How to Declutter – Organized Jill

Curating a Sustainable Wardrobe

Posted on February 13, 2025 by jillmoore

Do you stare into your closet full of clothes and feel like you have nothing to wear? You have so many items to choose from, maybe things are a little cluttered, that you struggle to decide on your outfit each day. Here comes the stress and overwhelm, right? You know we are all about decluttering and organizing, but it’s important to understand the concept of a sustainable wardrobe. You are working toward having a wardrobe that has clothing items that are made with care and last a long time. A well-organized closet isn’t just about looking pretty, although that doesn’t hurt. It’s also about making intentional shopping choices and streamlining your items in a way that keeps your closet working for you with less stuff. Let’s explore the steps to take your closet from chaotic to functional, sustainably.

Start Where You Are

We won’t be tossing everything and starting over, but knowing what you have is a key piece of this process. Pull back on shopping and making new purchases while you take the time to inventory your current wardrobe. Take everything out of your closet and place them in categories. Think t-shirts, blouses, shorts, slacks. As you sort through the categories, consider how often you wear each item. Does it fit? Do you feel good when you wear it? Is it in good condition? For anything you don’t like or wear, it’s time to let it go. Donate or sell as much as you can to reduce what goes to the landfill. You may be surprised how much space you actually have once you remove the items you don’t use.

curating a sustainable closet, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston-Salem, NC

Organize & Care

Having a closet that is decluttered and organized helps you see and know what you have. Use an organizing system that makes sense for you. Maybe you sort and hang by category or you love your items sorted by color. Finding and using a system that you like will help you maintain it. Plan to declutter seasonally. This is a great time to sort through and make sure you are only keeping what you wear before switching your wardrobe for the new season. Choose breathable storage options when putting away seasonal clothing items. Extend the life of your clothing with proper care. Use quality hangers, fold delicate items and avoid over washing. Line dry when possible to avoid extra wear and tear from the dryer. Bonus – you save on energy costs!

Shop Intentionally

A little retail therapy just feels good sometimes. When it’s time to add some new items to your wardrobe look for pieces that lean more toward versatile and less trendy. Choose items that are well-made and durable. They will last longer and you can easily mix and match for variety in your outfits. Consider secondhand shopping. Thrift stores and consignment shops are great ways to add to your wardrobe. Don’t forget the “One In, One Out” rule! For every new item you bring in, you let one go. This rule can benefit you throughout your home, not just your closet. Shopping can be fun, but doing so mindfully will help you keep your clutter under control and save you money!

Curating a sustainable wardrobe has so many positive benefits. You will remove the stress of choosing what to wear or even just putting the laundry away. Shopping mindfully will help you continue to enjoy your clutter free space and save you money and time. All while contributing to a more sustainable environment. Start with small, intentional changes toward a more organized and sustainable closet. When it comes to clothing, less really can be more. After all, we can only wear one outfit at a time, right?

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and
surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Organize Your Workspace For Success

Posted on January 23, 2025 by jillmoore

Whether your home office is where you work full-time, run your side hustle, or manage your household, getting and staying organized is the key to efficiently getting things done. When you are surrounded by stacks of paper, to-do lists everywhere, and other visual clutter, staying focused and on task is difficult to do. Learn more about the benefits of decluttering here. It’s easy for our workspaces to become a little chaotic when they are in the middle of our living spaces. The good news is that with a little organization and intentional efforts, you can transform your workspace into a creative and productive place. These simple, yet highly effective tips will help you get there.

Eliminate the Excess

It’s exciting to start organizing all the things, but FIRST we need to DECLUTTER. There are likely items in your space that don’t belong there or need to go overall. Divide everything into these decluttering categories – keep, donate, recycle or toss. For this space, it will be helpful to include a shred category as well. Tackle one area at a time to avoid overwhelm. Work in small sections like your desktop or a drawer. Slow and steady wins this race!

how to organize your home office, workspace organization tips, Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

Define Your Purpose

To create a productive space, you need a clear purpose. What activities does your space support? Is it a work only environment or does it serve a dual purpose? It’s ok if it’s a space for more than one activity. Identifying this will help you create an organizing plan that works. Any items you found that don’t belong in this space when you were decluttering can go. Remove anything unrelated to your purpose to minimize distractions.

