How to Plan a Trip in 2021 Safely and Easily

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I saw a funny meme that said, “Why the f*** did I buy a 2020 planner?”

Talk about summing up a year in a nutshell.

People are ready for 2020 to be over. They want to plan for 2021. And those plans involve travel. If you and your family are itching to get away because your plans were ruined this year, it’s time to start planning now.

2021 is already being pegged as the year of travel. Even though we still don’t know what things will look like, it’s not stopping people from planning.

If you’re one of them, let’s look at some ways you can better prepare.

Keep track of the news

One of the top self-care tricks people learned during lockdown was turning off the news. You heard everyone tell you, “Just turn it off!” You might have even told a friend or two to do the same. Distance from the news was crucial to our well-being.

If you’re thinking about planning a trip in 2021, it’s important to stay up to date on the news circuit. I’m not telling you to watch it all day, every day. The last thing you want is to fall back into that downward spiral.

Give yourself an hour or two each week to catch up on pandemic news. Watch and read different sources and note the following:

• Current cases/positivity rate.

• Current restrictions or rules.

• Travel information.

This doesn’t mean you need to tune in every day. Once a week, for an hour is all you need.

Create a spreadsheet or chart and update it with your findings. As you get closer to decision day, re-evaluate your notes and decide.

Figure out your budget

You’ve made the decision to get away. Good for you! Now it’s time to talk about money.

This pandemic set a lot of people back budget-wise. Many lost their jobs and some are still unclear if their current job is secure.

Before you book anything, consider your budget. Sit down and either alone or with your spouse, figure out how much you’re able to spend. Be realistic. Yes, we all want some semblance of normalcy, but we still need to be careful not to overdo it.

If the place you want to go to right now is too expensive, shelf it for another year. Don’t overspend just to feel normal. Trust me, you’ll regret it later on.

Once you have a budget in place, start researching. To draw travelers back out, airlines and hotels are offering major deals. You might find a place you never thought was in your budget but now is. Still, it’s better to know what you can spend rather than getting your hopes up.

Note that some airlines, hotels, and attractions have updated their policies. They’re aware traveling is not going to be as popular as it once was. They created longer cancellation periods. They’re even willing to give out vouchers if you decide to postpone your trip.

Be willing to adapt

Understand that since we don’t know how things will pan out in the coming months, things can change and change fast. You have to be willing and able to adapt to any plans you have.

Have a contingency plan. If the hotel you booked closes up, what next? Don’t pull your hair out looking for another place at the last minute. Keep a running list of local places you can turn to. At least three to five extra places is a good reserve to have at the ready.

Same goes for your itinerary. If you plan on sight-seeing during your trip, understand some places might close early. Prepare a list of places you want to visit and their current hours of operation. Check those every few weeks and update if they change.

If you haven’t done so already, create a folder where you can store all this information. This way whenever you get a few minutes to sit down, you can sort through and update your notes.

Study up on the locale

Besides watching the news, it’s important to study up on the place you plan on going to. What are their guidelines for the pandemic? Do they require masks? Are restaurants open for indoor dining or takeout only?

This is especially important if you’re traveling outside of the country.

Most countries have newer and strict rules when it comes to visiting during COVID. They might ask you to quarantine for two weeks before flying. They might demand a negative COVID test upon check-in. Whatever their rules are, follow them to the letter.

You’d hate to arrive only to be turned away. Or worse, forced to quarantine, which will ruin your entire trip.

This will be the most important thing you do when planning for your trip. Don’t skip this step.

Take a trip in nature

Photo by Marian Mocanu on Unsplash

If you’re one of the people wary to stay at a hotel or visit touristy areas, have you considered camping?

Before you start shaking your head, hear me out.

Camping doesn’t have to be so rugged with a lost-in-the-wilderness type of experience. Renting an RV and taking a road trip through a few states can give you a new appreciation of nature.

Research glamping sites. See if they’re booking. Some off the beaten path retreat centers are letting families book cabins for a weekend or more. Google “camping alternatives” and believe me, you won’t be disappointed.

If camping is so far out of your wheelhouse, think of it as a 2021 resolution. Challenge yourself. Try something new. Camping is a great way to meet that resolution and experience nature in a way you never have before.

Whatever you and your family decide to do in 2021, it’s important to stay up to date. We don’t know what the next few months will bring, and it’s always important to plan ahead. People are going to want to get out next year. If travel allows, places will book up fast.

“A little planning a day keeps the overwhelm at bay,” is a saying that’ll come in handy when planning for 2021.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. I can offer my organizational skills to travel plans as well. Schedule a consultation and let’s talk. The first step to planning something is to talk about it.

Surprisingly Easy New Year's Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

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2020 wasn’t how any of us planned it to be, but we made it work.

We’re still a few weeks out from 2021. We know life won't return immediately to normal. But it's important to maintain some traditions going into the new year.

Like New Year’s resolutions.

What does the end of an uncertain year mean for New Year’s resolutions?

