Tidy Up in 48 hours!

For the next 48 hours, starting on April 16, 2025 – purchase organizing sessions at 12% OFF!


Spring is here! Here comes the pollen and more… STUFF!

Instead of spending weeks to months to finish a project.

Lets speed up that timeline to days and weeks.

For the next:ย 48 hoursย you can purchase any service below and get 12% OFF.

Remember, this special is EXCLUSIVELY for the next 48 hours.

Use Coupon Code:ย TIDYSPRING2025

DONATION PICK UP + DROP OFF

We physically move as many items as possible into our van and drop items off to your preferred donation centers for you.

Please note: electronics, furniture, or heavy items are not accepted at donation centers.

Save $54!

10 HOURS

Start a project or finish a small project.

  • Books
  • Papers

Save $150!

15 HOURS

Finish a medium project.

  • Clothing
  • Kitchen Komono

Save $225

20 HOURS

Finish a large project.

  • Komono throughout the home
  • Garage
  • Storage Unit

Save $300

10 HOURS OF VIRTUAL LESSONS

Best Remote Option.

  • Custom Layouts/Guides
  • Folow up Emails
  • 1-2-1 Sessions

Save $150

How does it work?
  1. Click the package you would like to purchase.
  2. Select the day/time of your first 5 hour session.
  3. Add the coupon code:ย TIDYSPRING2025ย at Checkout
  4. Pay for your package in full
  5. Receive a follow up email where you can book your remaining sessions.
Sale ends in:
Count down to 2025-04-18T22:00:00.000Z
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    Reuse & Clean Up Days in Contra Costa County

    Donate unwanted household items on Reuse & Clean Up Days in Contra Costa County. It’s FREE!


    What are Reuse days?

    Twice a year, single-family households can place gently used items on the curbside near their home FOR FREE! Items are collected and placed in new homes. The program is a partnership between Recycle Smart, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery, and Republic services to help create jobs, aid those in need, and keep material items of the landfill.


    What are Clean Up days?

    Items that are not reusable or recyclable can be picked up on the curbside and taken to the landfill at no additional charge. This happens the day AFTER Reuse Day.


    When are Reuse and Clean Up days?

    Spring:

    • February – Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek
    • March – Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek
    • April – Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga

    Fall:

    • August – Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek
    • September – Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek
    • October – Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga


    How do I find dates for my specific address?

    Informational brochures are mailed to every resident about two weeks before the date. You can call Republic Services to find out when your date is (925) 685-4711.

    You can also click the button below and enter your address on the Contra Costa Recycles website:


    Is this offered throughout each city?

    The program is offered in Recycle Smart service areas – a portion of each city.

    recycle smart service areas in contra costa county for reuse and clean up days

    What do I need to do for Reuse Days?
    • Place reusable items on the curb by 6am on your reuse date
    • Box or bag items

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      What do I need to do for Clean Up Days?
      • Place items that are not reusable or recyclable on the curb by 6am on your clean up date
      • Box or bag items
      • Maximum volume is 2 cubic yards or fourteen 32 gallon bags
      • No items larger than 4 feet and 24 inches in diameter
      • No bags heavier than 50 pounds (additional charges may apply)

      What are acceptable items on Reuse Days?
      • Household electronics & appliances (please put your name on all TVs and computer screens for state reporting purposes.)
      • Home decor & accessories
      • Office & school supplies
      • Garden, outdoor & sporting equipment (no gas or oil in equipment)
      • Gently-used furniture (no broken, stained, or ripped furniture.)
      • Clothes & shoes
      • Scrap metal, wire
      • Car Parts and auto batteries

      What are unacceptable items on Reuse Days?
      • Mattresses
      • Construction and demolition
      • Tires
      • Household hazardous waste
      • Rocks or dirt
      • Cribs or car seats
      • Loose wood
      • Broken items
      • Broken or unassembled furniture

      What are unacceptable items on Clean Up days?
      • Household electronics
      • Recyclables
      • Appliances
      • Car parts
      • Large furniture
      • Mattresses
      • Household hazardous waste
      • Tree stumps or large tree trucks
      • Organics, wood, leaves, yard trimmings
      • Rocks, dirt, concrete
      Interested in just donating?
      macbook pro beside white ipad

      Electronics E-Waste Recycling in Contra Costa County

      Best places for electronics e-waste recycling and disposal in Contra Costa County



      Best Buy

      Pleasant Hill Best Buy has confirmed they will take up to three items per a household per day. They also offer haul away options for larger items.

