declutter

How to Declutter and Recycle Old Electronics

January 24, 2023 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

Our electronics become obsolete quickly as technology is constantly changing. And yet, we have a tendency to hang on to old phones, printers, and cords. When I declutter homes, I often find unidentified cords neatly coiled and unopened. Just in case we need them, right? If a cord is unknown and unused, it is highly unlikely you will use it. Simple Steps to Declutter and Organize Electronics Inventory Write a Household Electronics Inventory of devices you use at least once a month. Here's a sample list to get you started. iPhone iPad MacBook Laptop Desktop Computer Printer Scanner Kindle Wireless Headphones Bluetooth Speaker Gaming System DVD player (I doubt it) Collect the Cords Aggregate all the cords and chargers that go with these devices Choose a central location for the family to access. Label each cord with a Sharpie or label maker. Keep charging cords in a basket. Use rubber bands to wrap cords neatly. …

How You Can Easily Decorate for Christmas in 1 Day

November 6, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith 6 Comments

After Thanksgiving, I will decorate for Christmas. As a Christmas decor purist, I find “post-Thanksgiving” the best time to decorate. I cheer for stores like Nordstrom’s that wait until after Thanksgiving. Usually, my decorations appear by early December. Gratitude at Thanksgiving My resistance to decorating before Thanksgiving stems from what has become known as the spending season instead of the holiday season. As a society, we move right past the gratitude holiday into the spending holiday. Kudos to REI who closes on Black Friday and encourages us to get outside. As I simplify, I actually enjoy the holidays more. And I mean all the holidays including Thanksgiving. We focus on the time with family and strive give to those with throughout the year but especially at the holidays. I think it helps our story get better and better as a result. So if you're wondering, "How can my family create a holiday season focused on what matters most?" Start by setting …

9 Ways to Shop Smarter for Clothing

October 9, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith 3 Comments

Do you have a closet full of clothing but nothing to wear? Have you tried shopping for new clothes only to find items unworn with the tags still on them? Or maybe you're holding on to things hoping you will fit into them again in the future. This is pretty common with the closets I declutter and organize. Learning to shop smarter is key. The very first closet I organized was my own. But it requires maintenance and good shopping habits to keep it that way. All my clothing fits in one closet. Every season and yes, socks and underwear too. Getting ready is a breeze because my entire wardrobe is in one place. And when the seasons change, I can transition to the appropriate clothing easily. I no longer drag bins of clothing up and down the stairs to perform the seasonal swap. This saves me two weekends a year. And my guest bedroom closet is ready for guests instead of filled with extra clothing. But this was not always the case, I've come a long way and learned to shop …

3 Easy Steps to Create an Incredibly Organized Kitchen

August 7, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith 6 Comments

Who doesn't love an organized kitchen? But many kitchens hold more gadgets and gizmos than anyone needs to cook dinner for their family. At least that's my goal, to cook healthy meals for my family. And I believe everyone would like to prep dinner without cleaning up the kitchen first. Less Clutter and More Organization in just 5 Days with my Free Mini-Course. Kickstart your decluttering efforts with my Free Mini-Course. Click HERE and learn how to create a clutter-free and organized home. Organized Kitchen When it comes to an organized kitchen, I find there's a lot of stuff getting in the way of how the room is made to function. Piles of paper and mail Small appliances covering countertops Bulk food buys with nowhere to live Decorations and dust collectors Items that do not belong in the kitchen Try these 3 easy steps to an organized kitchen. Step #1 - Meal Plan I know. You hate meal planning but it is necessary. The only way to …

5 Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Sentimental Stuff

April 17, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith 4 Comments

One of the most common questions I answer is sentimental items. "What should I do with sentimental stuff?" Like baby clothes or grandma's china. I suggest a “some not none” approach. In my home, I display my grandma's decorative plate. I pass it several times a day and smile as I think of her. Some is also her silver locket, a timeless piece, inspiring questions when I wear it and an opportunity to share her story and influence. My grandmother and I were a lot alike. So, it was difficult to part with her Christmas sweatshirt. It wasn't the sweatshirt I loved, but rather the picture of her wearing it. I embrace life with less, but sentimental stuff is hard. Tips for Handling Sentimental Stuff Do This Last- Save the memory-laced items for last. Declutter other areas of your home first. Gain momentum and the ability to let go with other categories. Start with spaces you encounter daily to realize immediate benefits. Some Not None - If everything …

3 Easy Steps to Organize Your Photos

April 8, 2022 by Amy Slenker-Smith Leave a Comment

Perhaps you have a pile of photos that looks like this? You're not alone and you can turn them into organized photos online to share with friends and family. Several years ago, I owned 12+ photo boxes. I sorted, purged and threw away thousands of photos to keep only the very best. Little by little, I reduced and organized our family photographs into a digital repository and cloud service. Now, I have peace of mind that memories are preserved and recoverable in the event of a disaster. (Like the pipe that burst in our home!) Additionally, I've learned to take fewer photos. Just one can tell the whole story. Old Photos Do you have a box of family photos tucked away somewhere? Are you unsure of the people in them? Unfortunately, passed down photographs rarely include important details. My Grandma Alice was a rare exception. She not only organized the photos but also sorted them into envelopes for her kids. We spent hours looking through them. What a gift she left us. …

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