Creatively Organized Spaces for Organizing & clutter clearing tips for simplified living

Essential College Organizing

August 16, 2026 by Heather Filed Under: Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 1 Comment

Transitioning to or back to college can feel particularly overwhelming, whether in person or online. Staying organized can improve your study skills, lifestyle habits, and time management. These skills matter. The more we have at stake, the more important it is to stay organized. College is a time when we are asked to juggle building new relationships, living independently or with new extended families, and building knowledge.

Any of these on their own is a considerable undertaking, so approach this transition with a dose of strategy, support from people who care about your success, and a large heaping of self-care. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. Be mindful of your emotions! It’s a big change in the midst of an already inconsistent and ever-changing world, so don’t dismiss how you feel!

This post shares helpful strategies for getting and staying organized for both new and returning students. Some of you may have eagerly planned, shopped, and packed over the summer and are settling in or getting ready to. Many folks are still preparing for the new school year, either in dorms or online. No matter where you are taking classes (in person or online), these Essential Organizing tips will help you plan for and transition into this experience!

By now you probably have the school year calendar and have the start of classes and moving to campus. The following categories can help make this a more mindful transition for life schedules and productivity.

Activities & Routines

Transportation-Will a car be available or will is it going to be transportation by bus or college shuttle? Is there a metro or other public transportation in their new city? Be sure to understand the best method of transportation and if cars are allowed on campus (not the case for many freshmen). Work out travel transportation arrangements ahead of time for upcoming school drop off, pick up and holidays (through the end of the year). This might include airfare so book ahead and know the rules and download any useful local apps for mass transit.
Activities, sports, and clubs (most will be transitioned to online or postponed this fall)-If your college planning to get involved in sports, clubs etc…get these activities booked on your master calendar along with the school schedule and decide on any necessary transportation. Cross-reference these activities with the school schedule and keep it all in one place. It’s great to get involved, but be sure there’s a sense of balance between schoolwork, activities, and “play” or free time to be with friends, socialize, relax, etc.

Schedules & Productivity

Planner or Calendar-Decide how to keep track of calendars so that everything needed is in one place, based on what works. Use either a digital or paper planner (there is a big trend to return to paper!) to keep track of important dates, orientation, move in, class schedule (and locations on campus), appointments, projects, finals, and holidays. Consider something like a whiteboard (in the dorm/room) to track schedules while adjusting to this new way of life. If possible, do this ahead of time before heading off to school where the tendency will be to get caught up in the excitement of new campus life! Planners are only helpful if they are with you so keep it where it’s needed (in a backpack or purse etc).
Productivity & study time– Think and Talk about to-do lists and schedule planning (daily, weekly, or monthly) to stay on top of important tasks, projects, classes, and dates. Consider what routines and systems have worked in the past and set up systems for successful and focused study time. This will be different from situation to situation but consistency is key, especially simple things like waking up at the same time daily, making your bed, weekly shopping & laundry, etc. When it comes to studying if you are easily distracted by other people being around, have a plan to seek out a quiet place on campus or at home (dorm or with family) that will enable successful focus.
Routines – Create a few simple rules and rituals; pick up daily (5 mins/day), keep your worksurface clear, empty/repack your bag frequently so you have what you need ready. Have a plan for note-taking, binders and folders by class (color code, etc), or other systems that have been successful. Find a routine for self-discipline. Get 6-8hrs of sleep a night, eating regularly, take necessary medications, self-regulate screen time (games, apps, etc), and general adulting! All the freedom is fun but when things spiral out of control have a plan to get back on track. Most of us thrive with routines and it’s even more important in transitions to implement them for our own success:)

Supplies & Shopping

This is always a big part of school preparation. If you need to order equipment, uniforms, supplies, books, etc you may already be in the process of doing so. If your state (or the one the college is in) has a Tax Free Weekend (usually in early August), plan accordingly so you can make major purchases over that weekend.

Supplies-Create a master list based upon all the supplies needed. “Shop” your house first, gathering anything on the list into one container (box or bag).
Budget-set a limit (realistic) on what you can and will spend so you don’t get sucked into extras.
Categorize-Break the shopping items into categories (see below). E.X. categories might include books, school/desk supplies, clothing, dorm room, meals, electronics, etc.
Shopping-Do a little preliminary research online and either make the purchases online or decide where you will go for what.

A-Z Dorm Essentials for Cleaning & Organizing

These are great resources to have on hand and will be helpful for a variety of uses in the dorm. I’ve created an Amazon Shopping list with suggested items here.

Backpack or bag
Bedside Caddy
Bed Risers (optional)
Hooks (a variety of sizes & types including command & over the door)
Hangers (check to see if you need to bring them but probably!)
Labels (a label maker or write on labels)
Laundry supplies (basket/bag, detergent)
Over the door or under bed shoe organizer
Overnight bag
Permanent markers
Poster Putty for hanging decorative things on the walls
Power Strip-surge protector
Small rolling Cart (with shelves or drawers)
Shelf &/or drawer dividers/organizers (assorted sizes)
Toiletry or shower caddy
Trash & recycling bins/bags (so many people don’t have them!)
Under-bed storage bins (will fit with bed risers-wait if you don’t know)
Zip bags in assorted sizes
Zip ties (assorted sizes for cables, hanging items, etc)

ABC’s of Dorm Packing Essentials

There are a ton of great resources and lists over on Pinterest, so I won’t recreate them but here are general packing categories. It’s best to wait on things like a mini-fridge, microwave, dishes (other than a cup/mug, plate and one set of silverware), Iron/Board (unless fashion is your thing!), vacuum (maybe a dust buster and mini broom), TV and Printer. These are all things that others or the school will have. Besides, you might not need it at all or you can get them later.

