Decluttering is one of the most important tasks one can do whether it’s before a move, before a renovation, as quarterly maintenance or as a form of self-care. We are constantly asked to share our tips and tricks on ways to easily declutter spaces.
We recently spoke with Bustle and shared some tips on how to tackle paper piles and the thought process behind one of our favorite decluttering techniques - trial separation.
We’re on a roll sharing our monthly tips from our favorite book Simple Shui for Every Day: 365 Ways to Feng Shui Your Life by Amanda Gibby Peters.
The short version is Amanda is the "Martha Stewart of Feng Shui". Amanda makes Feng Shui more digestible and accessible with a "home improvement-meets-self empowerment” approach.
March 6
Before you start a new project, clean and clear your desk area. Remove everything and wipe down the desk (I like to use a few drops of lemon essential oil either mixed in a spray bottle with water or a few drops on a damp cloth). Repopulate the desk with only the items that are needed and used. The key is to leave a small empty space to encourage room for creativity.
March 12
Instead of writing down your to-do’s and reminders in various places (both physically and digitally), pick just one way and try to stick to that method. Having notes and reminders scattered throughout your phone or on various notebooks not only causes mental and physical clutter but energetic clutter as well. As Amanda says, “Everything is energy - even if it’s Post It's”
Pick a method that works for you - Jared & Shannon prefer a physical notebook and Jess prefers the note app.
March 15
Try this simple ritual when donating items. Say “thank you” before parting with the item as this facilitates closure.
March 16
Salt provides protection against unwanted energy. When your space gets heavy or you simply need a cleanse, leave a small bowl of salt in your space for a day. After a day, dispose of the salt (we like to toss our salt outside). You can repeat this as often as you need.
March 17
Clutter is a major culprit for daily stress and anxiety. Instead of tackling the clutter all at once, do it daily. Amanda says to streamline trips around the house - so if you’re heading past your coat closet and there’s a coat tossed across the banister (....we’re looking at you, Jared) grab it on your walk past the closet - make tidying a daily habit! Shannon’s grandma would say something similar - “Don't walk around the house empty handed” which was her motto for daily tidying.
March 23
Amanda says “How people feel about and remember a home is tied directly to how they’re feeling as they approach the door”. Make sure the entrance to your house is clean, obstacle free and inviting.
March 29
Under the bed storage is one of Shannon’s favorite topics. When asked what should be stored under the bed, the answer is always “nothing.” Clutter under the bed causes agitation. Try to keep this space completely clear. However, if you’re tight on space, store soft items only - like bedding or clothing or towels (in breathable cloth storage bins). Shannon even chatted with Apartment Therapy about this very topic:
disclaimer:
If you purchase from one of our LTK links, we may earn a small commission.
We are thankful that the organizing industry has received immense exposure over the last few years.
It seems like everywhere we look there’s a new product that is the answer to all organizing woes or yet another TikTok video showing a color-coded refrigerator or another organizing hack.
Some tips and products are super helpful and some just add to clutter and disorganization.
We chatted with Homes & Gardens about some of the trends we’re saying goodbye to in 2023 - check out our contributions below.
Take a look at our other interviews with Home & Gardens over the years
We (okay, just Shannon & Marilyn) are big believers of the power of crystal healing so if you think they are just rocks you might want to skip this one.
If you don’t know Shannon well, she has an extensive crystal collection. We’re talking about over 100 crystal specimens displayed in her office - some are display pieces, some are in jewelry form, some are eye masks and beauty tools, some go in her water bottle, some are strategically placed in corners of the house… can you see Jared’s eyes rolling…
Basically, she has a crystal for everything - just give her an ailment or a problem you’re trying to sold and she’ll prescribe a crystal.
This goes for the home too! Here’s her crystal recommendation for select rooms in the house:
Crystal: Selenite
Space: Living Room
Healing: Use in corners of your home or on your window sill to protect your space from unwanted energy.
Crystal: Amethyst
Space: Bedroom
Healing: Place next to your bed to calm emotional energy and encourage restful sleep.
Crystal: Black Tourmaline
Space: Front Door
Healing: Add this near your front door or entrances to protect negative thoughts, patterns and energies from entering your home.
