Celebrating the Heart of the Home: DIY Tips for Mothers

Today, we pause to honor the women who shape our by offering some DIY tips for mothers.


Whether they raised us, mentored us, or simply nurtured us with their presence, mothers carry a love that anchors families and creates homes full of life, memory, and meaning.

My mom, maternal grandmother and me in Hawaii where my mom grew up.

Mothers are the ones who: Remember the tiny details that make our lives run smoothly.

  • Hold space for both the milestones and the messy, everyday moments.
  • Keep traditions alive through photos, recipes, and stories.
  • Give unconditionally, so their families can grow, thrive, and feel safe.

They juggle schedules, soothe worries, celebrate achievements, and manage an invisible load that often goes unnoticed โ€” but not unappreciated.

As a professional organizer, Iโ€™ve witnessed how mothers often carry not just the physical items of a household, but also the emotional and mental threads that bind it all together.

Today, we celebrate you, Moms.

  • Your love is woven into every corner of your home.
  • Your care echoes in the routines and rhythms you create.
  • Your patience and strength shape futures in ways words canโ€™t express.

So whether you spend your special day relaxing, laughing with loved ones, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself โ€” know that you are seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.

Enjoy my gift to you: DIY tips to simplify your daily routine.


Streamline Laundry!

Contain small items like socks and underwear in mesh laundry bags. This keeps all the like items together for quick washing, drying, and putting away. It also prevents you from losing socks!

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Shake mesh bags before loading in the dryer so all items dry thoroughly.

When folding laundry, group similar items together first, then fold each category in bulk. Itโ€™s a simple way to save time and keep everything organized.

Make maintenance tasks like laundry and dishes as enjoyable as possible by playing music, making it a family event, or getting comfortable on your bed/couch and turning on your favorite show.


Clothing Declutter Hack

Each time you wear an item, simply turn its hanger to mark it as worn. After a month, take a look and see what youโ€™ve reached for โ€” and whatโ€™s been left untouched. For anything unworn, ask yourself: โ€œDo I really need this?โ€


Define a Drop Zone

Store your essentials near the door you use most often. This helps prevent misplacing items and makes it easier to head out quickly when you’re in a hurry:

  • Purse
  • Keys
  • Jacket
  • Shoes
  • Sunglasses

Incorporate Kids

Alleviate some of your tasks by empowering kids to participate and take ownership of their things/activities.

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Involve kids by offering choices (โ€œWould you like to put away books or sort the toys today?โ€) and praising their effort, not perfection. Systems work best when they match their developmental stage.

We hope these tips are helpful to your and your family!

Happy Motherโ€™s Day! You are the heart of the home. ๐ŸŒธ


Business Partner Highlights

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Jazmine Simpson, owner of โ€‹Beauty & Beyondโ€‹, creates luxury experiences where every woman feels like a queen! From start to finish you will feel relaxed, beautiful, and empowered.

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    Tidy Up in 48 hours!

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


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      2025 blog features with professional organizer nicole in san francisco bay area

      Home Organizer Featured in Blogs & Articles

      Nicole Sachiko, home organizer & owner of Tidy Lifestyle Organizing has been featured in blogs and articles like Martha Stewart!


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      Meet Nicole Sachiko – We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Sachiko a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation.

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      Meet Nicole Sachiko – so today weโ€™ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Sachiko. We think youโ€™ll enjoy our conversation, weโ€™ve shared it below.

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      Business Partner Highlights

      Looking for a beautiful jewelry piece for this Spring?

      Fariba is an expert at making women feel beautiful. Her offerings from Touchstone Crystal change seasonally to match today’s style and trends.

      Do you need help writing content for websites, newsletters, blogs?

      Lori’s Tora Writing Services provides writing and editing services for professionals who want to establish or expand the written proof of their expertise.

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        Organizing Tips with Kids

        Best 2024 Organizing Tips with kids by a KonMari Consultant


        Fun Fact: During my four years at college I was an elementary school after school teacher!

        Even though I’m not a mom yet, I take my aunt duties seriously. You don’t have to be a parent to be a great role model for kids!

