​It’s a question I get a lot.   I always tell my clients that the goal of declutting is multi-purpose.   You want to generally get rid of the excess.  But more than that – you want to find the good stuff.   I like to think that decluttering helps shine a light on what’s really important to you. 
Let’s dig a little deeper.  
 
 
Helps you see where you have excess – One aspect of my process is categorize.   (Plan, Categorize, Declutter, Organize, Elevate). When you categorize what you have you get a sense of how much you have.  You are confronted with what you have.  Do you keep buying kitchen scissors because you can never find them – and then wind up with 5 pairs?  Do you not like wearing shorts but when you categorize you find you have 8 pairs?  Why do you have so many and what can you get rid of?  
This process might even help you confront your shopping habits.   Do you shop when you are stressed or bored?  DO you even know what you are shopping for?   Creating an awareness of what you own can change your shopping habits. 
 
 
Helps clarify your goals -  When you love your stuff, you need to take a step back to see how you and your home are being negatively impacted by what you own.   You don’t need to become a minimalist, but you do need to set boundaries.   A good rule of thumb is “one in one out”.  That’s especially useful in the kitchen (gadgets) and closet (clothes).   What are your goals for your home?   Ask yourself if that next purchase aligns with the goals you have set for yourself.  
When thinking about decluttering you can set goals for yourself in your  home that align with your future self – I want to have space to do yoga; I want to get more work done on a clean desk; I want to make delicious meals in an organized kitchen.  
 
 
Helps you highlight what you really love – I always say that the goal of decluttering is not to get rid of stuff but to find the stuff you really love that has been lost or covered up because of clutter.  How can you enjoy that picture from your wedding when there’s too much clutter also on your mantle?   How can you bake cookies with your kids when your kitchen counters are too cluttered ? 
Declutter your space and let the good stuff shine in your home.  Celebrate you and your personality.   Think about the statement you. Can make in your home when it’s just filled with the stuff you really love and prioritize – rather than clutter. 
 
 
Helps you locate things more easily -    The average person will spend two and half days a year looking for lost items (including keys).   Can you imagine?   My mantra is a place for everything and everything in its place.   If your clutter is just out…it doesn’t have a place.   And that’s a problem.   When you have less, you have less to look through to find what you are looking for.   You might even just instinctively know where to look in the first place!  
 
 
In the end it’s ok to love your stuff.   We are human and spend a lifetime collecting memories and things and that’s ok – it’s all part of the journey.   Even minimalists have things that are special or sentimental.  But when the clutter starts to overwhelm you, then it’s time to start thing about letting some things go. 
 
Start with trash, real trash that has no business being there.  Then categorize your items and take stock of how much you have.   You might be able to downsize whole categories.  Think about your goals and what you want your life and home to look like.   After you declutter, organize what is left in a way that serves you.   Finally – make it pretty and let those special items shine. 
 
Bliss This House always ready to help so please reach out.   Fill out the contact form on this website for a free consultation.   And leave a comment below if this blog was helpful to you. 
 
 

​How to declutter when the mess is too much to handle?   You just have to start.  Put one foot in front of the other and declutter a little bit.   When you declutter a little bit over a lot of time, it adds up to huge results.  Let’s get started. 
 
How to start:
Start right where you are – You don’t even have to get up from the couch!   Just sit and plan.   How do you want the room to feel?   How do you want to use the room?   What can you take out to achieve those goals?
 
 
Take a picture before you begin – A “before picture “ is very powerful – document your starting point and act as a visual reminder of how much you’ve accomplished. 
 
 
Eliminate the garbage – Grab a garbage bag and get the garbage out.  It’s easy and doesn’t require decisions.  It’s a great first step. 
 
 
Remove the stuff that doesn’t belong – Look around and take out things that have a home in another room.   Toys to the toy room, cups to the kitchen.  Again, these are easy decisions because they don’t require thinking.  You’ve already done the work.  The next step is “take it there now”.  Don’t let your to do’s pile up.  Part of your job in decluttering is take the items that don’t belong in one room to where they do belong in another.  
 
 
Declutter flat surfaces – I always say that flat surfaces are clutter catchers.  Don’t put your mail down – deal with it.   Don’t let small appliances pile up on your kitchen counters – put them away.  Clear counters not only look better but are easier to clean. 
 
 
How to keep up momentum:
Work in small chucks – If you don’t have time to declutter the entre house, that’s ok.  Smaller projects have bigger impacts.  Think about decluttering a certain part of a certain room in one session – keep it small.  Make it achievable. 
 
