If you have school-age children then you know that September brings about a tumultuous schedule shift that is never the same from year to year. These changes can bring about a lot of chaos if you are not prepared. If you identify with any of the questions below, then NOW is the perfect time to gather everyone together and have your very first family meeting.

Recently I read that the moment right before you buy something is when you are happiest with your purchase. I’m not sure if that theory can be proven to be true, but I find it to be a fascinating idea. I suppose it is why so many people find enjoyment with the act of shopping.

We just added a dog to our family and the house is a bit out of control. My countertops are full of dog things that need to find a home. We’ve been shifting around furniture and shoes until we can trust him in the house. All of our schedules have changed because we are now adding in walks, play time and training. Right now I am what you would call “situationally disorganized.” 

Your vacation is a short time away, so you open the suitcases and start adding the things you think you might need. Does this sound familiar to you?

What if I said there was a much better way. And that way starts with a list. Stay with me here, don’t let that list word scare you away. Let me explain why making a list is so much easier than opening the suitcase and throwing things in.

A list allows you to plan out exactly what you need. You can start it well in advance of your vacation so you have time to really think about what you will use on the trip. By planning earlier you have more time to remember things that you might otherwise have forgotten. 

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Most of us are familiar with the three Rs that help minimize waste. But we can do so much more to help us protect the environment and get the added benefit of having a more organized home. In honor of Earth month, I’ve expanded the list to 10 Rs that can make a big difference in the spaces that we live in and benefit our precious planet.

Have you ever found yourself wondering why the stuff in the forgotten corners of the house still seem to nag at you? The attic, basement, garage, and storage units where you stashed away items to clear our living spaces. It's curious, isn't it? We thought out of sight would mean out of mind, but somehow, the clutter lingers in our thoughts.

When embarking on the journey of decluttering, it's crucial to treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Negative self-talk can often become a familiar soundtrack playing on repeat in our minds. But, I need you to stop that type of talk. Criticism is ineffective. It has never helped anyone get anything done in a productive and positive way.

Decluttering is not just a physical transformation; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth. It's about shedding the weight of the past to make room for the possibilities of the future. As you embark on the path of decluttering, remember that it's okay to let go – not just of possessions, but of the emotions and attachments that bind you to them.

Hello, festive friends! I hope your holiday season was filled with joy, laughter, and fun. Now that the wrapping paper has settled, the last cookie crumbs have been swept away, and the echoes of holiday tunes are fading, it's time to tackle the post-holiday cleanup. Whether you relish in the process or find it a bit daunting, we’ve got a friendly guide to help you navigate through the aftermath of the festivities.

Do you have a section in your home dedicated to forgotten gifts – a graveyard of good intentions? You are not alone. It's a common scenario in almost every home I work in. However, when I see the gift section, the things in it have already gathered dust or out of style or out of date and I take them to their new home — the donation center. If you have a section like this in your home then I know you have imagined a scenario where you're caught off guard with a surprise gift and desperately need to reciprocate immediately.