        So what can I do to help kids be organized?

        Involve Kids in the Process Make it Fun: Turn organizing into a game or a creative activity.

        • Activity Idea: set a timer and see how quickly they can tidy up, or create a color-coded system for their toys.
        • Explain the Benefits: Teach them why organizing is importantโ€”finding things easily, keeping their space neat, and taking care of their belongings.

        Start Small – One Area at a Time: Make the task manageable & achievable

        • Focus Areas: toy bin, bookshelf, or closet
        • Declutter First: Have them choose items they no longer use or need.
        • Donate or Recycle together: showcase the value of giving

        Create Easy-to-Maintain Systems: know where everything belongs

        • Use Labels: picture labels for younger kids or word labels for older ones.
        • Accessible Storage: Place frequently used items within their reach so they can easily put things away themselves.

        Organize by Category:

        • Sort by Type (e.g., dolls, cars, building blocks) and store in separate bins or baskets.
        • Clothes: Group by type (e.g., shirts, pants, socks) and season. Consider using drawer dividers or hanging organizers.
        • School Supplies: Keep a dedicated space for school items with labeled containers for pencils, crayons, paper, etc.
        What Organizing Topics do YOU want?

        Please share how I can best serve you! Your feedback and ideas are important.

        Make it a Routine Daily Tidying:

        • Chore Lists: daily or weekly to help them tidy regularly and on schedule
        • Dedicated Clean Up day: Set one day week for everyone in the home to organize and clean together – BONDING!

        Encourage Ownership:

        • Empower Kids: Help them to decide how they want to organize their space
        • Reward System: Celebrate after organizing with ice cream or a movie night
        • Give an Allowance: money is a powerful motivator that helps encourage commitment to household chores while teaching financial responsibility

        Teach the Value of Experience over Possessions:

        • Rent Library Books: encourages regular reading, quality time, and accumulating less
        • Giving Gifts: do they want a new toy or a new experience/activity?

        Model Good Habits:

        • Show them how you organize by being organized yourself.

        Business Partner Highlights

        How can you prevent financial ruin, have a tax free retirement, and/or fund a college education?

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        Do your finances match your lifestyle and future goals?

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          Feedback Poll

          Please share your ideas by filling out a 2 minute feedback poll!


          The long summer days are coming to an end with fall colors and vibes approaching. I really hope you made some amazing memories this summer!

          I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for your presence in the Tidy Lifestyle family. As a family member, I think it’s important to check in and ask you – How are you? Really?

          Is there anything I can share, talk about, or do to add joy in your life? I really value your input and want to ensure that the content I create is meaningful to you.

          I am looking to improve and bring you the best content possible. But to do that, I need your help. Your feedback will help me address relevant topics and answer questions that truly matter to you.

          Please share your ideas by filling out our 2 minute Poll!

          What topics would you like to see covered in future blog posts? Are there any specific questions or challenges youโ€™re facing that we can help with?

          Thanks again for your support and time. I’ll be going through all your suggestions and canโ€™t wait to start working on content that reflects your ideas. Stay tuned for exciting new posts based on your feedback!

          I’m excited to continue this journey with you. Together, we can make this blog an even more amazing resource for everyone!

          Ready to Tidy Up with a Certified KonMari Consultantยฎ?

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            East Bay Business Recommendation

            Find and support a local business in Contra Costa County. All service providers on this list have been personally vetted, referred, and used by myself and/or clients. Please let the business owners know Nicole referred you. If you have used anyone on this list that did not leave you satisfied, please contact nicole@tidylife.style


