Posted in Declutter

Mini-Clutter Clinic

Mini Clinic: Organizing the Family Bathroom

Objective:
To transform a cluttered family bathroom into a functional, clean, and efficient space for all members of the family to use comfortably.


Step 1: Declutter

  • Remove everything: Clear off countertops, shelves, and cabinets. Lay everything out on a surface.
  • Sort into categories: Group items by type—towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, first aid, etc.
  • Toss expired or unused items: Discard expired products, empty bottles, and anything no longer in use.

Step 2: Establish Zones

Create dedicated zones for:

  • Daily use items: Keep frequently used products (toothbrushes, soap, hand towels) within easy reach.
  • Hair and skincare products: Use a drawer or container for makeup, skincare, and hair tools.
  • Bathing essentials: Organize shampoos, conditioners, and body washes near the shower or bath.
  • Cleaning supplies: Store under the sink or in a closet, but keep them out of reach of children.
  • Family members’ items: If several family members use the bathroom, create personal bins or shelves for each person.

Step 3: Maximize Storage

  • Use drawer organizers: Keep small items like cotton swabs, toothpaste, and razors tidy.
  • Install shelves or baskets: Make use of vertical space with wall-mounted shelves or hanging baskets for extra storage.
  • Use clear containers: For deep cabinets or under-the-sink areas, use clear bins or baskets for easier access to items.
  • Towel hooks or racks: Mount hooks for each family member’s towel, or add a towel bar to keep them off the floor.

Step 4: Label & Maintain

  • Label containers and bins: Labeling helps everyone know where things belong and keeps the system working.
  • Implement a routine check: Once a month, check for items that need replenishing or discarding, ensuring the space stays clutter-free.

Additional Tips:

  • Add a laundry hamper: Make it easy for everyone to toss dirty towels and clothes directly into the hamper.
  • Childproofing: If you have young children, ensure that any sharp or hazardous items are stored securely and out of reach.

Products to Consider:

  • Stackable bins for under-sink storage
  • Over-the-door hooks for towels
  • Clear plastic containers for small items
  • Drawer dividers for toiletries
  • A lazy Susan for easy access to products in deep cabinets

Final Thoughts:

A well-organized family bathroom can streamline the morning and evening routines, helping every family member start their day more efficiently. Plus, an organized bathroom is easier to clean and maintain!

Happy Organizing! Cheryl

Posted in Clutter Coach

Essential Space Organization

Essential Space Organization

Organizing your spaces is not just a luxury; it’s essential to creating a balanced and productive lifestyle. Clutter and disorganization can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. When your living or working environment is chaotic, it can lead to feelings of stress, overwhelm, and even a sense of being stuck. Conversely, an organized space promotes clarity, focus, and peace of mind, allowing you to operate more efficiently and feel more in control.

A well-organized space saves time and energy. When you know where things are, you don’t waste precious moments searching for misplaced items, which reduces frustration and increases productivity. It helps you maintain a sense of calm, especially in stressful situations, because your environment is set up to support your daily routines, not hinder them. This is particularly important for people juggling multiple responsibilities like work, family, and personal care.

Additionally, organizing isn’t about making everything perfect; it’s about creating systems that work for you and your unique lifestyle. Whether it’s a kitchen where meal prep becomes effortless, a workspace that boosts creativity and concentration, or a living room that invites relaxation and connection, organizing is about making life flow better. It’s a form of self-care that enhances the quality of your life by creating physical and mental space for the things that matter most.

Far from being a luxury, organization is a necessity. It empowers you to live more intentionally, reduces anxiety, and fosters a healthier, more functional lifestyle. When your space is in order, your mind can follow suit.

Change Chaos to Calm, Cheryl

If you require more comprehensive guidance than the information provided in my article, consider my personalized coaching programs. Book a complimentary consultation to explore the factors hindering your journey toward organized living spaces. Together, we will identify your challenges and develop a tailored strategy to help you achieve your goals. I anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you in transforming your lifestyle.

