Crystal’s Blog
Loving Your Home
Decluttering can feel overwhelming—especially when you look around and think about everything that needs attention. It’s easy to feel stuck before you even begin. The key is to shift your focus from “doing it all” to doing one small task at a time. Small, intentional steps add up quickly and build momentum. This checklist is designed to guide you through the process in manageable pieces, helping you create a home that truly supports you—because loving your home starts with caring for it, one space at a time.
Pantry, Spices & Oils-toss expired, donate unwanted, keep like items together, take inventory
Silverware & Utensil Drawers-remove damaged utensils, decide how many of a utensil you need, make sure drawers are in best placement in your kitchen
Plasticware-match lids and recycle strays, toss melted or stained items
Plates & Bowls-donate mismatched items, toss chipped items
Cups, water bottles & mugs-donate unused items, toss chipped items
Under the Sink-remove items that don’t belong, toss cleaning products you don't use, restock cleaning supplies, clean disposal
Dishtowels & Oven Mitts-toss stained or damaged items, wash oven mitts
Frig & Freezer-check expiration dates, toss old/freezer burnt food, group like items together, take everything out and wipe down
Pots, Pans & Bakeware-toss scratched Teflon pans and rusted bakeware, evaluate how many of each size you use/need, when was the last time you used a certain piece of bakeware? Match lids to pots/
Appliances-edit ones that are no longer used. Wipe down small appliances and group accessories together.
Junk Drawer-edit and relocate what isn’t necessary here, use drawer organizer to create sections
Boxes & Bags-recycle "it's a good box", excess grocery bags
Meds & Vitamins-check expiration dates, group like together, replenish frequently used items
Laundry Supplies-edit cleaners you don’t use, replenish frequently used items, wipe washer/dryer, run wash cycle, clean lint trap well
Primary Bathroom-edit and fold linens, edit toiletries
Makeup-toss old makeup, clean makeup brushes, clean hairbrushes, group like items together
Secondary Bathrooms-edit and fold linens, edit and organize toiletries
Linen Closet-toss old/damaged linens, refold linens, group like items together…towels by type and sheets by sizes
Household Files-shred old files with personal information on them, only keep essential paper files, recycle household manuals
Coat Closet-check coat sizes for family members, check coat pockets, put hats and gloves in bin, remove items that belong elsewhere
Cleaning Supplies-toss items you don’t use, make a list of cleaning supplies you need, gather supplies to one place, create a spot upstairs
Primary Closet-take a section at a time and go through clothing…short sleeve tops, log sleeve tops, pants, jackets, shoes, accessories
Primary Bedroom-remove items that don’t belong in that space, put clothes away, wash bedding
Nightstand-remove items that don’t belong, organize cords, restock essentials
Media-edit tapes/dvds, dispose of old equipment, organize by genre
Books/Games/Toys-donate ones that are no longer used, group like items together, toss damaged boxes/toys
Office/Workspace-remove items that don't belong, file papers, shred or recycle unwanted papers, organize supplies
Bonus-Secondary bedrooms-depending on if there are occupants and their ages, enlist their help. Remove items that don’t belong. Donate items that are no longer used. Create spaces that are restful.
Remember, progress doesn’t require perfection—just consistency. Taking one task at a time allows you to move forward without feeling overwhelmed and helps you build lasting habits that support your home and your life. If you’d like extra support, I’d love to help. Whether you need hands-on organizing or coaching through the decluttering process, my professional organizing services are here to help you love your home even more.
Get ahead of the holidays.
As we transition into fall, it’s the ideal time to reset and prepare for the months ahead. With the holiday season quickly approaching, a bit of thoughtful organization now can minimize stress and create a smoother, more enjoyable experience later.
1. Streamline Before the Season Begins
Declutter high-traffic areas such as entryways, coat closets, and kitchen counters. Clearing out what you no longer need ensures you have room for seasonal items, entertaining supplies, and holiday décor.
2. Rotate and Refresh Storage
Store away summer items and bring forward cold-weather essentials. Organize outerwear, footwear, and accessories so your household can transition seamlessly as temperatures drop.
3. Establish a Family Calendar
Between school events, work commitments, and upcoming gatherings, schedules can become overwhelming. Setting up a shared calendar now provides clarity and helps avoid conflicts later in the season.
4. Take Inventory of Holiday Supplies
Review your décor, wrapping materials, and entertaining essentials. Knowing what you have—and what you may need—prevents duplicate purchases and reduces last-minute errands.
5. Plan Ahead for Traditions and Gatherings
Whether it’s scheduling family time or preparing for annual traditions, advance planning ensures the holidays feel more intentional and less hurried.
Let a Professional Organizer Lighten the Load
Preparing your home and schedule for the busy months ahead doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A professional organizer can streamline the process, create efficient systems tailored to your lifestyle, and take on the time-consuming tasks so you can focus on what matters most. From decluttering and space planning to holiday prep support, professional guidance makes the season more manageable—and more enjoyable.
By taking these steps this fall, you can create an organized foundation that supports both efficiency and enjoyment throughout the holiday season. If you’re ready to simplify your space and schedule, now is the perfect time to book organizing services. Together, we can ensure you enter the holidays fully prepared and stress-free.