Today I’m talking about how having a command center can really be a game-changer for your household organization. It's not just about finding a spot to put your stuff—it's about creating a central hub that keeps everything running smoothly.I’m giving you practical tips like:Having designated spots for storing your devicesSetting up an action file system to prioritize paperworkUsing calendars and bulletin boards to keep everyone on trackAnd bonus: keeping a utility drawer stocked with all the essentials - paper, pencils, markers, stamps and envelopes can help to keep the family moving.By putting these strategies into action, you'll be well on your way to creating a command center that's not only efficient but also tailored to the unique needs of your household. So grab a cup of coffee and let's get organized together!Happy OrganizingLaurieNeed help organizing your command center? Hop on my calendar: https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySession

Tip of the Week-Command Center Essentials

Hi Friend!Since leap year only comes around every 4 years, I thought it would be fun to focus today’s episode on leaping into the unknown.Regardless of whether you're going through a major life transition or thinking about a career change, stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy.It requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to pivot, but I want to assure you that you are not alone.In the episode we focus on the 3 major areas where change impacts us most:FinanciallyLogisticallyRelationallyIf you are in a period of change, either personally or professionally this episode is for you!Here’s my special invitation for you:Whether you’re tired of the stress that comes from having clutter in your home, or you’re ready to start that professional organizing business you’ve been dreaming of, I’d love for you to book a strategy session so we can work through it together.Hop on My Calendar! https://simplyborganized.as.me/StrategySessionThe first step is always the hardest, but it’s easier when you’ve got someone in your corner.

Leap of Faith | Ep 377

Hi Friends!We’ve made it to the end of February, which if you’re a parent, likely means that you’re sick and tired of looking at toys everywhere and ready to take a big trash bag and dump everything inside it.But before you do…you’re going to want to listen to today's mini episode where I talk about:.Why the winter is a good time to tackle kids toysMaking some executive decisions as a parentThe importance of setting boundaries and getting your kids involved in the process.Remember that kids struggle with decision fatigue and overwhelm too! If they can’t find their toys or are overstimulated with too much stuff, it can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and a desire to avoid their play area entirely.If it stresses you out, there’s a chance it stresses them out-they might just not have the language to articulate it.Happy Organizing!Laurie🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook

Tip of the Week-Decluttering Toys and Games

Hi Friend!Today we’re talking about how to organize all the 1099’s, w-2’s and other documents needed to prepare your taxes.If you’re like me, this is less than exciting stuff to talk about, but thankfully my guest today is here to help!Joining me is Samanta Besnoff who has been a CPA for 22 years and recently named one of the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs Women to Watch. She hosts a podcast called Your Financial Maven and her speciality is helping individuals and small businesses with all of their tax needs. I invited Samantha on the show because not only is she super knowledgeable, but she simplifies what can be a complicated and overwhelming process.During our conversation we talked about:How long we really need to keep old documentsHow to best organize all of the necessary tax documents in prep for April 15thWhen she recommends beginning the process of gathering your tax infoHow to avoid missing important documentsSome do’s and don'ts when filing your taxesWhether you work with a tax professional or file your taxes on your own, this is a great conversation filled with information that we all need to know.  Although Samantha is a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania, some information shared may vary from state to state.We advise all listeners to please consult your Accountant taking any advice given in this episode.  Happy Organizing!Laurie🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbookLinks Mentioned in this Episode: www.yourfinancialmaven.com IRS.GOVSamantha’s Book Recommendation: The 4 Agreements: https://amzn.to/3wjgdcF

Organizing Tax Documents with Samantha Besnoff | Ep 376

Hi Friends!On today’s Tip of the Week we’re talking about Mindful Consumption. Mindful consumption helps you avoid impulse buying and focus on acquiring things that truly enhance your well-being. In other words, before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item.The timing of this episode aligns with something going on in my personal life.  I decided that for lent this year I was going to give up all “non-essential shopping.”  What does that look like?No more candles from Home Goods, Lip Gloss from CVS or late night amazon purchases.I’m  documenting my experience over the next 40 days so I can report back to you in a follow up episode.  Pro Tip: Whether you want to join me on my shopping sabbatical, or practice being more intentional about what you’re bringing into your home, tell a friend!  Having some external accountability makes it easier to stay on track when you feel the urge to slip up! Happy Organizing!Laurie🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbookEXEXPERTS: http://www.exexperts.com/newsletter

