Deck the Halls with Less Stress: A Busy Parent's Guide to Pre-Christmas Decluttering

The most wonderful time of year is here! But for busy, full-time working parents, the thought of adding one more task to the to-do list can be overwhelming. However, before you jump into the hustle and bustle of Christmas, consider taking a moment to declutter your home. An organized space not only creates a more inviting and serene atmosphere but also sets the stage for a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season. Let's explore some practical tips and tricks tailored specifically for moms and dads who are looking to simplify and streamline their homes before the festivities begin!

• Start Small and Set Realistic Goals: Begin your decluttering journey by setting achievable goals. Trying to tackle the entire house at once can be daunting, so break it down into smaller tasks. Focus on one room or even one area within a room at a time. This approach makes the process more manageable, allowing you to fit it into your busy schedule.

• Involve the Whole Family: Get your family on board with the decluttering mission. Assign specific tasks to each family member, making it a team effort. This not only lightens the load for you but also instills a sense of responsibility in your children. Turn on some holiday tunes, make it a festive activity, and share the joy of decluttering as a family.

• Donate and Declutter for a Cause: Use this opportunity to teach your children the importance of giving back during the holiday season. Encourage them to part with toys and clothes they no longer use by explaining that these items can bring joy to other children in need. Select a local charity or organization to donate to, making the decluttering process more purposeful and meaningful.

• Embrace a Minimalist Approach to Decor: Simplify holiday decorations by adopting a minimalist mindset. Choose a few meaningful and timeless decor pieces that bring joy without overwhelming your space. Consider rotating decorations each year to keep things fresh while avoiding clutter.

• Create a Gift-Wrapping Station: As a busy mom, you're likely juggling multiple tasks, including gift wrapping. Streamline this process by creating a designated gift-wrapping station. Organize wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift tags in one accessible location to save time and prevent a last-minute search for supplies.

• Digital Decluttering: In today's digital age, decluttering goes beyond physical spaces. Take some time to organize your digital life by deleting unnecessary emails, organizing files, and decluttering your phone. A clutter-free digital space can help you stay focused and reduce stress during the holiday season.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Remember to prioritize self-care during the busy holiday season. Decluttering isn't just about physical spaces; it's also about creating mental and emotional space. Take breaks, practice mindfulness, and celebrate small victories along the way. A calm and centered mom sets the tone for a harmonious holiday season for the entire family.

In the midst of the holiday season, decluttering may seem like just another task on the never-ending to-do list. However, by taking small, intentional steps, you can create a more organized and joyful environment for you and your family to enjoy this festive season. Embrace the spirit of simplicity, involve your loved ones, and make room for the true magic of Christmas – quality time spent with those who matter most.

Professional Unpacking Services: A Busy Summer for Clarity Through Organization

Summer has come and gone, leaving us at CTO feeling accomplished and fulfilled as we reflect on the numerous projects we undertook during the past month. As a professional organizing company, we take pride in assisting individuals and families in simplifying their lives, and this August, we were busier than ever, focusing on the often-overlooked art of unpacking and helping people move homes. The demand for our unpacking services has grown, and our team was eager and ready to rise to the occasion.

The Unpacking Experience

Unpacking boxes may sound like a straightforward task, but it can be a daunting and time-consuming endeavor, especially for those who are already overwhelmed by the moving process. This is where CTO steps in to make a difference. Our experienced team of professional organizers knows that the key to a successful move is not just getting belongings from point A to point B but ensuring that the transition is seamless and stress-free.

Our unpacking services encompass:

1. Efficiency: We pride ourselves on our ability to work swiftly and efficiently. Our team knows how to declutter, organize, and arrange items in a way that optimizes the available space.

2. Customization: Every client is unique, and so are their needs. We tailor our services to the specific requirements of each client, ensuring that their vision for their new home becomes a reality.

3. Organization: Our organizers have a keen eye for detail. We categorize items, arrange them neatly, and provide clients with systems to maintain their newfound organization.

4. Stress Reduction: Moving can be a stressful experience. Our goal is to alleviate that stress by handling the unpacking process from start to finish, allowing clients to settle into their new homes with ease.