Zone & Organize

Now that you have identified the purpose of your workspace, you can divide the space into functional areas and start organizing. Organizing your space by zones will help you streamline your tasks and eliminate time wasted searching for items. This disrupts your focus. Keep your essential items within easy reach. Use organizing products like desk drawer dividers and tray for your pens, sticky notes and other tools. Use labeled containers, bins and baskets to organize small items and paper. Using a clear container will allow you to easily see the contents, if needed. For items you need, but use less frequently, utilize cabinets or shelves.

Declutter Your Desktop

Your workspace definitely extends beyond the physical space. Clear the clutter on your screen too! Create folders to organize what you need and delete anything you don’t. Be intentional with naming your folders and create a system to help you easily find what you need. Clean up your inbox. Use labeled folders to sort anything you need to keep and delete the rest. Use apps or software tools to help you track your to-do list and manage your schedule. This not only helps you stay focused, but also helps to eliminate the physical paper clutter.

Establish Maintenance Habits

Organizing is never a one and done project. The magic is in the maintenance and consistency is the key to keeping your workspace functional. Set aside 5 minutes at the end of each day for a quick tidy up. This will feel so good as you start each new day. Schedule time each week to refresh your space, both the physical and digital. Add this to your task list as a nudge to help you get it done. This is also a good time to reorganize any areas that aren’t working well for you and need a little adjustment. Start each new week with a clear, clutter free space!

An organized workspace is so much more than appearances. It’s about creating a space that helps you thrive. You will feel the impact on your mental clarity, energy level, and ability to focus. Spending a little time clearing your space of unnecessary clutter and organizing to fit your needs will create an environment that inspires you. Your creativity and productivity will increase as your space works with you to support your goals.

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Simplify Organization With Eco-Friendly Living

Posted on January 9, 2025 by jillmoore

Sustainability and organization are two practices that go hand in hand. When you begin to incorporate eco-friendly habits into your life and routine, you will find that your physical spaces become clearer and more functional. It can feel challenging to adapt to a lifestyle of less- is- more and embrace an eco-friendly approach. The good news is small, intentional changes will create big results over time for you, your home, and the environment. It all begins with developing a mindful approach to your purchasing habits.

How To: Simplify & Organize

Mindful Decluttering

All good organizing projects begin with decluttering. Simply put, it’s easier to work with what you have when you have removed what you don’t need or want. The key is reducing the waste you produce when decluttering. Once you have your “let go of” items ready, donate or sell anything that is in good condition and potentially usable for someone else. You can recycle broken electronics, plastics, cardboard, and more at your local recycling center. Mindful decluttering is ensuring the items leave your home with a minimal impact on the environment.

eco-friendly home organization, professional home organizer, Organized Jill Winston-Salem NC

Quality Over Quantity

The less we buy, the less potential we have for producing waste. When considering a purchase, determine if it’s something you actually need and will use in your daily routine. If the answer is yes, make sure you are spending your hard earned money on items that are durable and high quality. Investing in durable products that will last reduces the need to buy replacements. This will both save you money and help you create a home filled with purposeful possessions. No more unnecessary clutter!

Sustainable Materials

When you are working to declutter and organize your space, you will need storage options for your items. Start with what you have. You can repurpose many items in your home into solutions to sort and organize your items. Shopping at your local thrift store can offer affordable and unique options as well. When purchasing new items, choose items that are made from natural materials like bamboo or wicker. Opt for recycled materials over plastic. These shopping habits will help you find solutions that have a positive impact on the environment and your home’s harmony.

Eco-friendly Systems

An organized home will allow you to create systems that support sustainable living. You can create dedicated areas in your home for recycling and composting stations. Set up clear, labeled bins to simplify the sorting process. Organize your reusable bags, containers and water bottles for easy access and to reduce the likelihood of choosing disposables. Meal planning is a great way to save money with grocery shopping and reduce waste. Check out our Guide to Reduce Food Waste for all the details.

Getting Started

Lifestyle changes don’t happen all at once. It’s about building habits that will last. Start with one area to focus on. It can be decluttering one room, setting up your recycling station, selecting earth-friendly products, or simply reducing your purchases of new items. Small sustainability steps will lead to creating an organized and functional home that works better for you and makes a meaningful impact on our environment.

