When a client feels utterly overwhelmed by all they have to do, they're usually holding too much in their heads. Their days are full of "Oh sh*t! I also have to ____!" moments. When I walk into this, I love to help them to literally see all they have to do. Instead of it overwhelming them even more, they are always relieved to get it all out in the open.

We've all heard people say "Just act like you're moving" in order to inspire a more ruthless decluttering episode. Though I like that frame of mind, it's hard to fake unless you have a real move date on the calendar. I've seen people unleash Herculean strength when faced with a move, letting go of unthinkable items with unthinkable speed. All have survived and all have been better for it!

Who would have thought that this fall kids’ home offices would be essential? Be it a spot at the dining table or a room-turned-office, kids need spaces optimized for learning and focus every bit as much as their parents. Parents are still trying to figure out their own setups while doing the same for their kids. It’s tough, but families are adapting in creative ways.

Last week I worked in Houston with a client I visited twice last year. The main goal of this trip was to thin out, sort, and better store my client’s collection of outdoor and survival supplies and gear.  Last year we worked together on paper and office supplies.

This week I gave my second virtual workshop from quarantine. This time a real estate brokerage asked me to share how to organize the home office. I felt I should think beyond tidying, because let’s face it, these days tidy isn’t enough.

My new client and I were on a roll when Covid-19 closed in and sent us to Zoom to continue our work together. After going through some major life changes, including a downsize and a recent move, she was left with a lot of loose ends.