This Organized Life: Organizing Tips for Busy Moms to Declutter, Boost Productivity, & Simplify Life

If you struggle with getting organized or find it hard to motivate yourself to tackle the clutter in your home, this is the episode for you.Today we are talking about 5 roadblocks that often hold us back from dealing with the disorganized parts of our lives.I refer to them as The 5 Clutter Pitfalls (you can read all about them in Chapter 8 of my book Hot Mess: A Practical Guide to Getting Organized). https://amzn.to/3VwSui4In this episode you’ll learn: 0:00 Introduction3:57 Back to Basics: Identifying Clutter Pitfalls5:38 Procrastination6:43 Indecision8:18 Guilt & Fear9:47 Overwhelm11:11 TimeLinks Mentioned In this Episode:Streamline Your Wardrobe with Your Color Guru. Visit https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/ and receive 10% off any package with code ORGANIZEDLIFEIf you have ever thought about starting your own professional organizing business but not sure where to start?  Our 8 week training program might be just what you’re looking for! Learn More: https://simplyborganized.com/sbo-partner-program/This Organized Life chats with experts and everyday folks like you and me, about life, relationships, parenting, and of course organizing. Grab a front row seat into my organized, but no-so-perfect life as a mom, wife, author, and founder of Simply B Organized.Liked this episode? Don’t forget to Follow and Leave a Review!

With Summer in full swing, it’s time to make sure your passport is up to date!Think of your passport as a safety net. No travel plans right now? Doesn't matter. Life loves to throw curveballs and that passport might come in handy. 0:00 Introduction2:23 Passport Renewal Reminder5:45 Importance of Passport Accessibility7:36 Checking Passport Expiration DateLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Subscribe to our newsletter:  https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/instagramStreamline Your Wardrobe with Your Color Guru. Visit https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/ and receive 10% off any package with code ORGANIZEDLIFEBusiness Mentoring:  https://simplyborganized.com/sbo-partner-program/

Today we’re talking about a topic that impacts thousands of folks-what to do if you inherit your parents’ stuff. Most of us are busy trying to reduce our own clutter, let alone make decisions and navigate the burden of guilt that often comes with inherited items.Joining me today is Melinda Rizzo, journalist, author, and someone who has been on the receiving end of generations of "gifted" items. You’ll Learn: 0:00 Introduction to This Organized Life3:12 Navigating the Burden of Inheriting Parents’ Possessions12:34 Overcoming Emotional Attachments to Inherited Items22:27 Managing Emotional and Physical CLutter from Inherited Items26:57 Sorting Items for Keep, Donate, Sell, and Discard Piles30:27 Insights on Organizing Inherited Possessions36:46 Organizational StrategiesLinks Mentioned In this Episode:Streamline Your Wardrobe with Your Color Guru. Visit https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/ and receive 10% off any package with code ORGANIZEDLIFETurn Your Passion for Organizing into a Profitable Business with Business Mentoring! Register by August 1st and save $1000! Learn More: https://simplyborganized.com/sbo-partner-program/Connect with Melinda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-b-rizzo-556217a2/The Gentle Art of Sweedish Death Cleaning: https://amzn.to/4chqmWTAll Creatures Great and Small: https://amzn.to/4ejkfmJA Christmas Carol: https://amzn.to/3VoGDCtThis Organized Life chats with experts and everyday folks like you and me, about life, relationships, parenting, and of course organizing. Grab a front row seat into my organized, but no-so-perfect life as a mom, wife, author, and founder of Simply B Organized.Liked this episode? Don’t forget to Follow and Leave a Review!

Summer Fun often means road trips and outings that have us spending extended time in the car.  Today’s tip is to create a Summer Car Kit. This kit should include all the essentials you might need for summer activities and emergencies. You’ll learn:0:00 Introduction2:35 Creating a Summer Car Kit3:30 Choosing the Right Organizing Solutions4:24 Selecting Categories for the Car Kit8:44 Maintaining and Restocking the KitTo Learn more visit: https://simplyborganized.com/2024/06/17/tip-of-the-week-how-to-create-a-summer-car-kit/Links Mentioned in this episode:Freebies: https://simplyborganized.com/free-downloads/Streamline Your Wardrobe with Your Color Guru. Visit Your Color Guru and receive 10% off any package with code ORGANIZEDLIFE30 Day Kids Organizing ChecklistHave a question about Organizing or Decluttering? Join our Ask An Expert SeriesThis Organized Life chats with experts and everyday folks like you and me, about life, relationships, parenting, and of course organizing. Grab a front row seat into my organized, but no-so-perfect life as a mom, wife, author, and founder of Simply B Organized.Liked this episode? Don’t forget to Follow and Leave a Review!

