 It was a crisp fall day in 1989. Students were going in and out of the dorms like ants carrying trunks, suitcases, and tote bags. Befuddled parents were standing outside, trying to be helpful but mostly chatting with other parents and taking in the scene. This would be their beloved, newly-adult child’s home for the next year and they wanted to memorize it all. State-of-the-art ‘80s dorm must haves were an answering machine, a boombox with a CD player, and a word processor (or, if you were lucky, a DOS-based computer or Macintosh SE). Throw in a wall tapestry and a Klimt poster and you’ve got a pretty fine room! Now that my oldest daughter is heading off to college this fall, I figured I probably shouldn’t rely just on my own experience to help figure out what she needs. So I polled my mom friends with kids currently in college to find their best move-in tips. Now I get to share them with you! What has changed? The rooms are still small, the beds are still twin XL, and that Klimt poster is still popular, but most other things have undergone some great updates. Here are my favorites to make sure your student has all the essentials.
My last but definitely not least tip is an essential dorm-room supply that every college student needs. It’s the envelope that Paige put in the First Aid Kit with the headline “For emergencies that haven’t been addressed.” Inside the envelope is a note that reads, “I’m here for you. Just a call away. 💗” With all that plus an Amazon Prime account, your student is college-ready!  NOTE: The only affiliate link in this blog is for the Order Out of Chaos Academic Planner and book, products I totally believe in. All other links are for your information only and I receive no commission from them.
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 It’s amazing how often I’ll be working with a client, decluttering some long-forgotten corner that had piled up, and we come across a book about organizing. The client looks at it wistfully, gives a little shake of the head, and says, “I thought that book was going to be the solution.”
I get it! Wouldn’t it be great if just reading a book could declutter your home? Organizing books give us great ideas and techniques, but they lack the hands-on motivation of having a Certified Professional Organizer by your side—guiding you step by step as you apply the lessons right there in your own space. That said, organizing books can still provide wonderful inspiration. Whether they spur you on to tackle projects yourself or help you decide it’s time to hire a professional for some accountability and expertise, they’re motivating — even fun — reads. Many blend storytelling, humor, and practical wisdom that makes the process feel less daunting. Add an organizing book (or two) to your beach reads list this summer! Here are my top suggestions. Each one tackles the subject in a unique way—some with tough love, others with gentle encouragement or a touch of humor. Perfect for reading with your toes in the sand or on a shady porch.  June is here, and in Rhode Island, that means beach days, backyard adventures, and—yes—long, lazy afternoons perfect for curling up with a good book. When my daughters were young, I cherished snuggling up with a bedtime story. It was wonderful to rediscover classic childhood books with them and to realize I’d been learning organizing lessons since I was little. If you’re looking for stories that entertain while gently teaching kids valuable life lessons, I’ve got you covered! My recommended reads will spark conversations about simplicity, making do with what you have, and the freedom gained by keeping things tidy. As a Certified Professional Organizer®, I see every day how having less creates more space—literally and emotionally—for joy, creativity, and family time. These timeless children’s books do the same through charming stories. They’re ideal for summer read-alouds, independent reading, or cozy porch sessions. Pair them with a simple family activity: after finishing, sort a toy bin or bookshelf together! Picture Books (Ages 3–7)
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 | Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel In the story “Tomorrow,” Toad wakes up overwhelmed by all the chores he has to do and decides to put them off until tomorrow so he can relax today. Frog Early Readers / Read-Alouds (Ages 5–9) out the growing mess (dirty dishes, clothes on the floor, plants to water) and Toad’s anxiety grows, realizing that tomorrow is going to be a very hard day. Finally, Toad jumps up and does everything right away—so tomorrow can be worry-free and fun!
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 | Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder With few toys in their log cabin, Laura cherishes her corncob doll Susan, while Mary has a real rag doll. Laura points out, “It wasn’t Susan’s fault that she was only a corncob.” In other stories, the girls receive simple Christmas gifts: a tin cup, a peppermint stick, a penny, and red mittens. The Little House stories contain so many life lessons to take to heart.
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Why These Books Matter This Summer
Summer often brings a surge of new toys, souvenirs, and outdoor games. These stories gently show kids (and remind us adults!) that paring down isn’t loss—it’s gain. Less clutter means more room to play, create, and connect.