            Cleaners
            SpecialtyContactNameBusiness
            Individual(925) 457-3089Ania TomersonAnia’s Cleaning
            Residential & Commercial team(510) 672-9489AngelicaEasy Life Solution
            Residential & Commercial team(925) 679-1300Steve HeikeMolly Maid
            Residential & Commercial team(925) 307-9437Marlyn AvinaBee Fresh Cleaners
            Residential – Individual or team
            Custom cleaning lists
            (925) 736-9600Nancy GlattImpeccable Home Cleaning
            Junk Removers & Movers
            SpecialtyContactNameBusiness
            Large projects & Moving(925) 895-4411Art Mendez & Andriana MendezCustom Hauling & Moving
            Large project, Individual items, Demolimition ($149 minimum)(925) 360-5687Ryan SpiegelJUNKED by Veterans
            Construction, Demolition, Large projects & Individual items ($99 minimum)(925) 481-4041Marius RaduJunk Pronto
            Small & Large projects, Individual items ($145 minimum)(707) 532 – 0545Juan VallejosBay Hauling
            Eco-friendly – Small & Large projects, Individual items ($155 minimum)(925) 477-2565 Stefanie LewThe JunkLuggers
            Recycle & Repurpose – Small & Large projects, Individual Items ($120 minimum)(925) 396 – 7007Newman FoadTop Junk
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              Home Services
              SpecialtyContactNameBusiness
              Architect – Sustainability(650) 996-1577Benson ChenStudio C
              Architect – Full Service(510) 910-4097Heather SandersShelterwerk
              Handyman(510) 978-8383Chris SellersTask Rabbit Profile
              Mobile Notary(925) 361-2558Angela PerezAP Notary
              Furniture Liquidation(408) 242-3928Esteban MirandaComforture
              Seamstress(510) 395 – 4381Rose McGuire
              Interior Designers
              SpecialtyContactNameBusiness
              Eco-friendly(925) 317.6662Michelle ThomasThomas Designs
              Small Projects(925) 375.1330Kelsey HerrickKelsey Herrick Design
              Luxury(925) 276-9663Erica ShepardShepard Design Studio
              Full Service (North Bay)(415) 706.0581Paula LelandPaula Leland Interior Design
              Closets(925) 783-5126Tiffany PociechaClosets by Design
              Seniors
              SpecialtyContactNameBusiness
              Senior Placement Agent(925) 979-8656Mike AwadallaCare Patrol
              QUICK Senior Transitions
              & Selling Homes
              (415) 612-3470John & Yessica AriasHarmonee Homes
              Senior & In-Home Care(925) 391-3700Johana Segura24/7 Nightingale Home Care
              Realtor for Seniors(925) 586-1850Gilda WhiteheadColdwell Banker
              Estate Sales(925) 381 – 7733Mirth AmandaSisters Salvage
              Financial Planner925-293-6531Belma MirvicEdward Jones
              Estate Lawyer(925) 338-1225Kristina ParkPark Legacy Law Firm
              Reverse Mortgage Specialist(925) 826-2686Carly PowellMutual of Omaha
              Health & Wellness
              SpecialtyContactNameBusiness
              Weight Loss Coach(510) 205-1159Linda WitnovRise Up Slim Down
              Massage Therapist(925) 329-7899Esmeralda PeladoEsmeralda Massage
              Soft Tissue Therapy(510) 592-4069Jay PerezKinetic Chain
              Chiropractor(925)-276-2792Rebecca KasputisKasputis Chiropractic
              Life Coach(925) 202-1042Edna CastilloLiving Reality Dreams
              Cupping, Muscle Scraping,
              Stretching, Massage
              (209) 675-1864Monica IslasBody Wellness
              Nutrition, IV Drip
              & Weight Loss
              (925) 280-4442Rebecca WalkerCambiati Wellness
              CBD Wellness(925) 639-2369Laura MorganGreen Compass
              Group Fitness Classes(925) 289-8042Alejandra AdauiTFX Fitness
              Personal Trainer(415) 470-1368Rebecca LeVanContra Costa Fitness
              Facials, Waxing, Botox(510) 681-4151Jazmine SimpsonBeauty & Beyond
              Licensed Nutritionist(925) 216-0286โ€ฌIlana KokaKoka Wellness Group
              Women Owned Businesses
              SpecialtyContactNameBusiness Website
              Tax Preparer(925) 356-5645Pamela BayerBayer & Associates
              Hospice Volunteer Specialist(925) 216-6585Victoria BriskinHospice of the East Bay
              Benefits Insurance(925) 890-1080Denise CaldwellHeffernan Elite
              Estate Planning(925) 233-6222Katie CapieloCandelaria LLP
              Financial Advisor(925) 335-9102Yvonne CeresaEdward Jones
              Cosmetics & Skin Care(925) 348-4054Diane CovingtonMary Kay Cosmetics
              Life Insurance
              & Living Benefits
              (702) 445-9885Anna FebianaNational Life Group
              Family Trees & Genealogy(925) 787-8605Dawn KosmakosSunrise DNA
              Mortgage Loan Agent(925) 487-0908Anna KussmaulStonecastle Mortgage
              Florist, Events, Picnics(510) 495-7042Carlota LockBlooms n Bliss
              Realtor(925) 980-8095Julie McCoyRE/MAX Accord
              Writing Services(408) 835-8432Lori NicolesTora Writing Services
              Travel Advisor(510) 882-4109Linda NunesA Shift in Spirit Travel
              Insurance Agent(925) 943-6762Jessica PerezSisemore Insurance Agency
              Personal Banker(925) 771-3703Evelyn PonceF&M Bank
              Custom Print & Signs(925) 317-1000Nancy SinselRed Dog Graphics
              Photographer(510) 501-9567Brady ThomasBrady Thomas Photography
              Jewelry Sales(650) 201-3755Fariba WeitgenantTouchstone Crystal
              Property Manager(510) 244-0085Rolanda WilsonSound Investments
              Connect with a Professional Organizer certified with Marie Kondo

