Professional Home Organizer Tips

Mid-Year Home and Life Reset

Posted on July 16, 2025 by jillmoore

July is in full swing and that means half the year is behind us and the busy fall season is just around the corner. While we are soaking up the summer rays of sunshine, we can also be slowly and deliberately prepping for the busy season ahead. We will be sliding back into school schedules, pumpkin spice everything and the holidays before we know it. This is a great time to tackle a few small home projects that will give you a jump start and make a big impact to set your home up for a smooth transition to the fall season. This is a perfect time to revisit and reset your goals and routines too! Find what’s working and shift what’s not. And no, you don’t need to set aside an entire weekend or schedule vacation time for these small, manageable tasks.

How are your spaces looking?

Take a look around your home, particularly your most used spaces. Think about how the space is working for you. Is clutter starting to creep back in? A reset can make all the difference in keeping things tidy and manageable. Try these quick wins.

Pantry ~ Toss expired or stale food items and reset the space to make room for school lunch staples and fall cooking and baking supplies. If you have kids, add a labeled basket with their name to keep their favorite snack and lunch items in.
Bathroom ~ Use drawer or countertop organizers to create a system for items you use everyday, and add under the sink or closet organizers to keep everything else out of the way but available when needed.
Entryway ~ Set up bins, hooks or shelves for those daily items like bookbags, shoes and jackets. Labels work great here too so everyone knows where their items go.

reset for fall season, tips to organize home and schedules for fall, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

That One Room

Is there a room in your home you avoid because dealing with it feels overwhelming? Has it become a drop zone this summer? This feels like (and is!) a big job so we will tackle it one area at a time, chipping away at the clutter. Choose one area like a single shelf or the closet floor. Use the questions below to quickly declutter this room. When you have the time, return and tackle another area in the room. Before you know it your “junk room” will be decluttered, organized and ready to be used as a guest room, workout space, craft room or anything you desire!

Set a 20 minutes timer and ask yourself:

Do I need this?
Do I use this?
Do I love this?

Any “no’s” go to the donate or trash box!

Simplify Your Everyday

The routines of summer do feel simpler, so this is a great time to leisurely begin to adjust for the changes that are coming soon. Make a brain dump list of everything you know needs to be done, maybe while you are enjoying your quiet morning coffee. Carefully review your calendar and commitments and ask yourself what you can say no to this fall to help you keep your schedule manageable. Reset, or create, your family command center. This is your hub for all things calendars, activity schedules, events and school paperwork. This is a great spot for your weekly meal plan too! Having a designated spot for the most important things will be so helpful in keeping you and the family on track and on time!

Pro-tip ~ Quick declutter the kids’ closets before heading out for back to school shopping. Have them help and donate any items in good condition. This can be a fun rainy afternoon project.

Celebrate Your Progress

It can be easy to get caught up in finishing all of the projects or checking everything off your list, but it is important to reflect on your wins along the way, big or small. There will always be one more thing to do, right? Noticing and appreciating what you have accomplished will give you the momentum boost you need to keep going.

Can you now see the floor of your basement?
Is the laundry system you started actually working?
Is the snack shelf you organized in the closet still organized?

All wins matter and it’s ok to say not today. Prepping and being prepared is great, but so is simply living in the moment. Step away from all the things to do and have lunch with a friend, spend the afternoon at the pool with the kids or take an evening walk at the park.

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

Schedule a Consultation

Prepping for a Lighter, Brighter Season

Posted on May 15, 2025June 7, 2025 by jillmoore

Oh, sweet summertime; I can feel you coming this way! The season that gives us the freedom to live a little lighter. As we excitedly shed our sweaters for tank tops and boots for flip flops, it’s important to help your spaces feel a little lighter too. The seasonal shift is a natural time to reset and refresh your home. This is also a perfect time to prepare for the influx of traffic in your spaces (hello pantry) with the kids home from school. So let’s dive into simple decluttering and organizing projects that will have your home feeling breezy and ready for sunshine and fun!

