Get Sentimental this summer

July 7, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Wellness & Mindset 2 Comments

Have a Sentimental Summer and use these tips for sorting school work and kids’ memorabilia.

Summer is perfect for getting a handle on all those sentimental school objects, papers, and artwork you and your kids are keeping. Perhaps you have a designated spot where you dump things throughout the year? Before you sit down to sort through the sentimental savings, it helps to understand how sentimental you are. Do you want to keep everything, are you detached, or somewhere in between?

Having an awareness of what we learned from our upbringing will be a great guide to your decision-making process moving forward!

Reflect on your childhood and how your parents handled your memorabilia. Sometimes, how our family “taught” us is how we respond, and other times, we want to do the direct opposite. Did your parents keep everything and then hand it over to you after college or when you moved out? Or did they dump it in the trash? What did you do with your sentimental treasures from childhood? Do you still have those things? When was the last time you looked through your memory albums, boxes, etc.? Be aware that what you do today will impact your kids’ behavior tomorrow, and they may already have a strong opinion about what they want to keep or discard (which might differ from yours).

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Fuzzy Goals-Smarter than SMART?

July 7, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Planning & Goals, Productivity, Wellness & Mindset 4 Comments

Embracing the Beauty of Fuzzy Goals: A Refreshing Shift in How We Set Intentions

Recently, I learned about Fuzzy Goals—a concept wonderfully different from the conventional SMART Goals. I’d never heard of this term before, but something about the word “fuzzy” lured me in. It felt lighthearted, approachable, and just a little rebellious. So, naturally, I did a bit of research.

To my surprise and delight, what I discovered wasn’t just a trendy new productivity term—it was a liberating shift in perspective. Fuzzy goals allow space for ambiguity, creative exploration, and personal growth. They honor the feeling behind the goal just as much as the outcome.

Fuzzy Goals: An Alternative Approach to Planning

The best way I can describe fuzzy goals is to think of them as existing on a spectrum.

On one end, we have quantifiable, measurable objectives—like traditional SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These are highly structured and rooted in clarity and accountability.
On the opposite end, you’ll find a dream, a wish, or a vague yearning—something you feel intuitively but can’t quite articulate. It could be an internal pull toward a new way of being or a lifestyle you envision but don’t yet know how to reach.

Fuzzy goals live somewhere between these two extremes. They are goals born from emotion, intuition, and creativity, rather than logic and timelines. They may not always have a defined endpoint—but they guide us toward something meaningful.

What makes them powerful is their emotional resonance. A fuzzy goal stirs something inside you. It’s less about checking off boxes and more about exploring what matters to you—your passions, your values, your curiosity.

Sensory, Creative, and Flexible by Design

One of my favorite aspects of fuzzy goals is how they invite sensory and imaginative expression. They encourage us to step outside rigid formats and play in the world of visioning.

Maybe you draw a mind map of ideas and inspirations.
Or you create a vision board that evokes the energy you want to move toward.
You might even record a voice memo describing your ideal day in vivid detail, write a poem about what you’re craving in life, or collage images that speak to your dream career.

The method doesn’t matter—the feeling does. Fuzzy goals are all about helping you connect to your inner compass through creative expression.

And here’s the beautiful part: They are allowed to evolve. That fuzziness? It’s not a flaw—it’s a feature. Your fuzzy goal can shapeshift as you learn more about yourself. You might think you’re moving toward one thing, only to realize your path is veering slightly. That’s not failure—it’s growth.

Progress Over Perfection

Traditional goals sometimes make us feel like we have to “get it right” the first time. But fuzzy goals shift the focus to progress over perfection. They give permission to move forward without fully knowing the outcome, trusting that the journey itself will teach us something important.

You may start with a feeling like, “I want to feel more alive in my work,” or “I want to reconnect with joy in my everyday life.” From there, you can explore what small shifts or experiments might bring you closer to that feeling. It might be taking a new class, adjusting your routine, exploring a creative hobby, or reaching out to new people.