Bathroom-Toiletries
Cleaning Supplies (lots of extra or a plan to get more as needed)
Clothing
Cooking & Dining Supplies
Desk Supplies
Dorm Room
Food
First Aid Kit
Electronics
Furniture & Decorations
Medications (Supplements, cold & Rx)
Personal Items
School Supplies
Sports Equipment

This is a lot of info in one place! I hope these Off to College Essential Organizing Tips will help prepare for schedule and lifestyle changes, supplies, and shopping, and finally packing before this next adventure begins!

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Move Management Countdown

July 15, 2026 by Heather Filed Under: Move Management, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 6 Comments

Here’s a helpful move-management countdown calculator to help you plan and organize your move. Once your date is set, create a week-by-week task list to help you stay on schedule and to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Start a “Moving” binder or expandable file folder to keep all the information in one location. Include everything related here (e.g., the moving information, donations, sales and giveaways, storage, lodging, and other information for the destination location).
Use food, cleaning supplies, and other perishables or consumables you don’t want to move. Have a plan to give away, toss or find alternate transportation for anything liquid, perishable or open food (most moving companies will only take sealed food-closed resealable bags are fine for food items).
Check pricing on moving companies, trucks, and storage facilities and be ready to book in 1-2 weeks. There are several options: DIY, hire a service or a hybrid (you pack, they move). You may also want to consider having a container dropped for you to fill and empty as you’re able.
Make decisions about large items to sell, donate, or give away. Collect items to get rid of throughout daily routines; keep an empty box and bags in one location and place items to get rid of. Take regular trips or schedule pick up so these items don’t accumulate.
Research hotels or other temporary housing and book as needed.
Enlist or hire help for the day of the move and unpacking the following days.

Packing Supplies

Locate and/or purchase boxes and other sturdy, undamaged packing supplies. Determining the number of boxes needed is a bit tricky, but a moving supply company can help you calculate this based on how many household members you have and how large your home is. This packing calculator is also helpful if your packing for yourself. Supplies will include the following:

Boxes in various sizes, including specialized wardrobe boxes, China and silverware boxes-aka Dishpacks, flat boxes, and cardboard for artwork.
Equipment such as dollies and hand carts will make moving large items much easier and safer.
Packing tape (and guns), markers, labels, box cutters (or other such knives), bubble wrap/packing peanuts, and newspaper (or unprinted newsprint, which is much less messy).
Packing pads, blankets, sheets (the old ones you don’t need anymore), and plastic shrink wrap (which is not very eco-friendly but sometimes is very helpful!).

Lists and Inventory

Number each box and add it to a list if you are DIY packing/moving. This will make unpacking essentials much easier.
Include a short description of the contents of each box, making special notes of valuable (sentimental or monetary) items or general contents by Category ex. Lampshades, pillows, linens, China, clothes, etc. These can be attached to the box or separate.
Label the box with the DESTINATION room location
Work alongside packers (if you’ve hired a moving company) to be sure boxes are labeled accurately (even if they don’t have a description, you can add a number and room).
Consider color-coding if there are essential boxes to be opened immediately, versus things to be stored and opened later (this is not uncommon with houses under remodel or more complex moves).

Packing-Where & How to start

Think about what is heavy and small versus what is bulky and light. You will want to match the most appropriate boxes to the items. Wardrobes and larger boxes for clothing (especially so you don’t have to remove everything from hangers!), small for books and dishpacks for kitchen items (they are usually stronger and can handle large/heavy and fragile items). Pack your boxes all the way full. Empty space at the tops will cause them to be crushed and damaged when stacked and in transit. This can cause damage to the items inside. Search for items (pillows, linens etc) that might fill the space or use wadded up packing paper to fill holes.

Start with large-medium pictures and artwork, especially personal photos, which are not functional, so you can live without them. These should be flat packed, with backs and fronts facing one another. Some art boxes can hold more than one work. Wrap them in bubble wrap or padded packing paper, then slide into art boxes.
Next, remove all the small artwork from the walls and surfaces. Pack smaller photos and artwork in medium-sized boxes, with newsprint wrapped around each and bubble wrap or cardboard between them.
Next, pack up small decorative non-function items. Otherwise known as Nicknacks:)
In the dining room and kitchen, pack formal China, stemware, crystal, and serving pieces you will not be needing.
Books should be packed into small boxes, so they can be more easily lifted and stored in transit. Since they will be the most heavy boxes, please don’t load them into medium or large boxes. Pack them all the way to the top.
Seasonal clothing or formal ware that you will not be wearing can be packed into medium-large boxes, unused luggage or wardrobes.
Linens that are needed can be packed in medium and large boxes.
Lamps should have lightbulbs, lampshades and harps removed. Use painters tape to label which lamps and shades go together. Stack lampshades together to be packed in the appropriate sized box-by themselves so they are not crushed.
Rugs and pads can be rolled and wrapped with shrink plastic (don’t use tape, which can damage the carpet fibers).

