Winston Salem Home Organizer

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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 A Joyful Holiday Season

Posted on November 27, 2024 by jillmoore

We have arrived to the whirlwind season of so many things to do. The decorating, cooking, entertaining guests, shopping, and yet another event to attend can feel like a juggling act. It can be easy to lose sight of the joy when you are buried in a mountain of wrapping paper and working with a packed calendar. We affectionately refer to this season as the most wonderful time of year. With a little planning and focus on what truly matters, it can be. Let’s dive into the ways you can organize a joyful holiday season!

4 Ways To Find The Holiday Magic

Make You & Yours A Priority

Give some thought to what an enjoyable holiday looks like for you and your family. Whether it’s baking holiday treats, game night in your pajamas or a ride around town to take in all of the twinkling holiday lights, carve out time for these things. If hosting a festive family gathering is something you enjoy, do that. Let your family priorities guide you as you decide where to place your energy and focus. The best memories will be made in the company of those you cherish most!

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Simplify All The Things

From the decorating to the gifts to the holiday meal, simplify your plans and goals. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and we all know perfection isn’t really an attainable goal. Every corner of your home doesn’t have to be decorated. Every dish you make doesn’t have to be homemade. Reduce your stress and free up your time by simplifying all of these things. Less “work” can lead to more time for joy and laughter. Let go of the pressure of perfection.

Delegate For The Win

Holiday prep is not a one-person show. Make it a team event! Share the responsibilities with your family. Have everyone work together on the holiday plan. This can help everyone see how much work it actually is. Your partner can help with hanging lights, shopping or preparing the meal. Put the kids to work; assign age appropriate tasks like decorating or wrapping gifts. If you are hosting the family for a meal, have everyone bring a dish. This will not only lighten your load, but will bring everyone together in the spirit of the season.

The Power Of No

This time of year often comes with endless invitations and obligations. Yes, we enjoy spending time with our friends and family, but we simply can’t do it all. The secret to a joyful season is knowing it’s ok to decline invitations to events you don’t have time for or a desire to attend. If you would rather have an evening at home with your family instead of going to a cookie exchange party, that’s ok! Saying no isn’t wrong or selfish. It’s the best way to give yourself a little breathing room this season!

You deserve to enjoy the magic of the holiday season. Plan intentionally and let go of unnecessary stress. Find time for relaxation and fun. Put down the to-do list and be present in the moment, whether you’re enjoying time with loved ones or taking in a quiet moment for yourself. Create a holiday experience that is fulfilling and joyful for 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!
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