Fuzzy goals open the door to experimentation—and celebrate the learning that comes from trying.

If you’re in a season where goal-setting feels daunting—or even paralyzing—fuzzy goals might be the gentle invitation you need. They don’t demand immediate clarity or perfect structure. Instead, they ask you to lean into your desires and follow what lights you up, even just a little.
When life feels uncertain, strict goals can feel suffocating. But fuzzy goals meet you where you are. They remind you that you don’t need all the answers right now. What you need is momentum. Curiosity. Openness. A willingness to begin.

Why I Love Fuzzy Goals

Personally, I’m drawn to the creative, forgiving, and flexible nature of fuzzy goals. Sometimes, clarity doesn’t come all at once—and that’s okay. Sometimes, we’re not ready for a five-year plan (I can barely figure out this year, much less, five!), but we can still take the first step toward something meaningful.

Fuzzy goals feel like an act of self-compassion. A reminder that it’s okay not to have it all figured out. That movement—even murky, meandering movement—is still powerful.

So if you’re looking for a new way to approach planning your future, give fuzzy goals a try. Let yourself play, imagine, and shift direction as needed. You might just surprise yourself with where you end up.

Curb Kitchen Chaos

January 23, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Health, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

Kitchen organizing is a dream job for me. Here are quick tips to Curb Kitchen Chaos. I love to cook, so creating functional and easy-to-use storage systems is a joy!

A Kitchen Case Study

Here’s an excellent example of a kitchen with ample storage but lacks organizing and storage systems. This family didn’t see the potential for re-arranging items to maximize better the drawers, cabinets, and pullout storage they had.

We first tackled the family “command center,” a corner nook that seemed to capture everything from flower vases to cereal, kids’ medicine to keys. This area had become a “dumping ground” and looked and felt very cluttered.

Challenges of an Open-Concept Kitchen

We discussed how this space could best serve the family’s needs and started by moving the items that didn’t belong out. Many kitchens are part of an open floor plan or open to a great room (this example was), so keeping things orderly is vital since food prep is no longer out of sight. Kitchens often double as office spaces, family planning hubs, and play areas. It can be frustrating to have toys and paperwork strewn everywhere. This process will usually create a bigger mess than you have. The chaos of pulling things out and not yet having room to put them away can turn people off …but hang in there!

Corral, Contain, and Decant

We transformed what remained by corralling small:

Kids’ art supplies went into cute glass jars
Keys went on command hooks
Medicine went in clear bins, like this high-sided, clear, lazy Suzan
Sun/glasses went into a small basket
Frequently used phone numbers (for the babysitter/nanny, etc.) went into a binder in a nearby desk drawer.
This drawer became a more practical storage space for everyday office supplies, such as pens, pencils, tape, scissors, the checkbook, and the family’s paper calendar, for quick reference. It made sense because it is part of the area that serves as a “command center.”

Efficient Kitchen Zones

If your kitchen needs a bit of order, try rethinking where you store items and creating zones for more efficient use of space. We tackled strategic zones, working our way from one end of the kitchen to the other, finishing with the fridge (no photo’s-sorry). We created specific zones for breakfast, baking, spices, kids, command center, and cooking.

Tips to Curb Kitchen Chaos

Kitchen Organizing-Before

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Often, people don’t label because they think they will remember what goes where. Still, if you have a housekeeper, nanny, babysitter, or family member who regularly uses the space, they will not know where things go unless you make it simple. Your logic might not be the same as other household members, so using labels will help everyone get on the same page. The primary person using the space should consider others’ needs. Ultimately, the space should be set up to serve those who use it most.
Quick tip: I have several “go-to” favorite containers that work well for various needs. However, I also consider what the client likes. If storage is visible, we will look for more decorative containers that fit the client’s decor.
Use labels and zones inside the fridge! Yes, we all tend to keep things like condiments together, but what about designating a lower shelf and container for kids’ snacks, another area for breakfast foods, and so on? Labels (as stated above) will make it easy for everyone in the house to remember where everything goes.