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas? Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Letting Go of Unwanted Gifts

Posted on December 26, 2024 by jillmoore

Have you ever opened a gift with a big smile, all while thinking “What am I going to use this for?” Maybe it’s a lovely scarf that simply isn’t your color or a kitchen gadget you know you will never use. You appreciate the gift and the thoughtfulness from the person who gave it to you, but you also know keeping it will not bring you joy. So what to do with it? It’s absolutely ok to let go of these items. You can do so with a guilt-free mindset knowing it will benefit you and your space.

How to: Declutter Unwanted Gifts

Focus On The Intent

When someone you care for gives you a gift, their intention is likely to make you happy and show appreciation for the relationship you share with them. Often we feel a sense of obligation to keep anything that was received as a gift. We don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or seem unappreciative. It’s important to know that the value of the gift is in the thought behind it, not the actual physical item. Shift your focus to the care and thoughtfulness of the person as you let the item go. This doesn’t diminish your gratitude for the gift.

letting go of wanted gifts, decluttering without guilt, Organized Jill Winston Salem NC

Consider The Clutter

If you have unwanted gifts in your home that you don’t use, they are likely tucked away in a closet or spare room. This creates or adds to clutter in your home. Over time, as this clutter builds, it will become harder to maintain an organized home. A cluttered home can greatly impact you mentally and emotionally. Learn more about that here.

When deciding whether to keep a gift, ask yourself:

Does it serve a purpose in my life?
Do I love it?
Would I have chosen it for myself?

If the answer to these questions is “no,” it’s okay to let it go.

New Purpose

While this item may not be perfect for you, it could be the best thing for someone else. A great way to offset the guilt of letting go of a gift is to give it a new life and purpose. Donating new or gently used items to a local charity can feel good knowing you are positively contributing to your community. Do you know someone who would love the item? Regift the item to someone who can both appreciate and use it. You can also consider selling the item. You can use the money you make to invest in something you love or your latest home organization project!

Letting go of unwanted gifts is about more than tidying up. It’s really a form of self-care as you work to keep control of your space. Decluttering and organizing allows you to create a space that is functional and helps you embrace an intentional mindset and life that feels lighter and more like you!

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Decluttering Sentimental Items Without Guilt

Posted on November 13, 2024 by jillmoore

Items in our homes that hold sentimental value, reminding us of a time or place or person that may be gone, can be very hard to part with. It’s fully understandable. We all struggle with parting with the cherished memories these items hold. Keeping a few items that we love and have a special connection with is great. The problem occurs when our sentimental items are piling up and causing clutter. We have talked about the mental impact that clutter can have. Couple that with the guilt and frustration you may feel in being surrounded by all the sentimental items, and you may be truly unsure of how to tackle that decluttering project. We are sharing our best strategies to help you navigate letting go while still honoring and feeling that attachment to these items.

Understanding Sentimental Clutter

Before diving into the decluttering process for your sentimental items and keepsakes, it’s important to consider why you are holding on to the items in the first place. They likely evoke a range of strong emotions and feelings for you. Assess the true value of each item. Ask yourself if the item serves a purpose or brings you joy. It’s normal to feel guilt when you are deciding to let things go. Keep in mind that you are not erasing the good moment or memory attached to the item. Decluttering is a necessary process. You are clearing out and creating an open and organized space for new experiences and memories.

professional organizer tips to help declutter sentimental items, Organized Jill Winston Salem, NC

5 Ways to Let Go

Consider the memory attached to the item over the actual item. Take a moment to think about the memory the object connects you to or reminds you of. If the item reminds you of a person, write down the memory or story. This will help you find value in the memory itself over the object.

Set limits on how many sentimental items you are willing to keep. Find a place for them in your home and designate this the keepsake corner. Setting boundaries will allow you to be more selective in what you choose to keep. It’s a great way to keep only what truly means something to you.

Go digital and take photos of your special items. If the thought of not seeing the item anymore is too much, taking a picture can work well for you. You can create a special album for sentimental keepsakes. These photos will be safely stored away for you to revisit whenever you need or want to.

Upcycle to breathe new life into your items. If you have clothing or blankets filled with memories, create a blanket or pillow. You get to keep the item and the memory, all while creating something you can use. So instead of being tucked away, they can be on display.

Share the item with someone who can use or treasure it. You may find it easier to let go of an item if you know the person it’s going to will appreciate it as you do. You may have family members with limited items from the family who would love to have something to cherish from the past.

