Let’s Get Cozy with Hygge

Posted on November 20, 2022 by Kim
Have you heard of Hygge?

It’s pronounced Hyoo-gah and it is a Danish word meaning Cozy.

Did you know that in Denmark it rains about 179 days a year and the sun is a rare visitor? Apparently, the happiest of all people live there and one of the contributing factors is the practice of Hygge.

Hygge is all about creating coziness in your home, your surroundings and in your life. This is a great time of year to practice the art of hygge. There is a different feeling in the air once the November snow falls and lays a beautiful blanket of white over Mother Earth. It’s cold outside, and we are all warm and cozy in our homes. On these days, I am in my happy place especially if I don’t have to go out anywhere. That is the feeling of hygge.

This time of year makes me think about making a big mug of hot chocolate, getting cozy under my furry blanket and settling in with a good book. Nice soft mood lighting, maybe adding some pretty lights (I love white ones), and lighting a few candles (keeping safety in mind, of course) help to add to the ambiance.

We recently picked up a soft rug from the Flea Market near our house and it really has warmed up our living area. A few new pillows and I am loving our cozy space. I really crave comfort food at this time of year especially after coming in from the cold. I am thinking about hearty soups with crusty bread, anything with gravy, chilli and creamy pasta dishes with cheese. (Anything with cheese really for me) Also, hygge is about treating ourselves and our families to all the good things like enjoying delicious pastries or other desserts. As I write this I am craving some gooey cinnamon rolls which is on my list for my next shopping trip. Yummy!

Clearing Clutter is also an important aspect of Hygge. The more you work on the excess clutter in your home the more hygge you will feel.

There are many books on the subject of Hygge and this is one I have read.

Are you starting to think about decorating and getting ready for Christmas or other holidays? Entertaining perhaps? Here are a list of blog posts written by my Professional Organizer friends. Get ready to party with these expert tips on Organizing for a Celebration!

I am so excited to tell you about the Clearing Clutter Boot Camp – coming in January of 2023.

Eight Week Support Group on Zoom – once a week

This group is for you if:

  • You likely know what you need to do but……every time you get started you end up giving up after a few decluttering sessions. 
  • You have read all the books on decluttering only to find them sitting on a shelf mostly unread and collecting dust. 
  • The clutter in your home drains your energy, you are tired, don’t know where to even start and just feel like going back to bed and curling up into a fetal position. 
  • Overwhelm has stopped you from dealing with the clutter!

Clearing Clutter Boot Camp can help!

Some of the benefits are:

  • Having a safe and supportive space to share with other like minded individuals
  • Motivation and inspiration from Peers knowing you are not alone
  • Having accountability for your decluttering efforts and journey 
  • Examining what is underneath the clutter struggle and why it is so hard
  • Learning some skills and strategies to make some changes in your life and home
  • Taking the time just for you and putting yourself first
  • A safe and supportive Facebook Group to share your questions, challenges and successes

Having the support, accountability and sharing challenges and successes with others will make all the difference. 

Clearing Clutter is always easier with support!

Would you like to schedule a Coffee Chat with me? You can sign up here for a free 20 minute call.

Posted in Clutter, Organizing, organizing over the holidays, sacred home, simplify for the holidays, support, Support Groups | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

Do you have trouble with focus?

Posted on November 10, 2022 by Kim

This was me last weekend – funny story 

“So today I am watering my plants and I notice a big branch has broken off my Christmas cactus. I am thinking okay well I will take that branch and some flowers that have wilted out to the compost area.  Then I notice a beach ball in the back yard and I know it belongs to the neighbours so I throw it over the fence. I then go into the house and I want to look for some herbs to make a special tea and there are all these donations in the way. So I decide to take the donations out to the car. Then oh no!  I see the beach ball blowing down the road.  I put the donations in the car and then I notice that the beach ball has stopped right in front of the other neighbours house. So I start to hobble (still healing from a broken ankle) and just as I get close to the beach ball a huge wind comes. Beach ball continues to head down the street. Hopefully it finds a new home.” 

I actually ended up doing some yard work which was not on my radar at all but it was a beautiful day and I could see what needed to be done.  I am just so grateful that I can get out and am able to do some of these things now.