 
Declutter when you can  - Don’t have all day?  That’s ok.  Declutter when you can.   And batch your task with something enjoyable like a podcast or audio book.   The goal is to make the project fun and realistic. 
 
 
Celebrate your progress – Remember that even one small step forward is still progress.  You are doing great.   Just don’t celebrate by buying more stuff…
 
How to maintain your space:
Have a place for everything -  Make sure everything in your home has a designated place.   Having a place for everything makes things easier to find and helps others know where to put things when they’re done. 
 
 
Create one in / one out rule  - Create an exchange rule for bringing new items in your home.  This is especially helpful in the closet.  New shirt?  One goes out.   This can help you make decisions in the store – do I really have something that can go out if I buy this new thing? 
 
 
Establish a tidy routine. – Tidying for just 5 or 10 minutes a day will really make an impact in your home.   Set a reminder on Alexa or on your phone to do a tidy and reset your home. 
 
 
I hope these tips on how to start, how to keep up momentum and how to maintain your space are helpful.  Contact Bliss This House to help you declutter your home and establish good declutter routines!  
 
 

​Have you heard of the capsule wardrobe? It’s a great concept that helps you minimize your closet by maximizing your outfits.   You get about 30 pieces and then you can mix and match to make about 200 outfits.  There are many services out there that create capsule wardrobes but I like the site – Classy Yet Trendy and of course there is Project 333, which I highly recommend. 
 
So why am I talking about a capsule wardrobe when the title of this blog is the Kitchen Capsule?   Because it occurred to me that you can apply the same concept of a capsule wardrobe to the kitchen.  And you should.   It will cut down on excessive items in your kitchen!  
 
I recently worked with a great friend who was cleaning out her kitchen.   She started pulling out her plates and we counted – 15!   Not to mention her fancy set for guests (10 more) and of course her Christmas dishes for the holiday (8 more).  This is a single lady who lives by herself in a small condo.  Why does she have 33 plates? 
 
Next we got into her wine glass collection and it was a collection…we lost count after 20.   They are all lovely and special, but when you have more than 20 wines glasses you might have a problem.
 
Why am I counting dishes and wine glasses – because I think you should have less.   My friend should have:
4 everyday plates
2 wine glasses
a set of silverware for 8.  
That’s it! 
 
In my house – a household of 4.  We have :
8 everyday plates
4 wine glasses (the kids don’t drink)
and a set of silverware for 12.
 
I’ll admit that I also have a set of fancy dishes that I registered for when I got married.  I bring them out on special occasions like Christmas or when my Mother In Law comes to town.   But my everyday kitchen cabinets are lean.   We don’t live in a tiny house where space is at a premium, but we do live in a world with too much.  Everywhere.  I do my best to minimize where I can.  
 
Now you’re probably thinking – Maria, what if I have company?  Good question.   I have 8 everyday plates so that means I can 4 more people over.   If there is more than that I bring out my fancy plates.  If there is more than that I order pizza. 
 
You can tweak these numbers for the number of people that live in your home – and use your kitchen – but the general numbers stay the same.  2 plates per person.   Dishwashers are amazing things and they really do conserve water better than hand washing.  I run mine every other day – to keep on top the dishes and make sure we always have plates available for dinner. 
 
I’d love to have this Blog open up some conversation about the Kitchen Capsule – how many plates and wine glasses do you have ?  How many do you think you need?  Can you do with less?  
 
I don’t want you to get rid of things just to get rid of them.  I love sentimental items and want you to keep things that spark joy for you.   But having less actually helps you celebrate the things that are special to you.  You can display the sets of dishes that are really special to you – say your Grandmother’s Thanksgiving dishes – knowing that you have less over all. 
 
The Kitchen Capsule is just an idea to get you started.   I love the idea of the Capsule wardrobe but I legit have too many clothes that I love to whittle down to 30 pieces.  So let’s get started!  What can you release from your kitchen today? 
 
Contact Bliss This House to set up one on one coaching or in service organizing.  We’re here to help!    Please leave a comment – I’d love to hear your thoughts. 

​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 

​Have you ever wanted to challenge yourself to declutter and destress your home?   We created this simple to follow challenge that you can start any time – any day.     Start your own 10 Day Challenge whenever you want!    Here is some guidance to get you moving from day to day.  The best part is – all these tasks can be done ins just 10 minutes!
 