One of the most important things to remember as you work to declutter sentimental items is to grant yourself time and grace. It’s a difficult process and it’s okay to take your time to work through all the memories attached to the items, especially those from significant life events and losses. If you aren’t ready to part with certain things, be gentle with yourself. Tuck it away to revisit another time. You don’t have to declutter all at once. Every small step will make a big difference for your physical space along with your mental and emotional clarity.

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Prepping Your Home for Holiday Guests

Posted on October 10, 2024October 29, 2024 by jillmoore

Ho ho ho – here comes the holidays and the holiday guests! The holidays certainly snuck up on me, too… Family time is great with all the catching up, laughs and love. If you are the holiday host, you may be starting to feel a bit of overwhelm along with your excitement. It’s ok! We are here to help you prep your home like a pro. All you need is a little time and planning to get your home holiday ready to welcome your guests with a real smile, not the stressed out, fake smile…

professional organizer tips to prep your home for holiday guests, Organized Jill Winston-Salem, NC

6 Ways to Get Your Home Guest Ready

1. Declutter High Traffic Areas

Place your focus on the areas in your home that your guests will see and use the most. Think living room, kitchen and guest rooms. Clear out any unnecessary items to make the spaces open and inviting. You can place personal items in bins or baskets and tuck them away until the holidays are over. Your guests are bound to bring their things right? Let’s give them some room to really feel comfortable during their stay.

2. Create a Cozy Guest Area

This may be a separate room or maybe the couch. You may not have a designated guest room, and that’s ok! Make sure they have clean, fresh linens to sleep on. Clear out some closet and drawer space if possible for them to tuck their things in. If you don’t really have the extra space, set up a luggage stand or provide a clear area for suitcases. Keeping your guests’ items organized and out of the way helps you and them!.

3. Optimize Your Kitchen

The kitchen is a hot spot during the holidays and adding more people into the home gets it even hotter. You will need more free space. Start by clearing off your countertops, tucking away anything that isn’t needed or used often, like small appliances. Declutter and organize your fridge and pantry. Take inventory of what you have and might need…. make sure you don’t already have 5 open jars of pumpkin pie spices. These areas are about to be home to a ton of holiday ingredients and food. Yes, the leftovers are about to take over. Make room now to avoid clutter and disorganization when your house is full.

4. Refresh the Bathroom

The bathroom will also be a highly used area while you are hosting your guests. Make sure it’s clean and well stocked with essentials like toilet paper, hand soap and towels. Don’t overthink it. You don’t have to have color coordinated towel sets. Fresh and functional is the goal here. Fill a basket with toiletry essentials in case your guests forget their razor or toothpaste.

5. Ready the Entryway

As your guests enter your home, your entryway can quickly become a cluttered drop zone. Stay in front of this by prepping the area ahead of time. Remove any unnecessary personal belongings, like your four pairs of shoes that hang out there. This will help open the space for your guests coats, shoes and bag. Think about the potential for wet weather and have a mat or special area for wet shoes or umbrellas.

6. Holiday Vibes

If you go all out decorating for the holidays and this makes you happy, go for it! If it’s really not your thing that’s ok too. A simple door wreath, a bowl of ornaments and a few holiday pillows can give your home that cozy holiday feel. Even just a scented plug in can make the day shine and feel like the holidays. You can add some lights and holiday tunes to really set the mood. Sometimes less can really be more and it’s less to clean up later.

Hosting for the holidays can be stressful. Remember that the holidays are about spending time with your favorite people and soaking up all the love and laughter. It’s really not about having a perfectly organized and spotless house. Your guests are there to see you, not judge your home. Prep as much as you can, take a deep breath and enjoy your company and holidays!