It all comes down to attainable lifestyle resolutions.

This year, when thinking of your resolutions, consider realistic and specific goals. Don’t say, “I want to lose weight in 2021.” Say, “I want to lose 20 pounds in 2021.” Or “I want to lose 10 pounds by April.”

By getting specific, you’re setting yourself up for something attainable. The reason most people break their resolutions so fast is that they don’t see an instant change. In this era of instant gratification, we don’t want to put the work in anymore.

I hate to tell you this, but there’s no reward unless you put in the work. As a professional organizer, I know my systems won’t work without some effort.

Let’s look at some popular resolutions and break them down into attainable goals.

Dietary

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One of the top-ranked New Year’s resolutions is losing weight. Unfortunately, when they don’t lose as much as they hope, they give up. Science is clear. It didn’t take a week to put on the weight so it’s not coming off in a week.

If your resolution for 2021 is to lose weight, here are some things you can do:

Add more whole food to your diet. Fruits. Vegetables. Whole grains. Fish. Nuts. These are whole foods you should start gradually adding to your daily diet. You can also work on cutting back sugary drinks, alcohol, or processed foods.

Make more home-cooked meals. Home-cooked meals not only saves you money, it's known to be better for your mental state. Eating more home-cooked meals makes you less likely to be overweight and depressed. Prep one to two meals a week to start then add more as you get comfortable with the process.

Diet is a strong word. It scares people. You don't want to feel like you're restricting yourself. Little lifestyle choices are all you need to steer your weight loss resolution in the right direction.

Physical

With diet comes exercise. But believe it or not, physical resolutions don’t have to rely on going to the gym three days a week. How many people do you know — yourself included — who bought a gym membership in January? How many of them canceled it months later?

If you’re serious about losing weight, you need to exercise. But getting physical — cue the Olivia Newton-John song — is more than running or lifting weights.

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Here are some easy changes you can make to your day to get yourself more physical:

Get up and move. Sitting too long can lead to back and neck injuries. A lot of people have made the switch to standing desks and noticed a difference instantly. Try setting a reminder to go off once an hour. When it chimes, get up, stretch, take a short walk. Go to the kitchen for some water. Whatever you do, stay up and active for at least five minutes.

Get outside. I talked in a previous post about how walking was a huge escape for people during the height of lockdowns. Fresh air helps relieve stress and lower blood pressure. Even if twenty minutes is all you can spare, use that time to get outside.

Be kinder to your body. I put this under physical because we’re so critical of our bodies. Negative body talk does nothing to help your self-esteem. Make a resolution to take part in positive body talk. Not only will you improve your mental health, you’ll encourage others to do the same.

Emotional

The months spent in quarantine opened your eyes to the need for self-care. It’s so important for everyone to take a few moments to themselves. If not once a day, at least four times a week. Five minutes, fifteen minutes, an hour if you can.

Self-care is anything that brings you joy. It can be a hobby, a walk, a nap. Whatever brings you to a state of peace and calming is what you should do whenever you can.

Here are some self-care habits to consider for your 2021 resolutions:

Get more sleep. The pandemic made time disappear. You were lucky to know what day or month it was. Because of endless time at home, your sleep schedule also disappeared. To get more sleep in the new year, do your best to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up the same time every day. Even on weekends.

Limit screen time. Social media has given us a lot of funny memes during this pandemic. But it also increased our eye strain and anxiety. Set a resolution to limit your screen time. Again, start small. Say you’ll get off your phone an hour before bedtime. Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.

Take a trip. Yes, it's not easy traveling during a pandemic, but a short weekend trip is vital to your mental state. We all need a change of scenery. Don’t overthink this. Simply going to your favorite local spot for a day trip or spending the weekend in a secluded cabin is all you need. The point is to give yourself time to step away. To clear your head.

Planning how these resolutions will fit into your life is key

Only do the ones you know you can achieve. The problem with resolutions is the pedestal we put ourselves on. We aim too high. This isn't a bad thing, but if you want to achieve something, you have to consider the time you can devote to it.

Start small, take your schedule into account, and add on habits when you feel capable.

Whatever your resolutions are for 2021, it’s safe to say we’ve all learned to not take things for granted. Resolve to continue the trend of checking in on family and friends in 2021. As much as we’d like to return to normal, we need to prepare in case it takes longer than we hope.

If one of your resolutions is to get organized, I’m happy to help. An organized home is a fast track towards a clear mind. Let me know what kind of help you’re looking for and let’s make a plan for the new year together.

7 Social Distance Approved and Memorable Holiday Gift Ideas

You know the holidays are going to look different this year. Parties postponed. Family staying sheltered in place. On top of all that, you need to wonder about gifts.

How can you express your gratitude for people when you have to social distance?

Thankfully, you can get some memorable gifts delivered for you. And if you’re looking to highlight a shared passion or experience, here’s your place to start.

Subscription boxes for all types

Subscription boxes cover everything from books and stationery to personal growth and clothes. There’s so many to choose from and new ones pop up all the time.

