Resources for a Tidy Home| Books, Podcasts, Social Media
The process of simplifying our lives takes time. Many of the obstacles that we encounter along the way have so much less to do with stuff, and more to do with mental worth. Clearing clutter is a mental process as much as physical.
Many may think that because I organize for a living, that I don’t need a little refresh myself from time to time. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Although I have systems in place for my life and business, I have two young girls and a husband who is clutter bling. I love to partake in a pinning spree, binge watch or podcast listen to get the creative juices flowing for motivation and fresh ideas.
I’ve rounded up my favorite books, podcasts, blogs and social media profiles that have resonated with me over the years. I hope they help you begin the process of decluttering, simplifying and streamlining!
BOOKS
Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Intentionally Living in a Chaotic World by Tsh Oxenreider
Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Intentionally Living in a Chaotic World by Tsh Oxenreider
“Life is chaotic. But we can choose to live it differently.
It doesn't always feel like it, but we do have the freedom to creatively change the everyday little things in our lives so that our path better aligns with our values and passions.
The popular blogger and founder of the internationally recognized Simple Mom online community tells the story of her family's ongoing quest to live more simply, fully, and intentionally.
Part memoir, part travelogue, part practical guide, Notes from a Blue Bike takes you from a hillside in Kosovo to a Turkish high-rise to the congested city of Austin to a small town in Oregon. It chronicles schooling quandaries and dinnertime dilemmas, as well as entrepreneurial adventures and family excursions via plane, train, automobile, and blue cruiser bike.
Entertaining and compelling—but never shrill or dogmatic—Notes from a Blue Bike invites you to climb on your own bike, pay attention to who you are and what your family needs, and make some important choices.
It's a risky ride, but it's worth it—living your life according to who you really are simply takes a little intention. It's never too late.”
Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness by Gretchen Rubin
Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness by Gretchen Rubin
“Gretchen Rubin knows firsthand that creating order can make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative. But for most of us, a rigid, one-size-fits-all solution doesn't work. When we tailor our approach to suit our own particular challenges and habits, we can find inner calm.
With a sense of fun, and a clear idea of what’s realistic for most people, Rubin suggests dozens of manageable tips and tricks for creating a more serene, orderly environment, including:
• Never label anything “miscellaneous.”
• Ask yourself, “Do I need more than one?”
• Don’t aim for minimalism.
• Remember: If you can’t retrieve it, you won’t use it.
• Stay current with a child’s interests.
• Beware the urge to “procrasticlear.”
By getting rid of things we don’t use, don’t need, or don’t love, we free our minds (and our shelves) for what we truly value.”
Simplified: A Real-Life Guide to Organizing Your Space and Saving Your Sanity by Stephanie B. Sikora
Simplified: A Real-Life Guide to Organizing Your Space and Saving Your Sanity by Stephanie B. Sikora
“Offering compassionate organizing solutions and systems for clients’ homes, businesses, and lives. In Simplified. A Real-Life Guide to Organizing Your Space and Saving Your Sanity, Stephanie shares her fifteen years of experience and company’s trade secrets for the very first time, such as:
How to decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away (without crying into a bottle of wine)
How to simplify routines in your home and life, from getting everyone out the door to getting a decent meal on the table and everything in between (even if you claim to be the least organized person around)
How to create super-simple systems to keep your home and life running smoothly (that even your spouse and kids can follow)
More than just tips on downsizing, Simplified. presents a proven system to clear your space, clear your head, and reclaim a life you actually live.”
Cue my proud moment!
Young House Love is a blog about a couple that is fixing up their main + vacation homes. I just love these two and their fresh, clean style. I also love their podcast (and guest appeared on an episode here)! You can find them on Instagram at @younghouselove and online at www.younghouselove.com
Done & Done Home is a professional organizing and decluttering business, much like myself. I love their style and approach, and admire the business they’ve built and how they inspire others to clear the clutter. They speak my love language! You can find them on Instagram at @doneanddonehome and online at http://doneanddonehome.com/.
Podcasts
Minimalist : “Living a meaningful life with less”
Simple : “ Conversations about living well”
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention a few of my favorite podcast appearances- you can listen to those here.
Apps
Here are some apps that I have used to make life simple helping me to save time, money and my sanity!
Day One App Great for snapping pics and journaling my kids art work and memories. No big boxes of endless art work here! We upload directly from my phone and print at the end of the year! You can see a full list of other creative and simple ways to organize your kid’s art work without bins and piles- check out the blog here.
Target I love this app for the drive-up service. As a mom of two littles and always in need of last minute items for myself or clients, this is a must have!! Try it if you haven’t already…you’ll thank me ;)
PaperKarma Save yourself time and guilt of dealing with paper piles. Eliminate unwanted junk mail with the snap of a pic!
Marco Polo Video Chat for busy people! I love this tool go send quick video messages to friends and clients.
Prime Now For those days when I don’t have time to get to get to the store - even for grocery pick up! Free delivery on orders of $35 with Prime Membership.