Ok, we’re in full swing now.  Today is about the tomorrow box/la boîte de demain.  Planning for the next day is crucial to a calm morning.  How many mornings would you describe as calm?  -Exactly.
 
Choosing the outfit for the next day helps you cross one more decision off your to do list before the day runs away from you.  Children benefit from structure and routine.  This is not a cliché, it’s true.
 
Think about the layout of their rooms, the way they move and get ready before school.  Where would it make sense to have a tomorrow box?  Not in the middle of the floor, not where they can’t reach it and have to ask for your help.  The point is to simplify the morning madness not add to it.
 
There is a dual purpose to the tomorrow box.  Firstly, to help your children prep for the next day but not be overwhelmed.  They become a little more independent with your guidance.  They learn how to take  into consideration the weather and planned activities of the next day. 
Secondly, in the morning they are able to get dressed without a lot of questions, help and delay.  They feel in control and ready to move onto the next task.
 
This in no way requires you to go shopping for a tomorrow box.  Use a box, basket, bag, shelf or drawer that you already have available.  The important bit is for it to always be in the same place and for nothing else to invade the designated space.
 
This task is fairly straight forward and short so if you need to fine tune a few details from yesterday (Task 1) then you will only be doing your future self a favour!
 
Photos and Comments are always welcome!

​This is it – the moment you’ve all been waiting for – back to school is here or as the French say ‘la rentrée’!  I actually dread back to school, I like having my babies with me but of course they need the routine too.  And so, as we get ready to take on the new school year let’s not make it a hyper, stressful, ridiculous endeavour.  The last week of summer hols should be just that – hols, not a panicked race for school supplies and mad cleaning, crazy planning etc.
 
Before we begin please have on hand a list maker – either pen and paper or your phone.  Something you won’t forget at home and that you can add to throughout our time together this week.
 
One task a day to help us on our way.  Day 1 is Clothing.  Today take some time to go through your children’s closet and dresser.  Remove all stained, damaged and too small clothing.  Also, let go of anything that for whatever reason they don’t wear.  Some kids are sensitive to styles, textures, collars etc.  Let it bless someone else.  Straight into the donate bag and into your car.  This includes footwear and winter gear.  This may require a try-on session with your kids which is why it may take the better part of the day!
 
Once these are gone from the wardrobe space let’s look at what we’ve got left and how many of each item is left.  Let’s be reasonable, how many pairs of socks, undies, shorts, hoodies etc are necessary?  If the drawers don’t close easily than you still have too much and must choose your favourites.  If your child cannot easily access their clothing they will most likely not put it away as it’s too much of a chore.  Help yourself here.  Most children need enough for 10 days as you will do washing regularly so no need to stockpile clothing.
 
Keep a list of what items you need to pick up to complete their outfits.  Write the sizes needed as well.  I would suggest detailing which child said item is for.  Once you’re in the store or online shopping the less thinking required the better.
 
If you have a reserve of energy left after this clear out then start shopping but only for the items on your list.  Online shopping is a great convenience and saves money as you are not tempted by the deals along the way.  This is not a race though – marketing makes us feel that if all is not done by day 1 of school then we have failed.  Enough is enough!  Time wise, sanity wise and money wise this may take awhile.  Let it.
 
Let us know how you do!

You are hyped, motivated and raring to go.  And so it begins…you binge purge, exhaust yourself and eventually give up and watch Netflix while silently beating yourself up for being such a failure at something so simple.
 
Sound familiar?!
 
This is a recurring scenario that I encounter with clients who then call me to help them with their unrealistic and incredibly damaging expectations.
 
It’s great if you decide you would like to reduce or organise your possessions.  That is a positive and soul strengthening pursuit.  However, as with everything – the success lies in the planning.
 
I am talking about mental planning here.  Deciding to completely revamp your lifestyle in a weekend – Reasonable?  Sustainable?  Kind?
 
Reasonable – it is a rare circumstance that allows you to dedicate one complete weekend to decluttering or organising unless it’s an extreme situation.  It’s also more than likely that one weekend will not get you through your entire home. 
 
