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Happy June! On today’s episode we are talking all about redefining routines during the summer months. Joining me today is the founder of Raising Social (who also happens to be my operations manager) Kimberly Hermann. As a working mom to 3 girls ages 9, 11 and 13, I invited her to come on the show to talk about how her family navigates the shift that comes along with the end of the school year. NOTE: If you’re not a parent, or a parent of school age children, there’s still lots of relevant info in this episode! I believe it’s important to reset expectations during each season. During our conversation, Kimberly and I talked about things like: Division of responsibilities around the house Cooking and meal prep How her work schedule adjusts to accommodate having the kids on a different schedule. Summer is often a good time to help build the muscle of responsibility around the house which is why we created our 30 day kids challenge. Each day has a different task which allows you to gamify the process while helping to teach them important skills about living an organized life. This free downloadable pdf is great for kids ages 5-15. Click HERE to grab your free copy! XOXO- Laurie P.S. I am pumped to be one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Purpose Driven Mom Virtual Summit.The event takes place June 19th-23rd and it’s completely free-yep you heard me right! Check out the entire list of speakers and topics, and grab your ticket HERE OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Kait Hilton’s My Token Chart Janelle Azar’s Simplifying and Organizing with Kids CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hey Friends, Today's Tip of the Week- take a break..from social media. Before thoughts of FOMO set in, I’m not suggesting a permanent break, think of this more of a reset. Freeing up even 30 minutes per day allows you to be intentional in other areas of your life. I suggest having a specific “thing” to replace your scrolling. Whether reading, going for a walk, going to the gym, or dare I say it…organizing a space. A social media detox allows you to create space for personal growth and self-reflection. Switching the focus from looking at what others are doing, to what you are doing has lasting effects. Key Takeaways: • Social media can be a time-consuming distraction • Screen reports provide insight into social media usage patterns • Setting parameters for social media use can improve productivity and enhance the quality of life • Mindful social media use can improve mental health and wellbeing • Social media usage habits can be shaped and changed with discipline and intentionality Exception: Using social media for business or activism is not the same as mindless scrolling This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends, Joining me today is Tracy McCubbin, founder of dClutterfly. Not only has she been in the organizing space for almost 2 decades, she is also the author of several books, including her latest book "Make Space for Happiness. How to stop attracting clutter and start magnetizing the life you want." I invited Tracy on the show to discuss the correlation between clutter and our buying habits. During our conversation Tracy walks us through 7 clutter magnets that make us unable to let go of possessions that we don’t want, use, or love in order to make real change. True Connection - The human connection we get when shopping feels like it’s filling that void. While we may be engaging with others, the retail transaction isn’t a substitute for the true connections we all need. Self-Confidence - Self-confidence is a muscle that we all have the capability to build, and it starts by believing that we all bring an individual spark to the world—a flavor that is uniquely us. When we need a boost of self-confidence, we need to focus on all the things we can do for ourselves. Free Time - All the gadgets we purchase to ‘save time’ are actually standing in the way of what we really want to be doing. Big Love - Everyone wants to feel loved. Yet for some people, it’s easier to attract piles of stand-ins than the feeling itself. DON’T COLLECT—CONNECT! Self-Respect - The knowledge that we bring unique attributes into the room, even without any status symbols to telegraph them. Real Purpose - Nothing gives us more sense of Real Purpose than being of service or sharing our knowledge, kindness, and time to make someone else’s life better. Magnetize this feeling instead of a closet full of office supplies. Lasting Wisdom - We often feel the need to keep evidence of our beliefs in case they’re challenged. Newspapers, magazines, and books we’ve read can take up entire rooms because we feel if something is discarded, it could be forgotten. My hope is that throughout this conversation you will begin to think about your own buying habits and how you can make lasting change in your life where you need it most. BONUS ALERT! *We are also doing a giveaway for Tracy’s book! To Enter: go to apple podcast, leave us a review then take a screenshot and tag @thisorganizedlifepodcast and @dclutterfly on IG. The first 3 entries will receive a copy of Tracy’s new book in the mail! Special thanks to today’s sponsor DeniseAlbright: use code SIMPLY30 at