Photo by Zachary Keimig on Unsplash

The good news is that there is a box for everyone in your life.

Have a bookworm on your shopping list? Book of the Month or OwlCrate is your way to go. For those looking to amp up their wardrobe, try Rocksbox or Trunk Club which is powered by my favorite store, Nordstrom. A personal shopper asks you your style and what items you’re in need of at the moment.

For a more personal touch, Greetabl is best. You can upload photos and they’ll use them to line the interior of the box. This collage opens to lay flat. They also include a personal greeting card and a little gift of your choosing. Ideal for any occasion or holiday.

Who doesn’t love food? And food during the holidays is a staple. You plan all year what you’re going to make on Thanksgiving and Christmas. You picture the desserts, the spread, the leftovers.

There’s plenty of snack boxes available to send to loved ones. From chocolates to candies (Universal Yums), coffee to tea (Sips by). Trust me, the foodie in your life will appreciate it.

If you need more help in finding the right box for someone, check out this list on My Subscription Addiction. It breaks things down by category and gives a quick blurb on what each box contains.

Meal kits for the pro or aspiring chef

Home cooking was never more essential than during COVID-19. Working from home and statewide lockdowns meant more cooking and less take-out.

But how many times can you make chicken or pasta the same way?

Meal kits are an excellent gift for those looking to spruce up their menu. Like subscription boxes, there’s a lot to choose from.

To help you narrow it down, check out Best Meal Kits for Families. In a recent poll, they ranked the most popular meal kits. The top there were:

1. HelloFresh

1. Home Chef

1. EveryPlate

There’s also one catered to senior citizens called Seniors Diet To Go.

Don’t underestimate your locale. You could have a meal delivery service in your area without even knowing it. In my neck of the woods, there’s Healthy James and MealPro. You can tweak based on your diet (gluten or dairy-free) and since they’re local, you’re helping businesses in need.

Send loved ones a free box. The decision is theirs whether they want to keep going or not. Even if they don’t stick with it, they have new recipes to add to their list. All thanks to you.

Time to get crafty

Let’s jump back into subscription boxes for a second because we’re about to get crafty.

A lot of people turned to crafting to get through the never-ending days of being stuck inside. It’s a relaxing activity that can lead to making tons of personalized gifts for loved ones.

If you have a crafter in your life — or if you’re itching to try it — consider the following boxes to get started:

• The Crafter’s Box

• Sketch Box

• Quilty Box

To learn more about these and others, check out The Spruce’s list of the best craft subscription boxes.

Streaming all the shows

How many times did you tell a friend they have to watch Ozark or the new, absolutely adorable show, Emily In Paris, on Netflix only to find out they don’t have Netflix?

Streaming services are perhaps the best thing to happen to the entertainment industry. When the pandemic hit, people escaped reality by disappearing into fantasy. With the countless streaming services available, they had a lot at their fingertips.

So if you have a friend who's been dying to watch The Handmaid's Tale, treat her to the first three months of Hulu. You can also look into purchasing a streaming bundle.

Some of the most popular bundles include:

• Amazon Prime, Cinemax, HBO Max for $21.99/month

• Disney+, ESPN, Hulu for $12.99/month

• Hulu, HBO Max for $14.99/month

Give loved ones the first few months on you. That’s plenty of time for them to binge-watch the shows and movies people are raving about.

Game night done right

Does your family have a tradition of playing games together during the holidays? Do you have a competitive round of Scrabble or a tight-knit race in Charades? What about puzzles?

If some of your loved ones aren’t able to travel this year, it doesn’t mean you can’t have your game night. Send them a copy of the game you normally play and schedule a Zoom game night. Or send them a puzzle and put it together over wine and cheesy Christmas movies.

Puzzles and games are known to reduce stress and ease anxiety. You don’t need me telling you these are stressful times. Stress over the pandemic and now stress over the holidays is enough to drive anyone insane.

Put a puzzle together instead. Play a game over Zoom. Just because the holidays will look different this year doesn’t mean you can’t hold on to some traditions.

The gift of redeemable certificates

Know anyone from the area that’s been meaning to tackle their unorganized home? Did you know I offer gift certificates? Let me help your loved one clear the clutter and gain some sanity back.

Photo by SEASHELL IN LOVE - Kristin on Unsplash

Gift cards and certificates are an easy purchase. The trick is nailing the right one. Anyone can give someone a Target gift card. But when you really think about what that person needs you’re adding a touch of personalization.

You can figure out a person’s current needs by simply asking. Are they working on a home project? Lowes or Home Depot will help buy those materials. Are they in need of a good mani-pedi? Most local nail salons offer gift certificates.

Your goal is to give memorable Christmas gifts your loved ones will know you put thought into. This year — more than ever — we need to remind each other how grateful we are to have them in our lives.

No matter how you give this year, it’s clear presents will be more memorable than previous seasons. How do you plan on letting your loved ones know you care?