Day One – Home office: Set your timer for 10 minutes! Let’s start with a clean sweep. Take everything off your desk and get it clean. When was the last time you cleaned your desk surface? Do a quick sort of what’s on the floor - to be filed, action, bills to pay, trash. Establish a Sunday basket – as in a basket where you put your Action items. Resolve to clean out the basket every Sunday (or the best day for you). That’s 10 minutes. By the end of the day resolve to either finish your filing or do some work from your Sunday basket. Throw away the trash and enjoy your clean and tidy desk!
 
Day Two – Fridge: Today we are tackling the fridge. Set a timer for 10 minutes - take everything out of the fridge, yes everything! Do a quick clean. Zone your items like with like. Also make sure you through out anything that has expired - very important! Organizing the fridge is tough because you do it and it looks great but then you go to the grocery store again and it all goes to hell in hand basket. But it can look neat and organized if you zone and have a general idea of where things should go.
 
Day Three – Countertops: I love a clean counter top. Not only are less cluttered counter tops tidy looking, they are easier to clean! Today I really challenge you to take things off your kitchen counter tops. Only use your insta pot once a month? Then why is it taking valuable counter space? The rule of thumb is that if you use it at least once a week then it can stay in the counter, but anything used less than that should be stored. I’m pretty passionate about cleaned off counter tops.
 
Day Four – Mail: Don’t walk into your house and let it land anywhere other than where it goes. I have baskets by my garage door that I do a quick sort into for what it is / who it belongs to. Mail never lands on my kitchen table or island. Designate a basket or bin for mail and stick to it - don’t let your mail pile up where it doesn’t belong ! Have piles of mail? Address it today. Sort and stash! Piles are bad.
 
Day Five – 20 Item Toss:  This has got to be my favorite day!   Take a garbage bag and walk around your house.   Toss twenty items!   It’s easier than you imagine.   Get ready - Toss !
 
Day Six – Medicine Cabinet:  Oh a good one. When was the last time you focused on your medicine cabinet? First task - set the timer for 10 minutes. The take everything out and check expiration dates. Note what meds you might have to replace / refill. You don’t need to do a lot of micro sorting - separating out a med for every ailment. I recommend a macro sort - one bin for medical and one bin for first aid. You might find some surprises in your medicine cabinet - for instance we have ours in our kitchen so my husband started storing oven mits in the cabinet ! Umm... no. That’s definitely not where they go! What did you find?
 
Day Seven – Closet: Ok don’t get overwhelmed. This one is a big one. Set the timer for 10 minutes. You have two options -1. Start decluttering. Go through each item and decide if you will keep it. Ask yourself - would you buy this again? You’ll probably be able toss quite a few pieces. Or 2. Turn all your hangers around - live your life for 6 months. Any items on hangers still turned around should go… you’ve just proved to yourself you don’t wear them!
 
Day Eight – Basement: Who ever tackles their basement? What is even down there? Set your timer for 10 minutes and just do an assessment. This is a go back and do it later project but you need to know what is down there and what you’re working with. This project may require more planning - like getting a dumpster. I recommend getting a Bagster from Home Depot. It’s an enormous bag that you can fill up then Call them to come pick up and discard. Super Easy. In my basement I have an old desk that needs to go - either Facebook Buy Nothing group or Bagster. What’s in your basement? Don’t get overwhelmed- it’s all about making a plan.
 
Day Nine – 10 Minute Declutter in Every Room: This one is going to take a little longer.   What I’m suggesting you do is a 10 minute Declutter in EACH ROOM of your house!  You’ve been flexing your decluttering muscle for 9 days now - you got this.   Fluff pillows, move things off your coffee table that don’t belong, tidy your kids’ homework area ... you’ll be able to fill many minutes throughout your home as you tidy and Declutter. Enjoy - this should be fun!   Then sit back and appreciate your super tidy home!
 
Day Ten – Kitchen Drawers: The final challenge is kitchen drawers. Pick one drawer today, set the timer for 10 minutes - and go to town! Of course I’ll recommend taking everything out, cleaning the drawer, decluttering the contents, then putting things back neatly. I find with kitchen drawers that internal compartments are great for organizing. Here’s a tip - old cereal boxes can be cut in half and used as drawer organizers!
 
There you have it – an easy 10 Day Challenge you can start anytime.  Just 10 minutes a day for 10 days – that’s 100 minutes of organizing and decluttering.  You can do it! If you need additional guidance on how to do the challenge just drop a comment below and we’ll get back to you to help!
 
Bliss This House is constant running challenges like this on their Instagram page - @blissthishouse_ct.  Follow today for all the access. 