Seasonal Switch Out

Now is the time to pack away your bulky winter wear. You likely won’t be needing those heavy coats and snow boots anytime soon. Remove them from your closets and store them away to open up your closet space and make room for your summer clothing. Use labeled bins or vacuum bags to store your items in. Place those bins or bags on a high shelf or use the space under the guest bed for storage. This helps free up your main closet space.

Pro-tip ~ Have a donate bag or box ready as you switch out your wardrobes. If you haven’t worn an item all winter, it’s time to let it go!

tips to declutter and organize home for summer season, professional home organizer Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

Eating Lighter

Summer seems to bring with it a menu filled with lighter dishes. Simple and fresh are the themes and you may enjoy more outdoor cooking. Do a quick sweep of your kitchen, fridge and pantry to declutter and make room for summer favorites. Toss any expired items or anything that is opened and won’t be used. Bring the picnic and grilling items front and center for easy access. Create a summer snack station in your pantry for the kids to easily grab and go while they are home during the day.

Pro-tip ~ Don’t forget to check those easily overlooked, often forgotten about shelf condiments in the fridge!

Tame the Catch All

Your garage likely serves many purposes outside of simply parking your car. The summer season tends to bring with it more outdoor equipment that finds itself hanging out on your garage floor. First things first – declutter and remove anything broken or no longer useful. The best way to maximize this space is to sort everything by category and create zones. Think gardening, sports equipment, outdoor toys and lawn care. Vertical storage is the best friend of a garage. Use organizing products like hooks, shelves and labeled bins to maximize your storage space and clear your floors.

Pro-tip ~ If your garage serves double duty as the main entrance into your house, create a drop zone with labeled bins for each family member to place all their summer essentials.

Hello Outside

The warm air and sunshine beckon us outside to play, relax or entertain. Check your outdoor living spaces for anything that is broken or simply not used. Last year’s toys may not hold the same excitement for your kids. Those planters you got from the clearance shelf in the winter may not work well for your space after all. Donate anything you can, and repurpose or discard the rest. Use storage solutions made for outdoor weather to keep all of your items dry and in good condition. If you have children, invest in an outdoor toy box they can toss everything in when they are finished playing. You will love this when it’s time to cut the grass!

Check out our Guide to Patio Design for even more outdoor space tips!

Remember decluttering and organizing your home is not about perfection. It’s about creating room and space for you and your family to enjoy all of the fun of summer and beyond. When your space is clear, your mind is too and you are able to fully immerse yourself in all the special moments!

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

Schedule a Consultation

Organizing Life’s Big Changes

Posted on April 17, 2025 by jillmoore

One constant thing we can count on in this game of life is change. It may be a happy change that brings joy to your life like welcoming a new baby. It can also be an unexpected change filled with heavy emotional weight like a breakup or the loss of a loved one. No matter the type of change, it’s almost guaranteed to bring forth a little chaos and upheaval into your life, routine and physical space. One powerful way to offset the chaos and reclaim a sense of control is to declutter and organize for the change. Let’s explore strategies to help you stay organized through life’s big changes.

Craft a Plan

When life feels out of control, you may feel the need to attempt to tackle everything at once. This will likely cause you more stress and overwhelm. Take a step back, a few deep breaths and create a plan of attack. Create a checklist and set deadlines as needed to stay on track. Whether it’s packing to move, making space in your home for a blended household, adjusting to an empty nest or downsizing after a loss, creating a plan first will help you stay organized through the process.

tips to stay organized through life's changes, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

Sort & Declutter

Whether you are prepping for more people and stuff in your home or working to have less of all the things, decluttering is always the best place to start. You will feel the Power of Decluttering as it lightens your physical and mental load by letting go of all the things you don’t need or want. Start small and sort with a purpose. Ask yourself if the item is something that you will need in the next phase of your life. Are you keeping it out of guilt, habit or genuine need? Be honest with yourself and make your decisions to keep or let go quickly. Try not to second guess your decisions.