Don’t forget to pop over into my shop to purchase a gift certificate. You’ll also find a copy of my book, virtual services, and handy guides to help you through organizing those tough rooms.

Pandemic Positivity: 5 Things to Be Thankful for This Season

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Alright guys, bare with me here because things are about to get sappy.

You’re sick of hearing about this pandemic. I know you are. I am too. Everyone is. But one positive thing COVID-19 brought out was our need to be grateful.

Expressing gratitude is scientifically proven to improve your mood and lower stress. Sounds pretty easy to me. So here are the top five things I’m thankful for.

1. Family

You love your spouse and kids, but you’re sick of looking at them. It’s okay to admit it.

Photo by Emma Bauso from Pexels

Quarantine didn’t just force us to remain inside. It forced us inside with our loved ones. Before we knew it, we knew our partner, children, and parents better than ever. And they have some interesting and annoying habits.

But the love and support from your family is what’s getting you through this time. They may drive you insane today but tomorrow you’ll need the comfort of their hug.

One of my favorite holiday movies is Home Alone. Kevin’s journey is like ours right now.

He hates how crowded his family is. When they “disappear” he’s elated. He has the run of the house. When burglars target him, he has to be the grown-up. By the end he realizes being alone is not as great as he thought it’d be. He misses his mom, his siblings. He misses his family.

Watch this film again this year and consider the lesson. Believe me, you’ll be hugging and kissing your loved ones when the credits roll.

It’s natural to get on each other’s nerves when stuck together. But the good always outweighs the bad. Home Alone is a great film to remind us to be thankful for family this season.

2. Friends

Why didn’t I put family and friends together? Because friends deserve their own list.

Friends give similar support like family, but the difference is you’re not used to seeing them every day. Yes, you text and chat on the phone. You get dinner every other weekend. You hit up the local bar to dance and vent. But physically seeing them day to day isn’t the norm.

Photo by fauxels from Pexels

When the pandemic hit, those weekend plans were postponed. Bars and restaurants were closed and so you had to get creative. Wine Zoom parties. Saturday night dinner via Google Meets.

It was difficult, but you made it work.

Show your friends you appreciate them by sending a care package. Throw together a little spa kit and drop it off at their door. Send them a “Thank You for Being My Friend” card. Create a collage with old photos of you together and label it, “Soon!”

A check-in text or call will never go out of style. Everyone is dealing with this pandemic differently. People are losing loved ones. Now, more than ever, we need to check in on the friends we don’t see every day.

Tell them you’re grateful for them. Crack a cheesy joke to make them laugh. Smile knowing you’re looking out for each other.

3. Technology

Imagine if this pandemic happened 10 or 20 years ago?

I saw a funny meme about this. It said if this pandemic happened in the 1990s no one would be able to afford the Blockbuster late fees. For those of you reading this who still remember Blockbuster, you know what I’m talking about.

Not to mention, the old text messaging data rates. The limited number of minutes. You wouldn’t even want to look at your bill when it came in.

I guess we can be thankful the pandemic struck in a time when technology has never been better.

We have FaceTime, Google Meets, Zoom, Skype, and more. There are so many ways for us to connect to our distant loved ones and friends.

Birthdays were celebrated over Zoom. Movie nights were had over FaceTime. Work meetings in pajama bottoms. Events even went virtual. Technology today is certainly something to be thankful for.

4. Walking

Photo by Noelle Otto from Pexels

Who doesn’t love a good workout? Wait, did I write that?

Did you notice the number of people outside walking? Was it more than usual? Without a doubt.

With the closing of gyms, people had to get creative with their workouts. Most took to the local streets, running or using at-home equipment.

For people who typically didn’t do much exercise, this pandemic brought them something new to do: walk.

Walking became the way people “broke out” of their homes.

A safe activity, you can easily social distance if walking with a neighbor. Dogs were never walked more than during this pandemic. And since the height of the quarantine was in the summer, the weather was perfect for getting out.

A daily walk is known to increase your mood and lower stress levels. All you need is 20 to 30 minutes. For those who don't have a backyard or balcony, walking was their way to get fresh air. The simple act was crucial for maintaining some level of sanity.

With winter coming, I don’t think it’ll stop people from walking. Depending on your location, adding an extra layer is all you need to get out and enjoy a 30-minute stroll.

5. Frontline Workers

It wouldn’t be a gratitude post if we didn’t give a shout-out to the frontline workers.

Photo by Luke Jones on Unsplash

If you work in retail or know someone in retail, more than likely, you’ve heard some stories. Customer rants, crazy requests, unsupervised toddlers running amok. Retail is never lacking for stories that make you shake your head in disbelief.

Don’t be a bad retail story. Be a good retail story. Don’t be the customer the employee tells their loved ones ruined their day. Be the customer the employee tells their loved ones made their day.

Next time you’re checking out of the grocery store, tell the employee you appreciate the hard work they’re doing. Give a bigger tip to your server at Dunkin or Starbucks. Send a thank you note to your local waste management company. Leave snacks for delivery drivers. If you know a nurse or doctor, call and thank them.