Can you relate to this?

Focus can be so challenging when it comes to working on our stuff. It’s so easy to get distracted by other things going on, our intentions which can be unrealistic and all the shiny things we are finding.

Here are some Tips To Help You to Stay Focussed

  1. Get Grounded. Have a light meal or snack, and get yourself some water or a beverage of choice. Take a few minutes to just slow down your thoughts by focussing on your breathing. Be kind to yourself.
  2. Start small. One drawer, a small area in a room, a shelf, a pile of papers.
  3. Using a timer aka the Pomodoro Technique. I really love this method and use it a lot. I especially like it for writing but it also works for anything you are working on. Think about how much time you have and jump right in. It can be surprising what you can do in a short period of time. Here is more info on this technique.
  4. If you are feeling overwhelmed, easily distracted and its a space with a lot of stuff…..a really good trick is to use sheets to hide some of the other piles that you may have not looked at in awhile. Stay focused on the one area you are working on.
  5. Eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone, even better leave it in another room. Let others know you wish to not be disturbed, close the door. Listen to some quiet music if that is helpful to you.

Clearing Clutter Boot Camp – Coming January 2023

This 8 week Support Group (online) is for you if:

You likely know what you need to do but……every time you get started you end up giving up after a few decluttering sessions. 

You have read all the books on decluttering only to find them sitting on a shelf mostly unread and collecting dust. 

The clutter in your home drains your energy, you are tired, don’t know where to even start and just feel like going back to bed and curling up into a fetal position. 

Overwhelm has stopped you from dealing with the clutter? 

Join the waitlist by sending a quick email to me at kimtremblay@sympatico.ca with the Subject line Boot Camp

Happy Decluttering!

Posted in Organizing | 17 Comments

Getting Help To Declutter When You Have PTSD

Posted on October 17, 2022 by Kim

If you have had a lot of trauma in your life, then you will want to have a Professional Organizer/Mental Health/Support Worker/Family Member who has knowledge and experience working within a Trauma Informed Approach. It is important to have positive support to help you with your decluttering efforts and to help you to move forward.

What to look for in a Support Person (for the worker and then the client):

Trauma Awareness

Worker: Someone who has an understanding of trauma and the possible causes.  You can learn more about the link between Trauma and Chronic Disorganization here A worker should have knowledge of the emotional, physical and psychological responses of an individual especially if they are feeling very overwhelmed.

Client: If you are in crisis, facing eviction or an emergency clean up you are likely not able to focus on what you need to at that time. An informed worker will help you with some calming and grounding strategies, help you to feel in control of what you can and help you to feel comfortable and safe.

Safety and Trustworthiness 

Worker: This will take time so it is important to get to know your client and perhaps look for some commonalities. Help the client to become aware of the safety concerns using a harm reduction approach. Let your client know that you are there to help them to create safety and comfort in their living space and to advocate for them if needed.  It is important to be concerned and focused on getting to know the client first. Doing what you say you are going to do to help and following through with the client will help you to gain their trust. I love this Maya Angelou quote.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will NEVER forget how you made them feel.” 

Maya Angelou

Client: Remember this is a relationship that you are working on with your Support Worker and of course trust is going to be very important. This is very personal and emotional work and it will take some time to get to know if you and your Support Worker are a good match. You will know after a number of sessions as to whether you can trust and work with this Person.

Opportunities for Choice, Collaboration, and Connection 

Worker: Offer the client options for support and help. Let client know about possible other supports in the community like support groups or other Support Workers ie: mental health. If the client is in an emergency/crisis situation help the client to be aware of where her important things are like medications, purse, wallet and keys, remote control, etc. Encourage and take the lead from your client. They really do know best about their own life.

Client: Get some support for yourself. Join a Support Group for people who are struggling with clutter in person or online. You are not alone. Learn more about yourself and what is underneath the clutter. Start to look at the reasons you save things and why you have difficulty with letting go. You are important and deserve to take this time just for you. You can make positive changes in your life!