Organize What’s Next

Now that you have crafted your transition plan and decluttered all the things, you are ready to move forward into your new chapter. We have a few tips for some of the major life changes you may experience.

New Baby – One sure thing about bringing a baby into your home is their stuff will end up everywhere. Create mini baby zones in the areas you use most, like a changing basket in the living room with the essentials for a quick diaper or outfit change.

Downsizing – Measure your furniture to make sure it will fit into your new space before the movers take it. Assess your clothing as you may not have the same amount of closet space. The same concept applies to your kitchen items as well as you will likely have less cabinet space.

Blending Households – Ensure each family member has space for their personal belongings. Shared spaces, like the kitchen and bathroom, may require implementing a system. Have everyone join in to create a system with boundaries. This keeps everyone on the same page and working together.

Moving – If a move is involved in your transition, we have our Tips for a Smooth Move, to help you with the packing and unpacking process. If your move is due to a loss in your life, it’s important to allow yourself to feel all the feelings and grant yourself grace during this process. Have a bin ready to hold any sentimental items you are not ready to let go of. Plan to revisit and reassess the bin when you are ready.

Embrace the New

Change is hard, whether it’s a happy change or maybe a little sad. The process can leave you feeling mentally and physically exhausted. Start fresh and begin establishing new routines that align with your new normal. Be flexible as you get settled in and tweak as you go. Be kind to yourself and remember the goal is not instant perfection, but simply creating a space that supports your new lifestyle and gives you peace of mind.

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing for a big life change, 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

Spring Into Organized Simplicity

Posted on March 25, 2025 by jillmoore

Spring has arrived! The birds are singing and everything is blooming. There is something about the longer days and abundant sunshine during this time of year that seems to spark a desire to open up the windows, doors and drawers and clear out the clutter. This is the perfect season to release what no longer serves you. Think beyond your physical possessions into your habits and routines. Spring is a time of renewal that you can use to breathe fresh energy into your home and life.

organizing tips for spring, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston-Salem, NC

Lighten Your Physical Load

As we change seasons, this is a great time to focus on decluttering your spaces. Being surrounded by too many things affects your mental clarity. When your home is filled with items you don’t need or use, it can be hard to focus beyond all the visual clutter. Spring is a great time to walk through your home and work on letting go of what no longer serves you.

As you work through your spaces, ask yourself:

Have I used this in the past year?
Does this reflect my current lifestyle or future goals?
Does this item add value or ease to my daily life?

If the answer is no, let it go! Remember, it’s important to start small, finish one space before moving to another and allow yourself plenty of time. This will help prevent overwhelm and reduce the chances of giving up. Check out our Top 5 Items to Declutter to help you get a jumpstart!

Releasing Mental Clutter

The mental load of too much can be quite heavy. You may find your stress and anxiety goes well beyond your physical space. Mental clutter is a very real thing. Just like the spaces in your home, your calendar and schedule can become cluttered too. That long list of unfinished to-do’s, managing everyone’s schedule, planning all the meals, trying to show up for all the things and the list goes on and on.

Try this:

Write down your three top priorities for this season. Maybe it’s planning a trip for uninterrupted family time, spending some creative time completing a project or simply scheduling quiet time for a little peace.
Identify ONE thing you can eliminate from your schedule or calendar. Think about the things you are obligated to, any habits that may be slowing draining your time (and you!) or any self-expectations that can be altered or dialed down. Consider your top three priorities here and focus on anything that doesn’t align with those things you want and deserve.

Spring is a great time to review your weekly commitments and tasks. Make a decision on what is essential and work on removing anything that is draining. Writing things down can help you see where improvement is needed and help you create space for what is most important to you and your family.

Refresh Your Routines

With the shifting of the seasons comes a shift in our routines. Your energy levels may go up and schedules will change with the longer days. This is a great time to revisit your morning and evening routines and make adjustments to support your daily habits. You may not want to be doing inside tasks in the evening now that the sunshine is lasting longer. And your task list will change with the addition of more outdoor activities.