Put a handmade sign on your lawn or in your window. State your appreciation proudly.

Certain people didn’t expect their jobs to become as essential as they did. A little appreciation can make not just their day, but their week.

I’m grateful for you. I’m grateful for the help I can provide you during these uncertain times. I’m grateful for being able to bring some kind of peace and tranquility into your life.

Know that I’m here for you. Schedule a consultation and let’s talk. Tell me who or what you’re grateful for this season? Let’s pay kindness forward this season.

These 4 Simple Questions Will Help You Downsize Your Holiday Decorations

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Admit it, you have way too many holiday decorations.

Every year you pull out container after container only to find you don’t use half of what’s inside. So why not get rid of them?

Well, it’s a little hard to say goodbye to things, isn’t it? Especially items passed down to you from your family members. Even gifts from friends can be hard to let go of.

Downsizing your holiday decorations doesn’t have to be hard. Just ask yourself these four simple questions.

Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

Do you like it?

This season is the season of giving and boy, do people like giving holiday-themed gifts. Some of it’s cute. Some of it not so much. And others are so far out of your taste range you wonder if the person who gave it to you knows you at all.

Because seriously, that velvet elf with the wide-set eyes and rosy cheeks is NOT your style.

When decorating this year, ask yourself as you remove items from the containers, Do I even like this?

If the answer is no, you should have no issue putting it in a donation box.

Maybe you know someone who would appreciate it instead. A friend, co-worker, another family member. Could you bring it to the office and use it as a holiday decoration there? Regardless of what you do with it, if you don’t like, get rid of it.

Don’t worry about hurting someone’s feelings. If the item in question was a gift the person won’t know whether you gave it away. Unless that person asks you, “Hey, where’s the elf I got you?” there’s nothing to worry about.

And if anyone does constantly ask where their gift is...well, it’s unlikely.

Do you ever use it?

The second question to ask yourself when decorating is, Do I ever use this?

Did you buy the cute stuffed snowman two years ago but haven’t put it out since then? Do you have anywhere to put it? No? Into the donation box it goes.

Don’t feel bad. We all impulse buy holiday decorations. The problem is they’re cute until they start taking up space. Then they become a burden. You don’t want your decor to become a burden.

Decor is meant to bring joy. To quote Marie Kondo, if it doesn’t spark joy, it doesn’t belong in your home.

A lot of these impulse buys make great gifts. Follow the one in, one out rule. Regift a decoration the new one will replace. But if you set that snowman out once and it’s in pristine condition, consider gifting it to someone.

Your goal is to lighten your containers. Get rid of anything you haven’t used in a year or more. Again, don’t feel bad. You got some good use out of these decorations. But now it’s time for them to find new homes.

Why don’t you want to get rid of it?

Sentimental attachment isn’t our friend when downsizing. For good reason. The Christmas tea set your grandmother gave you looks gorgeous sitting in your hutch. The twenty handmade ornaments your kids made you bring a smile to your face.

Are the memories of said item keeping you from getting rid of it?

If so, you’re not alone.

Memories attach themselves to things we own. The holidays more so. Even though you don’t put up half the ornaments you have, you remember when your son or daughter gave them to you.

You have tons of personalized ornaments showing your growing family. You love the ones where it was just you and your spouse. How could you possibly throw it away?

Mind over matter. Telling yourself it’s okay to let certain decor walk out the door won’t be easy. Believe me, I know. But remember, it’s the memories that are more important.

Try this to make the task easier. Take a picture of the item. Email it to yourself. Create a folder on your computer labeled “Memories.” Save the image in there and write a one-line file name in relation to the memory.

Let’s go back to the tea set. Name the file something like, “Grandma’s tea set that she brought over from Poland.”

The point here is not discarding stuff because it isn’t important to you. Memories last. Finding clever ways to hold on to them is the trick.

What do you do with it?

Congratulations! You took the leap and downsized your decorations. Give yourself a high five. I’m giving you a virtual one right now.

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels

Now it’s time to figure out what to do with the stuff you’re getting rid of. And it’s a lot!

There are different ways to recycle holiday decor. It depends on the type of decor and what it’s made out of.

Set aside anything you can gift to someone. Create a box for items you plan to give to family members, friends, or even local businesses. Nursing homes and libraries are often on the lookout for hand-me-down decorations. Reach out to them.

Here’s a running list of items you might be tossing and how to get rid of them. It’s always best to check your local guidelines for garbage and plastic disposal. But this will give you a good place to start.

• String lights. Made out of plastic, copper, and glass. String lights should be as separated as possible per material when disposing of. For the best proper disposal, check out Holiday LEDs.

• Plastic yard decorations. Don’t be fooled. These plastic yard decorations are made up of many kinds of plastic. This makes it difficult to toss them out in regular recycling. Remove any light or electrical attachments inside of them. Then reach out to TerraCycle. They take hard to recycle items and are available in 21 countries. 