Start with a manageable time frame and project.  Depending on your life right now maybe 1 hour is your max.  Fine.  Take that hour and choose a task that can be completed within that window.  End.  Repeat at another time with the same guidelines.
 
Sustainable – so you get through the mammoth task of decluttering and organising a given space, how long will it last?  Life is for the living so, of course every space requires tweaking but as well as that it demands setting yourself up for success.  Does the end result belong in a magazine photo shoot (which isn’t real life, as you know) which in my experience usually lasts approx less than a week or is it a set up that works with your life daily?
 
Kind – are you being kind to yourself with the process you are imposing on yourself?  Is your timeline another stress you’ve just added to the already existing stressors in your life?  If your best friend was doing this would you point out to them that perhaps they are being too hard on themselves?  Try treating yourself like you would your bestie. 
 
Recap – if you indulge in a mental high of transformation that really only works on TV then you will be discouraged and do yourself harm.  Take the process and go through it with the desire to learn and create a habit of managing your space.  Life comes in layers and managing our space is the same.  One layer at a time. 

I wish you success!
 

What? It’s not a typo – it’s exactly what it says.  Simplify your Simplify.  The recent mindset of focusing on the important and discarding the unnecessary has become increasingly appealing to many.  So now that the initial love affair with this has somewhat settled, we have some food for thought for those that truly desire to continue to live more simply.
 
After you have done your first major declutter, your ensuing decluttering of the underlying layers, all your donation drop-offs, adapted your spending to suit your new mentality – why do you still at times feel that you still need to simplify? 
 
This is not as rare as you may imagine.  Even after the majority of our stuff (physical, mental, emotional etc) has been significantly reduced it is common to still have areas or categories that are too full.
 
A very helpful and efficient way of eliminating this is to take a look at the way you have chosen to simplify.  True, it may be simpler than how you did it in the past but is it still too complicated to maintain?  Let’s take the dreaded bugbear of paperwork as an example. 
 
You have a huge pile of general paperwork staring at you, following you wherever you go in the room.  Your first impulse may be to start separate piles for each company or type of paper which will then each need a separate folder and label.  Are you tired yet?  It’s a project.
 
Instead, it will be much more motivating and just as productive to do an initial sort.  One box for keep and one for bin.  That’s it.  Put on a playlist or your favourite movie and do just that – each piece has only 2 options – discard or keep.
 
Once this has been done you will only have one pile that needs attention.  Your mental powers will be focused and therefore simplified. 
 
Now for the actual filing of the keep pile.  Instead of a separate folder for each credit card company just put all credit card statements in the same file.  Instead of a separate folder for each insurance policy just put all policies in the same file.  You get the gist.  This may not seem detailed enough for you in the beginning but it will get you through that disheartening mountain of paper and get it out of view and into a relatively organised state.  Experiment with it.  Nothing is set in stone.  From there you can tweak it and maybe have some more details as you find they become necessary but always keep in mind the ease of maintenance required for each ‘simplified system’ you put in place.
 
This method can be applied to any kind of system in your home or office.  Clothes, books, utensils, music etc.  Play with it and remember the goal is to Simplify your Simplify so it actually does its job and makes your life easier.
 

How long is the list?  Time, money, motivation, cooperation from others in your household, lack of space, storage or organisational tools?
 
Time – this is a relatively easy fix.  It depends more on your staying power than actual time.  For example, you may not feel you can dedicate a complete day or 4 hour session of decluttering and organising.  That is true for many.  So let’s break it down. 
(How do you eat an elephant? – bite by bite)
 
You may better be able to work in 15 minute increments.  Set your timer for 15 minutes each day.  Stop and start according to the timer and celebrate that.  No need to do a marathon of decluttering, you are doing this for you not to prove anything to anyone else.
 
Perhaps an empty box or bag in your closet may be the ticket – as you go through your day and you find something that can better serve someone else you just drop it in the box.  Over time you will have a full box to donate. 
 
