Have you ever looked around and thought, “How did my life get so full of stuff?” And I mean not just the piles of things in your home, but the mental and emotional clutter too.
For years, I bought into the idea that living well meant doing and having it all. But that’s a recipe for overwhelm and exhaustion. I’ve been there, and I know firsthand that the secret to living well isn’t about more.
It’s about clarity of purpose and prioritizing what truly matters.
The “Having It All” Myth
For too long, I thought I had to be everything to everyone and excel at it all.
The truth? Trying to do it all left me frustrated and drained. I left myself out of the priorities.
Here’s the big mistake we all make. We think living well is about adding more.
But what I’ve learned is that it’s really about letting go of what doesn’t matter and focusing on what does.
Living well doesn’t mean perfection or having it all together. It means figuring out what’s important to you and giving yourself permission to let go of the rest. That’s how we create a life that supports us instead of one that exhausts us.
And that sets the stage for “finishing strong”.
Starting With Decluttering
Decluttering doesn’t mean tossing everything you own or becoming a minimalist if that’s not your thing. It’s about making choices. Ask yourself:
Does this item or task add value to my life?
Am I keeping this because I love it, or out of guilt or habit?
And remember, decluttering doesn’t have to be extreme. It’s about creating a space that feels good to you, not empty or sterile. Keep the things that bring you joy and serve a purpose. Then let go of the rest. Trust me, you’ll feel lighter.
Everything Needs a Home
Once you’ve decluttered, the next step is to get organized.
My golden rule? Everything must have a home. If it doesn’t, it’s just clutter waiting to happen. When you know where something belongs, you’ll save yourself time and frustration. And when you return it to its home, you’ll know exactly where to find it next time. It’s a little thing, but it makes a big difference.
And here’s another great organizing tip – the “one in, one out” rule. If you bring something new into your space, let go of something old. It’s a simple way to keep things from piling up again.
Build Habits That Work for You
Living well isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the small, consistent habits that move the needle.
I’ll give you an example: in June 2022, I stopped drinking sweet tea and soda. It was hard at first, but tracking my progress helped me stick with it. Habit trackers are my secret weapon. They make it easy to see your progress and keep you motivated.
If you’ve got big goals, break them into smaller, manageable steps. Write them down, track your progress, and celebrate the wins along the way. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Time Management Isn’t Just About Schedules
We all wear a lot of hats—caregiver, professional, friend, homemaker. It’s easy to feel pulled in a million directions. That’s why managing your time is so important. Here are a few things that have worked for me:
Prioritize your tasks. Not everything is urgent or important, so focus on what really matters.
Time-block your day. Set aside specific times for work, family, and yes, self-care. You need to be on your own list. (I still have trouble making that a priority!)
Learn to say “no” without guilt. Every time you say yes to something unimportant, you’re saying no to something that matters.
Ask for Help (Trust Me on This One)
I used to think asking for help was a sign of weakness. I was wrong.
When I finally let go of that belief and started letting others help out, everything got easier. Whether it’s asking family for support, hiring a professional, or joining a community group, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Truthfully, allowing others to help you helps them. People love the feeling that comes from doing something to help someone they care about.
Progress, Not Perfection
Here’s the truth: living well and finishing strong isn’t about getting it all right. It’s about taking small, intentional steps that align with your values and bring you joy. Focus on progress, not perfection. Give yourself grace along the way.
Your Next Step
Ready to start? Here’s what I’d suggest: take a few minutes to reflect on what really matters to you. Then pick one small area—a drawer, a shelf, or even just your calendar—and take action.
Declutter, organize, or ask for help.
Small changes add up, and before you know it, you’ll feel lighter and more in control.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. This is your journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. The life you want is closer than you think.
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
Christmas is a time for family and traditions. It’s a time when our stories are molded and meant to be remembered, shared, and retold.
I am proud to share today’s blog post about how Christmas family traditions are the “building blocks of our legacy”, which was written by Giavanni Swanger.