              decluttering what to keep and discard to donate at donation centers

              Discard & Donate East Bay Area

              Discard & Donate for a cause – Support our East Bay community! Donation Centers in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, and surrounding cities.



              Garret Thrift Shop

              Cause: Supports John Muir Hospital and community events, fundraisers, and scholarships

              Accepts Donations: clothing, furniture, books, antiques, and more

              Donation Limit: 3 bags

              • Address: 1530 3rd Ave #463, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, United States
              • Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM
              • Phone: (925) 932-9474

              Youth Homes Thrift Shop

              Cause: Supports teens aging out of foster care by providing jobs, free clothing, and more

              Accepts Donations: clothing, small furniture, books, antiques, housewares, dishes, linens, art work, and more.

              Repurposes Materials: clothing, linens, jewelry

              Donation Limit: washed , clean, good condition

              • Address: 15 B Vivian Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
              • Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
              • Phone: 925 798 5561
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              “Rescued Treasures” Community Concern for Cats

              Cause: All the proceeds go directly to helping homeless cats in Contra Costa County

              Accepts Donations: gently used clothing, furniture, books, antiques, housewares, dishes, linens, art work, and other household items in good condition

              • Address: 1270 Newell Ave i, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
              • Hours: Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
              • Phone: (925) 937-3201


              Hospice of the East Bay

              Cause: Donations create critical programs that enhance the quality of life for community members, music therapy, grief support for children & teens, and high-quality hospice care to everyone who needs it, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay

              Accepts Donations: Furniture, Clothing, Housewares, Jewelry, Home & Garden, Vintage

              Donation Limit: . Delivering your donations in bags that weigh less than 20lbs is much appreciated. To schedule a pick-up time, please call us at (925) 674-9072


              Deacon’s Care Cottage

              Cause: provide food, clothing, and small household items donated by our congregation and friends to people in our local community who are in need

              Accepts Donations: high-quality clothing, linens, household goods, see the full list

              Donation Limit: Please make sure that the items are in good condition, not damaged, and if electrical, such as lights, that they are in working condition

              • Hours: Sunday 10:00 AM โ€“ 1:00 PM, Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM โ€“ 4:00 PM, Fridays 9:00 AMโ€“ 12:00 PM, Saturdays Closed, Closed on Major Holidays
              • Phone:  (925) 937-3978
              • Address: 1753 Lacassie Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

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                St. Vincent De Paul Society

                Cause: network of charity organizations with programs that provide food, clothing, shelter, rental assistance, medical services, employment, and workforce development in Contra Costa County