Crystal: Rose Quartz
Space: Kitchen
Healing: Incorporate this into your kitchen as it’s the universal love stone and the kitchen is the heart of the home.
Crystal: Clear Quartz
Space: Bathroom
Healing: This crystal clears and purifies physical and energetic bodies so place in your shower, next to your bathtub or on your vanity for some extra cleansing.
Crystal: Shungite
Space: Office
Healing: Place next to your electronics or computer as it absorbs electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) and will keep you grounded while you’re working.
You may recall that last year (and probably the year before that), we tried to share weekly and monthly tips from our favorite book Simple Shui for Every Day: 365 Ways to Feng Shui Your Life by Amanda Gibby Peters but we were not as consistent as we would have liked (sigh, life gets in the way) but we’re trying again in 2023!
If you’re not familiar with Amanda, you can read more about her here.
The short version - Amanda is the "Martha Stewart of Feng Shui". Amanda makes Feng Shui more digestible and accessible with a "home improvement-meets-self empowerment” approach.
We love her.
February 4
Clear out that refrigerator and freezer. Take out everything, wipe down the shelving and drawers and only re-add items you use!
February 5
Don’t store your purse on the floor. Amanda says “what you appreciate appreciates and the better your money forecast looks.”
February 9
Drink more water! It’s the element of replenishment.
February 10
We 1000% agree with Amanda on this one - one “junk drawer” is allowed in the house. But no more! And we like to call that “junk drawer” a utility drawer :)
February 17
Add crystals to your space! Need some help choosing the right crystals?
February 18
Remove any obstacles, bags, piles of stuff around doors and entryways as this limits new opportunities.
February 25
Is life moving to fast? Is your to-do list causing your brain to run a mile a minute? Grab some rocks and place them in a bowl in the center of your space. The weight of the rocks is a reminder to sloooooow down.
February 28
Organize the cash in your wallet so all bills face the same direction.
This tip made me laugh because I’ve been doing this since as long as I had cash in my possession!
Amanda says when you show respect for your money, you show the ability to handle more.
disclaimer:
If you purchase from one of our LTK links, we may earn a small commission.
Eeek! April 18th is fast approaching. (Yes, the deadline to file federal tax returns is Tuesday, April 18th this year)
We know, we know. We dread it too.
But you can eliminate some of the stress of tax prep by creating systems that keep your tax documents organized and easily accessible.
We share some organizing and storage tips for your electronic files and physical files below and encourage you to implement these tips throughout the year so you’re not scrambling the night before.
Your tax advisors will thank you.
Use A Cloud Based Storage Service
We recommend using a cloud based storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) so the files can be easily accessed without needing your computer. Plus it makes it easy to share files with your accountant or if multiple people are contributing to the files.
Create Subfolders
We do not recommend cresting one folder for all tax files. Instead create subfolders within the main folder (labeled by tax year). Your subfolders can be categories like receipts, tax forms, deductions, invoices, charitable contributions, etc.
Use A Naming Convention
Consistent naming conventions for the files are key. We like to use something like this “Year_last name_category_subcategory”. This makes sorting and locating files a breeze.
Download A Scanner App
Using one of the many scanner apps speeds up the prep process. We’ve been using ScannerPro for years. Scan the document using your phone and upload to whatever cloud based storage program you use.
Update Regularly
We also encourage clients to update this folder monthly or quarterly (depending on your lifestyle and need) so you are not scrambling at the last minute come tax time.
Use An Accordion File Folder
If you prefer physical files, grab an accordion file folder and dedicate it solely to tax files for that year. Label the sections of the accordion file (ex. receipts, tax forms, deductions, invoices, charitable contributions) and file the documents as they come in.
disclaimers:
product photos from Amazon.
If you purchase from one of our LTK links, we may earn a small commission.
Taxes are stressful. There’s no way around it. But you can eliminate some of the stress by making sure your tax documents, receipts, paperwork, statements, etc. are organized and easily accessible. We don’t love paper (shocker) so we always opt for digital storage solutions. Apartment Therapy recently published an article on The Best Ways to Organize Your Tax Documents and we were happy to share some digital solutions with them.