If you are looking for more moving assistance, please reach out and I can work with you to create a customized plan or search my blog for ‘move management‘ posts for more tips!

Sorting & Storing Kids Stuff

May 28, 2026 by Heather Filed Under: Collections, Kids & Family Organizing, Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

Create a system for sorting & storing kids’ stuff this summer. From schoolwork to your children’s school-year memories, use these simple tips.

Summer is perfect for getting a handle on all those sentimental school objects and creating a system for sorting & storing kids’ stuff, from papers and artwork to old school projects. 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, be detached, or be somewhere in between?

Being aware of what we learned from our upbringing will be a great guide for your decision-making process moving forward!

Reflect on your childhood and how your parents handled your memorabilia. Sometimes, the way our family “taught” us shapes how we respond; other times, we want to do the exact 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 affect your kids’ behavior tomorrow, and they may already have strong opinions about what they want to keep or discard (which might differ from yours).

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Collecting within Historical Context

April 27, 2026 by Heather Filed Under: Collections 5 Comments

My role as a professional organizer has placed me in intimate contact with individual and collective tendencies towards excess. On a spectrum from busy families and downsizing for aging clients to collecting and hoarding, I’ve seen more than my fair share of accumulated stuff. From this perspective, I continue to ask questions about the human nature of collecting. In this post, I attempt to further my/your/our understanding of collecting in historical contexts, both cultural and personal.

The Psychology of Collecting

As a frame of reference, I’d like to define two terms before continuing. Collecting (as opposed to hoarding) is generally considered a hobby. Hoarding is defined as a mental disorder and involves both excessive acquiring of objects and extreme difficulty parting with objects. These behaviors can lead to objects that overtake an environment and become unsafe. There are definitely class biases and associations around the terms hoarding and collecting. Leave a comment below with your perspective.

As a professional, I do my best to remain objective and non-judgmental about the stuff people collect. I witness firsthand the day-to-day struggles that so many westerners live and work through, and that I, myself, accumulate. It’s a hamster wheel of life: grab what you can as you run, because you may not get another chance. I realize the oversimplification in this perspective. Partly, my bias stems from the work I do with many individuals who are decluttering, downsizing, or otherwise trying to manage the excess stuff they’ve accumulated over their lives.

Porcelain figurine of a matador

What we lived with and were taught by our families in our homes as children is for some, the first lesson we learned of collecting. Maybe in your household it was music records or Hummel figurines, or inherited crystal and China, maybe it was coffee mugs or something more Avant guard, like artwork or photographs.

We seem to have no time to manage what our eyes and hands want to digest as we are running through this life! But we do, if we can slow down and reflect on the historical context of collecting and our personal relationship towards the tendency and desire to acquire.

Collecting is a topic I plan to continue investigating in this blog. I’m fascinated and, yes, also horrified by the history in a colonial context. But there are other historical contexts to understand as well.

The Privilege of Collecting

Fairly recently, I listened to a conversation between Dr. Kelli Morgan and Hyperallergic editor Hrag Vartanian that placed collecting within historical context. During this exchange, Dr. Morgan mentioned that the origins of collecting were theft. They were discussing collecting in the context of institutions (museums), but it bears consideration how these institutions came to be. One line that really struck me as getting to the heart of this matter follows.

In Dr. Morgan’s words, in a recent article she wrote for Hyperallergic, “European colonizers amassed a massive number of BIPOC cultural objects, which they subsequently built establishments to house and economic markets to support.”

That is not the framing of history we frequently hear. It’s certainly not the way institutions or the art market are framed by academia or economists, but there is an unmistakable truth to it. These establishments are the museums, galleries, auction houses, estate sale companies and thrift shops that filter out/through the mass of objects collected by humans. Economic markets of these establishments are driven by and towards manipulation of our desire to acquire. Just look at the recent trends of private equity firms in acquiring thrift shops.

Pink Handblown Glass Dale Chihuly Bowl

I realize that this may be uncomfortable and controversial for some readers, but we need to face the dark side of history from time to time and do some personal reckoning.

There are many collectors who are uncomfortable with that label. Could the unsightly history of collecting be at the root of some of this discomfort? Perhaps, and possibly unconsciously, that is the case for some individuals. Having your wealth paraded or lauded is extremely uncomfortable and especially uncouth for some (collectors or not).

It’s long overdue that we accept the nature of privilege in the act of collecting.

The truth is often uncomfortable. Until we reckon with our institutional, collective, and personal relationships to excess, we will remain complicit in thoughtless, frequently harmful accumulation. Accumulation, when it comes with the privilege of space to display and live with these works, is not called hoarding.

