Tidy Lifestyle gives clients back their time, space, and life by providing home organization services, decluttering, downsizing, and functional system set ups.
Custom Systems in Rooms Include: Toiletry closet, Entry way walk in closet
Before & After Entryway Walk in Closet
unpacked boxes, loose items on shelvesboxes unpacked, items contained, see everything instantlyloose items randomly placedlike items contained together in boxesclothes in boxes and randomly placedall clothes hung and put away
Before & After Living Room & Dining Nook
items left outopen space with clear floors and surfacespacked boxes and items left outALL boxes unpacked with items put away in designated homescloser view of random items on floor and surfacesitems put away except art to be hungopen minimalist hallway
Before & After Toiletries
random linens, toiletries spread aboutlinens folded, toiletries contained by subcategory
What is the purpose of a gift? Learn how to receive and give gifts of joy not guilt.
The purpose of gifts extends beyond the material value of the item itself. Gifts are powerful tools for communication, connection, and emotional expression.
Expression of love and affection: a common love language in American culture is gift giving
Celebration: holidays, birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions as a way to mark the significance of the event
Gratitude: giving gifts can be a way to express gratitude for someone’s help, support, or kindness
Custom and Tradition: gift-giving is deeply ingrained in customs and traditions. It’s a way to uphold social norms, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of community.
Surprise and Delight: giving and receiving gifts can bring joy and excitement, especially when the gift is unexpected or particularly thoughtful. It adds an element of surprise to relationships and occasions.
Let’s dive into how gifts impact our life, organization at home/work, and decluttering.
The purpose of a gift as a receiver is to receive the gift. Once you have received the gift, you have fulfilled its purpose. Now that the gift is in your possession, it is up to you to decide what to do with it.
Reflect on Your Values: Consider what’s important to you and your living space. Reflect on whether the gift you received align with your values, interests, and lifestyle. This reflection can help you prioritize which gifts to keep and which ones to let go of.
Assess the Gift:
Do you love it?
Will you use it or enjoy looking at it if it is displayed?
Does it hold sentimental value or evoke positive memories?
Does it align with your current needs and lifestyle?
Have the Courage to Donate it: The last thing the gift giver would want is for you to hold on to something the adds negatively to your life. Perhaps, he/she actually wants the opposite – for you to feel happy, content, and at your best, regardless if you keep the gift or not.
Express Gratitude: Even if you choose to declutter a gift, take a moment to express gratitude for the thoughtfulness and generosity of the giver. You can thank them sincerely for the gesture while acknowledging that the gift may not fit your needs or preferences.
When you decide to keep a gift, fulfill its purpose by deciding if it is to be used (practical) or displayed (joy):
Practical
It makes life easier
It supports you in a specific way
It is useful
Place the item in a storage place with intention where it will be used and is easy to access
Display
Sparks positive feelings when you see the item
Adds aesthetics and visual appeal to your space
Triggers a memory and experience you want to remember
When we declutter, all of our energy and time should be focused on the decision of what to keep and discard.
One of the biggest signs that you don’t love and should not keep an item is when you want to gift it.
We love to distract ourselves in different ways and one of the main ways we procrastinate during the decluttering process is when we have the desire to gift or give items away to loved ones.
What we don’t realize is that this reaction is an excuse to not let go. Instead of giving a gift of joy, we are giving a gift of guilt. The guilt that we feel about an item is then transferred to the person we give it to. Ultimately creating a vicious cycle of gifting and guilt. Common items we have the urge to gift:
Items we never used
Perceived high value: expensive, rare, unique
Sentimental value: association with specific memories, experiences, or relationships.
Gifts we have received and kept out of guilt or obligation
Fear of offending the gift giver
Attachment to material possessions: attached value to physical objects that give a sense of security or identity
Have the courage to let go. When we let go we are are also streamlining the entire organizing process by simplifying it to two piles: what to keep and what to discard.
Please see this list of donation centers and the causes they support. Pick a cause you truly care about. It will be easier to let go and give you peace of mind when you know your precious items will help those who are truly in need.
When we look back on our life when we are old, what will we remember? Will we remember the designer pants or fancy kitchen appliance? Probably not. We will think fondly of the memories, experiences, hobbies, pets, and people who made a mark on our lives.
When it comes to giving gifts, give the gift of experience. An experience or excuse, to spend quality time with your loved ones. Time is our most precious asset in life. Life goes by so quickly and it is even more important to schedule intentional time with those we care about.
Have the courage to let go and embrace the most important thing we have in life: each other!
Business Partner Highlights
Do you own artful portraits of yourself and your loved ones that you absolutely LOVE?