                Accepts Donations: clothing and household goods

                Pleasant Hill

                • Hours: Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday 10:00 AM โ€“ 5:30 PM,
                • Phone: (925) 934-5063
                • Address: 2815 Contra Costa Boulevard, Pleasant Hill, CA

                Pittsburg

                • Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM โ€“ 4:30 PM
                • Phone: (925) 439-5060
                • Address: 2210 Gladstone Dr, Pittsburg, CA 94565

                Brentwood

                • Hours: 7 days a week 10:00 AM โ€“ 4:00 PM
                • Phone: (925) 635-3214
                • Address: 8890 Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood, CA 94513

                American Cancer Society Discovery Shop

                Cause: support the fight against cancer through the sale of high quality, gently used, donated merchandise

                Accepts Donations: clothing, accessories, jewelry, furniture, artwork, antiques, collectibles, and other household items


                Leftover’s Thrift Shop

                Cause: Proceeds are donated to the Contra Costa Crisis Center. Its mission is to keep people alive and safe, help them through crises, provide and connect them with culturally relevant resources in the community. They do this by operating three county-wide programs

                Accepts Donations: clothing, small furniture, books, antiques, housewares, dishes, linens, art work, and more.

                Donation Limit: It is a good idea to call before bringing your donations. Doesnโ€™t sell or accept donations of television sets, microwave ovens, typewriters, telephones, large kitchen appliances, exercise equipment, window coverings (draperies or rods, blinds, shutters), large furniture, or electric blankets.

                • Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
                • Phone: (925) 930-9393
                • Address: 2281 Olympic Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94595


                Cause:  support youth in the Contra Costa County juvenile justice system with a second chance

                Accepts Donations: clean clothing and kitchen items, good books, small household items, kitschy stuff, wall art, and jewelry

                Donation Limit: NO FURNITURE, CHILDREN’S CRADLES, MOBILES, SAFETY EQUIPMENT,  OR TOYS

                • Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
                • Phone: (925) 957-5331
                • Address: 100 Glacier Drive Martinez, CA 94553

                Wayside Inn (Assistance League)

                Cause: support community programs, scholarships, and resources for kids, teens, and adults

                Accepts Donations: clothing, small furniture, books, antiques, housewares, dishes, linens, art work, and more.

                Special Donations Accepted: UNOPENED toiletries can be donated for monthly kids food boxes. Please drop unopened toiletries in the bin at 2711 Buena Vista Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94597

                • Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
                • Phone: (925) 284-4781
                • Address: 3521 Golden Gate Way Lafayette, CA  94549

                Joybound Thrift Store (Formerly ARF)

                Cause: provides quality, affordable, veterinary care through our veterinary clinic for the companion animals of low-income Contra Costa County residents

                Accepts Donations: clean, good-quality clothing, accessories, furniture, books, small countertop appliances, *see website for unaccepted items*

                Donation Limit: Donation drop-off by appointment only

                • Address: 1950 Market Street, Suite H in Concord, CA
                • Phone: (925) 685-0908
                • Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM (back rooms close at 3:45 PM) Closed Sundays

                Teen Challenge

                Cause: provides successful recovery programs for men, women, teens, children, and families with destructive, abusive, and addictive lifestyles through mentoring, education, training

                Accepts Donations: gently used clothing, baby items, vintage, antiques, furniture, kitchen, bedding, books, etc.

                Donation Limit: Donation drop-off by appointment only

                • Address: 3437 Chestnut Avenue, Concord, CA
                • Phone: (925) 609-9171UPDATE 10/2025 ACCEPTING DONATIONS
                • Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 10:30 AM to 6 PM, Wednesday 10:30AM to 5:30PM, Sundays 10AM to 6:30PM


                Cause: Donations make an impact on the local community by enabling UpCycle for reuse materials and a creative making space for the community

                Accepts Donations: Arts & crafts, art/craft books, baskets, fabric, feathers, glass items, office supplies,paper, picture frames, shells, stamps, tins/containers, tile, toys, games, vintage items, yarn. See the full acceptable items list.

                Donation Limit: Donation drop-off by appointment only.