Thoughtful Collecting and Minimalism

I do not want to degrade the process of thoughtful collecting as an act of support and desire to be a part of a creative life and community. I am a collector of stuff! Stuff others have made, that I have made, and materials to make more. In a previous post, I wax poetic about the Genesis of Collecting in my own life story.

There are many reasons for collecting, in this post, I have opened the door to further introspection and reflection on this process. There are also many individuals who remain ‘minimalist’ and shun, with monastic scrutiny, the act of living with excess.

The historical context for collecting lives both in our personal lives and in our collective cultures and institutions. I hope that this post will act as an invitation for you to think more about the context of collecting in your life and in our larger culture.

As we face the cresting wave of an aging population in the process (or will be in coming years) of deaccessioning, it’s of upmost importance that we begin to reflect on what, why and how much we accumulate. Far to frequently I hear that the families of the individuals I work with have no interest in the things that were collected by older (Baby-Boomer and Greatest Generations) people.

Assorted collection of books and ceramics

We cannot always pass our passions, interests and stuff onto younger generations. While this may be the case, it is very worthwhile to have conversations and documentation that helps younger generations who may inherit these objects understand them in context.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments. What is your understanding of your personal and a collective historical context for collecting?

Healthy Cleaning Tips: Greener ways to Clean

March 29, 2026 by Heather Filed Under: Health, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized 1 Comment

The change of seasons is the perfect time to declutter, organize your closets, and create a clean and fresh start in your home. The following healthy cleaning tips are meant to help you understand what you’re putting into your homes and bodies.

There are so many cleaners and cleaning products on the market, but do you really know what’s in them?

With the recent focus on sanitizing since COVID, it’s important to understand how to make cleaning choices that will keep our homes and bodies healthy.

How healthy are the cleaners that you use?

Non-toxic, more healthy cleaning should be part of your everyday home cleaning routine – and especially if you have small children. The benefits of these healhty greener cleaners include; fewer toxins and chemicals being absorbed into the skin, less damaging to the environment and better air quality in your home and they are less expensive in some cases (DIY cleansers!). If you want to better understand the toxic chemicals to look out for in your cleaners, check out my previous wellness post on the subject.

GreenWorks Multi-Purpose Cleanser is a great cleanser to use for virtually any room in your house. It can be used for a variety of different tasks and is safe for your home and your children. Not only is it made with 97% organic materials, but it also works on those stubborn stains or hard to handle messes.

Method is another cleaner that has the environmental seal of approval. The method product line comes in a variety of different cleaners including hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaners, all-purpose cleaners and even a body wash for men and women! They come in a variety of scents and uses all biodegradable materials. They’ve thought of everything!

Mrs. Myers is a wholesome midwest cleaning brand started by Mrs. Thema A. Meyer. She created Mrs. Meyers because of her penchant for keeping things neat and tidy and the scents were inspired by her garden. Her line of cleaning products which range from hand soap, body soap, laundry detergent and air fresheners are all made with natural scents like mint, basil, and lavender. If you want your home smelling like a bouquet of roses this Spring, you better get cleaning with Mrs. Meyers!

For those who want to know EVERYTHING that is in their cleaners, DIY is the way to go! Many homemade cleaners are made with ingredients you probably already have around your home. Vinegar, essential oils, baking soda, olive oil, and water are the key players in most of your homemade cleaners.

Bathroom

Vinegar is a key ingredient to getting rid of bathroom dirt and grime! For tough toilet stains, add ½ baking soda along with a few drops of essential oils into your toilet bowl when you’re ready to tackle the toilet add ¼ cup of vinegar and scrub away the mess as it works its magic.

A spritz of pure vinegar can be used in your shower and sink on soap scum and hard water residue. Add it to a spray bottle and spritz it on, letting the vinegar soak for 20-30 minutes before wiping off. If that doesn’t work, add baking soda to the mix and try again in 15 minutes.

Kitchen

Most kitchen surfaces can also be treated with vinegar, but if your surfaces are made from marble, granite or stone stay away from the high acidity and use vodka or rubbing alcohol instead- which both have anti-viral properties. Mixing equal parts water and vinegar/alcahol will make a very effective multi-purpose cleaner that can be used on most surfaces including countertops, floors, and walls. Add your favorite essential oils to increase the anti-viral (think tea tree, thyme, lavendar or citrus sents) properties and make your home smell wonderful!

More healthy cleaning tips

To tackle greasy frying pans just add salt – and give it a good scrub! If you need to clean a cast iron pan add olive oil and a teaspoon of course salt and rinse well with water. The best way to sanitize surfaces is with a lemon, simply cut it in half and run it over the surface you would like to disinfect.

Having the right ingredients is only half of the job, having the right cleaning tool is the other half. Sponges that have a harder edge are good for scrubbing stubborn pots and pans. Rags or microfibre clothes are excellent for disinfecting surfaces and the magic eraser is great for removing soap scum, scuff marks and any other war wounds your child puts into it!

Laundry

Click to view image and make recipe larger

The laundry room is where most people run into trouble with the homemade detergents because if you throw a cup of vinegar in with your clothes, they wouldn’t come out smelling very nice. Laundry detergent is a bit tougher to make, only in the sense that you have to add more ingredients. Combine bar soap (chopped and processed), baking soda, essential oils, vinegar and washing soda and you will have created a very effective and pleasant-smelling laundry detergent.

