This Organized Life

Hi Friends,You are in for a treat today!  In honor of Spring Organizing, I invited my friend Jeannie Stith to join me to talk about simplifying the clothes in your closet so you love and wear what you have.Jeannie is the founder and CEO of Color Guru where her team analyzes your hair, skin, and eye color to match you with your ideal color palette for clothes.Color Guru has been featured in VOGUE magazine, Apartment Therapy and if you’re a long-time listener you might remember Jeannie from ep 163 of TOL.During our conversation we talked about:  The biggest mistakes people make when they go shoppingHow to simplify shopping regardless of your age, size, or season of lifeSpecific strategies you can do to eliminate unflattering clothes in your closetI have personally used her services and can tell you that it’s changed the way I shop. I no longer struggle with decision fatigue or overwhelm, (fyi this is not a paid endorsement!)I have a special link for all our TOL listeners visit https://yourcolorguru.com/affiliat

For today’s tip of the week I’m sharing 5 simple hacks to instantly help your closet be more organized.  The best part is that most of these are all free and don’t cost a dime! Remove Dry Cleaning Bags-Not only do those plastic bags carry harsh chemicals, but they clutter up your closet!  By removing them your space your closet will immediately look more organized.Create a Hanger Hangout- (thank you @getorganizedbystephanie for the catchy phrase!) Choose a spot at the front or back of your closet where you group all of your empty hangers together.  This makes it easier to put clean clothes away rather than searching through a sea of clothes to find an empty hanger.   Organize by Category- Grouping like items together, ie:shirts, tanks, pants, jackets, etc makes getting dressed easier because you know where everything is. PRO TIP: *for an added bonus you could add clothing rack dividers https://amzn.to/3Q02jmvOrganize by Color-This is for my ROYGBIV lovers!  There’s something about a monochromatic color scheme

On today’s show we are talking about how to find the right Professional Organizer for you.  One  that fits your project scope, personality and budget.There are lots of people who have the technical and tactical knowledge to do the job, but hiring an expert who is the right fit requires an entirely different skillset.Whether you are  a professional organizer, or someone looking to hire a professional organizer, 2 of the most important indicators of any successful relationship are communication and clarity. If you’re interested in working with me or our team, visit simplyborganized.com Happy OrganizingLaurieP.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and looking for some specific strategies to help you or your family live a more organized life, hop on my calendar for 1-on-1 Clutter Coaching! https://simplyborganized.com/clutter-coachingWelcome Simply B Organized listeners! We are inviting you to try Clean Email, a privacy-first online service that helps you clean your Inbox, stop unwanted emails, and automatically organ

Happy April everyone!  Technically, Spring is here (although in the North East it doesn’t quite feel like it) and you know what that means….time for some Spring Organizing Tips.Some of these you may want to outsource to a professional, others you can tackle alone or with the help of your family.  Do a little at a time or block a whole weekend.  The purpose of this is to help give you a roadmap to follow.Download the Spring Organizing Checklist Here https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/springchecklistSpring is a great time to reset routines & reorganize rooms. I hope this episode gives you the motivation you need to get going!Happy Organizing!XoxoLaurieThanks to our sponsor for this episode Clean.Email:Welcome Simply B Organized listeners! We are inviting you to try Clean Email, a privacy-first online service that helps you clean your Inbox, stop unwanted emails, and automatically organize new mail going forward. https://cleanemail.com/organized

Hi Friends,On today’s episode I get to sit down with my friend Kate Bosch who is our SBO partner in Rhode Island.  You might remember from ep 298 and ep 333 (both episodes are worth a listen!)Today we’re talking about one of the biggest sources of clutter for many people: storage units.Kate is here to share some surprising statistics on the entire storage unit industry:Specifically the amount of storage facilities in the USRevenue generated from the self storage industrywhich generation is the biggest user of storage facilitiesThe average cost of a storage unitThe average length of time that people tend to hold onto their unitsIf you find yourself in a situation where a storage unit is necessary,  Kate shares some practical tips and questions to ask to ensure your stuff is safe and protected.If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please pass it along!XOXO-LaurieIt’s not too late to register for our free Enneagram 101 workshop! Register here: https://simplyborganized.com/webinarThanks to our

Hi Friends!Happy April Fools Day!  We’re kicking off this months tip of the week  with a quick actionable tip:  Fill 1 bag with stuff for donations AND make sure to drop it off or schedule a pick up.If you’re not in the habit of doing this on a regular basis, it might be tough at first, but trust me, it gets easier with practice!If you haven’t listened to our episode on reducing clothing waste, it’s a perfect complement to this episode!  Click HERE to listen: https://simplyborganized.com/2024/03/21/ep-380-how-to-reduce-clothing-waste-with-helpsy/Happy Organizing!LaurieJoin our free Enneagram 101 Webinar: simplyborganized.com/webinar