Tip of the Week-Mastering Mindful Consumption

Hi Friend!Regardless of how organized you might be with your closet, kitchen or garage, the one area that most folks find hard to keep up with are photos.If you’ve been around me for a minute you know that I always talk about “the ease of retrieval” when it comes to organizing, and photos are a prime example of where people waste hours of time looking for those precious memories! Between boxes and bins of “old school” photos that you’ve collected over the decades, VHS tapes and CDs with who-knows what on it, to the tens of thousands of digital photos on our phones, computers and social media-it can seem next to impossible to create a system to keep it all organized.My guest today is Darla DeMorrow, a certified photo organizer, author, and owner of HeartWorkOrganizing where she helps her clients gather, preserve, organize and maintain a system to easily find and enjoy the important moments in their lives.During our conversation we talked about:The 2 universes of photo storage3 places not to store photosHer favorite tool for separating photos (hint: you can get it at the dollar store!)Listen to the entire episode for more of Darla’s tips and strategies!Happy Organizing!LaurieP.S.   Have you checked out our NEW Enneagram & Clutter Workbook? Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook/buyLINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEConnect with Darla:HeartWorkorg.comDarla’s Book Recommendations:The E-Myth Revisited:https://amzn.to/3UqCsHwAll the Light We Cannot See: https://amzn.to/3wbhTETGoing through a Divorce? Connect up with my friends at the exExperts: http://www.exexperts.com/newsletter

Photo Organizing with Darla DeMorrow | Ep 375

Hi Friends!One of the most popular questions I get asked as a Professional Organizer is “Is it Worth it to Sell My Stuff?”On today’s Tip of the Week I’m going to walk you through the process I go through with my clients to help them determine the right answer for them.  We talk about some general guidelines I like to follow including:What types of items typically hold their value When to consult an expertWhen to donate vs sellIf your goal is to simplify your life, and your stuff is holding you back, you’re going to want to listen to this episode.Happy Organizing!Laurie🧐 Curious about your relationship with clutter?Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. → Grab it here: https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook

Tip of the Week- Is It Worth It To Sell My Stuff?

Hey Friend,If you’ve ever been through any type of renovation you know that budget can be a sticky subject.On today’s episode I’m sharing with you: the different factors that contribute to renovation costsWays you can save money on your projectThe importance of getting a breakdown of product and laborHow to determine how much to spend on a projectIf you are thinking about doing any home reno projects OR if you are a professional organizer wanting to learn how to have the budget conversation with your client-this is the episode for you!Curious about your relationship with clutter? Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. Let's declutter your space and your mind together! Get it here →Enneagram & Clutter Workbook https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook

How to Budget for an Organizing Project | Ep 374

Hey Friend!For today’s tip we’re talking about High Impact Areas. What do I mean by a High Impact Area?I’m referring to making time for any room or obligation that has a direct impact on your life currently.Many people make the mistake of focusing on what’s loudest, messiest, or right in front of them, but that approach often comes at the expense of the things that are most important.During the episode you’ll learn:When to determine something as a High Impact AreaHow to create Action Steps for following throughWhy I constantly comparing my time to a closetIf you are in a season (or entering one) that has you feeling overwhelmed, this is the episode for you!Curious about your relationship with clutter? Dive into our brand-new Enneagram & Clutter workbook! It's the perfect tool to bridge the gap between understanding the Enneagram and applying it in your daily life. Let's declutter your space and your mind together!Get it here →Enneagram & Clutter Workbook https://simplyborganized.podia.com/enneagram-workbook