Notable Summer Projects

During the month of August, we had the privilege of assisting numerous families in their moves. Here are a couple of noteworthy projects that stand out:

1. Pleasantville, NY - A beautiful new home was awaiting a sweet family of 4 in early August. We jumped right in and helped create systems in each space and unpack as quickly and efficiently as we could. Jackie worked with the client ahead of time to pick out any product needed, that not only would be functional for them based on their routines but also gave the house a beautiful aesthetic.

2. New York, NY - Michele and Jackie are no strangers to Manhattan jobs. CTO has done a plethora of projects in the past and we always enjoy the city views and fun vibe! We unpacked each box and decluttered with our client onsite. Michele worked on each closet and Jackie tackled the kitchen to make sure each drawer and cabinet made sense based on the flow of the kitchen and the client’s routines.

3. Bronxville, NY - Our team decluttered with our client prior to moving. We went through each room and purged any items that were no longer wanted or needed. This really helped to streamline the unpacking process! We were onsite the day

the movers arrived and our team directed them to the rooms that each box and piece of furniture belonged in. It took a team of three organizers, five full working days to ensure each space was organized and ready for the family to move in just before school started!

As the calendar flipped from August to September, we at Clarity Through Organization couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Helping people declutter and unpack their belongings is not just a job for us; it's a passion. We're committed to making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible for our clients.

If you're planning a move or need assistance with unpacking and organizing your new space, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to make your transition a smooth and enjoyable experience!

Organizing Your Home with Labels

Labeling is so important when it comes to keeping your home organized. My main goal when working with my clients is to set them up for success after our session. I want them to be able to maintain the space with ease. If you take a look at my Instagram page, you will see some beautiful and organized spaces, as well as everything clearly labeled! Yes, trust me on this one guys, they work!

Why are they needed, you ask? Labels are so important in organizing because they create a defined space and a “home” for your belongings. If you have a label on a container or on a shelf where something belongs, you are more likely to put it back in that same spot when you are finished with it. Labeling also makes it faster to find what you are looking for and creates less stress for not only you, but everyone in the home. Not only can labels go on containers, but they can be placed on shelves too.

Here are some examples of labels that you can implement in your home:

• Pantry: breakfast items, snacks, dinner prep, pasta, breads, drinks, cans, baking items.

• Playroom: bins containing different categories of toys, containers for art supplies.

• Dresser drawers and closet shelves: pajamas, undergarments, long sleeve, short sleeve, different types of pants, workout clothes.

• Linen closet: different sizes of sheet sets and towels, blankets, table linens.

• Storage spaces: light bulbs, batteries, fuse boxes, holiday bins, keepsake bins, clothes for kids to grow into.

• Office: file folders, chargers/cords, office supplies, desk drawers.

Can labels be changed? Yes, of course! Our routines, lifestyles and preferences will change and therefore categories and zones in our home will change. Many types of labels are easy enough to remove and change up as often as you need to (chalkboard and dry erase). Just try and keep them all looking consistent and uniform when in the same space - same colors and sizes.

If you are looking to start organizing your home, here are some of my favorite types of labels and pictures of how I have used them in organizing client's homes (some links are affiliate links):

1. Label Makers: Here are my favorite two types of label makers. Brother P-Touch PTH110 and the Brother P-Touch Cube Plus PT-P710BT. Label tape comes in all different sizes and colors. Have fun with it!

2.) Tags: Tags add such a pretty touch to a basket! You can find them at many retail and craft stores.  Also, try your local dollar store! The tags I used in this picture are Dollar Tree Chalk Board Tags

3.) Chalkboard Tape and Chalk Pen: This tape is simple and easy to use. You can cut it to whatever size you need and easily wipe it off when changing up the label. Scotch Chalkboard Tape Grab one of these chalk pens to use with it!

4.) Clip on label holders: These are great for baskets! Aren't they so pretty?

5.) Vinyl Cutting Machine: This is a more expensive labeling tool option if you are looking to create more than just labels. If you are a DIYer, this is for you! I have the Cricut Joy.

I hope these labeling tips have given you some inspiration on ways to use them in your own home! Make sure to share your organization projects with me by tagging @claritythroughorganization on your social! I would love to see them!

Happy labeling :)

Jackie