Have you ever wondered how to get your kids involved in sorting and decluttering their stuff? We’re diving into how we as parents can teach our kids some basic organizing skills as we shift into summer. You’ll Learn:(2:16) Importance of Teaching Organizational Skills to Kids(6:09) Decluttering Kids’ Clothes(7:42) Involving Kids in Decluttering Toys(8:57) Decluttering Kids’ Papers and Art Supplies(11:58) Household Chores: Dishes and Laundry(12:48) Household Chores: Gardening and Meal Prep(18:56) Household Chores: Dusting and Vacuuming(20:37) Household Chores: Pet Care(21:24) Encouraging Kids to Choose ChoresLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Streamline Your Wardrobe with Your Color Guru. Visit https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/ and receive 10% off any package with code ORGANIZEDLIFE30 Day Kids Organizing Checklist: https://simplyborganized.myflodesk.com/30daykidschallengeHave a question about Organizing or Decluttering? Join our Ask An Expert Series: https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpertThis Organized Life chats with experts and everyday folks like you and me, about life, relationships, parenting, and of course organizing. Grab a front row seat into my organized, but no-so-perfect life as a mom, wife, author, and founder of Simply B Organized.Liked this episode?Don’t forget to Follow and Leave a Review!

Hi Friends,I hope you’re downshifting into summer mode (I know I am!) and if you’re kiddos are still in school, I’m sure the finish line is within sight!One of the things that I frequently talk about is consistently going through school papers, but as with most good intentioned plans, LIFE HAPPENS.Often, the path of least resistance is to procrastinate on sorting through paperwork until you have “more time” (ha! ha!)Today’s Tip (should you choose to accept it) is to carve out time to sit and go through the backpacks and bins of school stuff that has accumulated the past 9 months.If you child/children are in elementary school or above, you can get them involved in the process, which is teaching them healthy decision making skills.If you’re a parent of college aged kids who have come home for the summer with all their stuff-make sure to have them go through each and every bin, bag and suitcase (you know there is dirty laundry in there-along with lord knows what else!)Taking the time on the front end will set you up for success down the road when it’s back to school time.  But for now, let’s focus on warm weather, sunshine and slowing down for the next few months.Happy Organizing,LaurieP.S.  If you’re interested in working with us or downloading any of our free organizing resources visit simplyborganized.com

Hi Friends,We’re kicking off our Ask An Expert monthly series with a question from our TOL community!Joining me is Dani Cooper, a mom of 3, from Kansas City, who is also an Enneagram Coach and Enneagram 1 (also known as the Perfectionist).  Dani’s question is something that I hear often: “How do I stop telling myself that I’m messy and that my house isn’t as organized as it could be?”Some key take-aways from our conversation include: The importance of writing down specific goals and benchmarks to refer back to (Enneagram 1’s like their lists!)Being intentional with using all 3 intelligence centers: specifically thinking and feeling, (since Enneagram 1’s can get wrapped up in their doing center).Reframing a win from completing an entire macro project, to defining success in organizing a smaller micro areaThis is a great conversation about understanding the importance of defining organizing strategies that align with your natural personality tendencies.If you’d like to learn more about understanding how your personality impacts your relationship with clutter and organization visit:https://simplyborganized.com/enneagram-clutter/Xoxo-LaurieP.S.  If you have a question about organizing your space, time, or life, join us on our show and let's tackle it together! Click on the link below to join our Ask An Expert Series: https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpert

Happy June!As we gradually move into summer mode, different parts of our schedules and routines are bound to shift.I know that when my kids were younger transitioning from full-day school with a solid routine, to a more relaxed but busy schedule of camps, day trips, and family vacations  required another level of logistical planning.For today’s tip of the week episode I am encouraging you to sit down for 15 minutes and look at how your schedule is going to change over the next few months.Some of the areas we talked about are:Coordinating home maintenance while you’re away The impact on your morning and evening schedules Communicating expectations with your partner, spouse and kidsSummer is a time that’s meant to be more relaxed and have fun. Being proactive in planning what’s ahead is an important step in reducing stress and anxiety in your daily life.XOXO-LaurieP.S. If you have an organizing question, we’d love for you to be part of our show!  Check out our new Ask An Expert Series! https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpert

Hi Friends, I talk a lot about the benefits of creating and maintaining simple organizing systems in both your home and routines, but what I don’t always shine a light on is what that looks like when you have someone in your home with physical disabilities.Not only does that often come with added “stuff” like wheelchairs and medical supplies, but it also has an impact on your time.  From spending hours on the phone with insurance companies, to countless therapy sessions, there’s a layer of complexity to what it means to live an organized life.Joining me today is Kelley Coleman, author of the book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports  which has quickly become the go-to survival guide for parents and caregivers raising a child with disabilities.Kelley’s passion, research and advocacy stems from her personal experience raising 2 boys, one with multiple disabilities.  During our conversation we talked about:Why caregivers need a roadmap to help navigate the complexities of everyday lifeThe difference between wearing her “mom hat” and her “caregiver hat”The importance of teaching self-advocacy even when faced with physical limitationsIt comes as no surprise that Kelley is a fellow Enneagram 8-leading the charge to provide resources for parents and caregivers to be informed and organized as they navigate this  journey.XOXO-LaurieP.S.  Do you have 15 minutes to chat? I’d love for you to join me in our Ask An Expert Series!  Click on the link to learn more: https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpertLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with Kelley: www.kelleycoleman.com@hellokelleycolemanBook Recommendation: Demystifying DisabilityReady for a Color Analysis? Get 10% off Your Color Guru with code ORGANIZEDLIFE here: https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/

Happy Memorial Day Friends!As we officially kick off summer, I thought it would be fun to share one of my favorite organizing/entertaining tips-creating a signature drink.  This is fun for adults and kids (yes, you can have a non-alcoholic option!) My personal signature drink for Summer 2024 is Watermelon Cucumber MargaritasIngredients:Fresh watermelonCucumber Fresh limeIceTequila Salt (optional)Directions: Add the following to blenderHandful of ice2 cups of chopped watermelon½ peeled and chopped seedless cucumber1 fresh squeezed lime1 cup of tequila Blend all ingredients together and salt rim of glass if desired.  Pour drink and garnish with a slice of lime.Enjoy!LaurieP.S. If you have an organizing question, we’d love for you to be part of our show!  Check out our new Ask An Expert Series! https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpertGet 10% off Your Color Guru Consultation use code ORGANIZEDLIFE at https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/

Hi Friends,Spring weather in PA is finally here! And with that, comes a whole other category of organizing-outdoor stuff!  Today we’re talking about:How to keep your gardening tools and supplies organized and easily accessible. Using labels to group supplies and make it easy to store and find what you needContaining Chemicals like ant and wasp spray, weed killers, so they are accessible, but out of reach from the kiddosBlocking time to clean up and work on the outdoor parts of your home that bring you joy (in my case, this is my garden and outdoor porch)Scheduling and delegating the task you don’t want to (or have time) to do.Organizing the outside of your home is equally as important as the inside-don’t be afraid to ask for help!Xoxo-LaurieIf you have specific questions or need additional help, visit us at https://simplyborganized.com/Get 10% off Your Color Guru Consultation use code ORGANIZEDLIFE at https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/

Hey Friends,Today’s tip came to me after Logan was rummaging through the medicine cabinet looking for allergy meds (geez, the pollen is bad this year!)May is a great time to go through your supplies to refresh and replenish things like:Allergy medsBug sprayAntihistaminesIbuprofenSunscreenFirst Aid SuppliesIt’s always better to be proactive and have your staple supplies on hand rather than needing something and having to run out.Happy Organizing!LaurieP.S. If you have an organizing question, we’d love for you to be part of our show!  Check out our new Ask An Expert Series! https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpert

Hey Friends,Today we’re talking about 5 Tips for an Organized Party.  Monday’s tip of the week was all about my favorite party planning tool- Pinterest!  If you haven’t already listened, here’s a link to the episode. https://simplyborganized.com/2024/05/13/tip-of-the-week-organize-your-party-planning-with-this-simple-tool/Whether you’re having a backyard bbq, or a full on bash-the strategy surrounding planning an event remains the same.  In this episode I unpack 5 areas that are key to streamlining the party planning process: BUDGET- Determining your overall budget is essential to making sure that you don’t overextend yourself financially.  Once you have your overall budget, you can then allocate funds to the different areas: food, decorations, etc.THEME-Clarifying what type of party you’re having “casual, sit down, adults-only, family friendly” are all important pieces of the party puzzle. Once you nail this down, it removes a lot of the overwhelm and decision fatigue.ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES-Establish who is only your team and what their job is. Are you outsourcing food or is someone in charge of the grill?  Who is doing the centerpieces? Do we need to order party favors? These are just a few questions that you’ll want to ask.TIMELINE-Every organized event, large or small, has a timeline that you’re working from. When do things need to be ordered? When do invitations need to go out? How long do we need to set up? You may not have all the answers off the bat, but it’s important to ask the questions early on so you are prepared.COMMUNICATE-One of the most important aspects to an organized event is clear communication with everyone involved. From vendors, to your team, and of course your guests!  Happy Organizing!LaurieP.S.  For more organizing tips, free checklists, or personalized support visit https://simplyborganized.com/

Hey there, party planners! Whether you're prepping for a cozy gathering or a grand celebration, one thing's for sure: organizing a party can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. But fear not, because I've got a secret weapon up my sleeve to share with you today: Pinterest!If you haven't jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon yet, now's the perfect time. This visual discovery platform isn't just for finding mouth-watering recipes and DIY crafts (although it's great for those too). It's my favorite tool for streamlining the party planning process. INSPIRATION. Pinterest is a treasure trove of creative ideas for themes, decorations, and more. Just type your ideas into the search bar like “beach themed graduation” or “Barbie Birthday Party for a 6 year old” and let pinterest do the heavy lifting.BOARDS. Create a dedicated board for your event and start pinning away! From decor ideas and color schemes to menu plans and party favors, you can keep all your inspiration and plans neatly organized in one place.INFORMATION.  Pinterest isn't just about pretty pictures—it's also a goldmine of practical tips and tricks. Need help figuring out how much food to order? There's a pin for that. Looking for easy DIY decor hacks? Pinterest has you covered. COLLABORATION. Planning a party with friends or family? Pinterest makes it easy to share your ideas and collaborate in real-time. Simply invite your fellow party planners to join your board, and you can brainstorm ideas, make suggestions, and keep everyone on the same page.ORGANIZED. Say goodbye to toggling between texts, emails and the internet.With Pinterest, everything you need is right there at your fingertips, saving you time and sanity in the process. So whether you're throwing a birthday bash, a bridal shower, or a backyard BBQ, let Pinterest be your go-to party planning sidekick. With its endless inspiration, practical tips, and effortless organization.While you’re there, check out our page which is filled with all sorts of organizing inspiration. https://www.pinterest.com/simplyborganizedHappy Organizing!LaurieP.S. If you have an organizing question, we’d love for you to be part of our show!  Check out our new Ask An Expert Series! https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpert

Hi Friends,If you’ve ever planned a vacation you know how much work goes into making it memorable. From picking the destination, to figuring out where to stay, where to eat, what sights to see and excursions to do-the options can easily become overwhelming.Joining me today is Angela Gillmeister-a custom vacation designer and the founder of Wild Hair Travels,  and host of the podcast, Happy Women Travel More where she brings a breath of fresh air to vacation planning by offering high-touch and highly personalized services designed especially for busy professional women.As we embark on spring/summer here in the US, people are busy trying to plan travel-from day trips to long adventures and Angela is here to help share some of her best tips on how to avoid decision fatigue throughout what should be a fun process.During our conversation we talked about:Connecting your vacation to a purpose-do you want to relax, reenergize, seek adventureEstablishing your Budget-how and where do we want to spend our moneyAngela’s favorite travel tips that you can use today!Whether you’re planning your next big adventure, or daydreaming about relaxing on a secluded beach you’re going to want to listen to this episode.Make sure to check out our show notes for links to everything we discussed in today’s episode.XOXO-LaurieP.S. Got a burning organizing question? Join us on our show and let's tackle it together! Dive into our new Ask An Expert Series now:https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpertLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Happy Women Travel More Podcasthttps://wildhairtravels.comhttps://instagram.com/wildhairtravelshttps://facebook.com/groups/happywomentravelmoreAngela’s Book Recommendation:  Last Child in the Woods https://amzn.to/4a76Rim