Tip of the Week-High Impact Areas

Hi Friends, In today's episode, we're diving into downsizing, staging, and moving. Linda and Betsy have mastered the art of decluttering and staging homes over the past six years, especially during the pandemic real estate boom. Their approach starts early, two months before moving, allowing ample time for decluttering and organizing.They're all about creative storage solutions within the home, making the moving process smoother. Their color-coded labeling system and precise packing techniques save time and hassle.But it's not just about stuff—it's about stories. Linda and Betsy take the time to listen to their clients' tales, uncovering fascinating treasures like an invitation to JFK's inauguration.Having a support system during decluttering is crucial, keeping distractions at bay and maintaining focus. Linda and Betsy encourage staying in one space and surrounding yourself with supportive friends.To connect with Linda and Betsy, find them on Instagram as @CuratedSpacesOrganizing or visit their website at curatedspaces.art.Thanks for joining us today! Don't forget to share this episode and leave a review. Tune in next week for more adventures on This Organized Life! 🌟Links Mentioned in this Episode:http://www.exexperts.com/newsletter

Downsizing Staging and Moving with Betsy Cahn and Linda Thibodeau | Ep 373

Hey Friend!I don’t know about you, but It’s been a crazy month-not necessarily bad crazy (thank goodness) but lots going on! I am actually writing this from ☀️ Florida where I’m speaking at the 10th annual PodFest Conference all about Creating a Content Calendar.But I digress….Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at not one, but TWO career day fairs about life as a Professional Organizer and a Podcaster. One was for our HS students, and the other was for our elementary students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade.If you’ve ever sat down with kids 8-10 years old, you know that they speak their minds-and boy did these kids not hold back!Check out this quick 10 min episode that talks about their different takeaways, and why it was a great reminder that you can say the same thing 4 different times and get 4 different responses.We often take for granted that when we say something, that everyone hears the same thing, but as the Enneagram has taught me, that’s so NOT the case! If are a parent, partner, or professional organizer, I’d love for you to join me Friday Feb 2nd, at 1 p.m. EST for our Applying the Enneagram Webinar! Register here: https://simplyborganized.com/webinar

Tip of the Week- Lessons from Career Day

​​Joining me today is my dear friend Amy Revell, host of popular podcast The Art of Decluttering, leads the largest Professional Organizing company in Australia, and is the author of the book Simply Organised (yes, that organised with an S-remember, she’s from Australia!) Amy is happily married to her husband Cal and together they have 2 sons Jesse and Elijah. Back in the summer when we released our series on adult ADHD, Amy reached out and we spoke about her own ADHD adult diagnosis, and how it affects her life as a wife, mom and entrepreneur.I said, “wait” we need to share this with our TOL community! And she graciously obliged🙂.During our conversation we talked about:Her ADHD superpowerWhat parts of her life she outsourcesHow her dad has found a new found role in her family after retirementNavigating Mom-Guilt, Mental Load and all the “things” that keep us up at nightReframing the role of service, jobs and value within your familyYou’re going to love this conversation! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEYour Color Guru 10% OFF YOUR COLOR GURU WITH CODE “ORGANIZEDLIFE” https://yourcolorguru.com/aff/10/JOIN THE COMMUNITY https://simplyborganized.activehosted.com/f/110APPLYING THE ENNEAGRAM WEBINAR https://simplyborganized.com/webinarYOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/thisorganizedlifepodcastConnect with Amy: www.theartofdecluttering.com.auFair Play with Eve Rodsky https://simplyborganized.com/2022/09/08/ep-300-fair-play-life-with-eve-rodksy/

Harnessing Baby Boomers' Talents to Simplify Our Lives with Amy Revell | Ep 372

Hi friends, Today we’re discussing strategies for better communication around clutter. When we feel overwhelmed by physical things, mental load, or calendar clutter it can often trigger a Clutter Spiral. The 5 phases of the Clutter Spiral include: Anxiety, Frustration, Anger, Resentment, and Shame.The first step in reducing (or ultimately removing) the Clutter Spirals from happening is to write down how clutter makes you feel and what you want your home to feel and look like. To get started you can grab our free worksheet to help you identify how clutter makes you feel. I encourage you to name the desired feeling then work backwards to identify action steps to align reality with your ideal vision.This self-reflection exercise can provide clarity and motivation for decluttering. Clutter is more emotional than physical, so self-knowledge is critical for lasting change.Happy Organizing!XO LaurieLinks Mentioned in this episode: FREE WORKSHEET: Clutter Spiralling & Communication Starters https://simplyborganized.activehosted.com/f/144Green Chef: use code 60organizedlife for 60% off your first order and 20% off your next two months https://www.greenchef.com/60organizedlifeJOIN THE COMMUNITY https://simplyborganized.activehosted.com/f/110APPLYING THE ENNEAGRAM WEBINAR https://simplyborganized.com/webinarYOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/thisorganizedlifepodcast

