I had the pleasure of meeting Matt Paxton — decluttering expert and star of Hoarders and Legacy List — at a downsizing presentation in Annapolis. I'm sharing his best tips for seniors and anyone navigating a major life transition: from using Artifcts to preserve memories, to why your formal dining room set isn't worth what you think. Plus tools, resources, and his must-read book, Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff.

In this new video, I share real client examples of how simple cardboard boxes can become surprisingly effective organizing tools. You’ll see how we turn everyday materials into custom solutions—proving that you always have exactly what you need to get started, even before a single shopping trip.

Decluttering first isn’t always the best approach. Often, grouping items—especially papers—helps you see what you really need to keep. One client, after years of organizing, is now ready to let go of papers she once thought she couldn’t part with. Organizing doesn’t mean you have to keep everything forever. Sometimes, you need to let things “simmer” before confidently letting them go.

Letting go is easier when someone takes the time to listen. In this post, I share how one client’s stories helped him finally release years of sentimental clutter — and how you can use storytelling to make decluttering feel less overwhelming.

What I love about the power of the pause is it's just that. A pause. My client didn't say, "Look at me taking a half hour to put something away!" It was just a moment. If you collect enough moments, your space and life start to change right before your eyes.

In addition to my favorite products, I commonly problem-solve on the spot with organizing supplies. Below are six products (old favorites and one-offs) that solved six organizing problems within the last few months. I encourage people to first use what they have before turning to new products, but occasionally we do need something new. Buying products usually comes later in the organizing process, once we're 100% certain about what we need. Enjoy!