Let’s Chat! # 860-941-8630

A TEXT  gets to me faster: (Name, Issue, the Best time to call)

Email: ccamacho@lifestyle-by-designs.com 

“Clutter is postponed decisions”

Posted in Closet Organization

Mini-Clutter Clinic . . . Closets

Mini Clinic: Organizing an Entry Hall Closet

Duration: 30-45 minutes

USE A TIMER TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS – NOT THE ONE ON YOUR PHONE (optional)

1. Set a Goal for Your Closet (5 minutes)

Purpose: Determine how you want your closet to function as a place for coats, shoes, bags, or cleaning supplies.

Activity: Write down your main goal for the space and the key items that belong there.

2. Clear Out the Closet (10 minutes)

Purpose: Create a clean slate by emptying everything from the closet.

Activity: Remove all items, then clean the space. Dust, sweep, and wipe down the shelves and floor.

3. Sort and Categorize (10-15 minutes)

Purpose: Group similar items together to understand what you have and what’s worth keeping.

Activity: Use categories like Coats/Jackets, Shoes/Boots, Bags, Cleaning Supplies, etc.

Tip: Immediately create piles for Keep, Donate, and Trash to declutter.

4. Choose Organizational Tools (5-10 minutes)

Purpose: Maximize the closet’s functionality using storage solutions.

Suggested Tools:

Hooks or wall-mounted racks for bags, hats, or scarves.

Shoe racks or bins for footwear.

Shelving or baskets for seasonal items like gloves and umbrellas.

Over-the-door organizers for smaller accessories.

5. Return Items to the Closet (5-10 minutes)

Purpose: Arrange everything back into the closet in an organized way. EVERYTHING NEEDS A HOME!

Tip: Place most-used items at eye level and seasonal or rarely used items higher up.

Activity: Strategically put each item back, ensuring that the closet serves its purpose effectively.

6. Final Touches and Maintenance Plan (5 minutes)

Purpose: Make sure the space is easy to maintain in the long term.

>>POST A LIST ON THE INSIDE DOOR OF WHAT BELONGS IN THE SPACE- For younger kids, use pictures<<

Tip: Create a simple maintenance plan, like a quick 5-minute monthly declutter.

Activity: Label shelves or bins if necessary to keep the system intact.

Key Takeaway:

The entry hall closet is often a catch-all space, but it can transform into a functional, stress-free area with proper organization. Consistent decluttering and intentional storage will keep it organized.

Happy Organizing! 

Cheryl 

Posted in Clean and Organize

The Healing Power of Decluttering

The Healing Power of Decluttering: How a Professional Organizer Can Transform Your Space and Mind

Life has a way of piling up, and not just on our to-do lists. Slowly, without even noticing, our homes and offices start to fill with things—possessions, papers, even well-meaning gifts—that eventually become clutter. But this clutter isn’t just physical; it seeps into our minds, creating a kind of noise that disrupts our peace, our productivity, and even our health.

For many, a cluttered space is a reflection of a cluttered mind. It’s hard to concentrate, to relax, or even to feel truly at home when surrounded by chaos. You may find yourself overwhelmed, anxious, or even depressed as your space spirals out of control. This is where the magic of a professional organizer comes in—not just as someone who tidies up, but as a partner in reclaiming your life.

Clutter and Mental Health: The Hidden Connection

Imagine walking into a room that feels light, open, and calm—a place where everything has a home and nothing is out of place. Now, imagine the opposite: a space where every surface is covered, every drawer is crammed, and every corner holds a reminder of something you haven’t gotten to yet. That second scenario can weigh on you, both mentally and physically. Studies show that clutter can increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to feelings of overwhelm and helplessness. It can rob you of your focus, steal your energy, and even disrupt your sleep.

But it’s not just about the physical mess. Each piece of clutter often carries its own emotional baggage—unmade decisions, unfulfilled promises, and unresolved issues. And that emotional weight can be heavy.

How a Professional Organizer Can Help

When you invite a professional organizer into your space, you’re not just asking for help with cleaning up—you’re inviting transformation. A good organizer understands that decluttering is deeply personal. They approach each space with empathy, knowing that every item has a story, every decision a ripple effect.