                • Address: 1660-C Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
                • Phone: (925) 324 – 6156
                • Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM to 4 PM


                Cause: Birthright is committed to providing confidential, non-judgmental support to any woman who is pregnant or thinks she might be pregnant, no matter her age, race, circumstances, religion, marital status or financial situation.

                Accepts Donations: Baby clothing, maternity clothing, linens, blankets, burp cloths, unused diapers

                Does NOT accept: baby toys, kids toys, pillows, large baby items

                Donation Process: Please call before dropping off your donations.

                • Address: 3106 Clayton Road, Concord, California, 94519
                • Phone: (925) 798 -7227
                • Hours:
                  • Monday & Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
                  • Tuesday 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
                  • Thursday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
                  • Friday & Saturday By Appointment

                Cause: BACN’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by offering critical services to families during difficult times. We create a warm, safe, and loving environment where children receive short-term care while their parents address challenging circumstances. All BACN services are free, voluntary, and confidential.

                Accepts Donations: clean and gently used toys (to prevent any possible choking hazards please be sure small toys are secured in a bag), childrenโ€™s equipment, diapers, non-expired baby food and formula, unopened diapers, books in good condition, puzzles and games (please tape boxes to ensure small pieces are kept inside), gently worn childrenโ€™s clothing, and childrenโ€™s shoes.

                • Baby clothing, blankets, bottles, strollers, and equipment
                • Children’s clothing, shoes, books, toys, furniture, and more.

                Donation Process: Please call before dropping off your donations to ensure all items will be accepted!

                • Address: 1506 Mendocino Dr, Concord, 94521
                • Phone: 925-685-8052
                • Hours: Monday – Friday : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

                Cause: Friends of the library groups are a vital source of funds for events, collections, facilities, and equipment at 30 Contra Costa libraries.

                Accepts Donations: books, audiobooks, vinyl, CDs, DVDs, board games and jigsaw puzzles

                Donation Limit: 2 bags/boxes of books, please call a specific location to confirm acceptable items

                Pleasant Hill

                • Hours: 7 days a week 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
                • Phone: (925) 349-9620
                • Address: 955 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

                Walnut Creek Downtown

                • Hours:
                  • Monday & Tuesday: 10:00 AMโ€”8:00 AM
                  • Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 AMโ€”6:00 AM
                  • Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AMโ€”5:00 AM
                • Phone: (925) 977-3349
                • Address: 1644 North Broadway Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

                Ygnacio Valley (Walnut Creek)

                • Hours:
                  • Monday – Thursday 10:00AM to 8:00PM
                  • Friday – Saturday 10:00AM – 6:00PM
                • Phone: (925) 938-1481
                • Address: 2661 Oak Grove Rd., Walnut Creek, CA 94598

                Lafayette

                • Hours:
                  • Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 AM
                  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 AM
                  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 AM
                • Phone: (925) 385-2296
                • Address: 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549
                • Does NOT accept: Books that are damaged, mildewed or moldy, smell of tobacco, or with significant underlining, highlight or notes. We do not accept encyclopedias, legal casebooks and statutes, magazines, recordings, video or audio cassettes or music CDs.

                Cause: Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope for a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

                Accepts Donations: fully intact/upholstered furniture, new/less than 7 year old appliances, unused/ new/perfectly working tools/materials, light fixtures, high quality/full sets cabinets, good condition doors/windows, perfectly clean/functioning plumbing/fixtures, new floorboards, home decor, sports equipment, bicycles

                Donation Limit: call for a donation inquiry, pianos (drop off only), mattresses + paint only accepted at Oakland location

                Request a Pick Up: complete the pick up request form, confirm date/time, pay a flat fee of $40, Special note: on the day of your scheduled pickup, your donations must be in a garage, driveway, parking space, or curbside at time of pickup

                Concord

                • Hours: Wednesday โ€“ Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
                • Phone: (925) 826-5465
                • Address: 2080 Diamond Blvd, Concord, CA 94520

                Oakland

                • Hours: Monday โ€“ Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
                • Phone: (510) 777-1447
                • Address: 9235 San Leandro Street, Oakland, CA 94603

                San Jose

                • Hours: Wednesday โ€“ Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
                • Phone: (408) 929-2203
                • Address: 1608 Las Plumas Avenue, San Jose, CA 95133

                We include donation take-away in all services!

