​I recently had a client ask me – how do I stay organized?    I offer lots of tips, tricks and inspiration to get organized but I can understand that that next logical question is how do I stay that way? 
 
The first tip…and to has to be said …. Is declutter.  Come on, you knew it was coming.   
 
By significantly decluttering you reduce the amount you have to manage.   Fewer clothes means less laundry.  Fewer dishes means less in the sink.   Minimal amount of gadgets on the kitchen counter means you can clean the kitchen easier.  
 
You must declutter and get to a manageable amount of things.   If you find a place for everything then it’s easier to put things away.   If your drawers aren’t busting at the seams, you might just become that magical unicorn that washes, folds and puts away their clothes all in one day.   
 
Once you declutter, though, you still have work to do.  I call them daily tasks.  
 

1. Do the dishes every day.  Don’t let them pile up.   I do dishes after dinner then another batch of the inevitable dishes that have piled up before bed.  I like to wake up to a clean kitchen.  So, I usually run the dishwasher each night and, while my coffee is brewing in the morning, I empty it.   I may be a little “special” in this regard but I never let dishes get out of hand.   If you read my earlier post on “the kitchen capsule” you’ll know I advocate just a few plates and cups per family member.   Actually, I recommend 2.   I’m a family of four with 8 dishes.   I have to do the wash every night or we won’t have enough for the next day.  It works.  Less to clean, less to put away.  
2. Do a 5-10 minute pick up at least once a day.  This a simple reset.   You have already done the hard work – you have decluttered and organized.  Now all you need is a reset.   Set a timer, put on some music or an audio book and just get it done.   Take the mail off the counter, put the pillows back on the couch, pick up the toys on the floor.  Then kick your heels up and enjoy the clean space.  
3. Make a to do list – but here’s the trick.   Just make it three items long.  You can do three things!   Don’t make a to do list as long as your arm that will just make you frustrated and have you giving up as soon as you start.   A three item to do list is accomplishable and that’s what we’re looking for – quick successes and manageable achievement.  
4. Stay away from bargains – didn’t all those trips to HomeGood get you into trouble in the first place?   It doesn’t matter if it’s a good deal…what price would you pay to have a clean, tidy and organized home?   Think about that when faced with a good deal.  Didn’t you just declutter your kitchen, closet, craft room?  Think about all you’ve taken out before you bring more in. 

 
And finally – create a daily routine that has plenty of time to work on your home.   Coffee in the morning?  Empty the dishwasher.   Set a reminder on your Alexa to do a 5 minute pick up after lunch.   Do the dishes after dinner.  If you create good habits, then you will see results.  
 
I hope you have found this helpful – if so please leave a comment!    Also, if you are interested in working with me, reach out via email.   I offer virtual coaching to declutter and organize from anywhere in the world!  And if you’re in Connecticut, I can do in person services.  I’d love to work with you.  
 
 
Xoxoxo, Maria 

​Are you looking for 25 habits that will make you more organized?  Look no further.  I’ve compiled a list that will change your life – and keep you organized.   Looking to simplify your life? Let’s get started. 
 
1.Unsubscribe from junk email – I don’t know about you but I get lots of emails.  So much junk!   You can use a website called unrollme.com to quickly delete you from unwanted subscriptions or you van spend a few hours doing it yourself.   Whichever you chose – you’ll be amazed at the results.  Less junk, less clutter.   
 
2.Clean out your purse  - You’ve got clutter in there, trust me.   Dump everything out and have a good look.   Bonus if you organize what’s left over into some sort of pouch or organizer.  Bonus tip – I have a pouch that I put receipts directly in.  They don’t get lost in the bottom of my purse.  
 
3.Clean as you go – Instead of waiting for your home to get dirty and having to spend hours cleaning it…just do a little here and there.   The more you do, the quicker it will take.   Tasks won’t pile up.  
 
4. Meal Prep / plan – Meal planning is key to organization.   It cuts down on food waste and builds up nutrition.  Meal prep goes hand in hand with this – you prep a few meals, take an afternoon, and have meals for days.
 
5. Organize your digital life  - create folders that are intuitive so you don’t waste time searching for things you need on your computer.  Delete unwanted files and junk that is stored on your computer.   There can be clutter there too!
 
6.Buy furniture with storage – Hello functional furniture !   I love a good ottoman with storage.   Think baskets and cabinets with lots of space.   Furniture can do double duty.
 
7. Set up a cleaning schedule – Designate different days when you vacuum, dust, do laundry, etc.   You can stick to a plan and make it a habit – things will get done regularly and be easier to do.  
 
8.Declutter your closet -keeping your closet decluttered and streamlined helps you look better and get ready faster.   Also – the closet is one of the biggest pieces in your bedroom, keeping it organized keeps the whole room tidy.
 
9. Create a daily to do list – I like to recommend a top 3 for the day then brain dump the rest.  No matter how overwhelmed you get, you can do 3 things!   I believe in you. 
 
10. Have backstock (extras of things) – Don’t run out of TP or contact solution…when you really need it.   But don’t go crazy.   Have one or two things in your backstock that you can relay on.   But don’t hoard.  It’s about balance.  
 
11. Lay out your outfit the night before – I love this one – I actually do my full week beforehand.  Laying out your outfit saves time in the morning.   End of story.   Save time.  Save decisions.   Save morning drama.
 
12.Save your passwords in one place – I’m constantly losing and forgetting my passwords.   Save yourself the drama and save them in one place – maybe a spreadsheet on the computer.   
 
13.Declutter your phone (goodbye unused apps) – Do you download apps that you think will change your life and then never use them?   Guilty!   If you have a ton of unused apps on your pone its ok to delete them…clear the clutter on your screen.
 