Strengths Based and Skill Building 

Worker: What is the client doing well? Comment on those positives and build on them if possible. No need to fix anything that is working well. Encourage your client to come up with some ideas and solutions to help to make things work better. Teach and model some new skills that will help client to move forward.

Client: You are the expert in your own life. It is important that you are working with someone who encourages you to take charge of your life. Someone who will listen to your stories about your life and your possessions, support and teach you some new daily living skills and can help you to make those important decisions that you can feel confident about.

Have you had positive experiences with Support Workers and/or friends or family members who have helped you in your home?

Please let us know in the comments……

If you would like more support and accountability please join the Declutter Your Life and Mind closed group on Facebook

Need more support? Book a 30 minute free Coffee Chat with me!

Posted in chronic disorganization, Organizing | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

My Healing Journey (I am back!)

Posted on October 6, 2022 by Kim
Here I am with my partner back out in the world again (I am on the right)

It’s been quite the healing journey for me as most of you probably know. Yeah, it’s been almost three months since I fractured my ankle although it feels so much longer.  I remember when the doctor came to me and said I could have surgery or not. He said I don’t know how long it will take to heal if you don’t have the surgery and there are no guarantees. He then said the recovery would be 3 – 6 months with the surgery. I felt like I had no choice. I just cried when he left.  He said this so very matter of factly. I guess he says that every day to his patients. Who knows? His expertise is surgery not human relations. However, I am very thankful for the work he did on my ankle. Those doctors are miracle workers.

The good news is I am on the mend.  I am walking mostly without a walker, getting around and can even get up and down stairs now. I know its not over yet and I am just at the beginning stages of physio but I am determined to be in the best shape I can be.  I am so excited to get my health and life back.

I have had a lot of time to reflect on my life, realized some things about my partner which are all good.  She was so there for me when I needed her!! I mean when something like this happens you really do realize who is there for you and what is most important. I feel so blessed to have the support of the family and friends that I have. 

I got back into reading books (not about decluttering, surprise, surprise) and this feels so enjoyable. Just really brought back those memories I have as a child laying on my bed and reading those novels I just picked up from the mobile library in my neighbourhood. It later became Eastwood Branch Library in my city. I just love it when I can’t wait to get back into the book I am reading. It has kind of felt like a dying art to me so I am so happy to have this pleasure back.

I discovered some things that I wouldn’t have if I didn’t have this issue. I discovered Transcendence which is kind of like a yoga flow but with dance and movement online and available to anyone no matter what their physical issues or status is. Its so fun! Through this I also found a Mentor who is helping me to work on every area of my life in order to be the best me I can be. I am sleeping so much better these days and I contribute it to my meditation practice. There are always blessings!  

I have certainly had to slow down which is hard for me as I always feel like I have to be doing something and I have this need to always be productive. I have had to allow others to help, have had to let go of some things (well a lot) and also have had to let go of some control as well.

I took a bit of a break from work while I have been healing and it was just a good time to re-asses and decide where I want to go from here. The best news of all though is that I am ready and so excited to get back to doing what I love which is working with you one on one and helping you to live with less stress. I am available to support up to three new clients through Virtual Organizing. These spots will fill up fast so don’t wait. I can’t wait to work together with you!

Check out my offerings here or if you prefer we could plan for a 30 minute Coffee Chat

Happy Decluttering!

Posted in Organizing | 10 Comments

The Comfort Quilt – A Story of Friendship and Support

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Kim

“I never could imagine myself needing The Comfort Quilt.  When one of our friends brought the Comfort Quilt over to me…. I was thinking I don’t need or want this quilt.”

The Comfort Quilt

This is what I sent back to my friends…..

“I am just feeling so blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive circle of women in my life. Thank you all for your kind support. Lady Bug brought me the Comfort Quilt and I always thought I would never want it. Ugh!! 

However, I can’t believe how I feel having it draped over me. I just feel so enveloped in love and I just think about the stories that are all stitched in there as well as all of the new stories that this quilt holds. If this quilt could talk oh the stories it would tell.”

Some of you might know that I fractured my ankle and had to have surgery almost one month ago.  This was on our first day of vacation so not very much fun at all.  I am definitely on my healing journey but it has been so challenging to not be able to do what I am used to doing. Being stuck in a chair and being dependant on someone else for everything is so different for me. I am grateful to my amazing partner who has really stepped up. I am learning so much as I go through this process. So, that is how I acquired the Comfort Quilt.