Each time you receive a phone call from a charity that is willing to pick up just say yes.  Even if nothing is ready to donate you have a definite date to work towards.  Start a box and put 3 items
(for example, this number is flexible) in it each day until pick up day.
 
Whatever reason has been your excuse to date let’s just be kind to our future selves and dive in. 
 
Money – this excuse is just that, an excuse.  Money is not a success factor in this exercise.  You may be thinking you don’t have the funds to buy the funky containers or other organising tools you see in magazines or on TV.  Guess what? – those photos and shots are staged by a team of professionals!  Let’s embrace real life and make it work for us.  Before you buy anything it is imperative to declutter and sort.  That is the only way to have a clear picture of what you need, want or want to save for.  One step at a time please.
 
Motivation – ah, the devil we know!  Here is where an accountability buddy is invaluable.  Choose wisely, a trusted person who will support not judge.  Being able to share your small steps of achievement is a major contributor to your success.  If you find your chosen one becomes more of a hindrance than a help then it’s time to swap them for another cheerleader.  I’m not saying dump them from your life but to adjust the role. 
​
Take photos of your start, process and finish.  These are very good at reminding of us that we are making strides.
 
Cooperation from others – start with you.  Sound simple but it’s actually a hard one.  Focus on what you are doing and let the others be.  They more than likely will be positively touched by your example but if not, remember that you are doing yourself a kindness.  They will choose their own path.  Letting that burden go is very refreshing to the soul.  It may be an ongoing mindset you need to work on but that’s the way we cultivate staying power.
 
Enjoy the ride!

‘Tis the season after all – to clean, to purge, to sort, to organise, to declutter, but the more difficult choice – to sell or to donate?
 
Both have their merits but they are vastly different.  The decision to have a garage sale or to sell items online, consignment, etc. may be very beneficial financially but then again, depending on your wares it may also be a 6 hour exercise in frustration. 
 
The value assigned to certain items is relative.  Its value may be influenced by your memories, how you used it, where it came from and how long you’ve had it.  For the random punter, its value is often less and the thrill of the deal becomes paramount.  The real entertainment comes when 2 or more are trying to possess it – let the games begin!
 
Behind the scenes of the selling decision, that is of the ultimate importance.  Take into account the time, know-how, photos to be taken for online selling, uploading, keeping up with the interest, meeting with the interested parties, bargaining, setting up, cleaning up – it goes on.  This though can also be part of the drive for some – being outside, the social component, the process itself. 
 
To donate – this sense of goodwill is very soul soothing.  Out of your excess someone else can have their daily needs met.  In parts of the world where abundance is everywhere why not give back?  There is the question of where, how and who to donate to – charities are also omnipresent.  Some are not bothered as they feel anyone in need is worthy.  Others have special charities that touch their hearts and that determine their decision.  It’s a personal choice, no right or wrong about it. 
 
Practically speaking as far as donation is concerned there is the issue of which items certain charities will accept.  Many are not able to accept furniture for example.  Others specialise in clothing only.  So you may want to have your giving piles separated for individual uses. 
 
Getting your gifts to the actual charity may also present a challenge.  Will you transport it yourself; will you get someone to help you?  Will the charity pick up?  Is it necessary to schedule a pick up?  Do you have to be home for the pick up?  These finer details may influence the choices you make.
 
In conclusion, here are some main factors to ponder if you are struggling with what choice to make:
 
Time involved – how much are you willing to spend in this endeavour?
Effort necessary – how much follow through will be required?
Physical energy needed – do you have it or will you need to rely on someone else’s?
Finances – is the money worth it to you?
 
These considerations are not a deterrent in your desire to donate or sell, they are merely a preceding thought process that will simplify and clarify which path you take. 

​Strength, grace, presence, leaves, blooms, timber, fire, magazines, books, and yes, the dreaded PAPER!  Paper is great when you need it but when it starts to collect and when all and sundry are contributing to the ever constant flow, it can become a burden instead of the helper it was originally intended.
 
So, what to do with the piles, files, lone fly-aways and the like?  
 