      Acceptable items for FREE

      • Best Buy branded monitors (Insignia/Dynex) 42′ and smaller
      • Memory
      • Mouse
      • Keyboard
      • Modems/routers/hubs
      • Webcams
      • Netbooks
      • Printers/scanners/fax
      • Sound/video cards
      • Tablets
      • E-readers
      • All-in-one computers
      • Battery backup
      • Cables/connectors
      • CD/DVD drives
      • Ipod/CD players/cassette players
      • Computer speakers/controllers
      • Desktops
      • Hard drives
      • Ink/toner cartridges
      • Small rechargeable batteries
      • Laptops (limit of 5 per a day)
      • Phones/landlines
      • Two way radios
      • Hands free headsets
      • Stick/robot/canister vacuums
      • Fans
      • Speakers
      • Cameras/camcorders
      • Video games/consoles/controllers
      • Security systems/radar detectors
      • GPS
      • Shredders
      • Curling iron/hair straightener/hair dryer
      • Calculator

      Acceptable items for $29.99/item

      • Monitors (limit 2 per day)

      Standalone Haul-away for $199.99/2 items

      • Portable/window air conditioners
      • Microwaves
      • Ranges/stove/range hoods
      • Refrigerator
      • Wall ovens
      • Washers
      • Cooktops
      • Dishwashers
      • Dryers
      • Freezers
      • Ice makers

      Unacceptable items

      • Phone cases
      • Gaming chair
      • CDs/DVDs/blu-ray/HD
      • Tapes/recorders/VHS
      • Books/t-shirts

      Don’t see the item you have? Check out the full list of accepted and unaccepted items


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        Staples

        Pleasant Hill

        Concord

        • Location: 4498 Treat Blvd, Concord, CA 94521
        • Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 8:00pm, Saturday 9:00am – 7:00pm, Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm
        • Phone: (925) 609 – 1014

        Option 1) Drop Off in Person at any Staples

        Option 2) Ship your tech with a tech recycling kit

        Acceptable Items for FREE

        • Adapters & hubs
        • Battery backup devices
        • Cable/satellite receivers
        • Calculators
        • Car & wall chargers
        • CD/DVD/Blu-ray discs & players
        • Coffee brewers (less than 40 lb.)
        • Computers
        • Computer speakers
        • Connected home devices
        • Digital & video cameras
        • Digital projectors
        • Earbuds & AirPodsยฎ
        • Fax machines
        • Flash drives
        • Gaming consoles & controllers
        • GPS devices
        • Hard drives
        • Headphones & headsets
        • Keyboards & mice
        • Label makers
        • Laminators
        • Laptops & MacBookยฎ
        • Mobile phones & iPhoneยฎ
        • Monitors (CRT, LED / LCD, plasma)
        • MP3 players & iPodยฎ
        • Printers & multifunction devices
        • Routers & modems
        • Scanners
        • Shredders
        • Small servers
        • Smart watches & Apple Watchยฎ
        • Stereo receivers
        • Stylus pens & Apple Pencilยฎ
        • Tablets, iPadยฎ & eReaders
        • USB & Lightningยฎ cables
        • Video streaming devices
        • Webcams
        • Ink cartridges
        • Toner cartridges & drum units
        • Lithium ion (Li-Ion)
        • Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH)
        • Nickel zinc (Ni-ZN)
        • Rechargeable nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd)
        • Small sealed lead acid (SSLA/Pb)