Take a look at our other interviews with Apartment Therapy over the years
Spring is a great time for home organizing projects.
While Tidy Nest has been busy on-site helping our clients get ready for Spring, we wanted to share five easy spring tasks that you can tackle on your own!
1. Use Proper Containment
When switching out your winter clothes, use weathertight bins to ensure your clothing is protected from moisture, dirt and pests.
2. Donate
This is a great time to identify the items you didn’t wear this season and donate or give to someone else who will enjoy them.
3. Clean Out The Car
Replace the snow brushes for the picnic blanket, throw away all of those old receipts and food wrappers, and remove all the contents from your car console.
4. Clean Winter Shoes
Wipe down all your winter boots and shoes and store them in show containers to avoid dust and mold. You’ll add years to the lifespan or your shoes!
5. Refresh
Go through your pantry and discard any expired items and donate any non-perishable items you don’t use. Take everything out of your refrigerator, discard any expired items and wipe down shelving and drawers.
Disclaimers:
Photos from The Container Store.
If you purchase from one of our LTK links, we may earn a small commission.
Before we start a project we always ask “What’s your biggest organizational woe in this space?”
When it comes to kitchens and pantries, clients tend to say their food storage inventory in a little unruly.
Some complaints include:
They don't have the correct sizes
The style doesn't fit in with their aesthetic
There’s a mix of styles
Containers are discolored, leak, or have broken tops
They want to reduce their plastic-use
They can’t locate the tops
The list goes on....
So we compiled a list of our favorite food storage solutions below:
OXO really knows food storage. We love their Good Grips Glass Good Grips Glass Food Storage Storage set because they’re durable, easy to clean, stackable and they have a leak-resistant seal that actually works! From an organizer’s standpoint, we think the most important feature is their rectangular shape -- round containers waste lots of space in drawers or cabinets.
Glass containers with bamboo lids are always a favorite with our clients. Ikea’s 365+ glass container line is affordable, aesthetically pleasing and keeps food fresh with its tight fitting lid. The bamboo lid can also be used as a trivet or coaster.
One of the reasons we love Stasher bags is because they are reusable and help reduce the use of disposable plastic bags. They’re a great eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic bags. Bonus: they come in an assortment of colors and sizes, making them not only a sustainable option but also visually appealing for storage and organization!
We keep several of these Reusable Mesh Produce Bags on hand because while these are great for grocery shopping, we also love to use these eco-friendly bags to store our produce in the refrigerator.
These Bees Wrap Reusable Eco- Friendly Reusable Food Wraps are reusable beeswax food wraps that eliminate single-use plastic and keep food fresh. They will have you covered for everything from school lunches to food storage to snack on the go!
A sleek option that keeps beans and grounds fresh is this vacuum-sealed canister. The Fellow Atmos Coffee Canister extends your coffee’s shelf life by 50%, with an integrated vacuum pump that works by simply twisting the lid back and forth to remove air from the inside. We like to store snacks in these too!
The Prokeeper+ Coffee Container has a hinged lid and an air-tight silicone seal that keeps your coffee fresh. It also includes a tablespoon scoop for measuring. We love the entire ProKeeper+ line as they make storage containers for snacks, cereal, flour, sugar, you name it! They keep all of our favorite food fresh and its sleek design makes it fit great in cabinets and pantries.
The Iris Weathertight Pet Food Container is our favorite for keeping food fresh and sealed for our pets. We love that it comes in two sizes and the wide opening makes filling and dispensing both convenient and tidy. The wheels make it so easy and convenient to pull in and out.
The difference between this Iris 3-Piece Weathertight Pet Food Container and our choice above, is the additional 2 pieces included- the bin and scoop. The scoop makes it easy to measure out how much you want to give your pet, and the small container easily stacks and is great for treats!
disclaimers:
photos from The Container Store, Williams Sonoma, Amazon & Ikea
If you purchase from one of our LTK links, we may earn a small commission.
There are so many storage solutions out there which can get overwhelming.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Before you buy containers, follow these steps:
Declutter your space and determine exactly what needs to be contained.
Measure the shelving, drawers, closets, etc. to ensure the product you’re buying will fit.
Determine your budget for storage solutions.