After reading, try a fun family ritual: pick one drawer or shelf to organize together. Celebrate what you keep and donate toys that are still in good condition. Let’s turn these “less is more” lessons into real-life calm.
What’s on your summer reading stack? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your favorites. Happy reading!
After reading, try a fun family ritual: pick one drawer or shelf to organize together. Celebrate what you keep and donate toys that are still in good condition. Let’s turn these “less is more” lessons into real-life calm.
What’s on your summer reading stack? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your favorites. Happy reading!
Do You Have a Move in Your Near Future?
If so, you’re likely feeling that familiar mix of excitement and dread. According to a 2022 survey, moving ranks as one of life’s most stressful events—higher than surgery or divorce.
The complexity is what gets us: coordinating home sales/rentals, timelines, work/school schedules, and evaluating and packing every possession. Add emotional layers—leaving familiar places and loved ones, uncertainty about the new place, and physical exhaustion—and it’s no wonder moving feels overwhelming.
That’s why hiring a Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO) makes all the difference. We treat your move like any organizing project: breaking it into manageable steps, creating a clear timeline, guiding decisions, and handling the chaos of packing, sorting, and settling in. You get to focus on the joy of your new chapter instead of the stress.
Call a CPO right away—as soon as you’re considering a move. Early involvement allows preliminary planning and decluttering before overwhelm sets in. In fact, we can help with all three phases of moving: planning, packing, and unpacking.
If so, you’re likely feeling that familiar mix of excitement and dread. According to a 2022 survey, moving ranks as one of life’s most stressful events—higher than surgery or divorce.
The complexity is what gets us: coordinating home sales/rentals, timelines, work/school schedules, and evaluating and packing every possession. Add emotional layers—leaving familiar places and loved ones, uncertainty about the new place, and physical exhaustion—and it’s no wonder moving feels overwhelming.
That’s why hiring a Certified Professional Organizer® (CPO) makes all the difference. We treat your move like any organizing project: breaking it into manageable steps, creating a clear timeline, guiding decisions, and handling the chaos of packing, sorting, and settling in. You get to focus on the joy of your new chapter instead of the stress.
Call a CPO right away—as soon as you’re considering a move. Early involvement allows preliminary planning and decluttering before overwhelm sets in. In fact, we can help with all three phases of moving: planning, packing, and unpacking.
April is a month of preparation, and I don’t just mean taxes! As we leave winter behind (soon, please!), we look forward to that first warm breeze of spring. This is the perfect time to get your home summer-ready so you can say “yes” to spontaneous beach days, backyard BBQs, and weekend adventures without hunting for the picnic blanket or digging through winter coats.
I’ve created a simple but powerful 4-week challenge just for you. Each week starts off with a Mindset Challenge to motivate you and get your brain in the game. Then you’ll tackle two practical organizing or decluttering tasks (nothing overwhelming).
Ready? Let’s make April the month your home feels light, functional, and full of summer possibility!
I’ve created a simple but powerful 4-week challenge just for you. Each week starts off with a Mindset Challenge to motivate you and get your brain in the game. Then you’ll tackle two practical organizing or decluttering tasks (nothing overwhelming).
Ready? Let’s make April the month your home feels light, functional, and full of summer possibility!
WEEK 1: SEASONAL CLOTHING & CLOSET REFRESH
Mindset Challenge: Find Your Sticking Points
Getting your mind in the organizing and decluttering game starts here: Download my FREE Questions for Letting Go and determine your biggest obstacle to letting go of clutter. Is your sticking point emotional, practical, or financial? Recognizing what holds you back will help you release the excess with more ease and confidence.
Organizing Challenge 1: Spring-Clean the Coat Closet
Pull everything out: coats, scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, boots. Inspect for stains, damage, or items you haven’t worn in forever. Clean what you’re keeping. Store heavy winter items in a spare closet or in bins on a high shelf or in the basement. Swap in lightweight jackets, windbreakers, raincoats. Add a bottom bin for flip-flops, beach towels, sunblock, goggles—ready when the sun calls. Put donations in your car for your next drop-off.