checkout to receive 30% off your entire order! CONNECT WITH TRACY: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: MATT PAXTON EPISODE: “AM I A HOARDER?” TRACY’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: THE TOOLS by Phil Stutz LOVE PAMELA, A MEMOIR OF PROSE, POETRY AND TRUTH This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hey Friends, Ever feel like your clutter is too overwhelming to manage all at once? Quick Tip: Tackle clutter in small steps. Write down clutter points and prioritize them based on the biggest pain point and the biggest impact. Start small to build momentum using the four pile method: keep, donate, recycle, relocate. Document your progress with pictures to inspire your further decluttering projects. Key Takeaways: Clutter accumulates over time and requires a process to declutter. Write down clutter points and prioritize based on the biggest pain point and impact. Start small with the four pile method to build momentum. Document progress with pictures to maintain inspiration for further decluttering. Share with a friend if you liked this episde! Don't Forget to Leave Us a ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ REVIEW! This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends, Joining me is Rebekah Anne Perkins. Rebekah is the host of Coffee, Conversation and Coaching Podcast. I had the pleasure of being a guest on her show, and we got to talking about why we feel the need to take on so much. Listen to our conversation here I wanted to continue the conversation on TOL, which is exactly what we did! During our conversation we talked about: Why people feel cluttered in their lives How we use busy-ness as a form of avoidance The role that People Pleasing, Self-Worth, and FOMO play into how we spend our time Rebekah shares some strategies that you can use to begin to reimagine the life you want.Starting with asking yourself questions like: “What does my ideal day look like?” “What thoughts come to mind when I think about it?” “What does Contentment look like?” “What defines ENOUGH?” Rebekah also shared the changes she has recently gone through getting married at 39 after living the majority of her adult life alone. How did merging households impact her own organizing standards and routines? There was so much great content in this episode, make sure to share it with a friend! Special thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode: EveryPlate: visit https://get.everyplate.com/podcast use code TOL149 to get started for just $1.49 per meal KiwiCo: get 50% your first order plus free shipping by visiting:https://www.kiwico.com/TOL DeniseAlbright: use code SIMPLY30 at checkout to receive 30% off your entire order CONNECT WITH REBEKAH ANNE WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM REBEKAH’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION REST: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Today’s Quick tip is about creating a monthly budget and its importance in being intentional with finances. In this short episode, you will learn the benefits of budgeting: Taking control of your finances, making healthier decisions, and decluttering emotional buying. There are also some tips on being financially literate. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends, Joining me today is Tina Wells. I invited her on the show to talk about Her new book, The Elevation Approach; which she wrote after experiencing burnout. As you can see from Tina’s impressive accomplishments you can begin to understand why she needed to create a better sense of harmony in her life. ✅Named Essence’s 40 Under 40 ✅Author of over 20 books ✅Academic Director for Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World Program at U of Penn ✅Founder of Buzz Marketing Group, an agency she founded at age 16 with clients like Dell, The Oprah Winfrey Network, Kroger, Apple, P+G, J & J, and American Eagle….to name a few. During our conversation we talked about: What burnout looks like in American culture. How decluttering is one of the first principles she talks about in her book Why burnout is not limited to the workplace The impact of burnout on the “sandwich generation” How to begin to re-think accomplishments and success Tina walks us through her four-phase plan: Preparation, Inspiration, Recreation, and Transformation, and shares actionable strategies that apply universally regardless of the season of life you are in. Special thanks to our sponsor for this weeks episode, Denise Albright who has a suite of products designed to help make organizing fun and functional! Visit denisealbright.com and enter code SIMPLY30 to receive 30% off your entire order! XOXO- Laurie CONNECT WITH TINA WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM TINA’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: GOOD TO GREAT EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends, on this week’s tip of the week, we'll be diving into the difference between clutter and disorganization and how to effectively address each one. We discuss: -What is clutter? -What is Disorganization? -How to Identify the differences between them Plus learn tips for tackling your clutter and disorganization in different areas of your life. Don't forget to tune in to our next episode, where we'll