Here’s how the process can impact your mental and physical health:

  1. Restoring Order, Reducing Stress: By systematically decluttering and organizing, a professional helps you reclaim your space and, with it, your peace of mind. As your environment becomes more orderly, your mind can follow suit. The weight on your shoulders lightens as your stress levels decrease.
  2. Empowering Decisions: Every item you decide to keep, donate, or discard is a step toward empowerment. You’re taking control, making decisions that reflect your current self and your goals. This act of choosing can be incredibly freeing, reducing anxiety and boosting your self-esteem.
  3. Creating Calm: A decluttered space creates an environment where you can relax and recharge. It becomes a sanctuary, a place where you can breathe deeply, think clearly, and rest completely. Imagine the physical relief of walking into a room that feels calm and welcoming—your body responds to that in powerful ways.
  4. Boosting Productivity: In your office, a clear space leads to a clear mind. You’re able to focus better, work more efficiently, and make decisions more effectively. This boost in productivity isn’t just good for your career—it’s great for your mental health, too.
  5. Supporting Well-being: Beyond the immediate impact, the benefits of a decluttered space extend to your overall well-being. Better sleep, improved relationships, more time for self-care—these are just a few of the long-term rewards you might experience.

Your Journey to a Lighter, Healthier Life

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about making space for what truly matters. It’s about creating an environment that nurtures you and supports your mental and physical health.

As a professional organizer, I’m here to guide you on that journey. Together, we can transform your cluttered space into a place of peace, productivity, and well-being. Because when you declutter your space, you declutter your life—and that’s where true healing begins.

Happy Decluttering!

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Posted in Uncategorized

Elevate Your Mental Well-being Through Organizing

Hello friends! I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share something that has had a big positive impact on my life, and I think you might find it helpful too.

It’s all about being more mindful. I know, I know, it sounds like something out of a self-help book, but it’s helped me to be more present and appreciate the little things in life.

There are a few things I do to practice mindfulness:

  • I try to focus on my breath when I’m feeling stressed or anxious.
  • I take a few minutes each day to just sit and be still in total silence.
  • I pay attention to the small details of my day, like the smell of coffee in the morning or the sound of birds singing and my princess-Kitty purring. 

It’s not always easy to be mindful, but it’s worth it. I feel more relaxed and centered when I make an effort to be present.

Organizing is often seen as a practical thing, but it can have a big impact on our mental health. It’s not just about decluttering physical spaces; it’s about creating an environment that promotes clarity, peace, and a sense of control.

When our surroundings are organized, it can help us to feel more in control of our lives. It can also reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, a clean and organized space can be more conducive to productivity and creativity.

If you’re looking to improve your mental health, consider decluttering and organizing your space. It may just make a big difference.

Here are some ways in which organizing can contribute to your mental health:

  • 1. Reduced Stress Levels: A clutter-free space promotes a sense of order and reduces the visual chaos that can lead to feelings of overwhelm. When we know where things are, we can approach tasks with greater ease and reduced stress.
  • 2. Enhanced Productivity and Focus: An organized environment allows us to focus on the task at hand without distractions. This can lead to increased productivity and a greater sense of accomplishment.
  • 3. Boosted Mental Clarity: A clutter-free space corresponds to a clutter-free mind. When we remove physical distractions, we create mental space for creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.
  • 4. Improved Time Management: A well-organized schedule and workspace can help you allocate your time more efficiently. This leads to a greater sense of control over your day-to-day activities.
  • 5. Promotes Mindfulness and Well-being: Engaging in the process of organizing encourages a mindful approach to our surroundings. It allows us to appreciate the present moment and take pride in our environment.
  • 6. Facilitates Goal Achievement: A clutter-free space allows you to visualize your goals more clearly. It’s easier to set and track progress towards your objectives when your surroundings support your ambitions.
  • 7. Creates a Relaxing Sanctuary: Coming home to an organized and tidy space can be incredibly calming. It provides a sanctuary where you can unwind, recharge, and find peace.

If you want to learn more about this, I’d be happy to share some practical tips and resources to get you started. Just remember, it’s not about being perfect, but about creating a space that works for you and your needs.

Here’s to a smooth and well-planned journey to better mental health!