Brady Thomas, owner of โBrady Thomas Photographyโ, creates legacy images that you and your loved ones will cherish every day on your walls right now, and for years and years to come.
Are you ready to lose weight and keep it off for a lifetime?
Linda Witnov has a masters degree in clinical psychology and is the owner of โRise Up, Slim downโ.
Linda coaches clients by crafting a plan that fits your life: your schedule, your food preferences, your health needs, your activity level, your commitments, and your overall lifestyle with a gradual habit-change method.
Ready to Tidy Up with a Certified KonMari Consultantยฎ?
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
Today we will talk about how to declutter sentimental items specifically related to family history. First let’s dive into what sentimental family history really means.
Family history and sentimental values often intertwine to create a rich tapestry of personal identity and heritage. Each family carries its own unique story, shaped by the experiences, traditions, and values passed down through generations.
We as humans preserve this family history and memories by keeping:
heirlooms
photographs
letters
antiques
recipes
other artifacts
These items hold material significance and emotional weight, connecting individuals to our past and to those who came before us. These tangible reminders serve as bridges between generations, allowing stories to be shared and cherished.
Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or devaluing memories, experiences, or individuals. Instead, it can be a liberating act that frees up physical and emotional space for new experiences and connections.
So how do we declutter family history?
Set yourself up for success: Letting go is a gradual process. I recommend organizing in category order from easy to difficult (clothing, books, papers, komono, sentimental) so that when you get to the hardest category, you are that much more confident about who you are and what you value (or don’t value.) This also allows for time to process your emotions.
Declutter by category, start with the easiest: subcategory examples of sentimental – photos, antiques, paper, furniture, etc.
Acknowledge feelings: Recognize and honor the emotions attached to the sentimental items. It’s okay to feel sadness, nostalgia, or even guilt when considering letting go of something meaningful.
Evaluate the significance: Assess the true importance of each item. Consider whether it aligns with your current values, lifestyle, and space constraints. Some items may hold more sentimental value than others, making them worth preserving.
Preserve memories, not things: Remind yourself that memories are not tied to physical objects. Take time to reminisce and reflect on the experiences associated with the items before parting with them.
Donate or repurpose: Find new homes for sentimental items by donating them to charity or repurposing them into something practical or decorative. Knowing that these items will be appreciated and used by others can make the process of letting go easier.
Create a legacy: Rather than keeping all sentimental items for yourself, consider selecting a few key pieces to represent your family’s history and values. Be sure to display these items to be enjoyed! This curated collection that can be passed down to future generations, preserving the essence of your family’s story.
Have the courage to let go, celebrate, and move forward. Every step our ancestors took represents an opportunity for us to live our best and most fulfilled life today.
What if you could read a letter from the perspective of a loved one you wish to remember?
Aviva Black, owner of โFamily Love Lettersโ, writes letters that offer the opportunity to celebrate and honor our loved ones, creating lasting connections between generations.
Do you need help putting together your family history? Dawn Kosmakos is a genetic genealogist and owner of โSunrise DNAโ. She helps individuals:
Build their family tree
Solve their DNA mysteries (who is my grandfather?)
Scan, upload & and validate paper records, photos, etc. to tree and connect to correct ancestor.
Ready to Tidy Up with a Certified KonMari Consultantยฎ?
We explore the powerful connection between indoor plants and home organization, highlighting how integrating plants into your living space can enhance both its aesthetic appeal and organizational functionality.
How do indoor plants help with organization?
Routine Maintenance: Caring for plants often requires a regular schedule of watering, pruning, and cleaning. Incorporating plant care tasks into your routine can help you develop good habits and a sense of responsibility.
Time Management: You need to allocate time for watering, fertilizing, repotting, and other tasks based on the needs of each plant. This practice can help you prioritize tasks and manage your time more efficiently, improving overall organization.
Space Utilization: Organizing indoor plants involves determining the best locations for them based on factors like sunlight, humidity, and available space. Arranging plants in an organized manner can maximize space utilization and create an aesthetically pleasing environment, similar to organizing other items in your space.
Attention to Detail: Caring for plants involves paying attention to small details such as leaf discoloration, pest infestations, or soil moisture levels. This attention to detail can translate into other areas of your life, fostering a more organized and observant mindset.
Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully caring for plants and watching them thrive can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This sense of achievement can boost motivation and confidence, leading to increased productivity and better organizational skills in other areas of your life.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engaging in plant care activities, such as watering, pruning, or repotting, can promote mindfulness and relaxation. Taking the time to focus on these tasks can help reduce stress and clear your mind, leading to a greater sense of calmness and mental clarity. This mental state can enhance your ability to stay organized and focused on other tasks.