I think we all crave simplicity.   In our life, finances, email in box…. But no where do we crave it more than in our homes.   We want simple routines to keep our homes clean.   We want simple décor so our homes look uncluttered.   Did you know that clutter actually affects the cortisol levels in women?   Our cluttered homes are actually making us fat!   Imagine what a simplified home could do for us!   Would we eat better?  Sleep better?   Have more time for our kids, job, hobbies?   How can we add simplicity into our everyday lives so that it becomes the rule and not the exception?  
 
Here are a few simplicity habits to try in your home.   They run the gambit from cleaning to decluttering to just general life suggestions.  But what they all do is make your home run smoothly…simply.
 
1.Do your dishes every night.   I have an entire cleaning routine that I do every night after dinner.   It’s not simple but its effective.   To start with something simple though – do your dishes.   Don’t let them pile up.  You’ll wake up to a clean kitchen and that guarantees a lovely stress-free morning.  Until the kids get up that is!  

2.Deal with your mail every day.   Better yet – deal with your mail as soon as you bring it into the house.   Better yet – don’t even bring junk mail into the house!    Have a small bin in the garage for you to pitch that junk before you even cross the threshold.   Mail shouldn’t pile up on the kitchen counter or worse the couch.   I had a client that hadn’t looked at her mail in months.   We literally put into 3 grocery bags to sort through while she was watching tv after I left.  What a task!    Imagine the simplicity of just a few items everyday rather than a mammoth pile after a few months.

3.Take your shoes off in the house.   You won’t track mud and dirt into your home and you’ll have to vacuum less.  Hello cleaner house!   Simply have a bin near the most used entrance for shoes and have a no shoe policy.    Fewer allergies.  Less dirt.   What’s not to love?

4.Keep your countertops clear.  Kitchen countertops in particular are magnets for piles of mail, kitchen gadgets and everything else your family can think of.  Horizontal surfaces are not for storage.  Once you declutter your countertops, you’ll be able to cleaner them better and faster – no moving things to wipe!   Bonus … you’ll love the visual simplicity of your kitchen every time you walk in!

5.Put your purse in the same place when you come in the house every time.   Make sure your purse has a home and put it there.  Then you’ll never have to waste time looking for it …or your keys.  Marie Kondo recommends you unpack your purse every time you come in the house and put everything away.   Then repack your purse before you leave.   I love me some Marie Kondo but respectfully…ain’t nobody got time for that.   I have one purse that I use per season.  It stays packed and hung on a hook by the door.  Simple. 

6.Make a meal plan and a shopping list.   Making a meal plan has been key for my family since I now work second shift.  No more calls from home about what to eat at 6pm.   They know.  It’s in the fridge because I made it earlier in the day.   Am I superwoman?   Maybe…but really, I just make a plan and stick to it.   Shopping lists are just as important for planning purposes and getting everyone on the same page.   I up the simplicity even more on the grocery shopping and order my groceries on Sunday night for delivery.    I actually hate grocery shopping so ordering has been amazing.   But whichever way you do it – make a list and stick to it.   No more wasted food.   Less eating out.   All good things. 

7.Drink a lot of water.   You are supposed to drink half your weight in ounces throughout the day.  Simplify this by getting a water bottle that holds what you need and filling it once at the beginning of the day.   Sip throughout the day and viola, you are hydrated!    You feel fuller and your skin will glow and Chris Evans will take you out to dinner.   Ok I made that last part up. 

8.Turn off your social media alerts on your phone.   Want to really simplify your life?   Unplug…even for a few hours.   You decide when you want to plug back in.   By turning off the alerts you aren’t bombarded all day with dings and bells and Lols.   Take it a step further and turn off your email alerts if you can.  We spend enough time on our phones and in front of screens.   My phone is on Do Not Disturb most of the day… the only people who can get through are my husband and kids.   And I have teenagers so I never hear from them unless they are hungry.

9.Declutter.   This is a big one but will lead to so much simplicity.   Make it is a habit.   Be constantly decluttering.   Constantly assess if you want to keep that item on your coffee table or mantle or closet.   Keep a bin by the door and fill it with things you want to donate.   Then take it a step further and actually donate it.   Make the drive to Goodwill.  Living with less - living with the things you actually love – will lead to so much simplicity in your life.

10.Get some help.  Simplify your life by sourcing it out.  Like I said – I get my groceries delivered.   But you could hire a babysitter.   Or a professional organizer (ahem).  You don’t have to go it alone or do it yourself.   Get help – it’s so simple.  
 