        NEW Accepted Items

        • Non-rechargeable lithium
        • Single-use alkaline 
        • Crayons 
        • Pens & markers 
        • Wooden & mechanical pencils 
        • Phone & iPhone cases 
        • Tablet, iPad & eReader cases 
        • Shredding (cost per pound)
        • SodaStreamยฎ CO2 cylinders

        Unacceptable Items

        • Air conditioners
        • Appliances
        • Floor-model printers or copiers
        • Kitchen appliances
        • Lamps or bulbs
        • Large servers
        • Large speakers
        • Medical devices
        • Records or record players
        • Smoke detectors
        • Televisions
        • Vaporizers


        Rapid Recycling – Pacheco

        Concord

        Acceptable Items for FREE

        • Consoles/receivers/home theaters
        • DVD/tape players/game players
        • Phones
        • Home electronics: vacuum cleaners, mixers, heaters, etc.
        • Towers/servers/laptops
        • Printers/scanners/routers
        • Monitors – CRT/Flat
        • Keyboards/Mice
        • Cords/Wires/Cables
        • TVs – CRT/flat/LCD
        • All types of metal
        • Tools
        • Wire
        • Parts/scrap

        Acceptable Items for a FEE

        • TVs: DLP/plasma/projection TVs (any size) $22/piece
        • Refrigerators/freezers (any size) $45/piece
        • Air conditioners $45/piece
        • Washer/dryer/dishwasher $22/piece
        • Stove/range/oven $22/piece
        • Microwave $15/piece
        • Cooktop/Water heater $15/piece

        Unacceptable Items

        • Mattresses
        • Tires
        • Small batteries
        • Household wastes/paints
        Looking for a place to donate items?
        before visual clutter kitchen cooking oils

        How to Reduce Visual Clutter

        Visual clutter is the presence of excessive and distracting visual elements typically in the form of advertisements and branding on products. It can negatively impact the aesthetics, functionality, and focus within a space.


        Before & After Bathroom Clutter Example:

        What is Visual Clutter?

        Visual clutter occurs when there is an overload of elements that cause distraction and scattered thinking. Vibrant colors, giant words, and pictures make it difficult to focus and function in a space.


        Why is it in my home?

        Imagine yourself walking through the isle of a store. Every product on the shelf has to stand out against its competitor. Companies thrive off of the excessive elements because customers become familiar with the brands color and design.



        Before & After Kitchen Clutter Example:

        How does it effect me?

        When we bring products into our home, these labels scream and shout on our shelves. Our eyes are naturally drawn to the product which causes:

        • distraction
        • cognitive overload
        • reduced comprehension
        • slower decision making
        • scattered thinking
        • decreased aesthetic appeal

        Before & After Bathroom Clutter Example:

        Simplicity is Key

        A clutter free environment and design allows individuals to:

        • process and absorb information more efficiently
        • appreciate aesthetics
        • experience a greater sense of focus and clarity


        How can I reduce it?
        • Take labels off of products
        • Take products out of plastic
        • Toss boxes that items come in
        • Store all disposable bags together and out of sight
        • Use reusable glass spray bottles and hand soap containers: these look nice and reduce visual clutter

        Before & After Komono Hobby Clutter Example:
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        pop containers for kitchen organization

        Best Home Organizer Products 2024

        Check out our recommended shopping list for the best home organizer products in 2024!


        Make Mindful Purchases

        Before you hit that BUY button – Ask yourself:

        • What is the purpose of this item?
        • How does it make life better?
        • Is there something in my home that can serve the same purpose? I often find that when we have less, we are much more resourceful.

        It never hurts to take your time and think about a purchase. I know I really want something when I think about it multiple times after not purchasing it.


        Guideline to buying organizers
        • Durable & good quality
        • Reasonably priced
        • Multi-purpose organizers for any room

        Buy products AFTER decluttering. Why?
        • See everything you have
        • Reduce duplicates
        • Designate one place of belonging or home
        • Save time/energy by knowing where to find & put items back
        Buy these if –
        • It makes life easier
        • It sparks joy
        • It has purpose


        30 Stackable Drawer Organizers

        Perfect for any room: bathroom organizer, garage organizer, office organizer, kitchen organizer, closet organizer, & more!