be discussing work-life harmony with Tina Wells! This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends, If you are feeling overwhelmed, want to feel healthier, look better, but may not have a lot of time or money, I encourage you to listen to this episode! Joining me today is Kate Cherichello, host of Be the Good with Kate-a weekly podcast where guests share their journey to finding their passion and helping others along the way. In addition to her podcast, Kate is a NYC performer and certified fitness professional where she trains and coaches individuals in person and online. I invited her on our show to talk about incorporating fitness into a busy lifestyle. During our conversation, Kate and I discuss: The power of consistency The impact of removing the word “only” from your vocabulary How our relationship with fitness evolves and changes over time I vividly remember being a busy mom with younger kids trying to navigate motherhood, career and a household. During those years, the first thing that I abandoned was working out. Looking back now, I wish I had a different perspective on what fitness looked like and how I could fit it into my life. If you know someone who could find value in our conversation, please share this episode with them-they’ll be glad you did! Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode, Denise Albright Studios-a suite of organizing tools for parents and kids. Get 30% off your entire order with SIMPLY30 used at checkout on denisealbright.com XOXO- Laurie CONNECT WITH KATE WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PODCAST KATE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION How to Win Friends and Influence People This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

My tip of the week for you is to go through the important people in your life and just add their birthdays into their contact information. Adding birthdays is a great way to automate part of your busy life, you can then set a reminder to send a happy birthday on their special day! If you liked this episode share with a friend! This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hey Friends, Today I’m joined by our Rhode Island SBO Partner, and fellow Professional Organizer Kate Bosch. Some of you may remember Kate from Episode 298 where she shared her journey to becoming a Professional Organizer. I invited her back on the show to talk about a topic that we have been working on behind the scenes. It’s something that is meaningful to most of us, but that we don’t often take the time to articulate–our CORE VALUES. “Your core values are the drivers that shape what’s most important to you.” During our conversation, Kate shares her core values, what she calls her 5C’s, and how she applies each of these to the physical stuff you have in your home and how you spend your time. Connection Creativity Competence Confidence Contentment We talked about the process she used to come up with her list, and the steps you can take to create your own list of core values. I always say that your home should reflect who you are, and what’s most important to you. If you’re feeling a disconnect between what your space looks like and who you want to be, this is a great place to start. My friend Sarah Dalton created a great free download to help you get started, which we’ve included in the links below. XOXO- Laurie CONNECT WITH KATE WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM CORE VALUES WORKSHEET KATE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: The Number One Ladies Detective Agency Series Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends Laundry is an essential chore that we all have to do, yet it can quickly pile up and become overwhelming. Establishing a laundry routine can help make this chore less daunting and ensure that you always have clean clothes to wear. Having a laundry routine means that you can plan ahead and avoid a last-minute scramble to find something clean to wear. This can save time and energy in the long run, as you won't have to spend hours sorting through piles of laundry to find what you need.Regular washing and proper care can help extend the life of your clothes. By establishing a laundry routine, you can ensure that your clothes are washed and dried properly, preventing damage and wear and tear. A laundry routine can also help keep your home clutter-free. By washing and putting away clothes on a regular schedule, you can avoid piles of dirty laundry taking over your living space. Tips for Establishing a Laundry Routine Set a regular day and time for doing laundry Sort clothes by color and fabric type before washing Use the right amount of detergent and avoid overloading the washer Hang or fold clothes immediately after drying to prevent wrinkles Establishing a laundry routine may seem like a small task, but it can have a significant impact on your daily life. By saving time and energy, keeping clothes in good condition, and reducing clutter, a laundry routine can help you feel more organized and in control of your home. If you have a tip that you’d like to submit for our Tip of the Week episodes, visit simplyborganized.com/questions and you might be featured in an upcoming episode! This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends! In honor