Hope you are inspired to simplify your life with habits that will make your life easier and your home more organized.   Because we all crave simplicity habits – and they are within your reach!  Bliss This House is here to help.  Book a discovery call today to see how we can start a project in your home.  

Let’s talk collections.    I’m not a minimalist.  I love collecting things.  I have far too many framed photos in my house…is that collection?    I collect antique Asian porcelain.   There will definitely be a blog post about that someday soon.  
 
One collection I have,  I inherited from my Mother.   As with many things…I inherited them from my Mom.   A little back story for those who don’t know.   10 years ago this year my Mom was unexpectedly diagnosed with Giloblastoma – brain cancer.   She had surgery and radiation and moved in with me, then into a nursing home, then passed away – all in just 3 months and 9 days.   It was whirlwind.   Afterwards I basic inherited all of her stuff.  As a professional organizer I can honestly say I should have hired someone to go through everything with me, instead of doing it alone.   I basically kept everything and made my house Katy’s House East.   Through the years I have slowly divested myself of her things.   But I have kept some of the good stuff.   Like a collection of silver trays.   She loved them – used and displayed them all through my childhood - and when I found them, I knew I had to find a place of honor for them in my home. 
 
I arranged the trays decoratively on the wall in my powder room and created an unexpected art installation in the heart of my home for guests to enjoy.   It tells the story of my family and always sparks conversation.  
 
The thing about collections is you should display them together.   The trays work because they are all on the same wall.    The blue and while ginger jars I have work because they are in a group on top on my piano.   If I had one in my living room, one in kitchen, one here…one there...it would look disjointed.  Unfinished.   Design is about intention.
 
Put your collections together and see the magic in what you have collected.   Now, of course there is a caveat to this – if you have 300 antique porcelain dolls…maybe just display your favorite 15.   Collections are also about editing.  Life is about editing really.  You home shouldn’t be overwhelmed by your collections.   So balance what you love with your desire to be uncluttered.   Because isn’t that the goal?   Living an uncluttered life surrounded by your favorite things.  
 
I hope this blog will help you achieve those goals – living an uncluttered life surrounded by your favorite things.    How lovely.  
​Let Bliss This House help you edit your collections and set up the perfect display - let you live with the things you love! 
 
Xoxo – Maria, Bliss This House

With the Konmarie method you start with your closet – in fact most people start with their closets when organizing.   I love organizing closets and helping people have a clean and serene space.  Here are my 5 tips for an organized closet.
 
1.Use the same hangers for a uniform look.  I use velvet covered slim hangers in my closet.  They are the best - space savers and so good looking.  I can’t really explain why it matters if you have a bunch of plastic hangers or – gasp – wire hangers from the dry cleaner but using the same type / color hangers will really elevate your closet. 
2.Zone your clothes.  I fold and stack my sweaters (hanging them stretches them out).  My jeans are all folded and stacked as well.  Then I have a tops section, pants, jackets and dresses.   In a hanging organizer I have all my work out clothes as well – sorted by tops and bottoms.  I had a friend come over once and reorganize my closet by outfit.  She curated some outfits then hung them all together so I could just go reach in and go.  It’s a good idea but not sustainable.  I would wear an outfit but not put it back all together and the method slowly unraveled.  I put my closet back into zones within the month.
3.Color code your clothes.   I can’t say enough about sorting things into ROYBIV order.  Books.  Kids toys.  Clothes.  Its so visually soothing and a great way to organize things.  My tops, jackets, sweaters, and dresses are all in color order.  It makes getting dressed easier and I find I use more of my closet this way.  I don’t just grab a gray top out of habit.  I challenge myself to wear something from the green section!
4.Use unused space.  I store my purses (in color coded order) on the top shelf of my closet.  I use shelf organizers to help them all stand up.  I store shoes below.  They are lined up under the hanging clothes in clear shoe boxes for easy stacking.  Put baskets on the floor to hold scarves.  Be creative with boxes and baskets in your unused spaces in your closet to maximize your useable space.  
5.Don’t forget jewelry.  I could do an entire blog post on jewelry storage (and I will!).  Make room in your closet for your jewelry.  You don’t want to have your jewelry box across the room when trying to put an outfit together.   Try to find solutions that will make access to both clothes and jewelry easier.  Also with jewelry I find that if you can see it, you will wear it.  I have styled my jewelry storage like a boutique.  I “shop” my beautiful things on display and can always find what I need. 
 
I love working in closets!   Book a consultation with me today so we can get started on creating the closet of your dreams!