Yours in Chaos to Clarity 𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓵

If you are seeking more assistance than what I can provide here, my personalized coaching programs may be precisely what you need. Schedule a free consultation to discuss what is holding you back and how I can assist you in achieving organized spaces in your lifestyle. I look forward to working with you!

NEW PHONE # 860-941-8630

A TEXT  gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call

Email: envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

Posted in Uncategorized

The Energy of Your Home

Everything and everybody that enters your home creates energy and leaves a footprint.

Our homes are full of energy, energy that we create and let flow. We often have a passive relationship with the energy in our homes, rather than an active one, because we don’t pay much attention to it. It’s only when we start to see our homes as unique entities that we begin to understand why it’s important to take charge of the energy in them.

Here are some tips for taking charge of the energy in your home:

  • Declutter and get rid of anything that doesn’t spark joy.
  • Add plants and fresh flowers to your home.
  • Light candles and incense.
  • Play music that makes you happy.
  • Spend time with loved ones in your home.
  • Open your windows and let in the fresh air.
  • Practice gratitude for your home.

Bad vibes can creep into our homes in a lot of ways. Previous owners, builders, visitors, and even the people who clean and maintain our homes can leave behind a lingering energy. Objects and symbols can also have an effect on the energy of a space. So, it’s important to be aware of all the things that can influence the energy of our homes. When we know what to look for, we can create harmonious homes that are more than just a place to live.

One of the easiest ways to keep your home a loving and supportive space is to be careful about who and what you let in. It’s not always possible to keep potentially harmful people or things out, but you can take precautions. For example, you can keep certain people out of private spaces like bedrooms and meditation rooms, and you can cleanse or smudge your property to purify it.

Here’s a cool idea: if you’re remodeling or building a new home, you can print Reiki symbols and other positive imagery on the surfaces that will be covered up by walls, flooring, or paint. Even though they’ll be hidden, they’ll still attract good energy and cleanse the existing energy in your home. You can also draw blessings in plain sight to remind you of how powerful your home’s energy can be in affecting your own.

A house can look nice, cozy, and stable on the outside, but still be filled with negative or even harmful energy. If you take good care of your home, you’ll naturally start to look beyond its surface qualities and pay attention to how it makes you feel. And if you actively protect your home from negative energy, you’ll be better equipped to deal with it if it ever does come your way.

The energy of your home will reflect the way you treat it. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. So be mindful of your actions and make your home a place you love to be.

Peace ♥ Harmony

Yours in Clutter to Clarity, Cheryl

If you’re looking for more help than what I can provide here, my personalized coaching programs might be just what you need. Book a free consultation to chat about what’s holding you back and how I can help you achieve organized spaces in your lifestyle. I look forward to working with you!

NEW PHONE # 860-941-8630

A TEXT  gets to me faster: Name, Issue, the Best time to call

Email: envisionsdesigns@gmail.com

Posted in Downsize, Elder Care, Parents

There Are Benefits Of Downsizing

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

You spend a large part of your life and hard-earned money on the concept of the American dream, buying and living in your forever home. Your home is a special place, filled with lots of memories, love, and tons of laughter. As you age, you might start asking yourself whether your home works with your changing daily routines and needs. 

To ease challenges and simplify living, you may want to consider downsizing. Downsizing can offer many financial and lifestyle benefits for seniors.

Why Downsize? Downsizing is the idea that your current space is more than you need and moving to a smaller space may fit your future needs better. Minimizing your living space and the amount of stuff you have can lead to less stress, lower living expenses, and a simpler overall life.

What to Look For. Before you downsize, create a list of your needs and wants in a new home. First and foremost, make sure you are moving to a space where you feel safe and comfortable. If you are going from a single-family home to a condo, consider that you will now have neighbors and the style of living will be different, but sometimes different is good and can expose you to new things you would never enjoy if you didn’t downsize.

Also, consider your future health needs. You may no longer want or be able to go up and down the stairs easily, so consider a ranch-style home or a first-floor unit. Ensure you have optimal mobility in your new living space to help prevent accidents and falls.