• Inflatable yard decorations. This decor is made out of nylon, which is very hard to recycle. TerraCycle will come in handy again here. You can also try USAgain. They recycle a ton of different textiles, including nylon.

• Greeting cards. Regular paper recycling will do. If there’s a card in particular you love, snap a picture of it for digital safekeeping. Don't let it take up space in a drawer.

Letting go is never easy, but it’s a necessary step if you want to maintain an organized home. Out of control holiday decorations means stress every single year you take them out. You don't want that, do you?

Don’t let your things control you. Take control of your things.

I’m here to help. Schedule a consultation — virtual or in-person — and let me help you take back control.

6 Amazing Tips to Make Working From Home Successful

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We’re almost nine months into this pandemic. We’ve almost carried this baby to term. What does that mean?

For most of us, it means we’ve been working from home for over half the year. Some of our kids’ schools are either fully virtual or part-time virtual. Regardless of where we’re at, changes had to be made. And they weren’t easy.

You've tried everything to make working from home a smooth transition. But there's days you think you haven't done enough. Let me assure you, you have! This pandemic kicked all our plans and schedules out the door. But I’m here to offer some help.

Let’s take a look at my key tips to make working from home successful.

1. Create a morning routine

Many of us got too relaxed with being at home. We overlooked the importance of a morning routine. Of getting dressed and brushing our teeth.

Did you know your work productivity is directly linked to the way you feel? Think about it. If you feel amazing, you’re going to produce more efficient work. But if you feel frumpy in your oversized pajama pants, your mood and productivity feel the same.

It’s important to maintain as normal a routine as possible. If this used to mean picking out your clothes the night before for both you and the kids, go back to doing that. If this meant writing down your to-do while having your morning coffee, keep it up.

Creating a morning routine will not only set the tone for the day. It’ll impact your productivity and your child’s productivity.

2. Set up a designated workspace

Photo by Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash

We’ve learned a great deal about our homes since being stuck in them. We found what we like and what we don’t like. For those of us working remotely, we also learned the importance of a dedicated workspace.

It may not be possible to add an extra room for a home office, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. A designated workspace can be anyplace in the home you find you’re most productive. Best to choose an area with good lighting, free of chaos, and quiet.

Maybe it’s your kitchen table. Or maybe your vanity. If you have the means and space to set up a desk, do so, and designate it as your workspace. Don’t do anything else there except work-related stuff.

Invest in a rolling cart. They’re a great way to stay organized and have all the items you need within easy reach. Having everything you need at your fingertips also saves a lot of time.

3. Declutter

The last thing you want to look at while working is a mess. A pile of bills, laundry, toys is not conducive to a productive working environment.

It was easier to overlook clutter when you’re at the office. But now it’s awfully hard to avoid it when you’re surrounded by it on a daily basis.

Spending a few minutes each day to declutter an area of your house will improve your focus. It’s especially important to keep the area near your workspace clutter-free. Why? You’ll be less tempted to stop work for an hour and clean if it’s already taken care of.

4. Create systems

The number one thing that's made working from home difficult is the distractions. The couch, TV, and fridge are no longer a twenty-minute drive away. They’re twenty feet away. The last thing you want is to keep leaving work to get a snack or check the news. Next thing you know, two hours have passed.

This is where systems come in handy. If you know you get a little craving for a snack around 11:00, keep a granola bar by your workspace. Tell yourself you’re only going to refill your coffee cup when you get up to use the restroom.

Reorganize your pantry so all snacks are within easy reach for your kids. This way all they have to do is open the door, grab what they want, and head back to school. They don’t have to bother you to reach the fruit snacks you put on the top shelf.

Do your best to bring enough food and drinks with you when you sit down to work. This will reduce the number of times you have to get up.

Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

5. Time block

Time blocking your day is one of the best productivity methods.

Creating a detailed schedule will not only keep you on track, it’ll make sure you shut down at the end of the day. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you have to be working all the time.

To create a schedule that benefits your day, match it with your kid’s schedule. Have lunch at the same time. This way, when it’s time to go back to work, you hold each other accountable.

Children and adults thrive off of routines. It’s what keeps the day moving smoothly. I’m gonna be honest here, not every day will flow with the routine you created. That’s okay. If one day is a little off, do your best to make tomorrow better.

We can’t always control what’ll happen. This pandemic proved that. But if you time block your day, you’ll find it’s a lot easier to manage.

6. Self-Care

I mentioned before that too many of us are working longer hours because we feel we have to. Working from home doesn’t mean you should turn into a workaholic.

Add time to give back to yourself. Include in your time blocked schedule time for self-care. Take a walk outside. Do a quick workout. Take a shower. Whatever you normally do to relax and unwind is what you should do.

Read a book. Watch a sitcom. Whatever you choose, it’s important to set aside time for yourself. It’s cliche, but it’s true that in order to take care of others, we need to take care of ourselves.

There’s no right or wrong way to work through this pandemic. All of us have been rocked by this unforeseen virus. Adapting is tricky. It’s not always an easy ride, but it can be figured out.