Start shopping (or take the DIY approach)
To get you started, we put together some of our favorite storage bins at all price points…including FREE!
Wine / Liquor Boxes
Larger cardboard boxes have endless utility, particularly if you’re into DIY projects. For example you can turn a wine box into a basket cutting off the flaps, wrapping it in twine and adding a fabric liner. You need time and an appreciation for crafts if you’re going to give it a go, but the results are great and you’ll save about $20 per basket. Otherwise, we’ve seen clients using labeled cardboard boxes for toy storage before eventually upgrading to proper bins.
Shipping / Product Boxes
We love reusing small boxes from chocolates, jewelry, Apple products, etc... because they are so sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. We actually save them from decluttering jobs so we can repurpose on jobs that are more budget-friendly. They are great as drawer inserts in bathrooms, desks or utility drawers. To make them prettier or for continuity, try wrapping them in Washi Tape. Similarly, if you need dividers in your closet or dresser for socks and underwear, try repurposing shoe boxes or cutting down boxes from your last Amazon order. Just give them the Washi Tape facelift, and you’ve got some new storage solutions!.
Bargin Stores
You’d be surprised what you can find at dollar stores or if you’re a good online bargain hunter. We like to look for collapsible canvas cubes for playrooms for kids since they are, well, kids. While storage cubes can get expensive, Amazon carries an inexpensive version that will get you started.
For us, we think the best overall bang for your buck is The Container Store’s “Our Shoe Box,” which only costs $2.19 per box--they’re super versatile and affordable. We use these on nearly every job -- of course they’re perfect for shoes, but also for toys, art supplies, hardware, toiletries, craft supplies, office supplies and more. They stack nicely and you can’t go wrong with clear plastic so you can see what’s inside. They come in a handful of other sizes too.
This mDesign farmhouse metal wire basket is both functional and versatile. The tight weave is helpful for storing smaller items like toiletries or jars.
These handled bins are a staple when organizing laundry products and toys for our clients. The Container Store Nordic Bin comes in a variety of sizes and lid options, and the holes allow for ventilation which is a feature we love.
The Container Store’s Montauk bins are our go-to for closets. These baskets are sturdy, and the bin clips fit perfectly over the lip. Best part: the interior liner is removable so you can keep them clean.
While this Yamazaki desk organizer is usually found in offices, we like to use it as a command station in the kitchen or as a hair-tool caddy in the bathroom. The white & light wood coloring fits in every room and the sleek design and higher “walls” keep items upright.
These Marie Kondo Ori Rattan Bins are as sturdy as they are beautiful. They are handwoven and made of natural rattan, and can be used anywhere from the kitchen to an office. The handles make it easy to transport, and we love the warmth and functionality they add to any space.
Another Yamazki favorite of ours is the Tosca basket with dual handles. While this product works in almost any space, we specifically love this basket for pantries. Pantries in general have the most volume of items and this simple basket doesn’t add to the existing “noise” in the room.
These Neat Method perforated baskets add style to any room! Let’s be honest- what we love most are the beautiful variety of colors they come in. They come with a removable divider, and are a great substitute to woven or plastic bins. Bonus: these magnetic label sets snap right on if you want to label what’s inside.
We get really excited when we can use products from The Basket Room. They are hand woven in Northern Ghana and take up to 3 days to complete using Ghanian grass called veta vera. The work helps families meet their basic living costs and supporting the weavers in a truly fair and sustainable trade.
These Serena & Lily lidded baskets are a great way to conceal laundry, stuffed animals, or extra blankets without your space looking chaotic. The lids are essential to making everything look tidy and the recycled plastic wrapping around the coils make it extra sturdy. We love grouping the 3 sizes together.
These vegan leather baskets from Folden Lane are fairly new to the organizing scene and we're so excited to welcome them to our repertoire. They are made with a buttery soft vegan leather and stainless steel hardware. They are shipped flat (that's right, flat!) cutting down on carbon emissions and packaging waste.
This small flex bin is great for containing smaller items in your home. Folded or unfolded, it's your choice! The structured yet flexible material provides hidden storage and is also washable. It fits perfectly on a bookshelf, in a closet or on an entranceway table.
disclaimers:
photos from The Container Store, Amazon, The Basket Room, Folden Lane, SortJoy, Neat Method, and Serena & Serena & Lily.