        8 OXO Pop Storage Containers

        Dishwasher safe BPA free air tight containers. Food organizer, snack organizer, and even fridge organizers!

        Stuk Organizer Box Set of 6

        Best clothing organizer for socks, underwear, bras, swimwear, stockings, & more!

        Cube Storage Box

        Perfect for high shelves in closets or to just contain items on open shelving. Useful as a clothing organizer, linen organizer, living room organizer, office organizer, closet organizer, & more!

        16 Idesign bins for the pantry or bathroom

        A nice variety of different size see through boxes. Great snack organizer, pantry organizer, refrigerator organizer, toiletry organizer, bathroom organizer, garage organizer, & more!

        12 Sterilite Plastic Storage Bins

        These are a great cheaper alternative to Idesign or other name brands. Take off the lid and use these in the pantry, bathroom, garage, closet… they are super handy and come in so many sizes!

        4 Heavy duty garage storage organizer bins.

        Two sizes: 27 gallon ($44) & 12 gallon ($37). Great camping organizer, hobby organizer, tool organizer, home improvement equipment organizer, & more!

        4 mesh drawers

        Ideal clothing organizer, linen organizer, or general closet organizer projects. No need for closet installations!

        6 Drawer Organizer for cords, electronics, tech, & more!

        Perfect cord organizer! Find all the cords and tech you need with this handy drawer system. Also works as a office supplies organizer or crafts organizer.

        Stackable Paper Organizer

        Set up a pending area for outgoing and ingoing mail, paper, and various items.

        Utility Cart with endless possibilities!

        A great option if you have limited space! Ideal kitchen organizer, office supplies organizer, art supplies organizer, makeup organizer, laundry organizer, & more!

        Looking for more home organizer products?

        cleaning supplies nicely organized for easy use after declutter

        Cleaning vs. Organizing: What’s the difference?

        Seriously, what is the difference between cleaning vs. organizing?


        Cleaning

        Definition: to be free from dirt, marks, unwanted matter

        Tools: brooms, mops, cleaning products, duster

        Activities: sweep, mop, dust, scrub

        Profession: maid, cleaner

        Organizing

        Definition: arrange into a structured whole

        Tools: labels, storage containers, bins, baskets, garbage bags

        Activities: declutter, donate, make a home for each item, store items by category, set up a system around a daily routine

        Profession: home organizer, professional organizer, office organizer, residential organizer, commercial organizer

        How are cleaning and organizing related?
        • Without good organization it is impossible to clean properly.
        • Thorough cleaning routines are only possible by having an organized home.
        • Typically it is recommend to organize first and then clean second or as you go.

        What are a couple feasible home cleaning resolutions that you suggest people keep in the new year?
        • Stop buying different cleaning solutions.
        • The simple way to be clean and tidy while staying minimalist is to use 2-3 products throughout the home.
          • Distilled vinegar: a natural antiseptic that can be used on hardwood floors, counters, and surfaces
          • Bleach: for deep cleaning showers, bath tubs, bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks
          • Windex: for glass and windows
        • Use reusable glass spray bottles with labels. Cleaning solutions can look nice without causing visual clutter from plastic and loud store bought labels. You also have just what you need to stay clean, tidy, and minimalist.ย 


        What are your tips for actually achieving cleaning resolutions and maintaining a clean home?
        • Set aside intentional time. Instead of “I should clean.” Say, “I will clean all surfaces and floors every Sunday morning after breakfast.” When we are specific about the way we spend our time, we are much more likely to finish the task and keep ourselves accountable. 
        • Create a cleaning chore list if you have multiple people in your household. Everyone will know what their chore is each week/day/month/etc.
        • I highly recommend using an allowance to motivate kids to clean and/or tidy up. Money is a great motivator to help kids learn and practice healthy habits. It also allows them to show responsibility and learn how to manage/utilize personal money at an early age. 