To help you, moving on, let’s set up a plan/system for the daily incoming.  A tray, tiered file holder or whatever works for you.  Place it where you naturally dump your stuff when you enter your home.  This may not be where others would place it or where it looks the best but for now the point is to start a habit of immediately dealing with the daily mail, papers etc.  Once this habit is a reflex then you can adjust accordingly. 
 
Some suggested categories – recycling (flyers, advertising), garbage, bills to pay (if you receive paper bills), reference/to file, action, various household members.  You do not have to use these, they are meant as examples.  Depending on your life you will know what best serves you.  Try not to get too detailed as this is meant to be a triage system only so that you stem the tide of overwhelm from the get go.
 
And, now on to the existing mountain that begs your attention.  For the first purge, have only one box where you will put the papers that need to be kept.  The rest must be shredded or recycled.  Broad categories are much more manageable at the beginning of a large project. 
 
Once this is complete then you can begin to separate the keep category into sub categories.  This is very subjective. 
 
Some may want to colour code, others prefer general tabs.  Credit cards may work for you instead of one file for each credit card.  This concept can be applied to any type of file category depending on what makes it easier for you.  In order to start as you mean to go on it’s imperative that you be real.  A sustainable system is the goal and that varies for each individual so there are no ‘wrong systems’. 
 
Now, consider for a moment how long your filing system or lack of it has been neglected.  Perhaps one year, perhaps 5 years – maybe you’ve never really had a filing system at all.  This is only relevant as far as how long you allow yourself to now sort it out.  Please do not self sabotage by putting unrealistic expectations on yourself.  It may take a half hour a day, or week or 2 hours a month.  Let’s choose to focus on the fact that you are DOING IT NOW.
 
 As the great Doctor (Martin Luther King Jr.) put it, ‘You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.’
 
Whatever journey or project you undertake you will only succeed one step at a time.  This quote is true wisdom as it can be à propos to so many aspects of our lives.

​Lifestyle, the word evokes thoughts of glamour and celebrity style living but really it’s more your personal habits, behaviours and ways of acting on a general basis. 
 
Many strive to promote a certain lifestyle which is more in tune with their imagined self rather than the real person they are and the real life they live daily.  Why? 
 
Various reasons abound – insecurity, ambition, lack of contentment, the lure of marketing.  The common thread through many of these reasons boils down to envy, a negative feeling about where you are at, where you are going and who thinks its good enough. 
 
Let’s explore some manifestations of this particular kind of discontent. 
 
Kitchen – dishes abound.  Why, if you are a household of 4 people do you have enough dishes for 40?  Why, if you do not drink alcohol or not a great variety do you need 12 glasses for each specific potion?  Why, if you only celebrate certain holidays once a year, do you need a whole themed china set for the occasion?  Why do you have 3 punch bowls with accessories if entertainment stress prevents you from inviting large groups?
 
Of course, there are those who do feed 40 regularly and love to enjoy their tipple from the appropriate crystal vessel.  Great, then that is part of your lifestyle – enjoy.
 
Bathroom – body products, make up, perfume etc.  Do you like make up?  Do you wear a variety or do you stick to your basic go-to items?  Same with perfume – do you have a signature scent or do you change according to moods and activities?  Do you have enough body wash to last the next 10 years?  Is the storage real estate worth the trade? 
 
Again, maybe a vast amount is crucial to you but it’s worth an inner conversation.  The lifestyle that was you in the past may no longer be the lifestyle you need to embrace today.
 
Clothes – do they serve your current lifestyle?  Do you attend a lot of corporate events?  Do you exercise regularly?  Are high heels the bane of your existence or do they make you walk tall?  Dress shirts – how many are necessary to carry you through a wash cycle? 
 
There are no right or wrong answers.  The key is to ask yourself the questions and answer them truthfully.  Be ok with the life you have now as far as your possessions are concerned.  Owning your lifestyle of today clears up so much mental clutter.  It doesn’t mean it will never evolve, adapt or change.  It does mean that you will have the mental space to live your life on purpose.

It’s spring and everyone is psychologically motivated to purge, de clutter, get organised etc.  This mania of Spring Cleaning is a phenomenon that is popular in the West but not necessarily ‘a thing’ in other areas of the world.  Some have expressed admiration for this annual purge that we embrace. 
 