If you purchase from one of our LTK links, we may earn a small commission.
We were recently interviewed by Homes & Gardens on our favorite topic - moving! I know, what you’re thinking, but hear us out, moves don’t have to be stressful.
We always encourage our clients to determine where everything is going in the new home before you pack it up and move it to the new location. Anything that doesn’t have a home in the new space is a prime candidate for donation.
Start with the big items like furniture. We promise it will make a huge difference.
Take a look at our other interviews with Home & Gardens over the years
I think any organizer will tell you that one of the most requested tutorial topics is “How to fold ______”
We spoke to Homes & Gardens on our favorite methods for folding shirts - for travel & for home storage.
We’re super excited to announce that we’re a regular expert contributor to Homes & Gardens’ organization features! You can check out all our article with Homes & Gardens below.
There are a bunch of packing cubes on the market but if we have a choice, we always prefer AWAY products.
If your folding skills need some help, try a folding board which will help you create a perfect fold every time
Bamboo is always our first choice but these spring loaded dividers also come in various plastic colors.
Take a look at our other interviews with Home & Gardens over the years
disclaimers:
photos from Amazon & Away Travel
If you purchase from one of our LTK links, we may earn a small commission.
If you ask Jared, there’s nothing worse than searching for a pair of socks in a drawer of mismatched socks. And if you’re not a morning person, this sock hunt can start your day off on the wrong foot.
We always encourage clients to take time to organize the sock drawer to make your morning routine much more enjoyable.
We recently chatted with Homes & Gardens about sock drawer organization - take a look below on our tips.
P.S. We’re happy to report that we are a regular contributor to Homes & Gardens now.
Take a look at our other interviews with Home & Gardens over the years
Moving can be very stressful, and involves a lot of planning and organization- that’s where we come in! The process of packing up your entire life and transporting it to a new location can be overwhelming, so start by decluttering and ridding of the things you won’t need or want.
We recently shared our best piece of advice when it comes to preparing for your move.
Take a look at our other interviews with Home & Gardens over the years.
If we had to pick just one room in the house to declutter it would be the bedroom! Your bedroom is a place of peace and rest so bringing clutter into this space stains the energy in the room.
So when Homes & Gardens told us they were working on a story on decluttering the bedroom, we were very eager to share our number one rule when it comes to bedroom organization.
Take a look at our other interviews with Home & Gardens over the years
Great news! We were named a top organizing and decluttering expert by Redfin!
We recently shared some of our quick tips to keep a clean and organized home. You can find the full article below.
Featured Press
Take a look at our other interviews with Redfin over the years
After Christmas is over, it can be overwhelming to deal with all of the new gifts and decorations, as well as the leftover holiday items.
We were asked by Homes & Gardens to share our advice and best tips for decluttering post-Christmas!
Take a look at our other interviews with Home & Gardens over the years
We are so excited to announce that Shannon contributed to an article in Architectural Digest - definitely a highlight of 2022!
Shannon spoke with AD regarding storage solutions and tips on how to keep all that holiday clutter under control.
Check out her tips on string light storage and how to manage that pile of holiday greeting cards.
String Light Storage
We take a deeper dive in a previous blog post. Take a look at our step-by-step guide below.
The holidays are stressful - schedules are packed, guests and in and out, the volume of items in the home multiply - so we always suggest doing a little decluttering before the craziness begins to gain some extra mental and physical space.
We recently spoke with Homes & Gardens about some of our holiday decluttering suggestions.
Other spaces to declutter before guests arrive
We always make sure our guest rooms and bathrooms are ready for guests. We remove any items that have accumulated in these spaces - like that pile of summer clothes on the bed that we haven’t put away yet or any used and/or expired toiletries in the bathroom.
When to toss items can be a controversial topic when it comes to decluttering. Everyone has a different opinion on when things to be replaced.
We shared our recommendations with Reader’s Digest about when to replace houshold items including bathmats, doormats, bed pillows and curtains.
Sign up with your email address to receive occasional Tidy Nest updates.