Organizing Challenge 2: Get Your Clothes Summer-Ready
Sort tanks, shorts, dresses, and lighter pieces. Apply the one-year rule: If you didn’t wear it last year, are you really going to be excited this summer? Let it go! Shift heavy sweaters and pants to higher shelves or sides; bring summer items front and center. Tackle shoes: Pull out sandals, flip-flops, sneakers—try them on, keep only what fits and feels good. Finish with bathing suits and coverups: If it doesn’t make you feel fabulous (or the elastic is shot), release it.
Getting your mind in the organizing and decluttering game starts here: Download my FREE Questions for Letting Go and determine your biggest obstacle to letting go of clutter. Is your sticking point emotional, practical, or financial? Recognizing what holds you back will help you release the excess with more ease and confidence.
Organizing Challenge 1: Spring-Clean the Coat Closet
Pull everything out: coats, scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, boots. Inspect for stains, damage, or items you haven’t worn in forever. Clean what you’re keeping. Store heavy winter items in a spare closet or in bins on a high shelf or in the basement. Swap in lightweight jackets, windbreakers, raincoats. Add a bottom bin for flip-flops, beach towels, sunblock, goggles—ready when the sun calls. Put donations in your car for your next drop-off.
Organizing Challenge 2: Get Your Clothes Summer-Ready
Sort tanks, shorts, dresses, and lighter pieces. Apply the one-year rule: If you didn’t wear it last year, are you really going to be excited this summer? Let it go! Shift heavy sweaters and pants to higher shelves or sides; bring summer items front and center. Tackle shoes: Pull out sandals, flip-flops, sneakers—try them on, keep only what fits and feels good. Finish with bathing suits and coverups: If it doesn’t make you feel fabulous (or the elastic is shot), release it.
WEEK 2: KITCHEN & PANTRY PREP FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING
Mindset Challenge: Less Stuff = More Freedom
Organization isn’t perfection, it’s about making things easier for yourself by letting go of excess. When evaluating something, ask, "Does this item serve my summer goals?" Use my FREE Keys to Letting Go to release what you don’t need and gain time, ease, and more joy.
Organizing Challenge 1: Pantry & Fridge Refresh
Toss expired items and old condiments from your fridge and freezer; wipe shelves. Plan to eat through the wintery comfort food you’ve stocked to make room for summer salads, grill items, and frozen treats.
Organizing Challenge 2: Outdoor Dining & Picnic Station
Gather picnic blankets, cooler, grilling tools, trays. Create a “Summer Entertaining Zone” in a cabinet or garage shelf using bins or baskets. Store paper plates/cups in a lidded bin, utensils/napkins in a caddy, grill tools in a portable tray—everything grab-and-go.
Organization isn’t perfection, it’s about making things easier for yourself by letting go of excess. When evaluating something, ask, "Does this item serve my summer goals?" Use my FREE Keys to Letting Go to release what you don’t need and gain time, ease, and more joy.
Organizing Challenge 1: Pantry & Fridge Refresh
Toss expired items and old condiments from your fridge and freezer; wipe shelves. Plan to eat through the wintery comfort food you’ve stocked to make room for summer salads, grill items, and frozen treats.
Organizing Challenge 2: Outdoor Dining & Picnic Station
Gather picnic blankets, cooler, grilling tools, trays. Create a “Summer Entertaining Zone” in a cabinet or garage shelf using bins or baskets. Store paper plates/cups in a lidded bin, utensils/napkins in a caddy, grill tools in a portable tray—everything grab-and-go.
WEEK 3: OUTDOOR GEAR RESET
Mindset Challenge: Ask “Why do you have this?”
Before you put anything back, run each item through my favorite filter: WHY (reason for having it), DO (do you actually use it now?), YOU (does it belong in your current life?), HAVE (are you willing to maintain it?), THIS (is it in good shape and serving its purpose?).
Organizing Challenge 1: Weed Out the “Just in Case” Items
Use my CALM method to tackle all that outdoor gear you’ve been saving on the off-chance you might use it. Clear out all your outdoor stuff from wherever it’s hiding. Assess it and toss anything that’s broken or too dirty to clean. Get real about the rest: What will you really use this year and what can you part with? Fill donation bags and put them in your car to drop off next time you’re out.
Note: Most donation centers don't accept helmets. Instead, you can give them to someone you know or see if your local first responders will take them to use for training purposes.
Organizing Challenge 2: Create Summer Gear Zones
Continue CALM: Locate items into zones by sorting into categories: beach/pool, backyard games, sports gear, bikes/helmets. Hang what you can on hooks and stow the rest in clear, latch-top bins to keep it clean. Maintain your space by putting things away after use.