As with all de clutter projects, there is the remnant pile of items that need addressing.  They are things you have decided to keep but they need attention.  This is called the backlog.  Primarily, the backlog is a real issue when it comes to paperwork.  Boxes of papers that you have not dealt with and they are now taunting you with chants of guilt and failure. 
 
Many are focussing on maintaining their daily tasks so as to function better long term.  Great, but what about the old stuff we have neglected over time?  Two words – PACE YOURSELF.
 
Decide to decide, once and for all.  Choose a regular, reasonable time to start dealing with it.  This is very subjective; it may be 30 minutes a day, 3 hours a week, one day a month etc.  Stick to your schedule, put it in your calendar and keep the date with yourself.  Set yourself up for success – eat before you start, go to the bathroom, put a show on or a playlist and dig in.  Set your timer and just start.  When the timer goes, you are officially done. 
 
Tidy up and leave it ready to start again on your next backlog attack date.  These dates may be a part of your routine for many months.  They may only take a few days or weeks. 
 
Regardless, you will be making progress and gaining gradual control of your space.  The very fact that you have started will be very powerful in ensuring your success.

Routines – habitual activity, pattern, custom, technique, system.  Do you have any?  Do you want any?  Do you need any?
 
Let’s consider some examples of what routines are for the majority of us – brushing your teeth, washing your face, showering, eating regular meals, exercising, going to bed.  These basics are a real struggle for some.  For others they are second nature.  Why?
 
These are routines or habits that have been instilled in us from a young age.  We don’t even think about doing or not doing them.  We usually don’t even remember the process of doing them – that’s how ingrained they are.  You could compare it to when you drive to or from a daily destination.  Sometimes you don’t clearly remember the journey because your mind was elsewhere and it has just become so mundane.
 
Moving beyond these basics though – other routines or systems could make the flow of your day to day activities and responsibilities so much less stressful. 
 
1. Choosing tomorrow’s outfit tonight
2. Preparing tomorrow’s lunch tonight
3. Preparing your bag (handbag, workbag, schoolbag) for the next day
4. Running the dishwasher daily
5. Washing up dishes right after use
6. Doing a load of laundry each day
7. Preparing medications/vitamins for the week ahead
8. Meal plan along with smart grocery shopping
 
Decide on implementing one habit each month.  If you attempt to do them all you run the risk of overwhelm and burnout.  This is not a competition – it is another tool I wanted to bring to your attention to aid you in your life. 
 
Once you have chosen one for this month then ponder over how best to make it as easy and as natural as possible for you.  For example – if you want to work on number 1, think of a place that you will regularly place the outfit.  Where do you usually get dressed?  In your bedroom, in the closet, in the bathroom?  Put it where it makes sense for your life.  Do you need a hook to hang it?  A box to fold it?
 
For number 2, will you put the lunches on the counter, in each person’s bag, in the fridge?  Try to do the same thing each time you are doing this habit.  If in the fridge, try putting it all in the same area of the fridge so there’s no treasure hunt to complete in the morning to get the whole lunch together – nothing more irritating than a salad with no dressing!
 
For numbers 4 and 6, think of the rhythm of your day – does it make sense for you to run the dishwasher just before bed or right after lunch?  Are you comfortable with leaving appliances on while you are out?  For the washing machine, can it be on at the same time as the dishwasher?  Is it better for you to be home and hear the buzzer so you are reminded to put the clothes in the dryer or to hang dry them immediately?
 
I will not go through the whole list.  This is meant as an illustration of how routines and habits work best if we adapt them.  You may start one way and then feel the need to tweak.  For me, removing makeup and washing my face before bed is a hit and miss.  If I do it after dinner then I’m much more likely to stick with it as I’m not so tired at that point. 
 
These suggestions may strike your fun side as boring and responsible.  On the flip side, if you reduce the thought involved in the basics, you free your mind and your schedule to do what you really want to be doing.
 
Do what works for you and your life.