Tip of the Week-Clutter Spiralling & Communication Starters

On today’s show I am joined by my friend and fellow professional organizer, Martha Carol Stewart of Chaos Organizing in Baton Rouge. You may remember MC from episode 91 where we talked about Back to School Organizing Strategies, or episode 156 where we talked about Holiday Organizing and Storage, or most recently, episode 346 during our series on Unpacking After a Move.Today we’re talking about 10 of the most common clutter traps and how to avoid them. LaundryMailDishesToysClothesKitchen GadgetsBooksPapersBeauty ProductYour carWe walk through each area and give some simple and practical solutions, so if you find yourself struggling in any of these areas, this episode is for you!I’m also super pumped for the release of MC’s debut book Southern Chaos which is filled with beautiful images and showcases many of the nuanced spaces that are unique to the Southern Home. Grab your copy here!Links Mentioned in This EpisodeGreen Chef: use code 60organizedlife for 60% off your first order and 20% off your next two months: https://www.greenchef.com/60organizedlife Sign up for our Applying the Enneagram Webinar: https://simplyborganized.com/webinar/ Connect with Martha Carol: https://www.chaosorganizing.com/Other ResourcesJoin our email community & stay in the know! https://simplyborganized.activehosted.com/f/110Subscribe to This ORGANIZED Life on YouTubeGrab our Book: Hot Mess A Practical Guide to Getting OrganizedLooking for some of our go-to organizing products: Shop our Faves

Ten Common Clutter Traps and How to Avoid Them with Martha Carol Stewart | Ep 371

Does your clutter start to blend into the background of your home? After a while do you become desensitized to the piles of paper, cluttered counters, or messy closet?If so, you are not alone. This is common with roommates where one person has a higher threshold for what messy or disorganized is. This is where communication is so important. Because one person's definition of organized is different from someone else's.ResourcesJOIN THE COMMUNITY https://simplyborganized.activehosted.com/f/110APPLYING THE ENNEAGRAM WEBINAR https://simplyborganized.com/webinarYOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/thisorganizedlifepodcast

Tip of the Week-What are My Clutter Blindspots

Hi Friends!If getting fit is on your list for 2024, this is the episode for you! I’m joined by online fitness expert, Megan Dahlman. You may know Megan from her popular YouTube Channel VigeoFit, and podcast Self-Care Simplified.During our conversation we talked about:How to create a realistic fitness routine that works for you!Debunking the harmful myth that you have to “go all in” to get results3 most common mistakes people make when making health and fitness goalsThe simple daily actions you need to create huge momentum and eliminate the need for perfectionThe ideal amount of time to work out per weekWith the start of a New Year, this episode couldn’t come at a more perfect time! I loved Megan’s approach to health and fitness and our conversation was filled with so many great nuggets of wisdom, you’re definitely going to want to check it out for yourself.XOXO-LaurieLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Connect with Megan: https://www.vigeofit.com/Jumpstart Tips - Free 5-day guide to help jumpstart your healthy habits the sustainable way - www.vigeofit.com/tipsBook Recommendation: Beatriz Williams https://amzn.to/41O4rm6ResourcesStay in the know!Webinar sign up (Applying the Enneagram) https://simplyborganized.com/webinar/Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisORGANIZEDLifePodcastReviews Matter!Our #1 Book: Hot Mess A Practical Guide to Getting OrganizedShop our Faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/simplyborganized