Kitchen Organizing-After

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In summary, create a system based on zones. This kitchen took two three-hour sessions (average for a mid-large kitchen). Consider what you like or have to do most (baking but not much cooking, making lunches, etc). In the end, the kitchen will function much more smoothly. Everyone knows where things belong, thanks to labels on all the shelves and drawers. Your time in the kitchen will be so much more enjoyable and efficient!

I love how this space turned out; it’s both beautiful and functional, and it gives the kids the freedom to have fun in their space but makes it super easy to clean up when needed.

Do you have a space that serves multiple functions? If you find these spaces challenging or need help with setup, I’d love to help you! Visit my contact page, and we can schedule a time for a free”get to know your organizing needs” call.

Unraveling Courage

January 18, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Creative process, Inspiration & Education, Planning & Goals, Productivity, Wellness & Mindset 2 Comments

Happy 2025! I have been unraveling words over the past few weeks. These days, when greeting people right after New Year, I find it’s not uncommon to exchange “words.” Selecting a word for the year (WOTY) or One Little Word (OLW-Ali Edwards) has become common practice! Susannah Conway (a photographer and creative soulmate) offers a free workbook and workshops. Many others are offering community support to establish or continue this practice. I began this practice in 2011, a year with much uncertainty. I had left my corporate career as a textile designer feeling insecure and excited about my future. I began by setting an intention for my year by selecting a word; that year, I needed clarity. By the end of the year, I had launched my business, firmly stepped away from my corporate career, and permitted myself to transform as things came into focus. The results of selecting a word were powerful, and the practice has stayed with me all these years!

My previous words over the past DECADE of selecting a WOTY.

2011: CLARITY
2012: SOAR
2013: RADIANT
2014: PLAY
2015: CHOICE
2016: HARMONY
2017: ACCEPTANCE
2018: FEARLESS
2019: INTENTION
2020: INTEGRATION
2021: POSSIBILITY
2022: HOPE
2023: DELIGHT
2024: COMPASSION

I love how they connect and flow into one another.

My word for 2025 is COURAGE.

With so many intense things happening in America and the world, from politics to natural disasters, it already feels fitting. Everything feels like a big tangled ball of scary unknown outcomes (that’s life, right?!). Unraveling courage of those messy feelings is what the process feels like for me. We can all use a little (or a lot) courage to help us navigate life’s challenges. My method of selecting a word for the year combines reflecting on the past year’s lessons and what I’ve taken away from my previous year’s words.

Word Cloud of Courage and its synonyms created with Scapple.

Last year, compassion (for self and others) taught me how to surrender, open my heart as a lifelong practice, and act in a manner that includes kindness and healthy boundaries. I went into the year feeling like I was not always very compassionate. My work with compassion is not done. Each year, when I focus on a word, I begin a lifelong exploration of my relationship to that feeling, emotion, or action. There have been times when I felt ashamed for not being more compassionate towards myself or someone else. Sometimes, it’s a conflicting choice, and it can feel like you are turning your back on another person to act compassionately towards yourself. I believe that ultimately when we learn to treat ourselves with compassion, we can better give that compassion back as a gift to others. As I reflected on these lessons, courage emerged as my word, primarily because it’s how I want to feel and act. There is a lot of fear out there right now, and I do not want to live in fear. Facing our fears takes courage. Choosing to turn toward what frightens me feels vitally important. As you can see below in the word cloud, looking at the synonyms helps me understand if a word is right for me.

In 2018, my word was Fearless or an absence of fear. Courage is slightly different. The implications are that we act despite our fears, facing them head-on. Despite our worries, facing something we are afraid of requires vulnerability; it may require asking for help, stepping outside our comfort zone, collaborating with others, and being brave and adventurous. Some acts of courage require us to stretch our boundaries, expand our horizons, and push the limits of what we think we can do. I’m starting by tackling a few tasks that I’ve put on hold or been procrastinating on that have to do with disaster and legacy planning (it’s never too early to begin planning for what ifs and absolutelys).