of Earth Day, today’s episode is all about responsible recycling. We’re looking across 10 of the most popular areas and sharing the do’s and don'ts while sharing some resources of places for you to take your unwanted goods without adding to your carbon footprint. Tech & Electronics Clothing Food Paper Stuffed Animals & Toys Medicine Batteries Paint Building Materials Furniture This episode is chock full of insight into both WHY we often struggle letting go, as well as the practical side to decluttering your home. Make sure to check out the links below for the resources we mentioned in the episode, and if you prefer to read the transcript, click here. Happy Spring! XOXO- L LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Staples Recycling Program Boston University Article on Clothing Consumption Vox Article on Food Waste Reducing Paper Usage Stuffed Animals for Emergencies Terra Cycle for Toy Donation Properly Disposing of Unused MedicineDrug Take Back Days Article from EPA on How and Where to Dispose of Batteries https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/Lowes Recycling Centers How to Properly Dispose of Paint (state specific) Junklugglers 1-800-Got Junk This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Today we’re talking about homework. Giving your kids a "Homework Hub" a designated area where your child does his/her homework on a regular basis. It can be anywhere from a desk in their room, a home office, or the kitchen table. For us, it made the most sense to use our breakfast bar in our kitchen as the girls' hub. There is plenty of room for them to spread out to do their work, they have a designated area to store their supplies and best of all I am literally 5 feet away. It enabled me to easily prepare dinner, check email, while allowing them to ask me questions about their homework or engage in a conversation about their day.Most importantly, it created a routine. They quickly learned where to go when they came home, and what to do. They had everything they needed within reach so that they could work independently. Let me know if you try it! Happy Organizing! Xo Laurie! Links Mentioned ROLLING CART Check us out on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends, Joining me today is Jennifer Ford Berry, best-selling author of the Organize Now! Series, national speaker, creator of the Created Order Neighborhood and host of the podcast, The Make Room Show (check out my recent convo on her show HERE). I invited Jennifer on the show to talk about her latest book: Make Room: take control of your space, time, energy & money to live on purpose. During our conversation we talked about: The evolution of the professional organizing industry (since Jennifer is an OG like me!) How we know if we are being held back, or weighed down by our possessions What we lose every time we bring new “stuff” into our homes The impact on our TIME, ENERGY and FINANCES and how that affects our lives Navigating emotional and calendar clutter throughout the different seasons of life Jennifer also shares how her life has evolved as her kids have grown, and gives some words of wisdom for younger moms as you look to discover your purpose. Make sure to check out the links below for everything we talked about in this episode. XOXO- Laurie P.S. Did you know that we are now releasing 2 episodes of TOL per week? Every Monday we’ll release a new TIP OF THE WEEK to give you a little extra boost as you kick off the week. Then on Thursday’s we’ll continue to bring you our regular episodes filled with great guests! ***Make sure to click the subscribe or follow button wherever you get your podcasts. CONNECT WITH JENNIFER WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE MAKE ROOM PODCAST THE PHOTO STICK JENNIFER’S BOOK RECOMMENDATION: GOAL GETTERS This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Today’s tip of the week is the 2 minute rule: If you can do something in 2 minutes or less, do it rather than procrastinating. Simple tasks like opening the mail, putting the dishes in the dishwasher, hanging up your coat, folding the blanket on the couch-are little wins that have a larger impact. We underestimate the negative impact on our mood or stress levels from neglecting to do these simple tasks. So the next time you are about to procrastinate on something-ask yourself “can I complete this in 2 minutes or less?” and if the answer is YES, then push yourself out of your comfort zone and as Nike says- JUST DO IT. If you have a tip that you’d like to submit for our Tip of the Week episodes, visit simplyborganized.com/questions and you might be featured in an upcoming episode! This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends, Back by popular demand is my good friend, Matt Paxton! I invited Matt on the show today to talk about a question that I get asked all the time .... “Am I a Hoarder”. Matt Paxton is one of the top cleaning, downsizing, decluttering, and hoarding experts in the country. He was a frequent regular on A&E’s Hoarders for 12 years and now hosts the Emmy-nominated PBS show Legacy List with Matt Paxton. You also might remember Matt from Episode 269 of This ORGANIZED Life, where he talked about Creating a Legacy List and his book Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff. During today's conversation we looked at: The psychological side of hoarding and how it differs from general clutter The difference between hoarding and collecting The role of trauma, specifically, divorce, death, and abuse as it relates to hoarding Is hoarding permanent or can you be “cured”? How to help someone who you might suspect is struggling with a hoarding disorder What NOT to do, that can actually cause more harm than good Matt shares some personal stories about working with hoarders, his time on the show, and why he has dedicated his life to helping those who are most in need of getting rid of “stuff”. There is so much shame around clutter and there doesn’t have to be. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, please pay it forward by sharing it. XOXO- Laurie P.S. Did you know that we are now releasing 2 episodes of TOL per week? Every Monday we’ll release a new TIP OF THE WEEK to give you a little extra boost as you kick off the week. Then on Thursday’s we’ll continue to bring you our regular episodes filled with great guests! Make sure to click the subscribe or follow button wherever you get your podcasts.CONNECT WITH MATT WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | LINKEDIN OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Ep 269-Creating a Legacy List with Matt Paxton Matt’s Book Recommendation: Die with Zero This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends, We’re kicking off our new series today with Tip of the week! It’s a new bonus episode of This Organized Life. If you only have a few minutes a week these are the episodes for you. Each week you can enjoy a few nuggets of wisdom or getting actionable advice to move you forward! Obviously, if you've been with us for a while, you know that we talk about three main types of clutter. The three main types of clutter are: Physical- the stuff that you see Emotional-the guilt and fear that holds you back from getting rid of things Calendar-feeling or being overscheduled, not being able to say no to things. In addition to that, we have other types of clutter. We have digital clutter, financial clutter, and relational clutter. Today I wanted to start with something simple that I’ve been doing long before Simply B Organized and This Organized Life. Make Your Bed. Making your bed first thing in the morning allows you to have a little win right away and can help you feel a sense of accomplishment. I look at the making of the bed as turning that page. You are turning the page to a new day, and then you are turning the page at the end of the day. And so it gives you a starting and an ending. And in the realm of organization that is a really key. If you liked this episode share it with a friend! And if you haven’t already, join our This Organized Life Facebook Group below! Connect with Me WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Hi Friends! We talk a lot about Physical Clutter, Emotional Clutter, and Calendar Clutter, but Digital Clutter is a very real type of clutter where many folks struggle. From photos to files, not to mention endless email-there is no shortage of information and content that floods our lives on a daily basis. Knowing what to do, or how to do it, can be overwhelming, but today’s guest is going to break it down for us. Joining me today is Kate Hufnagel (aka The Digital Wrangler.) After spending 2 decades working in the High Tech industry, Kate decided to join the entrepreneurial world and now helps individuals and businesses across the country clean up, secure, and streamline their digital lives. I invited her on the show to talk about things like: Easy retrieval of files Password Do's + Don’ts Storage tips for your phones We talked about generational differences with digital fluency, and discussed why incorporating a practice of digital hygiene is so important. From deleting your deleted, to reviewing your cloud storage, Kate shares her best practices with us! Take a listen! Want to learn more about Kate and all she has to offer, check out the links below👇 XO-Laurie P.S. Our new *TIP OF THE WEEK starts on Monday April 3, 2023. Now you’ll have 2 weekly episodes of TOL to listen or watch! CONNECT WITH KATE WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | YOUTUBE KATE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS THE BOOK OF BOUNDARIES | MEASURE WHAT MATTERS This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement

Exciting News! Starting Monday, April 3rd we'll be adding a bonus episode each week to our podcast feed called Tip of the Week! These episodes will be short and designed to give you a boost to start your week off on the right foot! This might be something that I'm doing in my personal life, or perhaps it's a tip that someone shared with me that I wanna pass along. If you're already subscribed to This Organized Life Podcast new episodes will automatically show up in your podcast feed each Monday and our Regular full episodes will continue to drop each and every Thursday. If you're not subscribed be sure to click the subscribe button and you'll receive both! Have questions? Let us know at simplyborganized.com/questions and be sure to follow us @thisorganizedlifepodcast @simplyborganized. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5712378/advertisement