        Why are cleaning resolutions important to keep (or why not)?
        • Tidying and cleaning go hand in hand. When both are in line it makes life easier and more streamlined.
        • A clean space is a clean mind.
        • Cleaning teaches us how to care for ourselves and our environment. 
        • Cleaning is an essential habit that impacts our health both physically, mentally, and professionally. 
        Ready to Tidy Up with a Certified KonMari Consultantยฎ?

        The dictionary definitions from this blog post were sourced from the dictionary definition by mission to organize.

        When to ask for help with clutter and hoarders?

        8 signs of when to ask for help for clutter and hoarders who live in a hoarder home.


        What’s the difference between a cluttered house and a hoarder house?

        A hoarder house typically has –

        • Clutter on all floors, sometimes pathways from points A to B
        • Junk on all surfaces including tables, counters, chairs, couches, etc.
        • Piles on piles of stuff with an assortment of items

        How does hoarding impact daily life and routines?

        • Difficult to do basic tasks such as cooking and cleaning
        • Limits social interaction such as inviting friends and family over
        • Constant loss of time and stuff by having to search and look for items
        • Spending more money on stuff the person already has causing duplicates and more clutter

        Can the hoarder meet their basic needs?

        A hoarder can have a low threshold for living standards. It’s important to be aware if the hoarder can still meet their basic needs in the home.

        • Can they wash their hands and take a shower?
        • Do they have access to laundry and warm water?
        • Are they able to cook beyond a microwave?
        • Where do they sleep? Is the bed or couch accessible?

        How long have they been living this way?

        • Has it been a year or more?
        • Is it getting visibly worse each time you visit?
        • Is it difficult for them to downsize and declutter?

        If you answered yes to the above questions, I recommend asking the person(s) if they want help.


        Is the house unsafe and unhealthy to live in?

        • How high are the piles?
        • Is there access to exit and entry doors?
        • What contents are in the home? (There is usually a pattern.)
        • Are there signs of mold, infestations, or asbestos?
        • Are there pets, feces, or any hazardous materials?

        If health and safety is in question then now is the time to help.

        hoarder shed with clutter on all floors and surfaces making it a dysfunctional space

        What kind of stuff is being collected and hoarded?

        One of the key signs of hoarding is when the person(s) keep items of little to no monetary value:

        • Napkins
        • Pieces of paper
        • Broken items
        • Paper boxes
        • Plastic bags

        What are signs and symptoms of hoarding?

        • Unable to get rid of items and declutter
        • Inability to let go
        • Anxiety about the potential future use of items
        • No designated home or organizational structure for things
        • Keeping distance between the home and friends, family, and social events

        What causes hoarding?

        People with hoarding disorder may or may not recognize that their habits and behaviors are negative. It’s important to acknowledge that the onset of hoarding usually starts from a stressful or traumatic event.

        The exact cause of hoarding is unknown but it can be associated with ADHD and OCD.


        Do you know someone who is hoarder and needs help?

        Now serving the cities of: Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Orinda, Concord, Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Daly City, Burlingame, San Mateo, Belmont, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Fremont, Hayward, Castro Valley, Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin

        minimalist living room couch for simple living

        How Can I Start a More Minimalist Lifestyle?

        8 minimalist ideas to start your minimalist lifestyle today!


        How can I be more minimalist with clothing?

        Create a Capsule Wardrobe.

        What is a Capsule Wardrobe? It is when your clothes are composed of interchangeable items that maximizes the number of outfits you can wear. Learn more about how to create a minimalist wardrobe.


        How can I declutter books when I love reading?

        Keep books that spark joyยฎ when you see them or that you will read now. Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t read a book that’s been sitting on the shelf for years, will you really read it?


        How can I become more minimalist with books?

        This sounds super old school but I recommend renting books from the library. I find that I actually read the books I get when I know I have to return them in 2-3 weeks. This also allows me to read all kinds of books (old and new) without them taking up space in my home.


        How can I downsize paper in my house?