I’m ready for some of that! I’m feeling the need (as I mentioned above) for courage in my personal life, how I interact within the community, and in my business (as I step more boldly into my role as an appraiser). I use a vision board to mind map and visualize what courage might look life in my own life. It reflects actions, feelings, and how I imagine bringing my word into my daily life. On the vision board above, courage looks fun and playful, not like a scary monster. That is how I’m approaching courage in 2025. I would love your thoughts on the Word of the Year (WOTY) process. Please comment on this post to let me know your word (s).

The Mental Health Impact of Clutter

May 16, 2024 by Heather Filed Under: Health, Organize, Organizing Projects, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

Improve Your Mental Health – The Link Between Clutter, Stress, and Anxiety

Have you ever looked around your home and felt frustrated by the impact of clutter on your life? After all, stacks of paper on the counter, never-ending piles of laundry, and stuff covering every surface can feel overwhelming!

Certainly, you’re not alone. Clutter has become a major problem in our culture, and it’s even taking a toll on our emotional and mental health. You’ve felt it before, right? What impact can clutter around you have on your mind and well-being?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I thought this would be the perfect time to discuss clutter’s impact on our mental health — and how organization can help!

“High stress prevents us from organizing our homes, but the clutter itself can also lead to stress.”

-NATALIE CHRISTINE DATTILO, PHD

The Impact of Clutter

It’s not just your friendly neighborhood organizer (Hi!🙋‍♀️) who says clutter has an impact on your mental health — research shows it, too. Studies have found that when someone perceives their home as cluttered, their cortisol levels increase. What’s cortisol? The stress hormone.

The key word, however, is ‘perceive’. Clutter weighs on people differently. To some, a stack of paper on the kitchen counter is organized. To others, it’s a taunting pile of agitation.

Understanding how you relate to clutter is the first step in identifying its impact on your mental health.

5-Step Solution to Clutter

Once you better understand your clutter’s impact on your well-being, it’s time to decide what to do about it. This varies for everyone, but there are a few universal steps I’d suggest you take.

Find Your Biggest Stressor

As we’re talking about mental health, I suggest pinpointing the space in your home that stresses you the most. Find the low-hanging fruit that will impact your daily life, like the entryway you go in and out of each day or the dining room table that’s always covered.
Start Small

Though you might find your overflowing garage or basement your most stressful space, those are huge projects. Instead, choose a smaller space that will allow you to see results immediately. Examples include a kitchen drawer, bedroom nightstand, or single shelf.
Set a Timer

You’d be amazed by how much better you feel after 15 minutes of decluttering. If you find you have more stamina, feel free to keep going. But remember that progress is better than perfect! (Because Perfect isn’t real:()
Sort Your Stuff

Starting in your small space, go through the items and decide what can be kept, tossed, donated, or recycled. Even in a small space, you’ll be amazed by how much you can go, and you’ll quickly feel a little lighter.
System Set-up

Systems sound big and complicated, but they can be simple, too! Hanging your keys on the same hook every single day is a system. Putting your shoes in the same spot when you get home is a system. Once you’ve sorted the items in your small space, put them back in a way that works for your habits. Think about how you use the space and decide whether items belong there. If they do, contain them in a way that can help you find them when you need them next.

Support and Resources

As with anything that feels overwhelming, it can help tremendously to have someone at your side along the way. I would love to support you through your organizing journey, but I understand there’s a time and place for everything. I’m here when you’re ready to declutter and organize. I’ve got other organizing posts about clutter and decluttering, so please also check those out.

Some professional organizers specialize in chronic disorganization, frequently related to neurodivergence. If you struggle with ADHD, hoarding, or other challenges, you may find the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) a helpful resource.

If you or a loved one needs additional mental health support or services, please visit the National Institute of Mental Health website for the resources listed.