Incorporating plant care into your life can contribute to a more organized and harmonious living environment.
What kind of plants are aesthetically appealing AND low maintenance?
Snake Plant
African Violet
Monsterra
Elephant Ears
Pothos
Snake Plant
Caring for a snake plant (Sansevieria) is relatively easy, making it a popular choice for both experienced and novice plant enthusiasts.
Light: thrives in indirect and low light conditions
Watering: once a month
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
Maintenance: Repot every 2-3 years
African Violet
African violets (Saintpaulia) are popular houseplants known for their colorful, delicate flowers and attractive foliage. Add a pop of color to any room, as they come in a variety of colors – purple, white, pink, and red.
Light: bright, indirect light near a window with plenty of filtered sunlight
Watering: water from the bottom, fill a saucer or tray with water to allow the plant to absorb water through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes
Maintenance: Repot every 6-12 months
Monstera
Known as Swiss cheese plants or split-leaf philodendrons, are popular for their large, glossy leaves and unique foliage.
Light: bright, indirect light near a window with plenty of filtered sunlight
Watering: water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain away
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes
Maintenance: for young monstera repot 1-2 years
Elephant Ears
Elephant ear plants, also known as Colocasia or Alocasia, are tropical plants known for their large, heart-shaped leaves
Light: bright, indirect light near a window with plenty of filtered sunlight
Watering: consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain away
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes
Maintenance: for young monstera repot 1-2 years
Pothos
Pothos plants, also known as Devil’s Ivy or Epipremnum aureum, are popular houseplants known for their easy care and trailing foliage.
Light: thrives in wide range of lighting conditions, from low to bright, indirect light
Watering: allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Water thoroughly, saturating the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot
Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
Improved Air Quality: Indoor plants help to purify the air by absorbing harmful gases like carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while releasing oxygen. This can lead to cleaner and fresher indoor air.
Stress Reduction: Research suggests that spending time around plants can reduce stress levels and promote feelings of calmness and well-being. Indoor plants can create a more relaxed and pleasant environment.
Enhanced Mood: Indoor plants have been shown to have a positive effect on mood, helping to lift spirits and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Their presence can contribute to a more cheerful and uplifting atmosphere.
Boosted Productivity: Having plants in the workplace or at home can increase productivity and concentration levels. Studies have found that being around greenery can enhance cognitive function and improve focus.
Better Indoor Climate Control: Plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, which can increase humidity levels indoors. This natural humidifying effect can help to create a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment, particularly during dry seasons.
Noise Reduction: Certain indoor plants can help to absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels, making them ideal for use in busy or noisy environments.
Visual Appeal: Indoor plants add beauty and visual interest to indoor spaces, enhancing aesthetics and creating a more inviting atmosphere.
Connection with Nature: Bringing a piece of nature indoors can foster a greater sense of connection with the natural world, even in urban or indoor environments. Taking care of plants can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Improved Sleep: Some indoor plants, such as lavender and jasmine, emit soothing fragrances that can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Placing these plants in bedrooms can create a more conducive environment for restful sleep.
Health Benefits: Reducing the incidence of headaches, allergies, and fatigue. They can also help to speed up recovery times from illnesses and surgeries.
Overall, incorporating indoor plants into your living or working space can offer numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being, as well as contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Please Note: All of the plants mentioned in this post were recommended by Collin, owner of Culiver Cultivations. Culiver Cultivations offers garden design, consulting, and education business in the San Francisco area.
What’s the secret to developing healthy habits and maintaining organization?
Small habits can make big changes.
“It doesnโt matter how successful or unsuccessful you are right now. What matters is whether your habits are putting you on the path toward success.” – James Clear
Get 1% better everyday
Forget goals and focus on the system.
Goals = Results
Systems = Processes that lead to results
If you’ve tried changing your habits but haven’t changed, perhaps the issue isn’t you. The issue is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear
“The key to building lasting habits is focusing on creating a new identity first. Your current behaviors are simply a reflection of your current identity. What you do now is a mirror image of the type of person you believe that you are (either consciously or subconsciously).
To change your behavior for good, you need to start believing new things about yourself. You need to build identity-based habits.
Changing your beliefs isnโt nearly as hard as you might think. There are two steps.
Decide the type of person you want to be.
“I am an organized and tidy person.”
Prove it to yourself with small wins.
Actions speak louder than words
Your identity emerges out of your habits.” – James Clear
Every action you take contributes to the type of person you want to be.
How to grow a good habit
Make it Obvious
Be specific with your actions
“I will [BEHAVIOR][LOCATION] when [TIME] every [DAY].