Hi Friends, This year I decided to give up two things for lent: vodka (because I love a good martini like it’s my job) and all non-essential shopping.For the sake of today’s podcast, we’re focusing on the latter.  The scope of my shopping hiatus included any in person shopping aside from the grocery store and ALL online shopping.  Today I’m sharing what I learned during those 40 days!Whether you observe lent or not, every now and then it’s good to take a break, hiatus, or detox from the things that clutter our lives. If done with intention, you’ll be able to walk away with some clarity and perhaps a new perspective.To all who celebrate, wishing you and your family a Happy Easter!XOXO-LaurieThanks to Our Sponsor:Factor Meals: factormeals.com/organizedlife50  *use code organizedlife50 for 50% P.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and looking for some specific strategies to help you or your family live a more organized life, hop on my calendar for a 1-hour strategy session: https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySe

Hey Friend,Today, we're tackling the topic of managing household chores (womp-womp!) Whether you live alone, with roommates, or have a houseful of kids, we often get overwhelmed with all the things that need to be done to keep our household moving.Below are some quick tips to help you stay organized when it comes to household chores:List all the things-what are the tasks on your to-do list (think laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, cooking, shopping…)Is there anything you can outsource?-Are you able to hire a house cleaner or  lawn service? Maybe you hate to cook, so you decide to use a meal prep service. List the frequency of each task. Some things like dishes and walking the dog fall under daily, for some people cleaning or laundry is a weekly chore, and things like lawn care might be seasonal.  Mapping these details out allows you to craft out a schedule that works for you without any surprises.Now here’s where the fun begins-it’s time to divide and conquer!  What chores do you share? Which do you own? Do

Hi Friends,We talk a lot about donations around here, but what do you do with the stuff you can’t donate-like single socks, stained t-shirts or clothing with holes?  Instead of throwing those items in the trash and adding to our overflowing landfills, my guest today is here to offer an alternative solution. Joining me is Lisa Sciannella, Chief of Staff of  www.helpsy.co. a certified B-corp dedicated to recycling textile waste. It's the norm to recycle plastics, glass, metal and paper but sadly clothes, shoes, and accessories have long been ignored. During our conversation we talked about:The staggering amount of unwanted clothes that end up in the trash (spoiler alert: it’s over 85%!)How to turn your old clothes into a fundraising eventThe average lifecycle of clothing-Fun fact!  95% of all textiles can be reused!***After our recording, I scheduled a donation pick up from helpsy.co and it was seamless!  I have since recommended them to a friend who also had a great experience. Here’s a quote from a friend of

Hey Friend!For today’s Tip of the Week we’re delving into a common struggle faced by many parents: finding the balance between teaching your kids how to do certain household chores versus doing everything yourself. The two biggest pushbacks I hear from parents are: wanting things done “right” and wanting them done “quickly.”As a somewhat Type-A mom, I can totally relate. Even now that my girls are grown-ish, I find myself wanting to swoop in and offer a solution, even though I know they are capable independent young women.How much you outsource is going to vary based on age, ability, and family dynamics.This episode addresses questions like:How to involve children in household chores from a young age.Setting clear expectations and providing guidance without micromanaging.Using incentives to help motivate kids through gamifying strategies.Allowing your kids to take ownership, even if it means accepting imperfection.How to resist the urge to jump in and do it.Today’s challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to

Hey Friends,Today we're diving into a topic that we all struggle with from time to time – staying on track when you just don't feel like it.Whether it's decluttering a closet or tackling a daunting project, we've all had those moments when we'd rather do anything else other than what we are “supposed to” do. I'm here to share five actionable strategies to help you stay on track, even on the toughest days. Remember, the key is to find what works for you and adapt as needed. If you need some extra accountability, I’d love to help. Click HERE to hop on my calendar for a clutter strategy call https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySessionHappy OrganizingLaurieThanks to Our Sponsor:Factor Meals: factormeals.com/organizedlife50  *use code organizedlife50 for 50% off

Hey Friend!Today we’re delving into the benefits of scheduling family meetings.When it comes to staying organized both at home and with our schedules, having everyone on the same page helps to significantly reduce conflict and improve communication.Below are some key benefits that can come from regular family meetings:They prevent overlap, overscheduling, and things from being overlooked.Allows you to redistribute responsibilities to ensure that no one is shouldering more than they can handle.Family meetings provide a platform to ask for help where you might need it.Regular family meetings demonstrate the importance of teamwork, open communication, and managing shared responsibilities. When you’re solely focused on your own to-do list and deadlines, it’s easy to lose track of the importance of checking in with the other people in your household-I know it may sound crazy, but it’s more common than you think.If you’re feeling overwhelmed and looking for some specific strategies to help improve communication wit

Hi Friend,You are in for a treat today! By now you know that clutter comes in many forms aside from physical stuff. It shows up in our calendars, on our devices, and our relationships.But have you ever stopped to think about how your clutter is tied to your identity? Maybe it represents who we once were, or perhaps it’s who we want to be.From books, to hobbies, and even that old varsity jacket tells a story.Joining me to talk about the topic of Identity Clutter is Dawn Madsen, host of the Minimal Mom podcast and YouTube Channel where she reaches over 1M women per month with practical tips to simplify and declutter.During our conversation Dawn shared:What happened when she and her family gave up 85% of their belongingsThe one line in a podcast that changed her lifeSpecific strategies you can use to work through Identity Clutter I know that decluttering can be overwhelming which is why we’re here to help you wherever you are in your decluttering journey. Feel free to leave us a comment, and if you’re looki