Instead of using dryer sheets that lose their scent after one use, try using laundry ‘scenters’ that will stay fresh for up to 30 loads of laundry, or more! Add your favorite herbs or loose tea to a sachet (one that has holes that the herbs can aerate is best). For more laundry organizing and cleaning tips, check out this post.

Floors

Every room in your house has one and floors can be tricky to keep clean. Anyone with hardwood floors can keep it simple by washing (or steam cleaning) with warm water, just be sure not to over soak your mop when washing the floors.

Click to view image and make recipe larger

If your floors still aren’t looking as clean as they should, add a bit of dish soap in to bring out the dirt and let those floors shine.

Laminate floors are very delicate and steam mops shouldn’t be used on them. When cleaning a laminate floor clean with a light mop and spray the cleaner onto the mop, not directly onto the floor. Using a mixture of three parts water, one part vinegar and a squirt of dish soap should do the trick.

Most other floors are easy enough to care for and don’t require any special precautions. A typical all-purpose floor cleaner is a cup of water, ½ cup of vinegar and a tbsp of vegetable oil to bring out the floors natural glow.

There are hundreds of different homemade cleaner recipes out there, all have different purposes and work differently for all homeowners and their grime, but the one thing we can all agree on is that they are made from natural ingredients and have a positive impact on your home and the environment. If you have any recipes you’d like to share, please leave them in the comments below!

The Value Hustle

March 4, 2026 by Heather Filed Under: Appraisal, Collections Leave a Comment

Even before I began working as a personal property appraiser, I’d often encounter questions and concerns about the value of objects.

What’s it worth? Should I sell or consign it? If so, where?

All common questions each of us might consider for ourselves or others as we eliminate our possessions.

In researching other perspectives and ideas about value formation, past and present, I came across a really interesting article Understanding Value: Why Some Things Are Worth More Than Others.

It was written by Ajay Singh Rathore (a research scholar), who writes on topics related to economics, technology, philosophy, and the politics of these topics. That’s a pretty broad perspective. I want to use that post to discuss value, from my appraiser’s perspective and expertise. Value propositions vary depending on the intended use of the appraisal. Below are the nine points discussed in the article. The focus of his article is the creation of value.

Scarcity vs. Accessibility
Utility vs. Perceived Value
The Hidden Concept of ‘Perceived Effort’ and Pricing
Leverage: The Multiplier of Value
Psychological Value: Humans Buy Meaning, Not Just Function
Risk and Uncertainty: Why Playing Safe Pays Less
Social Tiers and Market Segmentation: Why Every Product Has a Buyer
The Future of Value: Why Physical Labor is Losing Importance
The Evolution of Value Systems: How Economic Shifts Redefine Worth

The focus of this post is to help you understand the factors that drive value, economically, socially, and emotionally.

I think that point #1, scarcity vs. accessibility, is pretty easy to understand. It’s basic supply and demand.

Worth considering in todays market is context. We are talking about NEW goods/objects/stuff. Consider how much stuff is out there in the market already and what is still being made. This complicates matters.

Rare but desirable items may command higher values, regardless of quality or provenance (this is always a factor).

In today’s secondary market, objects are being resold through auctions, estate sales, thrift and consignment shops, Etsy, Facebook marketplace, etc. There are many outlets, which speaks to point #7 above, the market is segmented and tiered. You may find something very similar or the same selling for entirely different prices in different locations. Confusing, right? I think this is a good point of reference for point #9, how value and economic shifts are evolving. We are in the midst of a huge transition where technology and a huge flood of goods are and will continue to flood the market over the next thirty or so years. This period of wealth transfer (that began in the last decade) is known as the Silver Tsunami, and it, combined with technology, is the two largest factors I see impacting the evolution and future of value systems.

The reason we have so many markets and tiers is that we have created so much stuff, but I digress…

We can also look at this as an opportunity to do research and find the best fit for resale of our items.

Let’s go back to the points made above and address #2: utility vs. perceived value. Here we really get into the weeds, but it’s actually not that complicated. Let’s consider how luxury goods are positioned not as utility but as highly desirable, playing upon our emotions. It’s not that one handbag or pair of shoes costs more to produce; it’s the desirability and sometimes limited availability (due to market restrictions/often self-made) that drives prices up. Some of the value is entirely manufactured by branding, marketing, advertising, and promotion of these goods, which create an emotional connection #5 and market tiers #7. Goods that are strategically positioned may have both utility and desirability. We often choose items that extend our identity or the story of ourselves we create through the goods we choose.

This directly relates to #3, perceived effort and pricing, because some brands create the illusion of highly skilled work. Unfortunately, skill doesn’t always (or even usually) equal higher pay. This is an unfortunate outcome of the Industrial Revolution. Before this period, the value of items was directly correlated with the skills of the person (s) making them.

When machines began making goods, we also manufactured the illusion of skills and perceived value was born.