        Stop the flow of paper coming in! It’s important to have a routine when it comes to mail:

        1. Immediately toss advertisements/spam/junk (less paper accumulation)
        2. Open envelopes and discard, only keep the important paper/letter (keep only what you need)
        3. Place important papers, bills, letters in a pending box
        4. Set a day to go through the mail once a week (no pile build ups)

        If you haven’t done so already, automate all of your bills online and sign up for the paperless setting.


        minimalist kitchen ideas on how to have less

        Is it possible to have a minimalist kitchen?

        Yes. Although this category is probably one of the hardest for me personally. I maintain having less in the kitchen by:

        1. Mindful spending: Less kitchen gadgets and more questions like, “What purpose does this item serve?”
        2. Buy food you intend to eat now not later.

        How can I have less cleaning products?

        Honestly, the only cleaning product I use is vinegar. Vinegar is a natural antiseptic and a perfect solution if you have pets or kids in the house. I have 2-3 spray bottles each filled with vinegar that I keep in the kitchen to wipe tables/counters and in the bathrooms.

        I’ve used vinegar for years and love the simplicity of having one product to clean everything.


        How can I feel more minimalist with laundry when I hate folding?

        It’s normal for laundry to be left in a basket for a few days. It is not normal when that is literally the place it lives and if it does – it better be in a designated spot in a closet. If you absolutely despise laundry and folding then I recommend –

        1. Hang most/all clothes
        2. Designate separate drawers for small items: socks, underwear, bras
        3. Designate a spot for your hamper to live that does not create visual clutter

        The key is to have a home for your clean clothes even if you don’t fold them. Simply toss items into drawers or on hangers. If you’re really lazy just leave them in the hamper but have a designated spot for that hamper to live. Create a system that works for you, is easy to maintain, and doesn’t disrupt the look and feel of your minimalist home.


        Do I really have to declutter my sentimental items?

        Absolutely not. It’s important to keep and display sentimental items throughout your home! If an item really means a lot to you then why not appreciate and look at it daily? Minimalism is about creating an environment that energizes and supports your lifestyle.

        sentimental vase displayed for joy in minimalist home
        Ready to work with a professional organizer near me?

        Now serving the cities of: Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Orinda, Concord, Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Daly City, Burlingame, San Mateo, Belmont, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Fremont, Hayward, Castro Valley, Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin

        organized kitchen cabinet

        How to Organize Duplicates Guide

        Learn how to declutter, organize, and maintain duplicates with our step by step guide!


        What are the pain points?

        • Having too much of the same thing
        • Buying items and then realizing you already have them
        • Wasting money by buying what you don’t need
        • Losing time by searching for items and then rebuying when you can’t find them

        What are the causes?

        • Items do not have a designated home (place of belonging)
        • Like-items are stored in multiple places
        • Items are stored in inconvenient places – too high, far back, or out of sight

        What is the solution?

        Step 1: Joy Check Duplicates
        Step 2: Designate a Home for the item(s)

        When picking a location, pick a place that is:

        • Easy
        • Convenient
        • Flows with your daily routine and lifestyle
        Step 3: Pick a place to Store and Display
        • Bin/Basket/Bowl on a counter
        • Basket/Bin on a shelf
        • Hook on the wall
        • Rack on the wall
        • Designate a drawer
        • Box on bottom or top shelf
        Step 4: How to Store and Display
        • Organize items horizontally instead of vertically
        • The goal is to see everything instantly
        • The location and way it is placed is easy to get, put back, and maintain
        Step 5: Practice and Repeat Habits
        • Try finding and putting items back regularly for 7 days
        • When you shop, be mindful of what have.

        With a functional and organized system it is easy to take inventory and buy only what you need and truly want.

        Step 5: Adjust and Evaluate

        You know you need to readjust your system if:

        • You start to accumulate more of the same things
        • Your storage space can’t accommodate the amount you have
        • You buy more than what you use and need

        We align your vision and goals with functional systems and holistic solutions – focusing on the home, mind, and soul.

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