This is a story that goes back about 30 years or so. It is a story about love, friendship, loss, healing, support and a community of friends. This quilt was born out of a need of comfort when our group members shared their own personal stories of loss and hardships.  

It just so happened that one of our nine friends who were meeting that day had just received a donation of a box of fabric. We had no idea what was in the box but after our group share we opened it up. It was full of beautiful velveteen pieces and the Comfort Quilt idea was born. 

We decided we would each do our own crazy quilt square reflecting warmth and caring.  

My Square

Our intention was for the Comfort Quilt to be passed around to anyone who was in need of healing, support and comfort and to be a reminder that we all care.  

It took us about two years to finish the quilt and we knew that it was the right amount of time needed.  Much healing happened as we worked on our squares.  It kept us warm as it was a central focus point for our gatherings. It has been the opening for many conversations and updates on our lives. It has been the perfect reflection of the courage and love and determination this group of friends continue to have for each other today.

For thirty years this quilt has been passed around to women in our circles whenever they have been in need of comfort.  Stories have been shared and they are so beautiful and heartfelt. The stories could be woven into a beautiful book someday so that is a story for another day!

Our circle has widened over the years and many people have experienced the wonderful healing powers of the quilt.  

Quotes from our friends:

“It’s doubtful that the creators of the comfort quilt knew that this creation would be the symbol of our collective love and power for decades to come. I am forever grateful for the comfort quilt, something I never wanted to have.”

“So much tenderness, love and poignancy in our stories. Isn’t it amazing we had the foresight to create this quilt together all those years ago. As if we knew that life being what it is – would have twists and turns, losses and joys for all of us. Reading our stories gives me tears and goose bumps and as always, so much respect and appreciation for all of you.”

“I wasn’t free of pain, but now I cuddled under the quilt’s velvet touch on the sofa. Even though it was July, the warmth was what I needed. Alone, but not lonely”

“The quilt and I spent many weeks together and I have come to know it quite well. The weight of the blanket is the equivalent of a collection of hugs, messages from its creators that no matter what life experience you are baring, your friends are there with you, loving you, supporting you and cheering you on. The fabric is made of the resiliency of those who came before me and the stitching weaves hope through every square. The tassels on the corners are there to gather and shed your feelings of  despair, fear and hopelessness.”

“The Comfort Quilt is a powerful healing tool and it feels so magical to have it draped across your body. It is heavy like a weighted blanket and it comes with so much love and healing intention.  It is like a really big group hug.”

Yes, we have all come to know the comfort quilt quite well…

Would you like to work with me virtually? I am taking new clients for September 2022. Here is the link to my offerings

Posted in Comfort, families, friendship, Inspiration, loss, mental health, support, Support Groups | 5 Comments

How are you doing with your UFO’s? Unfinished Objects/Projects

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Kim

Some of you know that I started a fun project awhile ago.  After cleaning out my parents home, I agreed to take all of my mom’s collectable spoons.  My mom picked one up on every trip she went on with my dad and I am sure that once people knew she was collecting them, friends and family started giving them to her as gifts as well.  

And this wasn’t even all of them – yes there were more!

I decided to take all of them.  I know right?  What was I thinking?  I have seen that some people have made mobiles with them and I thought that maybe I could gift them or make some myself.  

I decided to challenge myself to get back into working on a creative project.  I researched on Pinterest and then went out to a few charity shops looking for toppers for my new creations. 

This is what I found
It was so much fun finding these cool toppers!

I was thoroughly enjoying working on my new project until…….I wasn’t.  

Can you relate to that?  Have you ever started a project only to get bored, lose interest, feel deflated and just unable to continue for whatever reason?

I made six wind chimes and I love all of them and I loved making them but I lost interest.  I had high expectations that gifting these to family members would help heal some misunderstandings, however, it didn’t quite turn out that way.  Yes, I felt deflated and no longer inspired to continue.