Another outcome of the industrial revolution, as it relates to manufacturing and the value of goods, is the impact each has on the marketplace. If you make one coffee mug, no matter how gorgeous it is, how wonderful it feels in your hand, how easy it is to use, it will likely only impact a few people’s lives. On the other hand, a public vehicle like a bus, ambulance, train, or plane will impact thousands of lives and therefore will always be more valuable than a coffee mug. This is what is understood as value multiplier, #4 above. The more people something impacts, the larger the effect on its value.

Risk=reward, #6. The higher the risk of creating goods or services, the greater the reward in the marketplace. Building a massive, towering skyscraper costs more, not just because of the volume or scale of the project, but because of the associated risk. The architects, engineers, and laborers will likely be compensated more than they would be on a smaller, less risky project.

Finally, and sadly, due to technological shifts (a new era of industrial revolution-IR, maybe the AI revolution?), human labor and skills are being replaced. The IR had a lasting impact on the value of goods that we still see today. The machine era detached human skills from the objects we live with and use every day. I am not a Luddite; I believe that technology can revolutionize the quality of life, but it can also do a lot of harm. We are in the midst of another shift, #8-9, where we don’t yet know how tech will further impact the value of goods or the labor to produce them. I am optimistic that there will always be people committed to the creative (and maybe even rebellious?) act of creating things by hand. We have hands for a reason (not just to type or hold our phones).

If you read the article above linked, the author goes on to outline the history of labor-markets & value and makes some predictions about where we are headed. I am not in a position to do that, and it’s not useful here to this discussion about the value of goods we own, today. I still strongly believe there will always be people who value the qualities inherent in and perceived in handmade objects.

How does this help you determine the value of something you own?

Knowing your ‘why’ will make it easier to come to a conclusion you can live with when letting things go.

Start by detaching from emotional associations with the goods you own. If you can’t do this, you will never arrive at an honest and true market valuation. That’s okay too. If you are that emotionally attached, you may not listen to experts, friends, or family, and you may not be ready to let go. Set it aside and let that sink in for a while, then revisit it depending on your circumstances. Emotions are not a trustworthy factor in determining value and are one of the most volatile aspects of market fluctuation. I am not an economist but I’m quite certain that ‘runs on the market’, enflamed by fear and scarcity mindsets are just one example of the impact on global market valuations.

Keep your emotions out of the value equation and run through the other points above to identify the biggest factors impacting value.

Maybe you have a lot of furniture you inherited, but it’s a reproduction, unmarked, or not luxury, and there are many similar items on the market. That will help you to understand the market range. Maybe you see one example at $50 and another at $500, and you need to sell something similar. You can ask yourself whether it’s an exceptional example worthy of the higher price; if not, you can make adjustments accordingly. Market saturation (#1) is probably the biggest factor to consider when pricing items or seeking valuations.

Not every point above is equally applicable to all goods. If scarcity or risks are not big factors in the goods you need to value, then set them aside and focus on the factors that you know have a big impact. It is always helpful to be armed with as much technical information (who, when, what, how) as possible to begin with. Once you have that in hand, ask yourself why you want or need to know the value. If you are not sure, see this post I wrote about appraisals and markets used to identify values.

In conclusion, I hope you will keep three key things in mind; leave your emotions out of the equation, there is not one value for one object (there is a range, based on what the market can bear), and the market changes and is impacted by many factors (above) and nothing will stay the same value forever.

Practice makes progress

January 10, 2026 by Heather Filed Under: Creative process, Planning & Goals 2 Comments

I’ve been reflecting on my word for 2025, Courage. Courage is a value, and living our values takes practice.

Practice has been on my mind for about a month now. Ever since a young lady (11 years old) shouted out, Practice makes Progress, during a community discussion about a creative film I’d just seen. I felt so encouraged and inspired to learn that this is the message she had learned from one of her teachers. Out with the adage that practice makes perfect, because we all know that is just not true!

So, as I danced with discovering my word for 2026, practice was at the top of my list of possibilities. In past years, I’ve explored quite a few methods for finding my word of the year (WOTY). This year, after over a decade of this practice, it’s become more intuitive. That is a perfectly cyclical example of practice making progress.

As I do when I am considering words that I want to focus my intentions and attention on, I look at how they are connected to other words. So I explored the visual thesaurus (below) and kept digging. Yes, some of these words are synonyms, some reflect aspects of practice and I’m sure I’ll dance around with all of them over the coming year.

More than any of the anything above, I realized that giving myself permission to practice means exploring failure, doing things imperfectly and allowing whatever will be to come to the surface. In this, I realized that ALLOW was also a word I wanted to explore this year. Carrying over from my exploration of courage, which sometimes felt heavy, as if I was lifting or pushing things, I am opening myself to something softer in practicing and allowing.

Finally, one additional word came to me as a gift. Generosity landed with me through a spontaneous and intuitive process of writing down words (values/intentions) and releasing them until only one remained. Generosity remained.

And so, this year I find myself working with a word sandwich, or salad of three: PRACTICE, ALLOW, GENEROSITY. I am excited to discover what I will learn about myself and the world around me through an exploration and application of these three words in 2026. Each word remains a part of me when I choose them. I explore them with curiosity, deep intentionality and intensity.