                Declutter Guide

                Step by step guide for how to declutter using the KonMari methodยฉ


                joy checking process
                Define your goal by visualizing your Ideal lifestyle

                Clarify why you want to tidy and identify the lifestyle you want to live once you have finished.

                • Step 1: Visualize in detail the ideal lifestyle you dream of
                • Step 2: Identify why you want to live that lifestyle
                • Step 3: Dive into the specifics of how you want to live day by day.

                When we skip this step it delays the whole tidying process and puts you at higher risk for rebound.


                Focus on what to Keep, not what to Discard

                How do you know if an item sparks joy and you should keep it?

                • A feeling of thrill, often a full body experience
                • A pleasing design/look that makes you feel peaceful
                • An item with a high degree of functionality that makes life easier
                • A sense of rightness
                • An items thats useful in daily life

                How do you don’t love an item and should say goodbye?

                • you feel heavy
                • your hands pause
                • you tilt your head slightly and frown
                • you have to think
                • you feel guilty
                • for essential items that don’t spark joy, think about the purpose

                Prepare to Declutter

                Pick an easy category to start with – I recommend clothing.

                Pile all items in one spot so you can see everything in that category at once.ย Example: pile ALL shirts throughout the home/car/office/storage unit on your bed.

                Creating a physical pile gives us that “WOW” moment and helps us make informed decisions once and only once.


                Pick out your Favorite(s)

                Find one item in the pile that you love.

                You know you love something because the instant you see and hold it, you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Sometimes items are less about happiness and more about practicality, usefulness, and function. Example: the blue shirt that goes with everything and is always washed regularly.


                “Does it Spark Joy?”โ„ข
                • Step 1: Pick up one item at a time
                • Step 2: Hold it.
                  • Ask yourself:
                    • If this got stained/torn would I fix it?
                    • If I lost this, would I buy it again?
                    • Does this item enhance my life?
                    • Do I feel like my best self with this item?
                  • If you’re unsure if it Sparks Joy hug it close to your heart!
                  • Gaze at it.
                  • If it is clothing, please try it on!

                Be Present

                Be aware of how your body reacts to each item. You know you love something because that feeling is immediate. If you pause or have to think about an item – ask yourself, why?

                • Was it a gift?
                • Was it free?
                • Have I used this? Why haven’t I ever used this?
                • What was I really trying to buy in that moment?
                • Does this item fit into to my ideal lifestyle?

                “What if I’m Struggling?”

                Pick 2-3 similar items and compare them.

                Really feel the item in your hand and think deeply about what purpose it plays.


                Be Mindful.

                Have the courage to let go and stop all thoughts of “What if-?” Remember your goals and think of how each item you keep or discard contributes to your ideal lifestyle.

                Try not to focus on-

                • reducing
                • efficient storage methods
                • feeling wasteful
                • giving items away

                Instead focus on-

                • choosing belongings that inspire joy
                • enjoying life according to your own standards
                • appreciate how the items you discard supported you in your life
                • what role each item has in your life

                Reframe Letting Go & Declutter

                Every item you keep is a possession that brings you joy and/or makes life better.

                Every item you discard is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and who you are today.

                • If you let go of something you’ve used until it’s broken and worn out: appreciate how its helped to enhance your life
                • If you declutter something you never used: it taught you a lesson in how you shop, that it did not have a purpose in your life
                • Think consciously about each item you discard: how will you choose to live moving forward? how you will acquire new things?

                Keep items with Confidence

                If you keep it then…

                • Use and appreciate it.
                • Create a forever home for every item: find it and know exactly what you have.
                • It’s natural to not put away everything all the time. No one is perfect. Organization is NOT about perfection! Make it a priority to create positive habits. Maybe you won’t put belongings back all the time, every day, but commit to putting things away.
                Declutter & Rightsize with ease

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                  Please note items discussed on this post were from the Marie Kondo books and KonMari networking group. Find more resources here.