Before you put anything back, run each item through my favorite filter: WHY (reason for having it), DO (do you actually use it now?), YOU (does it belong in your current life?), HAVE (are you willing to maintain it?), THIS (is it in good shape and serving its purpose?).
Organizing Challenge 1: Weed Out the “Just in Case” Items
Use my CALM method to tackle all that outdoor gear you’ve been saving on the off-chance you might use it. Clear out all your outdoor stuff from wherever it’s hiding. Assess it and toss anything that’s broken or too dirty to clean. Get real about the rest: What will you really use this year and what can you part with? Fill donation bags and put them in your car to drop off next time you’re out.
Note: Most donation centers don't accept helmets. Instead, you can give them to someone you know or see if your local first responders will take them to use for training purposes.
Organizing Challenge 2: Create Summer Gear Zones
Continue CALM: Locate items into zones by sorting into categories: beach/pool, backyard games, sports gear, bikes/helmets. Hang what you can on hooks and stow the rest in clear, latch-top bins to keep it clean. Maintain your space by putting things away after use.
WEEK 4: READY TO HEAD OUT FOR SUMMER ADVENTURES
Mindset Challenge: Organization = Spontaneous Joy
Clutter drains energy. A clean car and packed bags turn “Let’s hit the beach now!” from stressful to simple. This week, remind yourself that you deserve that freedom.
Organizing Challenge 1: CALM Your Car
Have stray things found their way into your car? Clear everything, tossing trash immediately. Assess what stays: sunglasses, charger, emergency kit, grocery bags. Locate items logically, within easy reach or stowed securely. Maintain by adjusting after trips.
Organizing Challenge 2: Stock Summer “Yes Bags”
Prep family beach totes and kits: Each person gets a bag with flip-flops, sunglasses, goggles, towel, games, ziplock for wet suits. Use flip-top bins to create kits of sunblock, bug spray, baby powder (removes sand), ear drops, first aid. Store by the door—ready to say “yes” to summer adventures!
By April’s end, you’ll have lighter spaces and a summer-ready mindset. Share before-and-after photos—I’d love to see them! Email [email protected] or tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
If any week feels like too much or you want hands-on support, I’m here. Here’s to a beautiful, organized, adventure-filled summer!
Clutter drains energy. A clean car and packed bags turn “Let’s hit the beach now!” from stressful to simple. This week, remind yourself that you deserve that freedom.
Organizing Challenge 1: CALM Your Car
Have stray things found their way into your car? Clear everything, tossing trash immediately. Assess what stays: sunglasses, charger, emergency kit, grocery bags. Locate items logically, within easy reach or stowed securely. Maintain by adjusting after trips.
Organizing Challenge 2: Stock Summer “Yes Bags”
Prep family beach totes and kits: Each person gets a bag with flip-flops, sunglasses, goggles, towel, games, ziplock for wet suits. Use flip-top bins to create kits of sunblock, bug spray, baby powder (removes sand), ear drops, first aid. Store by the door—ready to say “yes” to summer adventures!
By April’s end, you’ll have lighter spaces and a summer-ready mindset. Share before-and-after photos—I’d love to see them! Email [email protected] or tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
If any week feels like too much or you want hands-on support, I’m here. Here’s to a beautiful, organized, adventure-filled summer!
Last month, I helped my client Annabel* pack for a month-long trip. I arrived at her house to find her suitcase overflowing with piles of folded shirts, pants, and accessories and multiple bags of toiletries. “I’m going to need at least two suitcases,” said Annabel.
My Tetris-trained mind took note of the empty pockets of space between the piles. “You know,” I said, “if we rolled all the clothes instead of folding, I’m sure we could fit it all in this one suitcase. It’s pretty big.”
Annabel was game to try, so she let me take everything out of the suitcase and re-pack it. Here’s my packing method.
WHY ROLLING BEATS FOLDING
One of the simplest, yet most effective, packing hacks is rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling compresses items like t-shirts, pants, and dresses into tight, space-saving cylinders that fit neatly into your luggage. This method not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles, keeping your outfits looking fresh.