If you need a hand prepping your home for holiday guests, we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Gift or Burden? Organizer’s Guide to Gifting

Posted on September 12, 2024October 29, 2024 by jillmoore

Giving gifts is a thoughtful way to express how much you appreciate and care for someone. It’s a fun way to celebrate special occasions and big moments in life. You expect the recipient to be full of joy to receive your gift, right? There are times when what we intend to be a thoughtful gesture can actually be a burden. Have you ever received a gift that really isn’t something you want or need? Of course you are appreciative of the thoughtfulness, but it’s not really something you would have purchased for yourself. In my role as a professional organizer, I often see well-intentioned gifts turn into clutter. This creates stress and a mess for the recipient. They don’t really want it, but feel guilty about letting it go. With the holiday gift giving season approaching, let’s talk about gift options that are clutter free, but still meaningful and fun!

professional organizers guide to gift giving to avoid clutter, Organized Jill Winston Salem, NC

5 Pre-Gifting Considerations

What do they like– Think about the person’s tastes, interests and needs. Giving a little thought to your purchase helps you give something they will actually like and shows you put some effort into your choice.
Is it useful– Most people will really appreciate a practical gift they can use in their home. Try to think of something that will make their day to day a little easier or more enjoyable.
Is it too personal– Unless you are super close to the person, it’s best to avoid Items like clothing and personal care products. The chances of you getting their preferred scent or size right can be slim.
No obligations– Make sure the person knows you are totally fine with them exchanging or even re-gifting the gift if it’s not their favorite thing. No hard feelings. Bonus points if you include the gift receipt!
What do you want– It’s ok, likely even best practice, to ask the receiver what they want. It’s a great method to make sure they will like what they get. Make sure they give you a few choices to keep the element of surprise.

4 Physical Gift Alternatives

Now let’s talk about physical gift alternatives. Yes, there are many options to show someone you care without buying them something that may end up in their donation or trash pile. Here are a few of my favorite gifts that don’t create clutter or become a burden.

Experiences over Things

So many options with this one! Think escape room, concert tickets, a cooking class, spa day, dinner out, winery tour, or a weekend getaway to name just a few. Not only do they get a gift, but they get the opportunity to make memories with someone they care about. That’s like a super gift right?

Consumable Gifts

Gifts that can be used up while the receiver gets to enjoy it, then it’s gone. Think food baskets or trays, an assortment of sweet treats, their favorite drink, or homemade goodies. This is an excellent way to show you care without adding clutter to their home.

The Gift of Time

Planning a “gift” of spending time together can truly mean so much. You could also offer your time as a gift to help with a project, babysitting, or running errands. If your loved one is super busy, this will mean so much and show how much you care for them.

Gift Cards

Gift cards aren’t impersonal, they are freedom! They offer the recipient the opportunity to choose something they truly want or need. They can find the perfect gift that fits into their life. And they are super easy to pick out. Win, win!

With a little thought and care, you can make sure your presents are always happily received and cherished. By getting creative and putting a little thought into what your recipient really likes or needs, your gift is likely to enhance their life without adding unnecessary clutter. After all, a gift should never feel like a burden!

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing unwanted gifts (and more), we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

The Effects of Clutter on Children

Posted on August 22, 2024October 29, 2024 by jillmoore

We all want the best for our kids. We strive to give them the love, support and tools they need to be their best self. To this end, we may unknowingly be doing them a disservice by creating an environment with too much stuff. Clutter, which may seem like it wouldn’t really impact a child, can actually have profound negative effects on their behavior, emotions and cognitive development. Let’s explore the impact of clutter on children and ways we can help them create an organized environment.

5 Ways Clutter Impacts Children

effects of clutter on children, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

1. Cognitive Overload

When a child is surrounded by too much visual and physical clutter, it can make it difficult for them to focus and concentrate. If they are trying to get their homework done in a room with toys and books scattered everywhere, they will likely be distracted and struggle to stay on task.

2. Increased Stress and Anxiety

The constant visual noise created by clutter can overwhelm a child, making them feel out of control. This can cause feelings of stress and anxiety, emotions they likely don’t know how to handle or deal with well. These feelings can make it difficult for them to relax or focus.

3. Decreased Creativity

A child’s mind is a wonderful playground of imagination. While getting creative can lead to a little mess, excessive clutter can actually stifle their creativity. If a child is playing in a cluttered space, they may struggle to create new, imaginative ideas.

4. Poor Social Skills

If your child feels embarrassed by the clutter and disorganization in their home, they will be less likely to want to invite friends over. They may struggle with finding excuses or ways to explain this to their close friends. This can affect their social development and may lead them to feel isolated from their peers.

5. Behavioral Issues

Living in a cluttered environment can contribute to behavioral problems. A child who is experiencing heavy emotions like irritability or frustration may not know how to handle those feelings. This lack of structure and order may cause them to misbehave and act out.