I love going away, but packing…not so much.  I am always on the hunt for a way to simplify and streamline the process to make it less overwhelming.If I am being honest, making sure that my bag or suitcase has room to spare is always in the back of my mind since there’s a strong likelihood that I’m picking up some sort of souvenir or gift during my travels.Below are 3 of my favorite packing tips:My favorite packing tip is what I call NESTING. Essentially you’re taking a bunch of smaller items and “nesting” them inside a larger item.  Shoes, Boots, and Sweatshirts are great to hold anything from undergarments to toiletries. You will be amazed at how many socks you can fit inside a boot shaft!If you’re doing any sort of air travel, I recommend keeping any MUST HAVE items with you at all times. This includes medicines and any other items that would truly impact you if they were lost.  If you’re a chronic overpacker, try the 3 to 1 model.  For every 1 bottom, pick three tops that go with it. This allows you to mix and match without having to pack 3 separate outfits.If you have an organizing question, we’d love for you to be part of our show!  Check out our new Ask An Expert Series! https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpertXoxo-LaurieP.S. Use Code MOTHER and receive 20% off a 1 hour strategy session! Valid through May 9th! https://simplyborganized.com/clutter-coaching

Hi Friends, First of all I’d like to personally invite you to be part of This ORGANIZED Life with our new segment ASK AN EXPERT! During our 20-minute interview you can get your questions answered about clutter, organizing, or the Enneagram! Hop on my calendar here. https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpertNow onto today’s episode, if you’re anything like me, this time of year is hectic to say the least. During this busy season I wanted to give you some practical and actionable tips to organize your calendar and effective time management strategies. Let's talk about priorities, open communication, and seeking support when needed. Life can throw curveballs, but it's all about adapting and staying flexible.Now, when it comes to meal planning during hectic times, I've got you covered with some top-notch tips. From convenient takeout options to quick grab-and-go meals, and yes, even breakfast-for-dinner ideas!Happy Organizing!LaurieP.S. If you’re struggling with clutter, hop on my calendar! For a limited time you can get 20% off a single strategy session with code MOTHER https://simplyborganized.com/clutter-coaching/

Hey Friends,As we wrap up April, I wanted to talk about decluttering cosmetics. This includes make-up, hair care, and skincare.During this quick tip episode I’m sharing:When to get rid of old cosmeticsHow often to assess your inventoryThe “right” amount of products for each categoryIf your guilty pleasure is make-up, face products, hand and body lotions, shampoos, conditions, styling products, etc. this episode will help you decide what to keep and what to toss.  Bonus: if you’re a parent of a tween/teen it’s a great episode for them too!XOXO-Laurie***NEW SEGMENT!***  Ask An Expert Do you have a question about organizing, decluttering, or any of the other topics we discuss on This ORGANIZED Life-now you can ask me directly! Click on the link below to ask your question and schedule a time to be on our show https://simplyborganized.as.me/askanexpert

Hi Friends,Digital Clutter, or as I like to call it, “invisible clutter” is one of the leading culprits of time management and  productivity struggles.Today we’re looking at 4 pain points caused by digital clutter and how to combat each:1. Distraction2. Overwhelm3. Decreased Efficiency4. Increased Stress Try Clean Email for FREE using our promo code: https://cleanemail.com/organized  (feel free to share this code with your friends!)There’s no denying that digital communication can be both a blessing and a burden, but if we continue to practice strategies and use tools to keep organized you’ll be able to focus on what’s most important.XO-LaurieP.S. Curious about our clutter coaching services? Click here: https://simplyborganized.com/clutter-coaching/ to learn more and see if it's the right fit for you.

Hey Friends,Today’s challenge if you choose to accept it, is to go through old sheets and towels. During this quick tip episode I’m sharingMy rule of thumb of how to determine the number of sheets and towels per personWhere to store seasonal linensWhat to do with the items you no longer want Spring is a great time to hit the linen closet and I hope this episode gives you the boost you need to get motivated!Xoxo-LaurieP.S. Looking for some personal clutter coaching? Let’s chat! https://simplyborganized.com/clutter-clinic