I will organize my home when I wake up every Sunday morning.
Use Habit Stacking
“After [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT]
“After drinking my coffee, I will declutter paper mail.
Design your space around your routine. Make cues of positive habits visible and obvious
Place a hook near the front door for your keys to hang.
Make it Attractive
Pair an action that you want to do with an action you need to do
“Before I hangout with friends, I will tidy up my room.”
“When I get food delivered, I will wash the dishes.”
Join a culture where your desired behavior is the norm.
In-person: tidying workshops, women’s groups, parent groups
Create a positive ritual. Do something you love immediately before a unfavorable habit
“Before I tidy up, I will treat myself to my favorite coffee.”
Make it Easy
Reduce friction. Decrease steps for good habits
For example: I always set out my outfit, purse and shoes the night before a work day. Then I get to enjoy my morning drinking coffee and preparing for work.
Prime environment. Design your space to make future actions easy
Strategic storage spots. In the closet closest to the main door, store your coats, shoes, and most used accessories. When you walk out the door, you can grab everything with ease
Master the moment. Optimize the small choices with the biggest rewards
Physical checklists are extremely helpful to keep productivity up and feels rewarding.
A simple walk during your day allows you to clear your mind and appreciate the moment. This small action can cascade into your state of mind at work and your interactions with others.
Use the 2 minute rule
Any habit can be condensed into 2 minutes. The key is to begin incorporating the habit slowly and then eventually 2 minutes becomes 3, then 4, etc.
Example: Fold one piece of clothing right after you take a load out of the dryer.
Automate your habits to lock in future behavior
Practice putting your keys and wallet in the same place each day
Tidy up every Sunday
Set a deadline of one month for all sale items. If you don’t sell it, have the courage to let go and let it be used/loved.
Make it Satisfying
Make the habit enjoyable
Turn on music, put on a tv show, dance a little, sing!
Reinforce good habits. Reward yourself immediately after a positive habit
After I tidy up, I will take myself out to my favorite lunch spot! Yey!
When doing a difficult habit, remind yourself of the benefits
When I fold laundry it is easier for me to pick out outfits, feel less guilt of it sitting in a basket, and frees up floor space.
Track your habits
Write a list of all of your habits both good and bad. Reflect on this list and make more mindful choices.
Never miss twice. When you miss a habit, jump right back in
Don’t get discouraged because you haven’t organized your home for a week. It’s never too late to get back on track!
Hide the TV remote, keep snacks on a high shelf in a cabinet, place cigarettes in a box in a hard to reach spot
Make it unattractive
Reframe. What are the benefits of avoiding bad habits?
I feel more productive, present, healthier, lighter, motivated when I don’t watch tv.
Make it difficult
Increase friction. Increase the number of steps for bad habits
In order to get a bag of chips I have to get a step latter, reach up to the highest shelf, take down the bag before eating
Use a commitment device. Limit future choices to only the ones that help
Higher a professional organizer and commit to the process
Buy a gym membership and commit to a better physical and mental state
Make it unsastifying
Team up with an accountability buddy. Support each other and hold yourselves accountable.
Make the costs of your bad habits public
“Whenever you want to change your behavior, you can simply ask yourself: How can I make it obvious? How can I make it attractive? How can I make it easy? How can I make it satisfying?”
– James Clear
Dive Deeper and Read Atomic Habits!
Everything in this blog post is from James Clear author of Atomic Habits.
Ready to Tidy Up with a Certified KonMari Consultantยฎ?
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.
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:
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:
Visual Clutter from Product LabelsMinimalist Reusable items free of Distractions
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.
Home Organization Categories: Clothes, Books, Papers, Komono, Kitchen Komono, Sentimental
Custom Systems in Rooms Include: Master closet, offices, bathroom, kitchen, pet supply closet
Before photo of living and diningAfter photo of living and dining organizationBefore photo kitchenAfter photo kitchen organizationBefore photo kitchen cabinetsAfter photo kitchen cabinets organizationBefore photo kitchen pantryAfter photo kitchen pantry organizationBefore photo living and diningAfter photo living and dining organizationBefore photo master bedroomAfter photo master bedroom organizationBefore photo master closetAfter photo master closet organizationBefore photo master bathroomAfter photo master bathroom organizationBefore photo bathroomAfter photo bathroom organizationBefore photo home officeAfter photo home office organizationBefore photo home office After photo home office organization
Joyful Places Around the Home
Herb garden for positive feng shuiBoardgames as a center piece for social activitiesMost used items accessible and displayed joyfullySentimental items displayed in most popular areasLike-items are together with everything visible in an instant
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?
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