This is a great time to ask yourself:

Does my current routine support what I want to do each day?
Where, in my day, am I losing time or feeling stressed?
Where can I make changes to allow me to make the best use of my time?

Set aside 10 minutes each evening for a quick prep for your next day. You can get your clothes, meals and bags ready. This will feel so good and help you turn your brain off at night to rest!

Learning to let go and understanding the power of saying no will help you begin to craft a home, life and schedule that supports you and your family. Release the weight of the guilt and what if’s and know that you deserve to live in a space, and mindset, that brings you joy!

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

Is It Time To Invest In A Professional Home Organizer?

Posted on March 2, 2025 by jillmoore

Do you find yourself constantly searching for lost items? Are you digging through piles of clothing to find what you need to wear each day? Are you pretty sure that there are canned goods from three years ago buried in your pantry? Being constantly surrounded by clutter and disorganization is stressful and overwhelming. Maybe you have a nice list of organization projects you hope to get to…someday. Despite your best plans and efforts, you simply aren’t making progress. And the clutter remains. The good news is you don’t have to tackle those home organization projects alone. Let’s explore why investing in a Home Organization Professional may be the best decision you can make for your home and your sanity.

6 Signs You Need A Professional Organizer

Your Life is Transitioning

Big life changes often bring with them a long to do list. Maybe you are welcoming a new baby, downsizing your home, or moving to a larger space. Your life and home can feel chaotic during these transitions as they tend to trigger major organizational challenges.

You Are Overwhelmed

The thought of attempting to declutter and organize your things brings on immediate feelings of anxiety. The amount of items you have makes you feel like any organizing project would be too big and difficult to accomplish.

Decision Fatigue

When you try to declutter, you find the decision making process on what to keep and what to let go of exhausting. Maybe many of your items hold a sentimental value. It can be very difficult to overcome the emotional attachment you have with your possessions.

the benefits of investing in professional home organization, Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

DIY Has Failed

You created a plan to declutter and organize. Maybe you watched lots of how-to videos or read books to help. You even purchased organizing products. However, you haven’t had success with creating organizing systems that work for your space and your family.

The Storage Unit

You have a storage unit filled with your stuff you haven’t visited in a long time or your storage space in your home is reaching its limit and you are considering renting a storage unit. Either way, a storage unit is meant to be a temporary option, not a permanent expense on your budget.

Functioning Inefficiently

Your morning routine is stressful and getting everyone ready to get out the door is overly complicated. You can’t find what you need when you need it. You make a purchase only to come home and realize you already had that item. You often find yourself showing up late or missing important appointments all together.

How a Professional Organizer Supports You

Fresh Perspective – When you live in your space, you may become “clutter blind” to the piles of mail or overflowing closet. A fresh set of eyes, particularly those of a professional organizer, will help. We can pinpoint problem areas and help discover inefficiencies you aren’t able to see.
Customized Systems – We are experts in decluttering and organization, bringing years of experience to each project. This allows us to efficiently plan and execute your home organization project designed and tailored to your lifestyle, needs and habits.
Accountability & Support – We know decluttering and organizing on your own can be difficult. It can be hard to maintain momentum. We provide the structure and motivation to complete your projects, along with emotional support for those tough decluttering decisions.
Time & Money – A disorganized home costs you both time and money. An investment in professional home organization will pay for itself through less wasted time, intentional purchasing habits, and elimination of storage fees.
Peace Of Mind – This may be the most valuable outcome from working with a professional organizer. When your home is in order, you will have increased mental clarity that will transform your anxiety into calm. You will create a more open physical and mental space to enjoy the things you love.