YOUR FIRST STEP:

Declutter.  As we get older we seem to accumulate a lot of treasures over the years. Moving into a smaller space forces decisions on how to sort through treasures. There are some basic ways to streamline possessions when downsizing:

  • Determine what is going on with you
  • Give items to the adult children
  • Donate
  • Sell
  • Create 4 piles when decluttering  each space – K-T-D-S = KEEP TOSS DONATE SELL

Packing. If the senior and family members are packing up instead of using professional movers, there are a few tips to consider:

  • Pack one room completely before moving on. This means making the more difficult decisions up front without leaving items to decide on late in the process.
  • Pack dishes and glassware with care. Use extra packing paper and wrap each individual piece. Stack dishes vertically, not horizontally. Pad the container’s top and bottom with cloth or towels and mark the box “fragile.”
  • Pack essentials separately. Consider what will be needed in the first week in the new home—examples: medications, toilet paper, shower curtains, towels, and hand soap. Make sure you Label the boxes so that each container does not have to be opened to discover what is inside. Label each box with – WHAT ROOM DOES IT GO, CONTENT believe me as many times as I have moved your friends will appreciate these two bits of information.

Consider a portable storage unit or a moving pod, which will provide a less stressful experience because it can be loaded over time. Make sure when you’re setting a new budget for your new home – you budget this item.

Consider hiring professionals. There are Professional Organizers (like Lifestyle by Design) who specialize in assisting older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation or a transition in your lifestyle.

If you’re looking for guidance beyond this article today, my Coaching Programs can be customized just for you. Book a Complimentary Session to discuss what’s holding you back. I look forward to guiding you on your journey to achieve organized spaces in your home or business.

𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓕𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓵𝔂 𝓞𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓷𝓲𝔃𝓮𝓻, 𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓵

𝑾𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒖𝒔!

Call/Text 860.961.6824 or email envisionsdesigns@gmail.com for your free 1/2 hour complimentary consultation.

Let me coach you to transformation by getting rid of Clutter and bringing Clarity to your life. 
Posted in Downsize, Memories

Declutter Tool

Do you have “Those Items” around your house that don’t fit into your style but you can’t quite find it in your heart to depart with them? I remember years ago, a client had lost her father “the fisherman” when they cleared out his fishing cabin they brought home these freaking fish that were mounted onto a wooden plaque and would sing, and flip their fins . . . do you remember them from the 1980s?

Well, everyone and anyone must have brought him one of these fish that sang songs like; “Take me to the river” and many other hits! My client had a what I called a vintage-glamourous home decor – the fish did not have a home in her home to say the least – but, she had a hard time parting with them because they brought back funny memories to her when she and the family would spend time with their father at the cabin.

I created this form for her, she could take a picture of each of the plagued fish and write a funny memory to share with her family, children and grandchildren. I took the pictures had them developed at The Mystic Color Lab and together with her family they shared stories and laughs while attaching the pictures to the sheet, writing the stories, then inserting them into a report covers to be placed into the 3-ring binder I purchased for her.

I would laugh when I’d hear her grandchildren going through the book and telling stories that were half their imagination and the other half the facts . . . it was hilarious!

Download the form – Start sharing stories with pictures – Declutter the fun way!

Peace ♥ Harmony

Cheryl XO

Posted in Clean and Organize, Holidays, Home organizing

20 Ideas To Declutter Before The Holidays

20 Ideas To Declutter Before The Holidays

I know . . . it may feel a bit unusual to declutter before the holidays. It took some time but I had finally convinced my organizing clients if you declutter and organize the home BEFORE the holidays you would actually enjoy the season with the family.

Let’s showcase the home and your lifestyle to make room for the holiday festivities either in person or online. You get to choose how you participate in this most memorable holiday season. Being intentional with a clear mindset about how you will celebrate will create a most meaningful holiday with family and friends near and afar.