It’s important to note that all these tips can be used for your kids as well. Each of them can make virtual learning just as successful as working from home.

Photo by Madison Inouye from Pexels

Remember, kids are resilient. They can transition faster than adults. As parents, you can help guide them by creating routines and systems you can both use.

And of course, I’m here to be an extra guide. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks to make working from home successful, schedule a consultation with me.

How to Handle Closet Reorganization in the Time of COVID-19

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

For most of us, the weather is changing. It’s getting colder. Some states have already had snow!

With the changing of the seasons comes the changing of clothes. Beachwear is out. Sweater weather is in.

But the changing of clothes means it’s time to do the thing most of us don’t want to do: reorganize our closet. Tackling closets is one of the most daunting tasks, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need is a plan and time.

I’m here to help make the transition smoother and hopefully, kind of fun. Because a new season means a fresh start. There’s so much to look forward to. Tell yourself you’ve got this. Turn on your music and let’s get started.

Transitioning your seasonal clothes

If you live in areas where the weather changes season to season then you probably swap out your clothes a few times a year. It's exciting, replenishing your wardrobe.

Photo by Noelle Otto from Pexels

Let me ask you this: Have you ever sorted through your clothes as you transition them? Doing this while you switching out seasonal clothes can save you so much time when you want to do a massive cleanout.
The worst thing you can do is switch out the clothes and not think twice about it.

Say you’re packing your summer dresses away. You stumble across one you can’t remember the last time you wore it. Was it last summer? The one before? If you can’t remember the last time you wore it, it’s time to let it go. (If the Frozen song gets stuck in your head, I apologize.)

Before you swap out the clothes, take the time to really look at the clothes. Lay out each piece and ask yourself the following questions:

• Does it still fit me?

• Does it match my current lifestyle?

• Was it worn in the last two years?
  

Did you answer “no” to one or all of those questions? It’s time to say goodbye.

I understand the sentimental attachment to our clothes. When the seasons change we get an opportunity to not only make our closet more manageable by decreasing the amount that goes into it. We’re also teaching ourselves it’s okay to let go.

Remember that this pandemic started in the spring. We had just transitioned our clothes. So the winter clothes you have may not be suitable to your current lifestyle right now. Especially if COVID-19 affected it.

COVID-19 and the demand for loungewear

According to a recent report by ReportLinker, markets are anticipating a 9% increase of sleepwear and loungewear to happen between 2020-2024.

This is because thousands of people were uprooted from their offices and are now working from home. It caused the need for work attire to drop and the need for comfortable loungewear to grow. Unless there’s a Zoom meeting planned, you can pretty much get away with wearing pajamas to work. Awesome!
But now loungewear has taken over your closet while your work clothes have been pushed to the back.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

How do you organize it all?

A key thing when it comes to closet organization is keeping the stuff you wear the most front and center. If loungewear is your new work uniform it’s time to push those blazers and slacks towards the back. They're available whenever you need them again.

Some businesses are learning that working from home is a cost-effective way to save money. What if your company decides to make remote work permanent? How will it alter your outfits?

It’s hard to determine that now, especially with everything so up in the air. But for right now, what do you find yourself wearing more often?

If it’s loungewear, move those clothes to easily accessible places. You know where the blazer is when you have to dress up for those Zoom meetings. Don’t get rid of your work clothes just yet. Until you know for sure what’s going to happen, it’s okay to move them out of the way. Store the majority of them in bins if you can. Keep a few fancy blouses and blazers out for meetings.

Here’s another item we never thought we’d have to accommodate for: masks.

Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash

The longevity of masks depends on the care you give them. Their primary use is protecting us from unwanted viruses. They should be treated as well as your favorite piece of clothing. For the people who purchased washable ones, the question is where should I store them?

One nifty trick is to install S-hooks in your closet. Or maybe a funky pegboard. They’re both perfect for hanging your masks and take up very little space. Even if they're a little out of sight, they'll be easy to grab if they're all hanging in the same place. You can even sort them by color to match your loungewear of choice

There’s a lot of closet organization tips and tricks out there. It’s easy to get swept up in all the noise. Next thing you know, your closet still isn’t done. To keep your plans rolling, I’ve compiled an easy to follow checklist.

This checklist can be used when you’re transitioning your clothes for the season or if you’re interested in doing one massive cleanout.

Tackling your closet checklist:

1. Decide on your vision for your closet. How do you want it to look?

2. Remember that less is more. Keep items you always wear, not what you think you’ll wear.

3. Pick a charity to send the clothes you don’t want to.

4. Pick a designated time and commit to getting the closet done that day.

5. Don’t worry about the mess. It’s going to look worse before it gets better.

6. Limit the number of similar items you have. Do you really need 10 pairs of the same black heels?

7. Ask yourself those three questions and stick with your decision.

8. Create a system unique to you.

9. Purchase items you may need to organize your closet that matches your vision.

10. Give yourself a high-five because you did it!

Let’s face it, COVID-19 has changed the way we see our homes. Spending so much time in them now, we can’t help but notice things we didn’t before. Our overflowing closets are only one area. But believe me, it’ll feel amazing when it looks pretty and organized. Your masks now have a home.
And know you don’t need to overhaul the entire layout of your closet. With a few simple changes and alterations, your closet can be and remain manageable.
I’m also here to help. Schedule a consultation today and let’s chat about ways we can improve your closet together.