Why Choose Organized Jill

Professionally Trained – Jill is a graduate of the QC Design School, and is an Advanced International Organizing Professional. She is also a member of a national professional organization- ASPO, the American Society of Professional Organizers. She is also a member of the Carolina Organizers.
Established & Experienced – Organized Jill has been successfully providing decluttered and organized homes for happy clients since 2020. See our client reviews here.
Simple Yet Effective – We listen, understand and implement smart, practical & sustainable solutions tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
Judgement Free – Clutter and disorganization in your home can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment. We can help. Rest assured, this is a judgement-free zone.
Compassionate Approach – We know decluttering and organizing can be a challenging process for you. We will be by your side to guide you through the decision making process.
Continued Service – During your session, Jill will share tips, tricks, and organizing methodologies that you can continue after the organizing sessions to maintain order in your home.

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

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

Reflect & Prepare ~ The Pro Organizer’s Guide to Goal Setting

Posted on December 12, 2024 by jillmoore

There are just a handful of days left this year; can you believe it! As you move through the remainder of the year and begin to look ahead to the new year, this is a good time for reflection and planning. The start of a new year carries a sense of promise and fresh opportunities. Take time to evaluate your year. Do you feel you accomplished any goals you had? Are there areas of your life that you would like to see some improvement in? It can be an exciting time to reset and create goals that align with your plans. These steps will help you breeze into the new year with clarity, intention, and an organized plan.

pro organizer's guide to goal setting, professional home organizer, Organized Jill Winston Salem NC

4 Steps to an Organized New Year

Reflect On What Worked & What Didn’t

Set aside a quiet time when you can really spend time thinking about the past year. Grab a notebook and pen or a digital planner. Ask yourself what has worked well for you. What systems or habits did you implement that made your life easier? What accomplishments are you proud of? What areas in your life have you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Identifying what is working and what isn’t will help you pinpoint the areas that need adjustments to focus on with your goal setting. This provides a solid foundation for creating intentional goals that matter to you.

SMART Goal Setting

A goal to “get organized” is great! But without a clear plan of action, you may find it difficult to reach your goal. SMART goal setting is a framework that creates specific, actionable steps. Taking the time to structure your goals will make sure they are well defined and help you stay motivated. When goal setting, it’s also important to set priorities. Choose 1-3 areas to focus on. This will help prevent overwhelm and burnout.

Specific: Define exactly what you want to achieve
Measurable: Set criteria to track progress
Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic given your current circumstances
Relevant: Align the goal with your values and priorities
Time-Bound: Set a deadline to keep yourself accountable

Goal Example – Organize My Closet

Specific: I will declutter my clothes.
Measurable: I will sort through and donate at least 2 bags of clothing.
Achievable: I will spend one hour each weekend on this project.
Relevant: This will create a space that is more manageable for me to keep organized.
Time-Bound: I will finish this project by the end of the month.

Support Your Goal

Goal setting is never a one and done. Most goals require dedication and commitment to complete the steps that will eventually get you to the finish line. One of the best ways to make your goals a reality is to develop and establish systems that support your goals and align with your lifestyle. Use an app, a calendar or whatever method works best for you to set reminders. Track your progress to stay motivated. Record your milestones and challenges in a journal. You can create a vision board to visually see your goals. This will help you develop habits to keep you on track. Consider tagging in an accountability partner. Do you share similar goals with a family member or friend? Work with them to help you both stay on track and motivated. Plan weekly check-ins to review how things are going and make adjustments as needed.

Celebrate & Reassess

As you work toward your goal, celebrate all the big and small wins along the way. Once you have reached your goal, develop a plan to maintain your results. If getting your closet organized was the goal, what habits do you need to develop to prevent clutter and disorganization from returning? Most goals, once accomplished, will require some upkeep to maintain. This is also a good time to think about other areas in your home or life you would like to improve and begin working on your next goal.

Moving into a new year with a clear plan and thoughtful approach will allow you to work to create a life and space that feels lighter and more manageable. Always allow for adjustments, as there are bound to be bumps along the way. With a clear plan and the right mindset, you will be ready to tackle all of your goals!

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