Today I’m talking about how having a command center can really be a game-changer for your household organization. It's not just about finding a spot to put your stuff—it's about creating a central hub that keeps everything running smoothly.I’m giving you practical tips like:Having designated spots for storing your devicesSetting up an action file system to prioritize paperworkUsing calendars and bulletin boards to keep everyone on trackAnd bonus: keeping a utility drawer stocked with all the essentials - paper, pencils, markers, stamps and envelopes can help to keep the family moving.By putting these strategies into action, you'll be well on your way to creating a command center that's not only efficient but also tailored to the unique needs of your household. So grab a cup of coffee and let's get organized together!Happy OrganizingLaurieNeed help organizing your command center? Hop on my calendar: https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySession

Hi Friend!Since leap year only comes around every 4 years, I thought it would be fun to focus today’s episode on leaping into the unknown.Regardless of whether you're going through a major life transition or thinking about a career change, stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy.It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to pivot, but I want to assure you that you are not alone.In the episode we focus on the 3 major areas where change impacts us most:FinanciallyLogisticallyRelationallyIf you are in a period of change, either personally or professionally this episode is for you!Here’s my special invitation for you:Whether you’re tired of the stress that comes from having clutter in your home, or you’re ready to start that professional organizing business you’ve been dreaming of, I’d love for you to book a strategy session so we can work through it together.Hop on My Calendar! https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySessionThe first step is always the hardest, but it’s easier when you’ve got some

Hi Friends!We’ve made it to the end of February, which if you’re a parent, likely means that you’re sick and tired of looking at toys everywhere and ready to take a big trash bag and dump everything inside it.But before you do…you’re going to want to listen to today's mini episode where I talk about:.Why the winter is a good time to tackle kids toysMaking some executive decisions as a parentThe importance of setting boundaries and getting your kids involved in the process.Remember that kids struggle with decision fatigue and overwhelm too! If they can’t find their toys or are overstimulated with too much stuff, it can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and a desire to avoid their play area entirely.If it stresses you out, there’s a chance it stresses them out-they might just not have the language to articulate it.Happy Organizing!Laurie

Hi Friend!Today we’re talking about how to organize all the 1099’s, w-2’s and other documents needed to prepare your taxes.If you’re like me, this is less than exciting stuff to talk about, but thankfully my guest today is here to help!Joining me is Samanta Besnoff who has been a CPA for 22 years and recently named one of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs Women to Watch. She hosts a podcast called Your Financial Maven and her speciality is helping individuals and small businesses with all of their tax needs. I invited Samantha on the show because not only is she super knowledgeable, but she simplifies what can be a complicated and overwhelming process.During our conversation we talked about:How long we really need to keep old documentsHow to best organize all of the necessary tax documents in prep for April 15thWhen she recommends beginning the process of gathering your tax infoHow to avoid missing important documentsSome do’s and don'ts when filing your taxesWhether you work with a tax professional or file

Hi Friends!On today’s Tip of the Week we’re talking about Mindful Consumption. Mindful consumption helps you avoid impulse buying and focus on acquiring things that truly enhance your well-being. In other words, before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item.The timing of this episode aligns with something going on in my personal life. I decided that for lent this year I was going to give up all “non-essential shopping.” What does that look like?No more candles from Home Goods, Lip Gloss from CVS or late night amazon purchases.I’m documenting my experience over the next 40 days so I can report back to you in a follow up episode. Pro Tip: Whether you want to join me on my shopping sabbatical, or practice being more intentional about what you’re bringing into your home, tell a friend! Having some external accountability makes it easier to stay on track when you feel the urge to slip up! Happy Organizing!Laurie

Hi Friend!Regardless of how organized you might be with your closet, kitchen or garage, the one area that most folks find hard to keep up with are photos.If you’ve been around me for a minute you know that I always talk about “the ease of retrieval” when it comes to organizing, and photos are a prime example of where people waste hours of time looking for those precious memories! Between boxes and bins of “old school” photos that you’ve collected over the decades, VHS tapes and CDs with who-knows what on it, to the tens of thousands of digital photos on our phones, computers and social media-it can seem next to impossible to create a system to keep it all organized.My guest today is Darla DeMorrow, a certified photo organizer, author, and owner of HeartWorkOrganizing where she helps her clients gather, preserve, organize and maintain a system to easily find and enjoy the important moments in their lives.During our conversation we talked about:The 2 universes of photo storage3 places not to store photosHer fav

Hi Friends!One of the most popular questions I get asked as a Professional Organizer is “Is it Worth it to Sell My Stuff?”On today’s Tip of the Week I’m going to walk you through the process I go through with my clients to help them determine the right answer for them. We talk about some general guidelines I like to follow including:What types of items typically hold their value When to consult an expertWhen to donate vs sellIf your goal is to simplify your life, and your stuff is holding you back, you’re going to want to listen to this episode.Happy Organizing!Laurie