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
2025: COURAGE

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).

Get Organized in ’26 with these posts from ’16

January 9, 2026 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Productivity, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources Leave a Comment

As we ease into the first month of 2026 otherwise known (for some) as GO (get organized) month, I want to share a review of some favorite posts from 2016. Yes, you read that right! I have been in business for over a decade (celebrating 15 years in MAY! and so much of the content I have written and shared is evergreen and as applicable today as it was when I wrote these posts, ten years ago!

It’s always helpful to review where you have been and close the door as you step into new directions!

2016 Artist Studio Round Up

Creative Posts

The In The Studio Artist Interview Series has introduced to a spectrum of creatives in Charleston, Gatlinburg, New York and NC. These 15 artists work in a range of media from ceramics artists, painters, jewelry makers, and taxidermists to name only a handful. I consider every one of my artist interviews a favorite so if you want to find them all in one spot check out this post.
Learn how to create a Capsule wardrobe for yourself or your kids. Proportion, drape, body shape, size, lifestyle, profession and personal expression, social responsibility and seasonal attire are all factors to consider when creating your own Capsule Wardrobe.
The Three C’s of Getting Organized. It takes a bit of Curiosity, a bit of Creativity and a Commitment to make lasting changes. Want to be let in on a little secret, wink, wink…? Click here

Capsule Wardrobe

Productivity Posts

People often ask me what productivity Apps I use and recommend. It’s been a while since I’ve included a roundup on the blog so as requested, here are some useful Apps with a focus on Personal and Business Productivity. Check out these great Apps for business and personal Productivity.
Essential Documents everyone needs to have and be able to locate. Being prepared for the unexpected means having essential documents (and copies of them) in order and easy to find. Some people call these their Vital Documents. Whatever you call them they are really important!
A Quick tip on The Art of List making. I find that a lot of people’s idea of list making is to just keep one big ongoing “To Do”. Do you think about every single thing on your list as a “problem”? This seems to be the normal mindset around items that need to be done.

Organized Home (& Car) Posts

Helping Family members downsize with ease. We value our lives and those of others, including family members, especially as they age. Anyone at a crossroads in life facing the prospect of estate planning knows how stressful it can be. It can be emotionally and physically exhausting to face your legacy and the perceived value of your life.
Maintaining order when saving sentimental items. Sentimental Saving can feel like a way to capture time in a bottle.
On the Go-On the Go-Car Organizing. Having a system for In Car Organizing means you’re more likely to keep your sanity on the road. This is especially true when you spend a ton of time in your car, to and from work, carpool, errands or before you head out for a road trip vacation! Before you hit the road, give your car a quick clean out with these In Car Organizing Tips.

I’m looking forward to sharing lots of great new organizing, appraisal and collections management ideas and tips this year! Is there a subject you would like to see me cover this year? Leave me a comment below and I’ll do my best to cover it in an upcoming post!

Sanity Saving Holiday Organizing Tips

December 15, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education, Organize, Wellness & Mindset 2 Comments

Each of these holiday organizing tips will help you get through the season with a bit more sanity and joy!

After receiving new holiday gifts, donate used items you no longer need to charity (One in, One out Rule).
Ditch the photo holiday cards…generally, they end up in the trash (recycled, hopefully), especially since people can see you more frequently via social media. How about a digital holiday card? I compromised and began sending recycled content postcards a few years ago.
As you put out holiday decor, donate old, unloved ornaments and outdated decorations. Many thrift shops set up significant holiday display areas! Pick up new or vintage items from thrift stores as needed.
Begin memento boxes for your kid’s holiday traditions, and keep these separate so they can be given to your older kids when they leave home.
Clean out your attic, garage, or basement holiday storage space before you return your decorations (vacuum, wipe down shelves, etc.).
Have a Grab-A-Gift bag or bin with an assortment of “anyone” appropriate gifts (for last-minute hostess or holiday gift exchange items).
Clean out your spices as you cook and bake. Toss the old items and make a note of anything that needs to be replaced (include the purchase date at the bottom).
Spruce up your kitchen whenever you have 10-30 mins. By tackling small areas or appliances (fridge, stove, toaster, sink, etc.) a little at a time. You’ll feel healthier & I bet you’ll eat healthier! See this kitchen organizing post.
Get your gift & wrap organized. Use a gift tracking list & invest in or DIY a great wrapping station—see Pinterest for ideas
Gift heirloom, vintage, or unused items from your home. Why wait until you’re gone? Shop what you have and share your beloved collections with those you love.

How to care for yourself with purpose this season.

Don’t overbook your holiday calendar. If you’ve been invited to a million parties and events, occasionally, say no to a few and leave yourself some evenings at home, either alone or with your family, and relax!
Schedule a date with your honey or yourself for a bit of holiday pampering. Dinner and a movie, a bubble bath and champagne, your pick, but keep it easy and fun.
Plan for the next year! Get a planner or calendar to map out significant events such as vacations and business travel, important family occasions, and to set personal and professional goals for at least the first 1-2 quarters of the year.
Create a vision board to envision and imagine what you want to create!
Pick a Word of the Year-AKA-#WOTY
Subscribe to my mailing list for more frequent tips and inspiration!
Keep your body moving, dance, hit the gym, take a walk…whatever your thing is, this is a great way to get out of your head and feel your way through the season.