Strategies to Develop Organization Skills

1. Lead by Example

Children can learn so much from watching you. Show them how you organize your things, whether it’s decluttering a drawer, planning a grocery list or putting away laundry. Involve them in your processes and encourage them to contribute their thoughts and ideas.

2. Organize Their Space

Help children declutter their rooms. Help them understand the concept of clutter and the benefits of having less stuff in their room. Let them decide what to keep, donate and discard. Help them organize and label their bins, shelves and drawers to help them know where things belong.

3. Consistent Schedule

Establish a daily routine that includes regular times for homework, chores, and bedtime. Be sure to add their “free” time to the schedule. This will help them understand the expectations and be better able to get all the things done in a timely manner.

4. Get Visual

Work with your kids to create checklists and charts for daily tasks. Use pictures or stickers for younger children to make it fun and easy to follow. Have your older children add their activities and important reminders to the calendar themselves. This will help them learn how to plan ahead and be accountable.

5. Bring Your Patience

Learning the art of being organized takes time. Your child may need gentle reminders and positive reinforcements to help them develop these habits. Consistency is the key to your success!

Children thrive on routine and predictability. Working with your child to declutter and organize their spaces (and other areas in the home) will teach them so many good life skills. By teaching these skills in a supportive and engaging way, you will help them learn to embrace an organized lifestyle.

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Finding Joy in Living with Less

Posted on August 9, 2024October 29, 2024 by jillmoore

Have you seen the underconsumption core “trend” all over your social media feed? Although underconsumption is certainly not a new idea, it is gaining traction and awareness thanks to social media. As a professional home organizer, this trend speaks to my minimalist heart (and is super soothing to watch the videos)! It falls right in line with all the things I teach my clients about ~ less stuff for a happier mind and home. Let’s explore this trend and find ways you can implement positive underconsumption changes in your home.

What Is Underconsumption Core?

Essentially the concept of underconsumption core is using what you already have until it is truly worn out, and resisting the “need” or desire to buy more stuff. Thrifting is also a key element of this movement; finding treasures to give new life to that have been discarded by someone else who no longer needed the item. There is also the aspect of reusing or repurposing items in your home that would normally be quickly and easily trashed. This not only helps you get the most bang for your buck, but also greatly impacts the reduction of waste on our environment.

One thing to also be aware of, however, is to create a boundary for how many items you are saving to also keep your clutter in check. It is very easy for one upcylced jar from spaghetti sauce to quickly become 37 upcycled jars that now all need a spot to live.

3 Ways to Reduce Your Consumption

Know What You Have

organizers guide to underconsumption core, organized jill professional home organizer winston salem nc

Getting the most use out of the items you have already purchased is one of the best ways to reduce your consumption. Keep using and wearing your clothes and shoes as long as they are in good condition. Create a capsule wardrobe with good quality, versatile pieces you can mix and match into many different outfits. Skip the fast fashion which never fits quite right in favor of a better quality item that will last a lot longer. This not only saves money, but it also allows you to keep your closets organized with less unnecessary clutter. Use this same concept with your kitchen items and kids clothes and toys.

If you have clothes, kitchen gadgets or toys that are still in good condition, but you no longer need or want, consider donating them rather than throwing them away. You could also plan a swap party with friends and mix and match clothes and other household items with each other.

Pro-tip ~ Decluttering and organizing your closets, pantry, playrooms and other areas of your home will help you know what you have. Taking inventory of your possessions with a grateful mindset can help reduce the urge to have more.

Creative Repurposing

Who doesn’t love a good DIY project? Take that reusing mindset to all the areas of your home. Find fun ways to repurpose items that you would normally throw away. You can use pasta sauce jars or other glass jars as storage solutions for items in the pantry or bathroom. You can transform plastic containers into a herb garden. Tin cans are great for storing pens and other office supplies. Cut old t-shirts into cleaning rags. These are great for dusting. There are so many ways you can repurpose items to prolong their life and keep a few items out of the trash.

When it comes to larger items and electronics, consider the cost effectiveness of having the item repaired instead of replaced. It may be likely that there is a repair resource close to you that can help you mend the broken item. Not only are you saving money and reducing waste, you are also supporting your local community.

Pro-tip ~ Incorporate the whole family in your repurposing project. Encourage them to think outside of the box to find solutions for the use of an item. This can make for a fun, creative and maybe even competitive family event!