We kept this one which is in our kitchen window
My Favourite – Gifted to my son
Gifted to a family member
Gifted to a Neighbour
Not gifted yet
Gifting to a neighbour

So, the project ended up just sitting on the dining room table for weeks and weeks, maybe over a month.  Ugh!! And…..then…… this week I decided to challenge myself to get back to it. I just finished the sixth one which I will gift to another neighbour. I really have enjoyed working on these wind chimes so I will gift them to friends and neighbours who I know will appreciate them.

What about you?  Do you have a lot of unfinished projects lying around?  Are you going to make a plan to finish them or do you just look at them and think…..”someday” I will get around to it and finish it.  When you look at your unfinished projects……..How do they make you feel? Do you want to finish them?

Remember: Unfinished projects = Clutter

Will you donate any unfinished objects or make a plan to finish your project? Please let me know in the comments below………

Did you know you can still work with me one on one for an hourly rate? Yes, just $50.00 per hour and I can help you to make a plan, gain some insight and move forward with your sorting, organizing and decluttering. Let’s do this! Just send me a quick email at kimtremblay@sympatico.ca and we can set up a date.

Happy Decluttering

Posted in acquiring items, Clutter, families, goal setting, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Blessings from a Near Death Experience and a New Book Launch

Posted on June 8, 2022 by Kim

I can honestly say I have had a near death experience. Scariest moments of my life.

It was the storm that touched down on Saturday, May 21.  Apparently, there were two tornados that touched down in the London area.  

I believe I knew there was a storm coming.  My partner left to get an oil change for her vehicle and I decided to start cleaning out the grotto (garage).  I was so excited for the day. It was Saturday and I had a lot of things I wanted to do – as always.  

I was happily cleaning up the grotto and I noticed it was starting to get windy. I had the side door open and I was thinking I better close it.  All of a sudden I had to close it real quick as a gust of wind just blew the door open and shut.  I ran around to the front of the grotto and was madly putting things back inside and was just about to lock the door when there was a loud crack and a huge limb came crashing down right beside me taking down wires and a cement pedestal right beside my feet.  

You can see the grotto in the background. I was standing exactly on the right of where the tree fell. (exactly in the middle of the grotto) I continued to lock up the doors and wasn’t really in shock until I got in the house.

I wasn’t really scared at first.  I was just saying Oh My God. It felt like a huge wave that could just swallow me up.  There was a wire in my way and I didn’t really know what it was.  I felt puzzled by it.  I moved it out of the way and then I knew what it was.  Later I realized it could have been a live wire and I could have been dead.  

I had to squeeze my body by the bbq and in front of the branches that had crashed and were all pushed up against the back door. It was my only way out of the back yard and into the house as the gate that you can see in the picture was closed and locked.  I got into the house covered in bits of leaves and dirt and soaking wet.  I was hyper-ventilating and was now feeling very scared.  I checked the dining room window which also had tree branches right up against it. I was never so scared in all my life. The house was fine, the garage was fine and most important I was fine.  

My first thought once I got in the house safely was “was my partner okay”. She is nervous by this type of weather and I knew she might be scared. I also felt like this was a bigger crisis than it already felt like.

This kind of scary event and close call certainly brings up a lot of emotions and thoughts about our own mortality, our loved ones and who we want in our lives, who supports us and how our lives could be cut short in a moments notice.

So, I think it was interesting timing that I had written a story for a chapter in a book called “A Change of Heart – A Love Story” due to come out on June 15th on Amazon. The book is called The Voyage and the Return: The Path to Self Discovery – A collection of inspiring stories written by women who have had transformative journeys in their life from difficulty to self discovery. Here is the link to be the first to know when the Voyage and The Return is released and get on the list to receive the FREE Launch Resource Bundle.

My story is all about finally finding true love and I decided to get my story down so that I could share and give hope to others and also so that I could always remember how beautiful it is. My story brings tears to my eyes and I hope you are inspired by it as well. Thank you so much for always supporting me.

Would you like to go deeper with me as you work on your decluttering journey? Let’s chat and see if we are a good fit. Here is a link to sign up for a FREE 30 minute conversation. I would love to connect and work with you.