14.Keep an emergency kit in your car – My best friend once got stuck during a snow storm on a highway for 12 hours!    If she had had an emergency kit with a couple of bottles of water, a few snacks, a first aid kit and some meds… it might have been a more pleasant experience.    Take my advice and stock a kit.
 
15.Get a spice organizer – Don’t live in spice chaos.   I recently found an organizer that hangs on your fridge so it frees up counter space.  I use one that fits in my cabinet.   Whatever you use, label – label – label.
 
16. label everything – Speaking of labeling.   If you live with other people and establish an organization routine, you have to tell them about it.   The best way is to label things so people are empowered to use the systems.   Get a label Maker
 
17.clean out your wallet – I recently poured out all my change that I had been carrying around in my wallet.   My purse is 40lbs lighter.  Kidding.   But seriously.   File receipts, take out change.   Streamline your wallet so it can work for you.  
 
18. Set up a drop off zone in your home – A place for your keys, bag, shoes, etc when you come in.  Think bin, basket – even bucket!   Just placing your stuff in the same place every time will create a routine.
 
19.Declutter and stock your medicine cabinet  - you never know when you’ll get sick and the last thing you need is out of date meds!   Flu season is coming, make sure you medicine cabinet is stocked with what you might need.  
 
20.Set alarms and reminders on your phone / Alexa – This is a game changer.   Set a 10 minute tidy on your phone once a day.   Think of other habits and routines you can automate through technology.  
 
21. Keep your desk organized – It’s easier to be productive during work time if your desk is not a mess.  Also consider “resetting” your desk after you are done working so it is ready to go the next time you sit down.  
 
22. Schedule regular appointments in advance (hair color every 6 weeks!) – I bring my planner with me everywhere I go so I can set up my regular appointments.   You are going to get your roots done every 6 weeks…why not schedule it ahead of time to avoid the greys.   Schedule kids’ physicals a year in advance.  You get the idea.
 
23.Make your bed every day  - The bed is biggest piece of real estate in your bedroom so if it is messy then your room is messy.  Take a few minutes every morning and reset your room.   
 
24. Keep a gym bag stocked and ready to go – I avoid going to the gym at all costs.   But if my bag is packed, its one less excuse I have.  Lay out your work out clothes, pack what you need, set it by the door and head to the gym!
 
25. Track your finances – Organization can extend to your finances and should.   I have a great app that tracks all my credit card spending and helps me keep an eye on my bottom line.   Find what works for you, but track! 
 
whoooo - what a list ! what resonates with you? I'd love to hear! My favorite is to set reminders on Alexa - mine manages my life!! Big ol thank you to my brother who gave me my Alexa last year for Christmas...it's a game changer.
 
Bliss This House is chock full of good ideas like these to help everyone get more organized.  Have questions about anything on this list?   Drop a comment and let’s talk!   
 

​OK - I'll start with the controversial statement:  Cleaning People will not solve all your problems.   Now don't stop reading...there is hope and a way forward - with or without a cleaning service.   But I wanted to address the myth that most people hold so dear.   They have a messy home and they think if they can just get a cleaning service everything will be alright.  
 
You have a messy home?   You need to organize it!    
 
You have a dirty home?   You need to clean it.
 
Simple.   A cleaning person will not declutter your stuff for you.   They will not take all your clothes out of your closet and asses what you should keep, toss or donate.   They won't tidy up your junk drawer or give you systems for keeping it tidy and organized. 
 
A cleaning service cleans.   If you have pets...kids...a life... a cleaning service is a great idea.  I personally hate scrubbing toilets.   I have a cleaning service - a very nice man comes to my home twice a month and does everything we need.   
 
But here's the secret -- I live in a 3500 square house and it only takes him 2 and half hours to clean our four bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, and the kitchen and living spaces.   And hello floors!   
 
I came to this service AFTER I had decluttered our home significantly. 
 
You've heard me say that I like to keep my kitchen counters clear because I like how it looks - but it’s also easier to clean that way.  Same principal goes for your floors.  If you have too much clutter on your floors and cleaning person can't sweep or mop effectively. 
 
I admit that I used to be the person who "picked up" before the cleaning person came.   Are you a fellow picker upper?   Do you clean before the cleaning people?    Why do you do that?   So they don't see your mess or because you think they can't effectively clean with the mess that is already there?  See where I’m going with this?
 
You have to start with a good declutter.   This could take a day or a couple of weeks – depending where you are.   Then…and only then…will a cleaning service live up to its full potential in your home.   If you declutter AND clean you home will transform.   
 
As I said…I’m not against cleaning services.   I have two dogs.  Two.   There is a lot of fur.   I vacuum almost every night – even when the cleaning service is coming that week.   Vacuuming, swiffing, mopping – they are all easier because there aren’t piles of things on my floor.   No stacks of magazines, no left-over appliances, no stacks of pillows.  I do a quick tidy and reset my kitchen and living room to “factor settings” and then I vacuum.   Its easy.   
 
My cleaning service didn’t solve my problems – I did.   With good habits and lots of decluttering.    I discovered what Dana K. White of “A Slob Comes Clean” calls my “clutter threshold”.   It’s the amount of stuff I can display, store…keep in my home without feeling overwhelmed – and making it easy to clean.    What’s your clutter threshold?  I’m sure it’s different from mine, but we all have one.  
 
So those are my thoughts.  Declutter.  Then get a cleaning service if you feel you need one and can afford them.   But do it in that order – otherwise your service will waste their allotted time moving your stuff so they can clean around it.  
 
If you are ready to declutter – contact Bliss This House for a one hour coaching session or in person services!   We can help you start good habits around your home and stuff and get you ready for that special day when a cleaning service comes!  
 
Xoxoxo, Maria