My final and most important Holiday Organizing Tips: take time to celebrate what is truly sacred to you.

Is there a tradition, time with family, or a treat that you honor yourself with?

Whatever it is, this is the season to celebrate the sacred!

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Simple Ways to Get Organized for the Holidays: A Stress-Free Guide

November 26, 2025 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

As the holiday season approaches, we dream of cozy evenings by the fireplace, quality time with family, and flawless festive events. But then, November and December arrive, and suddenly, we’re thrown into a tailspin of planning, prep, and stress! There has to be a better way, right? Try a few simple ways to get organized for the holidays.

Quick Pre-Holiday Decluttering

It’s hard to organize anything without decluttering first, but who has that time during the holidays? That’s why a quick declutter is an easy approach!

Here’s what I recommend:

Grab a trash bag for garbage and a box for donations.
Go from room to room and grab anything you know can go.
Get the family involved if possible!
Remind your family that to make space for new items, it’s time to let go of some old ones.

It’s also important to remember to declutter as you begin getting out your holiday decorations. When you can see everything in one place, it’s easier to realize that you may have more than you need. You may also notice a few items you no longer love, and this is a perfect time to donate them or let them go.

Organizing Holiday Decor

After you’ve done a quick declutter, it’s time to get out the holiday decorations! If you’re like most of my clients (before we worked together), you haul out the boxes each year and grumble about the tangled jumble of items. Maybe you’ll swear that this is the year you’ll get them organized. Then, January rolls around, and you’re in a rush, so everything gets dumped back in the boxes.

When organizing holiday decor, start by categorizing items into groups like lights, ornaments, wreaths, and garlands. Store each category in clear, labeled bins for easy identification, and consider using divided containers or padding for fragile items.

Take an extra few minutes to untangle and neatly wrap lights and garlands before storing them, saving time and reducing frustration next year. Label each box by location (living room tree ornaments, outdoor lights, etc.) to make next year’s setup a breeze. Well-organized holiday decor simplifies decorating and preserves items so they last for seasons to come.

Take an extra few minutes to untangle and neatly wrap lights and garlands before storing them, saving time and reducing frustration next year. See my post [insert title here and hyperlink] for a more detailed approach to organizing your decorations.

Create a Holiday Command Center

When the holidays arrive, our brains are overloaded because we have a variety of schedules to juggle, tasks to complete, errands to run, and lists to keep track of. No wonder we begin missing details, and our stress level goes up.

Creating one space where you keep all the information improves your chances of maintaining everything. Choose something that works for your family, whether a digital hub, a three-ring binder, or a small corner of your kitchen. After choosing a space for your holiday command center, use it to keep essential lists, reminders, and schedules so everything you need is in one central location. Keeping track of holiday tasks, such as shopping lists, baking schedules, and party plans, becomes much easier when they’re all visible in one place.

It’s also helpful to set up a dedicated gift-wrapping area and stock it with essentials like wrapping paper, tape, scissors, gift tags, and ribbon. Keeping everything together saves time and prevents the dreaded search for missing tape or scissors right when needed.

Organized Gift Giving

A significant contributor to holiday stress is keeping everything in your head. When you’re setting up your holiday command center, be sure to include a place for tracking gifts. Create a spreadsheet, or other note-keeping system to track who’s receiving what, budgets, and if the gift needs to be purchased, wrapped, or mailed. This helps you avoid forgetting anyone or accidentally double-gifting. If your feeling the extra stress of economic impacts and need to budget, have an honest conversation with your family about setting boundaries, simplifying and managing expectations (for kids and adults!).

Make a Holiday Bucket List with the Family

It’s can be disappointing when the holidays are over, and you suddenly remember a favorite movie you forgot to watch or a community event you missed. Spend ten minutes during dinner (maybe around Thanksgiving?) asking the whole family for input on a family holiday bucket list and write it all down.

Remember to divide roles and responsibilities so they don’t all fall on your shoulders. Asking kids to look up events and add them to the calendar helps them begin learning these skills while taking some pressure off you!

This ensures making the most of the holiday season and helps organize plans so everyone knows what to expect.

Don’t Forget Your Holiday Self-Care

Psychologists recommend making time for relaxation and self-care to manage stress levels and maintain mental well-being during the holidays. Remember to schedule small moments for yourself, such as coffee breaks, short walks, or quiet reading time. Taking a few minutes each day to recharge can help prevent burnout during this busy season.

Wrapping Up

The holidays are joyful and less stressful with thoughtful planning and organized systems. From setting up a command center to tracking gifts and creating a self-care routine, these organizational strategies can help you quickly tackle the holiday season. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s to create a holiday season that feels meaningful and joyful.

Even with these tips, you may need extra support. I love helping you get organized and prepared for the holidays! Contact me for a quick chat to learn how it works. If we’re a good fit, we can schedule your first session before the holidays arrive!

Happy Pre-Holiday Organizing!