Posted in De-Clutter Your Life, Emotional Clutter, goal setting, Near Death Experience | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Arts and Crafts and Hobbies – Oh My!

Posted on April 24, 2022 by Kim
What do we do with all those bits and bobs?

This was such a fun and inspiring discussion in the Facebook Group “Declutter Your Life and Mind”  I even got inspired to work on my crafting cupboard which includes fabric – Ugh!  I used to be an avid quilter so I have collected quite a lot of fabric all so beautiful and with so much promise.  I filled a big white bag with fabric that I was able to donate. It felt really great to pair down my cupboard and also my desk drawers. 

Organizing, sorting and downsizing our crafts is a hard area because we always think that maybe we could use this for a future craft project. You may have spent a lot of money on supplies so they can be hard to let go of and they did hold that promise. Also, there are often a lot of small bits and pieces.  Oh my!  What to do with all of these……..  

Some of the thoughts and tips we discussed:

Putting Like with Like is really important to see how much of something you have.  How many pairs of scissors do you really need?

Sometimes we purchase items for a particular project and then when the project is finished, we still have a lot of product left that is not going to be used.  A good example of this is beads, scrapbooking materials, wool, fabric, paint,…… I know you get it!  Let’s donate the excess!

Use labels on boxes and bins so you know what is in them and can access them as needed.

Crafts that we did in the past might not appeal to us anymore.  There are trends with crafts as well.  Think macrame – although I see macrame hangers for sale all the time already made.  

Beware of the marketing of craft supplies out there.  Michaels or even the Dollar Store can be so tempting. Marketers want your money.  It can be a fun pastime to be looking for little things to fill your craft cupboard.  Try to avoid picking up these things unless you have a plan.

Remember to focus on one project at a time and finish that project.  

Questions to ask yourself:

Do you spend more time purchasing supplies instead of actually working on the project?

When do you plan to work on those UFO’s? (Unfinished Objects)

How much space do you have for your craft area?

Is there something you can do to make your small space work for you?

Does your space help you to define how much you can keep?

Why do you work on specific crafts?  

What is your plan when you are done doing the craft?

Benefits to Organizing Your Craft Area

  • you can find the supplies you need for your project
  • organizing is easier when you have less
  • knowing what you already have means you won’t be buying duplicates 
  • more time to work on your projects 
  • having more focus on what projects you plan and want to do 
  • able to donate or pass on to others who could use them  

Having trouble getting started? Are you even wondering where to start? I can help you! I am offering 30 minute complementary calls. Take the first step today. Book here!

What other tips do you have for keeping your arts and craft supplies organized? Please comment below……..

Posted in acquiring items, chronic disorganization, Clutter, downsizing, goal setting, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

How to Organize Your Paperwork

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Kim
Organize Your Paperwork

It is really important to figure out your own personal style when it comes to organizing and dealing with your paperwork. We are all so very unique and what works for me might not work for you and vice versa. Paperwork can feel overwhelming especially when we need to make a decision about ever single piece of paper. Ugh!! Doing this work can also bring up some memories from the past that can be hard to revisit. Some of those things can really cause us to procrastinate even more which really just make it all the more challenging and stressful in the long run.

Some questions to consider as you do this work:

  • Are you a filer or piler? We all have a different style and need systems that are going to work for our personal style.
  • Do you need to have things in view to know where they are? I have seen so many people who have purchased a filing system (cabinet, accordion file, folders for a drawer, etc) and then they never actually used them.
  • What will work best for you when it comes to remembering what needs to be done?
  • Where is the best space to store and work on my paperwork? Do you need a quiet space, a desk and a system in place to do what your need to do?
  • Do you like things colour coded? What is going to help you to remember?
  • Are you able to make categories that make sense to you? Some suggestions below.

Here are some tips that are sure to help:

1. Bill Payments 

If possible, receive bills and statements online – you will need a system for online organizing – For example…. in your email you could create folders – one for Bills to be Paid and the other for Paid Bills – I also list my bills to be paid in a small notebook with the due dates and pay them on time (online) and then check them off. You can do the same for paper copies using file folders. You will need folders for bills to be paid and folders for paid bills. I used to file my bills separately. After one year, unless you have a business, you can discard (shred or delete) all of the old bills.

