role of emotional clutter and how it often shows up as shameFinding the middle ground between hoarding and minimalismDefining the legacy you want to leave behind   Kate opened up about her own struggles with letting go, and shares how she wants folks to walk away thinking more consciously about what makes us happy-because often it’s not the “thing” rather the memories we make.Make sur

Hi Friends!Today we are wrapping up our Enneagram & Clutter summer series with my good friend, Gail Waterman. Gail is no stranger to TOL, you may remember her talking about her experience caring for aging parents, and most recently on episode 231, during our “behind the scenes” series. Today Gail graciously agreed to open up about her life as an Enneagram 9, otherwise known as the Peacemaker.During our conversation, we talked about:The role of self doubt in ninesThe importance of clear deadlinesWhy procrastination is a constant struggleGail shares how she was first introduced to the Enneagram, how she figured out her type, and the clarity that has come from understanding why she responds to situations the way she does.In the second half of the show we talked about the relationship between fives and nines and how clutter shows up in her home. I always love chatting with my IRL friends, especially when they are in-studio with me!I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as I have. If you want to learn

For the lashttps://www.instagram.com/themrshermann/t 2 episodes in this series we are bringing the guests in-house with 2 of my team members. Joining me today is Enneagram 8, Kimberly Hermann. Kimberly is a wife, mom of 3 girls and the backbone of all things related to SBO.As an Enneagram 8 myself, I love talking with other eights to see the similarities in how we deal with people, situations, and of course, clutter.During our conversation, Kimberly talks aboutGrowing up with a mom who is a hoarderTaking ChargeWe also talked about the strong intuition of Eights and how emotional clutter really isn’t a thing for us.Make sure to check out the links below for all things mentioned during this episode.We will be back next week, wrapping up our Enneagram Types, with my good friend, Gail who is an Enneagram 9-you won’t want to miss it!Connect with Kimberly This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/adverti

Join me next Wednesday for a FREE webinar! 5 Ways to Make Money as a Professional Organizer. This webinar is for anyone who is interested in starting or scaling a business in the professional organizing world. You can register here: https://simplyborganized.com/julywebinar/Today I am talking with Jackie Brewster. Jackie is a certified Enneagram coach and author who has been married for over 20 years and has 4 beautiful children. She graciously took time from her vacation to chat with me about life as an Enneagram 7, otherwise known as the Enthusiast.During our conversation we talked about:The importance of margin for SevensWhich type of clutter she struggles with most (physical, emotional or calendar)The role of the 5 clutter pitfalls in her life (procrastination, indecision, guilt, overwhelm & time)I loved learning from Jackie how clutter and organization show up in her life, both personally and professionally.Connect with Jackie:WEBSITE INSTAGRAMThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you ar

Hi Friends!Have you ever thought to yourself “What if I need this someday?”What if your initial response to most things were rooted in fear? I’m talking about the worst-case scenario thinkers. You know, the folks who are mentally preparing for the apocalypse.If that’s you, then you are in the right place.My guest today is Enneagram 6, Angee Robertson. I invited Angee on the show to shed some light into the world of the Enneagram 6, otherwise known as the Loyalist.During our conversation we talk about:When Sixes seek outside authority for adviceHow Sixes can easily become overwhelmed with decision fatigueWhy Sixes tend to ask a lot of questionsWEBSITE https://angeerobertson.comINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/6ish_andiknowit/OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:ANGEE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION The Road Back to You This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Joining me today is Enneagram 5, Kellyn Swift. Kellyn is the founder of unabridged freedom, and facilitates the popular IG page: @5ish_andiknowit.Known as the Investigator, fives have a desire to acquire knowledge to appear capable and competent. I often describe them as questioners, gathering as much information as possible. Knowing this, It makes sense that our analytical Fives are the first type in the head triad.During our conversation Keilly and I discuss:How the scarcity mindset of the Five can impact physical, emotional or calendar clutterThe importance of understanding the difference between rhythms & rigidityWhat her childhood looked like as the oldest of six children and how that impacts her life now We will be back next week talking to Enneagram 6, Angee Robertson.CONNECT WITH KELLYN:WEBSITE https://www.unabridgedfreedom.com/INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/5ish_andiknowit/KELLYN’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The Body Keeps Score & Take Care of Your TypeThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime N