Tag: organization

Posted in Clean & Tidy

Mini-Clutter Clinic

Posted on by Coach Cher

“Clutter is stuck energy.” 

Embrace the Power of Small Wins: 10 Mini Clutter Clinics in Just 10 Minutes Each!

In the hustle and bustle of life, finding the time and energy to tackle clutter can feel overwhelming. But what if I told you that you could make a significant impact on your space in just 10 minutes? Introducing my 10 Mini Clutter Clinics—a series of quick, focused sessions designed to bring order to your life without the stress. Each clinic is a bite-sized, manageable task that guides you in decluttering and organizing different areas of your home or workspace.

Why 10 Minutes? Ten minutes is a sweet spot—it’s short enough to fit into your busiest day, yet long enough to make a noticeable difference. By breaking down the process into these mini clinics, you’ll experience the joy of small victories that build momentum. Every completed clinic is a step closer to a more organized, peaceful environment.

What Can You Expect?

  • Immediate Impact: You’ll see the difference right away. Whether it’s clearing off a cluttered countertop or organizing a messy drawer, these clinics are designed to give you quick wins that boost your confidence and motivation.
  • Stress-Free Progress: No need to carve out hours of your day. Each clinic is purposefully designed to be completed in just 10 minutes, making it easy to integrate into your daily routine.
  • Empowerment: As you move through each clinic, you’ll feel empowered by your ability to create positive change in your environment. The sense of accomplishment will encourage you to continue your journey toward a clutter-free life.

The Journey Ahead: Your Path to a More Organized Life Starts Here, One Clinic at a Time. Whether you’re clearing out the junk drawer that’s been bothering you for months or finally organizing that pile of paperwork, each mini clinic will bring you closer to the peaceful, clutter-free space you deserve.

So, let’s get started! Commit just 10 minutes to your first clinic, and watch how these small, intentional actions can lead to big transformations. Remember, every step forward is a step toward a more serene, organized life. You’ve got this!

  1. Purse/Briefcase/Backpack

Dump the contents from your daily bag. Only add the items you use back in. Let go of the rest. If you choose a day each week, this 10-minute task will be a way to change a habit and behavior.

  1. Bathroom

Let go of old cosmetics (see this for expiry guidelines), expired prescriptions, and OTC meds (here’s how to dispose of them). Take an assessment of each drawer and cabinet. Donate to a local homeless shelter if there are unopened items (toothpaste, shampoo, soap) or similar items that you know you will never use.

  1. Hall Closet or Storage Area

I’ve never seen the inside of your hall closet, but I can guarantee there are things in there you don’t need, don’t want, and don’t even remember you have or don’t know how they got there.

  1. Pantry

If there are other things you never use, let them go and make space. Donate unexpired, unopened items to your local food bank. Create a master list of what goes where on what shelf, create something to match the theme of your kitchen, drop it in a Dollar Store frame, and hang it so everyone knows how to keep the pantry tidy.

  1. Nightstand

Make the space near where you sleep peaceful and straightforward. Having a battery-operated clock next to the bed is nice in case of power outages. Have water and a notebook with a pen/pencil to make those last-minute thoughts before dreamland. 

  1. Outdoor space

Tackle balconies, porches, front yards, and backyards. Even outside clutter is clutter. If your home is on the market or will be short, curb appeal makes that first impression.

  1. Car

From the glove box to the trunk, do a deep dig of your car. You’ll probably eliminate that annoying rattling noise or solve the mystery smell in the process, too.

  1. Inbox

If your inbox has become a 2-year to-do list, start deleting it for 10 minutes at a time. Consider email bankruptcy if it’s a lost cause (select.all.delete.). If you don’t remember what emails you were saving and why . . . let them go!

  1. Thoughts

What’s swirling around up there? Write down 10 things on your mind, weighing you down, and preventing you from thinking clearly. Moving your worries from the brain to the paper will help you figure out the next step.

  1. Office

Are there things on your desk, in drawers, or hiding in a filing cabinet that you can easily let go of? Let go of the things in your office that don’t contribute to your purposeful, effective work style.

Now that you’ve let procrastination know that motivation and transformation have taken over, consider other decluttering challenges and resources to continue the momentum of moving forward to a simpler lifestyle.

Peace & Harmony ~

Happy Organizing! Cheryl

Posted in Clean & Tidy

Budget-Friendly Organizing

Posted on by Coach Cher

Affordable Ways to Keep Your Home Tidy
By Cheryl, Clutter Coach at Lifestyle by Designs | Apr 15, 2025

Keeping your home tidy doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on fancy containers or hiring a cleaning crew every week. With a few smart, budget-friendly habits, you can create a more organized and peaceful space without breaking the bank.

Here are some affordable ways to keep your home tidy and stress-free:

1. Declutter First – Always

Before spending money on bins or shelves, go through each room and remove what you no longer need. Donate, recycle, or toss items you haven’t used in over a year. Less stuff means less to clean and organize.

2. Use What You Already Have

Repurpose jars, shoe boxes, or old baskets as storage containers. An empty mason jar makes a great pen holder. A shoebox with a lid can keep cords or stationery neatly tucked away. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy look for an efficient system to work.

3. Create a 10-Minute Daily Reset

Set a timer for 10 minutes each evening to do a quick tidy-up: clear countertops, toss trash, fluff the couch cushions, and put away out-of-place items. It keeps mess from building up and costs nothing but a little time.

4. Label Everything

A simple roll of masking tape and a marker can create labels that help everyone in the house know where things belong. Clear labels reduce the chances of clutter reappearing.

5. Designate a “Drop Zone”

Set up a small space near your front door for shoes, keys, mail, and bags. A tray, hooks, or an unused basket works wonders to corral everyday items and keep clutter from spreading.

6. Shop Thrift Stores for Organizers

Instead of spending big at retail stores, check out local thrift shops for inexpensive shelves, bins, or storage furniture. Many quality pieces just need a quick clean or a coat of paint to look brand new.

7. Adopt a One-In, One-Out Rule

For every new item you bring into your home, remove one. This keeps things from piling up and makes you think twice about impulse buys.

8. Use Vertical Space

Install wall hooks, hanging baskets, or floating shelves to maximize unused space. Vertical storage helps keep things off the floor and adds style and structure to a room.

9. Keep a Donation Box Handy

Place a box or bag in a closet where you can easily toss things you no longer want. When it’s full, take it to a local charity. It encourages a minimalist mindset and keeps clutter moving out the door.

10. Plan Seasonal Purges

Schedule mini-decluttering sessions at the start of each season. It keeps your home aligned with your current needs and avoids last-minute deep cleans before holidays or guests arrive.

Final Thought:
 Staying organized doesn’t require expensive tools—it just takes commitment, creativity, and consistency. At Lifestyle by Designs, we specialize in helping clients find sustainable, affordable ways to bring order to their homes and offices. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter, let’s create a system that works for your lifestyle.

Peace & Harmony, Cheryl

Where Clean Meets Design

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 to transform your lifestyle.

Let’s Chat!

Email: organizercoach98@gmail.com to set up a free 10-minute consultation call

Cheryl

Posted in Mini-Clinic Mondays

Mini-Clinic Monday

Posted on by Coach Cher

Mini Clinic: Organizing the Family Bathroom


The aim of this project is to completely transform a cluttered and disorganized family bathroom. The end result should be a space that is not only functional and clean but also efficient and comfortable for every family member to use. This means considering all family members’ needs, from young children to adults, and ensuring that the bathroom is accessible and safe for everyone.

The transformation will likely involve decluttering and organizing existing items, potentially adding storage solutions, and possibly even rearranging the layout (if your budget allows) of the bathroom to maximize space and efficiency.  The final result will be a bathroom that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, making the daily routines of everyone in the family easier.

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