Declutter the home before the holidays: 20 Ideas to create a mindful holiday

  1. Kitchen Pantry ~ Start in the pantry. There are probably things in there you don’t remember where they came from. Check the expiration date on the items to make sure it still good if it is and you won’t use it put items in a box and drop off at your local food bank. If they are currently NOT taking donation please consider making a monetary donation . . . Thanks!
  2. Closets ~  This is a wonderful time to look at the clothes you purchased in the last year. Will you wear it again? If no, give them to a friend, consign them, donate them or bring to a local thrift shop or Goodwill.
  3. Give Away Warmth ~  Take your extra winter coats, gloves, scarves, and socks (New) to a homeless shelter. Warmth is in high demand this holiday season.
  4. Books ~ I love giving books for gifts! I found this great idea from a vintage book I bought years ago; write a letter on the inside cover about why you choose the book for someone you care about. If you find it as hard as I do to let go of books, Dedicate them to a new heart & home helped me. Looking to re-gift this year ~ start with your books.
  5. Bye ♪ Bye ♫ Bye ♪ Gifts ~ Remember the gifts you ended up with at the company office holiday swaps – you never took them out of the box or bag. Say bye, bye, bye!
  6. Medicine Cabinet ~ Check the expiration dates on anything over a year long. Dump your old stuff responsibly.
  7. Design Items ~ What graces your shelves and countertops? If you’re going to do some holiday decorating it may be the best time to let go of some vases, candlesticks, and other decors you don’t use anymore. Yes To Less Dusting!
  8. Paper management ~ There will be pleather of incoming paper over the next couple of months catalogs, cards, to mention a few. Start the new year with a clean slate along with an organized area.
  9. Junk Drawers ~   Get into those junk drawers and toss all the things you’ve been holding onto – this is a great drawer to re-gift items for grandkids, nieces, nephews, coworkers. My mom used to say “One man’s junk is another’s treasure”.
  10. Make-up! ~ I think we all have simplified our make-up routines since Covid has been in town. Get rid of the stuff you aren’t wearing and don’t enjoy anymore. I want to add a Housekeeping note: this is a good time to replace or clean your make up brushes and wands. TIP: DAWN dish detergent (2 drops) works wonderfully!
  11. DIFY Goodies ~ Do It For Yourself crafts are a great escape. This is a whole season of some very different memories from those of the past. Make room to create scrapbooks, vision boards, crafts to celebrate the year 2020, to make it meaningful.
  12. Health Check-Ups ~ Schedule your routine appointments and screenings now so you don’t have to think about them. See if Tele-Health options are available – I do know at this point of the pandemic you have the option to ask your doctor, for a Tele-Appointment Great health makes life simpler.
  13. Burdens ~ Make sure you make room on your calendar for the things that make the holidays purposeful to you and your family by getting rid of the things that burden you.
  14. The Drama ~ I believe this is more important this year than any other year, clear up the family drama. You can simplify the gatherings you know that are coming either in person or over Zoom this year. This is brain clutter, clear mental clutter so you can welcome peace and calm back into your life. Without this brain clutter, you will become a more productive, happier, and all-around healthier soul.  
  15. Your Finance ~ Gift, events, travel and other seasonal items will put pressure on you to spend more. Assess your dollars now and make decisions about what you have to budget for the holidays. Avoid splurges and creating new debt for the coming year – be completely transparent and honest about your finances.
  16. Mental Clutter ~ This pre-season release of all of the mental clutter like perfection, comparison, doubts, and expectations will give the holiday season a chance to delight you and your family.
  17. Morning Chaos ~ Do you ever dream of a morning when having time to watch the leaves blow, the snowfall, or ocean waves rolling in? You can set your alarm clock earlier than usual then you can get up to listen to your favorite music, read a book, or quietly pray or meditate. Simplify the morning chaos and make time for YOU!
  18. Busy & Clutter life ~ Simple. Say Goodbye!
  19. The Guilt . . . Let it go! ~ Give and do what you can. Let go of any quilt that says it’s not enough. It is enough. YOU ARE ENOUGH.
  20.  Emails & Cell Phone ~ Clean up your phone by dumping apps and deleting old contacts. Unfollow and unsubscribe in order to make more space in your inbox and social feeds. To really show up this holiday season – show up UNPLUGGED (if you can).

Choose a few or all of these 20 ideas to declutter your lifestyle before the holiday season. Think about how you want to enjoy the holidays. Be intentional and mindful about what rituals, activities or traditions will make it meaningful for you.

Declutter now for less stress and a more merry and easier lifestyle!

Peace ♥ Harmony

Cheryl XO