Getting Fit with Megan Dahlman | Ep 370

Hi Friends,Today we’re talking about 5 ways to make your home less stressful, from intentional purchase to creating margin, so you can have a restful and relaxing space. Asking for help is a powerful way to reduce clutter and change your space. Start small - little changes lead to big results.Avoid Impulse BuysGive other people jobs (ask for help)Build in MarginPut stuff back where it belongsEdit anything you haven’t touched in a yearLinks mentioned in this episodeEmail opt-in https://simplyborganized.activehosted.com/f/110Applying the Enneagram with Clients Workshop! https://simplyborganized.com/webinarSubscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/thisorganizedlifepodcast

Tip of the Week-5 Ways to Make Your Home Less Stressful

Happy New Year Friends!Joining me today to kick off 2024 is award winning journalist, Paula Faris. You might know her as host of Good Morning America or the View, but what you might not know is that she is founder of CARRY Media™, an organization that advocates for moms in the workforce.She is also a best-selling author of the book "You Don’t Have To CARRY It All: Ditch The Mom Guilt and Find a Better Way Forward” -and host of the podcast The Paula Faris Show. I invited her on the show to talk about life transition, something we all face at one time or another.During our conversation we talked about:Cultural differences when it comes to Mom GuiltRedefining Working MomsCreating CommunityMy biggest take away from this episode is to give yourself permission to lean in or lean out depending on your season of life. I’d love to know your thoughts, feel free to shoot us an email or leave us a comment!XOXO-LaurieLinks Mentioned in This EpisodeWebsite: https://carrymedia.com/You Don’t Have to Carry it All Book https://amzn.to/3v7lWBpWho Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up https://amzn.to/3RIY5RIBook Recommendation: 5 Love Languages https://amzn.to/3RIIXDV

Finding Balance and Fulfillment as a Working Mom with Paula Faris | Ep 369

We’re kicking off 2024 talking about one of my favorite topics: Habit Stacking. James Clear talks about Habit Stacking in his best selling book, Atomic Habits. Essentially you take something you are already doing, and add the new desired habit on top of the existing habit. The correlation between time and/or location alerts your brain to trigger the new habit. For example: “Each time I go upstairs, I bring up whatever is in the basket” or “every night after dinner I run the dishwasher.”By building on an existing habit or routine, allows your brain to adopt the new habit easier than if you were to try to create the habit from scratch.If you’re looking to create some healthy habits in 2024 ,I’ve outlined 5 different places for you to use as a jumping off point: Remember to start small and be specific. The key to successful habit stacking is incremental change. 2024 we’re here for ya!XOXO-LaurieLinks Mentioned in this EpisodeAtomic HabitsJoin our Community

Tip of the Week-Habit Stacking

Hey Friends!I hope everyone had a great Christmas-and if you don’t celebrate, I hope you had a nice and relaxing day!This is our last episode of 2023 and for this episode, I looked to you, our loyal listeners, to tell us which episodes were your favorite!  Back again for round 2 is my friend and podcast producer, Kimberly Hermann in the co-host seat.  If you’re new to our show, this is a great place to start!This list was based on which episodes had the most downloads so for everyone who shared our show-a tremendous thank you!Ep 319: Kitchen Organizing with Lisa EckerleEp 330: Am I a Hoarder with Matt PaxtonEp 317: 2023 Goals with Jen HatmakerEp 329 Digital Hygiene with Kate HufnagelEp 349: Slowing Down with Stephanie O’DeaTip of the Week: Clutter vs. DisorganizationTip of the Week: Two Minute RuleTip of the Week: Prioritizing your HealthTip of the Week: Selective MinimalismTip of the Week: Eating an ElephantI loved that this list was made up of both our long episodes and our quick tips-showing that there is something for everyone! We’re excited to continue bringing you great guests, topic and conversations to help keep you motivated.On behalf of myself, and the entire team at This ORGANIZED Life, we wish you a Happy New Year, and we can’t wait to see you in 2024!xoxo-LaurieP.S. We are able to continue to grow because of each and everyone of you coming back week after week and telling your friends and family about our show. If you would like to listen ad free, here’s a link to get started: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-organized-life/id1193014252Links Mentioned in this episode:Find your best colors with Color Guru! ​​https://yourcolorguru.com/affiliate/10/

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