Buying with Intention

Be thoughtful and deliberate with your purchasing decisions. For consumable items like food, take stock of what you already have and create a menu to go with those ingredients. Then create a list of what needs to be purchased, along with a budget. Next comes the hard part, stick to your list and budget! Feeding ourselves and our families is a necessity, but there are ways you can reduce the amount of food you purchase and let’s face it, ultimately waste. For more on this topic check out our “Organizers Guide to Reduce Food Waste.”

When it comes to other types of purchases, it may be helpful to consider if the item is truly necessary or is it an impulse purchase. Ask yourself if this item is going to add value to your home or life. Is it going to solve a problem and be useful or end up in the trash or donation box in a month? Use this approach for items like clothes, shoes, toys and kitchen gadgets.

Pro-tip ~ Give yourself a “waiting period” before making purchases for “wants”. For example, wait 24 hours before buying the item. This time can help you really decide if you need the item or if it was in fact an unnecessary impulse buy.

The underconsumption core is a trend we can all get behind and turn into a lifestyle. Embracing what you have and being mindful and deliberate in your purchasing choices can also help you reduce clutter and maintain an organized home. The benefits, both physical and mental, to a home and life with less stuff is huge. Read more about the mental and emotional effects of the “Power of Decluttering”.

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
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Declutter & Organize for Back to School Success

Posted on July 25, 2024October 29, 2024 by jillmoore

Summer break is quickly coming to a close, and it’s time to begin prepping for the new school year. This can be both an exciting and overwhelming time for you and your kids. It can be hard to say goodbye to the laid back days of summer. The time off likely led to overall disorganization in your kid’s room, play areas, and maybe even throughout the home. Clutter is a normal side effect of summer break. As you begin to prepare for a new school year, helping your kids create a clutter-free, organized environment, especially in their personal spaces can set the stage for academic success and personal growth. We are sharing our top tips to reset your nest and get the kids’ room organized for the school year ahead.

4 Steps to Declutter & Organize Kids’ Rooms

Step 1: Work With Your Child

Involving your kids in the process of decluttering and organizing their things is essential to teaching them important life skills. It helps them have a sense of control and requires them to use decision making skills when choosing what to keep, donate and trash. They will also likely gain more responsibility in caring for their belongings and space if included in the process.

You can add a little excitement to make this more fun and interesting for your child. Use a timer to see how much they can get done in a certain amount of time. Most kids’ love a good challenge and will work hard to win!

Step 2: Sort & Categorize

Decluttering the room is the best first step to organization. Have your keep, donate and trash boxes ready to be filled. When sorting their clothes and shoes, place anything that doesn’t fit or no longer suits their style in the donate or trash box. Once this process is done, you will have a better idea of what is needed when back to school shopping.

When sorting the books and toys, encourage your child to let go of anything that they don’t enjoy playing with or have outgrown. Have them help decide where to take their donations. There are many schools and organizations that can get great benefit from gently used toys and books.

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Step 3: Organized Storage Solutions

Now that you have decluttered and only have the keep items remaining, it’s time to organize. Creating and using storage systems will not only help to get organized, but will be imperative to helping your kid stay organized. Labeled baskets and bins are great for small toys and art supplies. Use shelves for books and decorative items.

In the closet, group similar clothing items together – pants, shirts, etc. Have hanging clothes within reach for your child. Use those labeled baskets and bins for accessories or folded clothing. Don’t forget to use vertical storage, and even the inside of closet doors if needed, to maximize the space. Not only will this help keep the closet looking great, but will help your kid get ready each morning with little hassle and stress.

Step 4: Maintenance Schedule

The key to really making all this hard work pay off for you and your kids is to create a routine to regularly maintain the organization. Pick a time in the evening to have a quick 10 minute cleanup. Keep the time consistent, for example after homework is finished or before dinner. Setting clear expectations can really help your child. Have them place all items in their clearly designated homes they helped create. This will keep the room clean and clutter free, while allowing for an organized fresh start to their day each morning.

Pro-organizer Tip

Have a designated “drop zone” for all daily items needed for school like their book bag, jacket, and shoes. Make returning these items to their proper place part of the evening clean up routine. No one wants to start their day off searching for a missing shoe when it’s time to leave, right?

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help!
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

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