Unusual tips for a perfectly organized home

Living in a perfectly organized home may seem like a difficult standard to meet. However, you need to apply only a few tips to reach this goal without any problems. We have come up with some unusual tips for a perfectly organized home and some useful practices to find more space in it. Explore our suggestions in detail and choose those in line with your specific preferences, taste, and style.

Everything starts with decluttering

Clutter is the enemy number one in every home. Unfortunately, we can rarely help piling up the items we are emotionally attached to, although we do not use them anymore. If you find it difficult to donate, sell, or throw out some of these items, you might want to consider all aspects of renting a self-storage unit and storing away your excess belongings.

First eliminate clutter

Self-storage units will keep your items safe and easily accessible whenever you need them again. Make sure you pack your possessions properly and remember to label the boxes, as it will be much easier to find the item you want when the need arises. Most importantly, this does not have to be a costly investment. Many companies rent self-storage at an affordable rate, so your home budget will not suffer.

Here are the unusual tips to consider

Even when you transport some of your items to the self-storage unit you have rented, there are still many steps to take before you get a perfectly organized home. We have tried to brainstorm for solutions that are practical, cheap, and easy to apply.

”One in, one out” rule

When kids are in the house, there are myriads of different toys in various sizes and shapes that parents need to organize. No storage space will be enough to bring order if you do not apply the “one in, one out” rule. Teach your kids that the space in your home is limited and that getting a new toy means they will have to give up on an old one. You can put it in a box designated for the self-storage unit or donate some of these old toys to a charity or a friend in need.

The “one in, one out” rule does not have to be used only when toys are everywhere around your home. You can apply it to eliminate excess clothes or any other type of item that your family members tend to accumulate.

Organizing toys might be complicated without applying the "one in, one out" rule.

Repurpose and organize

Some of your possessions can be repurposed to become very good organizers. Old trays and bowls, for instance, can eliminate the chaos in some of your drawers. Put a non-slip mat at the bottom first and then use trays and bowls to organize the items.

Similarly, you can use decorative magazine holders to organize your bathroom. These holders are perfect for your hair styling tools like brushes, hairdryers, stylers, and so on.

If you have an old metal shower caddy you want to replace, do not throw it away. It will be perfect for your kitchen to keep some vegetables, spices, or canned food. If necessary, you can refresh it with a new coat of paint, and you get a nice, tiny, and convenient kitchen shelf in a few steps.

If you are more fond of knitting than wine, an old wine rack can solve all your problems with organizing knitting equipment. Instead of storing bottles, use the rack for colorful yarns and knitting needles. You will get a nice-looking and surprisingly beautiful element in your living space.

Get the most of the narrow spaces in your home

Generally, we do not pay too much attention to these narrow spaces in our homes. It might not seem easy to give them a purpose, but it is manageable. Slim cabinets on wheels in your kitchen between the fridge and the wall, for example, are perfect for cans, spices, even cups, and glasses. Also, these cabinets can be used in the bathroom for keeping cosmetics or towels and can easily fit the narrow space between the dryer and washing machine, for example.

Use narrow cabinets in the kitchen to organize spices or canned food.

You will love sneak cabinets

Sneak cabinets can be used literary everywhere – your living room, bedroom, study, even bathroom. They can display art when closed or be turned into a mirror. Your visitors may not even notice that the painting or the mirror on your wall hides a miniature storage space, so these cabinets can be used for storing valuable items as well.

Bring order to your closets

Our list of tips for a perfectly organized home would be incomplete without a few suggestions regarding the organization of your closets. To get more space and keep your clothing items and accessories neat and tidy, there are a few strategies you can apply. Firstly, you can hook two hangers together with a can tab. This will provide you with twice as much available space. Also, use shower rings on hangers and put up to ten scarves on a single hanger. You can do the same with belts or handbags.

Get creative and organize

Our unusual tips for a perfectly organized home should give you a hint on how to get the best of your living space. They should also inspire you to experiment and discover some new strategies for organizing your things. Be creative, repurpose, indulge yourself in various DIY projects, and explore. Make your living space appealing, comfortable, and clutter-free so you can enjoy the ambiance.

Photos used

https://pixabay.com/photos/living-room-sofa-couch-2569325/

https://pixabay.com/photos/golden-cup-coffee-basket-books-791072/

https://pixabay.com/photos/soft-toys-stuffed-animals-teddy-bear-3158361/

https://pixabay.com/photos/spices-jar-cooking-rustic-pepper-2548653/