OCU 17: Changing the habitat

Traveling is a blast—until packing turns into chaos and your suitcase looks like a mini tornado hit it. In this episode, I’m diving into my Reduce, Arrange, Maintain method to help you travel lighter, stay organized, and actually enjoy your trip! From genius packing hacks and playlist ideas to kid-friendly travel tips and post-vacation routines, you’ll learn how to keep every adventure smooth, stress-free, and totally fun. ✈️ Let’s get organized and hit the road!

In this episode, we tackle the never-ending task of laundry and how to make it more manageable. Laundry can feel like a constant cycle, but with the right systems, it doesn't have to overwhelm you. The key to making it easier is to reduce the amount of clothing you have, arrange your laundry space efficiently, and maintain simple habits that keep it from piling up.I share practical tips like using mesh bags for kids' socks, buying lots of matching socks to skip the pairing game, and organizing laundry into baskets for towels, whites, and darks. We also discuss how to handle folding or hanging clothes, with some clients opting for baskets instead of dressers!The mindset shift is just as important: instead of striving for perfection, embrace the fact that laundry will never truly be “done,” and let go of the stress. It’s about finding what works for you and your family so you can keep up with the laundry without feeling buried under it.

In this episode, we dive into the do’s and don'ts of spring cleaning. While it’s tempting to tackle organization during your deep clean, I’m here to tell you—don’t! Focus on cleaning first, and save organizing for later. If you come across stray items while cleaning, toss them in a "lost and found" bin and keep going. The goal is to clean up forgotten spaces like mattresses, windows, and appliances without getting sidetracked.We also talk about creating a plan that works for you, whether you tackle it all at once or break it down over several days. A checklist, a timer, and a clear schedule can help you stay on track and avoid overwhelm. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection—so embrace the small wins, and you'll see results.You can find my Spring cleaning list at organizingcu.com.

In this episode, we tackle the problem of permanent clutter—those items that start as temporary but end up lingering because we forget about them. We also revisit my organizing philosophy—reduce, arrange, maintain—focusing on how to clear out unnecessary items, assign homes for everything, and maintain order with simple daily routines. Whether it's donating items right away or scheduling time to reset your space, this episode will help you prevent clutter from taking over.

In this episode, we tackle one of the trickiest areas of the home to organize—the kitchen. As the central hub of most homes, it’s not only a space for cooking but often becomes the "drop zone" for everything from mail to bags to toys. With so many flat surfaces that attract clutter, keeping things organized requires intentional habits and a clear system for storage. We'll explore the steps for reducing, arranging, and maintaining a clutter-free kitchen, ensuring everything has a designated space.Whether you’re organizing in one big session or taking it step by step, this episode breaks down the process. From categorizing your kitchen items to applying the "20 dollars in 20 minutes" rule for things you don’t need, we'll help you streamline your kitchen's contents. Plus, we’ll dive into how to prioritize frequently used items while storing seasonal or seldom-used ones out of sight. By the end, you’ll have a kitchen that not only looks neat but functions efficiently for your daily needs.

In this episode, we dive into the emotional and practical sides of downsizing—whether it’s for a new chapter in life or just a change in space. Downsizing isn’t about losing—it’s about right-sizing, focusing on the essentials that truly make you feel at home. The key is shifting your mindset to what do I love instead of what do I get rid of, and taking it one step at a time. We’ll explore strategies to reduce clutter without overwhelm, how to involve your family in the process, and tips to make tough decisions, especially around sentimental items.If you're feeling stuck in the emotional weight of it all, don’t worry—there are simple, practical ways to lighten the load. From using a "turn and pack" method for the kitchen and closet to asking yourself powerful questions about your belongings, we’re breaking it down into manageable chunks. By focusing only on the items you truly love, you’ll not only simplify your space but also create a home that fits your new life perfectly.

Moving is overwhelming—packing every single thing feels like climbing a mountain. But instead of trying to conquer it all in one frantic weekend, think of it like reading a long book: tackle it in small chunks. Spend just 20 minutes or focus on one drawer at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be done without the stress meltdown.Use the trusty Reduce, Arrange, Maintain method: pare down what you really need, pack thoughtfully so unpacking makes sense, and keep everything organized throughout the process. Start early if you can—out-of-season clothes and toys your kids have outgrown are perfect first steps. And don’t forget to pack those “open me first” boxes with essentials like snacks, toiletries, and scissors—because you’ll definitely want easy access on day one at the new place!Pro tip: label everything clearly and put boxes in their new rooms right away. Future you will thank present you for the sanity-saving system!

Ready for some easy-peasy home hacks? First up: toss those random missing puzzle pieces or Barbie shoes into a “lost and found” bin instead of hunting down their forever homes mid-clean. Next, grab a laundry basket while tidying and collect stray items from other rooms—then put everything away after you finish that room. Boom, instant less-chaos magic!The secret sauce? Keep your cleaning habits real and doable—schedule daily and weekly chores that actually fit your life. And hey, if tackling the big stuff feels like climbing Everest, don’t sweat it—call in help! Staying organized is all about working with your habits, not against them. Easy wins, happy home!

Instead of trying to force yourself to change habits that keep your home disorganized, try changing the habitat—the places where you store things. For example, if you never hang your coat in the closet because it’s inconvenient, add a coat rack where it’s easier to toss it. Or if shoes always end up in the living room, move the shoe rack there instead of the back door.This idea fits with my organizing philosophy: after reducing clutter, arrange items where they naturally belong based on your habits. This makes maintaining organization easier because you’re working with how you actually live. Small changes like adding a basket for clothes on the bedroom floor can also help when you share your space with others. The key is to make simple, sustainable tweaks that suit your life—not drastic changes.

I’ve seen those baby gear checklists—and wow, they can be overwhelming! With lists ranging from 50 to over 100 items (counting groups of things like pajamas as just one), organizing all that baby stuff can feel impossible, especially since you won’t use everything right away.To make it manageable, I recommend setting up three main nursery stations: feeding, changing, and sleeping. Each station should be personalized to what works best for you and your baby, keeping all essentials within easy reach. For example, your feeding station might be in your bedroom or kitchen, while changing stations can be set up in multiple spots around the house for convenience.When organizing, maximize your vertical space—shelves, hanging organizers, and storage bins at eye level make it easier for you since your baby can’t reach yet. Also, think long term by choosing versatile items that grow with your child, like dressers that transition from changing tables to toy storage.With a little planning and flexible setups, you can keep your nursery organized and practical, even as your baby—and their needs—grow!