2. Get a shredder and learn what you can shred

Shred anything that contains your Signature, Account Numbers, Social Insurance Number, ATM receipts, bank statements, Pay Stubs, Employment Records, Cancelled/Voided Cheques, pre-approved Credit Card Applications, Old Bills, Copies of Birth Certificates or other ID, Expired Passports, Legal documents, Medical Reports, investments and tax forms.
* Remember to take out the plastic windows from envelopes and staples before shredding

3. System for what is coming into your home daily

  • Stop it at the source. Deal with any new papers that come into your home.
  • Flyers and junk mail can be put immediately into recycling.
  • Notice where things are landing (on a kitchen table, countertop, etc.) and create a space for incoming mail and papers.
  • Put the Items that you need to take action on in a specific spot. Schedule a regular (routine) time to deal with the action files. Once a week, bi-weekly or monthly.
  • When you open your mail, you can discard the envelope usually right into the recycling bin – however, a client just told me that she writes herself a note on the envelope so that she can remember something – so remember do what works for you!

4. What are the categories that you need?

Make a list of what has to stay. You could even do a “Mind Map”.  Here are some examples to consider:

  • Original Documents
  • Paid bills (up to one year if you don’t have a business or 7 if you do)
  • Legal documents, such as birth/marriage, divorce/death certificates, homeowner records, Wills and Power of Attorney
  • Passports 
  • Tax returns and tax records that back up your tax claims. If you have a business you need to keep them for seven years
  • Medical Records (e.g. certificates of vaccinations)
  • Receipts and/or valid warranties for significant purchases (until you do not have the items)
  • Greeting Cards- A personal choice about what and how many to keep. I usually keep a few that have a personal message inside or even the older lacier ones my mom gave me. Old cards make fun crafts as well.
  • Letters, photos and journals – another personal choice – it can be a process to go through them. You might need to go through a number of times. Keep the best and discard the rest.

* Please Note: If you are computer savvy, many things can be saved electronically

Make up some rules and/or criteria for what stays and what goes? Let go of any surplus, duplicates or out of date documents, etc.

Always have an “Exit Strategy” to get things out of the house whether its shredded paper, recycling or trash.

Okay, my friends, thats it for now……I am off to gather my tax info which will be due soon enough…..Yikes!!!

Would you like to work with me? I currently have space for 2 or 3 clients and would love to help you to create a space that you will love. Reply to me at kimtremblay@sympatico.ca and I can send you more info and an application form.

Happy Decluttering!

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What Can You Do in Ten Minutes?

Posted on February 7, 2022 by Kim

This is a popular challenge that we practice in the Declutter Your Life and Mind Group and members love it……because it is so much easier to think about 10 minutes at a time to do a task.  

I often will do a few things when I have a couple of minutes……

As I wait for the kettle to boil…..I will put the dishes from the drainboard away 

When I am on the phone……I often will do a few things to clean up as I chat away (usually with my mom) 

If I am waiting for a ride and they are late…..I will straighten up my landing area

Heading outside for a walk….I will take my grocery bags, donations or other things out to my car on the way

What can you do in Ten Minutes??? 

Some 10 minute task ideas:

  • straighten up your bookcase – maybe even taking out a few books to donate
  • quick bathroom cleanup
  • make the bed
  • clean up the kitty litter or kitty’s food area
  • put away the clean laundry
  • fill/empty dishwasher 
  • hang up the clothes that are draped over the chair and not quite ready for the laundry
  • take out the garbage and recycling
  • work on the weeks menu and grocery list

Remember that those small steps lead to bigger steps. Success with those small steps help us to feel confident about what we are doing and help us to know that we can do it.

Amazing Right?  The importance of smaller steps Seriously, you can do so much more than you think…….

Surprise Yourself – It’s really quite amazing when you see what you can do in ten minutes.  Let’s do this!

What can you do in 10 minute increments?  Are you up for the challenge? #10minutechallenge Would love to hear from you.  

Would you like some help to jumpstart your decluttering goals and to make an amazing difference in your home? Send me a message at kimtremblay@sympatico.ca and we can set something up.

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