My Tetris-trained mind took note of the empty pockets of space between the piles. “You know,” I said, “if we rolled all the clothes instead of folding, I’m sure we could fit it all in this one suitcase. It’s pretty big.”
Annabel was game to try, so she let me take everything out of the suitcase and re-pack it. Here’s my packing method.
WHY ROLLING BEATS FOLDING
One of the simplest, yet most effective, packing hacks is rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling compresses items like t-shirts, pants, and dresses into tight, space-saving cylinders that fit neatly into your luggage. This method not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles, keeping your outfits looking fresh.
During our recent visit to Ohio, my mother-in-law surprised me by saying she’d like us to help her with some decluttering. Yay! She’s an inveterate collector of anything antique and/or sentimental, so I was surprised she was ready to pare down.
While I helped Mom in the living room, my husband and his father checked out the basement. In a corner of the storage area, they came across an old-fashioned cardboard clothing box. Inside, Doug discovered an old military hat…but his father had never been in the military. “Dad, what is this?” he asked. “Oh, that’s Jim’s hat from the Air Force.”
Jim? Who’s Jim? He’s Doug’s mother’s mother’s second husband’s brother, of course.
So, Doug asked the logical next question:
“Why do you have this?”
While I helped Mom in the living room, my husband and his father checked out the basement. In a corner of the storage area, they came across an old-fashioned cardboard clothing box. Inside, Doug discovered an old military hat…but his father had never been in the military. “Dad, what is this?” he asked. “Oh, that’s Jim’s hat from the Air Force.”
Jim? Who’s Jim? He’s Doug’s mother’s mother’s second husband’s brother, of course.
So, Doug asked the logical next question:
“Why do you have this?”
Welcome to 2026! Have you made your resolutions for a new you this year? Will you be hitting the gym every day? Creating a whole new spending plan? Completely organizing your entire house? You’re totally on top of everything, right?
Maybe not so much.
Honestly, once I clean up from the holidays and start getting back to the reality of a normal schedule, January is nearly half over!
It’s natural to want to set some intentions for improvement when the calendar rolls around to a new year. What’s unrealistic is thinking that you’ll accomplish them in the first month. This year, to take on your organizing projects, make January your month to come up with a plan.
TAKE TIME TO REGROUP
Put away the holiday decorations, giving yourself permission to get rid of any you aren’t crazy about anymore. Put away any new gifts you received and—yes!—return, exchange, or even donate any you don’t like or won’t use.
Maybe not so much.
Honestly, once I clean up from the holidays and start getting back to the reality of a normal schedule, January is nearly half over!
It’s natural to want to set some intentions for improvement when the calendar rolls around to a new year. What’s unrealistic is thinking that you’ll accomplish them in the first month. This year, to take on your organizing projects, make January your month to come up with a plan.
TAKE TIME TO REGROUP
Put away the holiday decorations, giving yourself permission to get rid of any you aren’t crazy about anymore. Put away any new gifts you received and—yes!—return, exchange, or even donate any you don’t like or won’t use.
Do you dream of having family and friends gather at your home for the holidays? But maybe looking around your disorganized house makes you think this is an impossible dream.
Join me for 12 Days of Holiday Organizing and make your dream of hosting a reality!
Day 1: Plan Your Approach
As with any organizing project, you need to start with a clear vision and a plan. Make a list of the areas of your home that need attention before the holiday rush. Focus on the public areas: kitchen, living room, dining area, and bathroom. To make sure you follow through, schedule daily time for organizing.
Day 2: Declutter the Entryway
Make a welcoming impression. Exit your house and step up to the door, seeing it with the eyes of a visitor. Clear out shoes, coats, and unnecessary items that clutter your entrance. Use hooks and corral items in baskets or bins to pull together a tidy look.
Do you dream of a closet transformation, but think it’ll take way too long? I hear you!
If you can’t bear the thought of tearing apart your whole closet, my quick tips will get you closer to your dream closet with a minimum amount of work.
If you can’t bear the thought of tearing apart your whole closet, my quick tips will get you closer to your dream closet with a minimum amount of work.
1. Invest in new hangers
Not a frivolous indulgence, all new, matching hangers will make your closet instantly look neater. Read my blog about hangers to find the right ones for you.
2. Create Categories
Arrange your clothes according to use, not color or length. Casual, dressy, summer, workout, lounge, etc. This makes it quick to find what you need.
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