Building Memories and Meaning: The Power of Christmas Traditions
As a child, Christmas always felt like the most magical time of the year—with the smell of cookies filling the house, the excitement of seeing family you have not seen in a while, and who could forget the highly anticipated visit from Santa, which created a whirlwind of excitement. Now, as a parent, I see the same excitement mirrored in my children, but what truly makes the season magical are the traditions we have created together—the annual Christmas party with extended family and the peaceful, slow morning spent in pajamas opening presents with immediate family. These traditions are more than just rituals; they are the heart of our holiday celebration. Our traditions connect us, provide comfort, and create memories that will carry on for generations to come, reminding me that traditions are what make the season, and life, so meaningful.
Traditions have a wonderful way of bringing people together. Every year around Christmas, our family plans a Christmas party to exchange gifts and have one guaranteed day a year where we get to spend time together amidst busy schedules. We order the same 10-foot sub from a restaurant called Baldino’s, we get wings from JJ’s Buffalo Wings—half lemon pepper and half mild—and my mother-in-law makes her homemade cookies, Rice Krispie treats, and deviled eggs. We catch up on life and share stories of things that have happened since our last gathering. Every year my mother-in-law gets gifts for a game that we play that involves dice. (My husband and I always pick out which items we want and try our hardest to leave the game with the gifts we want.) We may not all be able to get together throughout the year, but simple traditions like that help us maintain our connection with one another.
Traditions provide a sense of stability and comfort. My husband and I take Christmas morning slow —or at least as slow as our children will let us. We stay in our pajamas, brew a fresh cup of coffee, turn on the Grinch, and begin sorting out presents. We take the time to enjoy our company as a family before the excitement of new gifts takes over. The slow pace of the morning gives a certain comfort after having a busy, and sometimes crowded, Christmas party. Our small family tradition provides us with a sense of peace that I hope will continue for years to come, as the lessons of love, patience, and family are passed onto the next generation.
Traditions are a good way to solidify a family legacy. They can be enjoyed for generations; I hope my children will look back on Christmases from their childhood and smile. The games, food, and laughter shared at the Christmas party have helped nurture and create bonds with our family and closest friends. I remember my grandparents sharing stories of their holiday traditions growing up, and we would gather around the table and play the same dice game my great-grandmother used to host. Those moments left a lasting imprint on me, and now I see my children creating their memories one holiday at a time. Our kids will take the lessons of generosity and the value of spending time with family and carry those values into adulthood. Though future generations may make changes to how the tradition is carried out, the underlying value will stay the same.
As I imagine myself 15 or 20 years from now, watching my children carry on our family’s Christmas traditions, I feel a sense of warmth and happiness. I can picture them hosting their own Christmas gathering; I know the traditions will live on—filled with laughter, games, and togetherness. The food may be a little different, and the rules of the games may have changed, but the same joy will come from their time spent together. Perhaps they will take Christmas morning slowly, enjoying their time together, and passing the tradition down to their kids. The traditions that we hold today such as gatherings and shared memories are more than just events or moments in time. They are the building blocks of our legacy.
GUEST BLOGGER, Giavanni Swanger’s essay was selected as one of the best in her Writing and Communication Class at Mercer College in Macon, Georgia, which is taught by Christina Harris. As a result, I excitedly agreed to post her essay on my HER Life Hacks blog.
Giavanni is a college student studying IT and a proud law enforcement wife. After nearly a decade working in the veterinary field, she decided to return to school to pursue her passion for technology. She’s also a mom to three kids and three dogs, and is turning her love for baking into a growing business. Her family traditions inspired the essay featured here, written as part of her college studies.
The Author – Giavanni Swanger and Children
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever.
Christmas is a time for family and traditions. It’s a time when our stories are molded and meant to be remembered, shared, and retold.
I am proud to share today’s blog post about family traditions, which was written by Tiffany Kochensparger.
A Cobb Family Christmas
Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. Much like the dinner bell a mother may use to gather her children for supper, the jingle bells of the season call my whole family together. Each year, the holiday season celebrates our family’s love. Aunts, uncles, and cousins from states away gather to celebrate and catch up on the year’s events. In my family, Christmas day is filled with a plethora of traditions that act as a glue that holds our family together.
Every Christmas, the mornings begin with each immediate family starting the day with their own traditions, whether opening presents or enjoying breakfast. But as the day progresses, everyone knows where they will be in the evening: my father’s house. My father, Craig, has been hosting Christmas dinner for as long as I can remember. He takes such pride in this gathering, placing Christmas lights in every inch of the home and creating a magical, colorful display throughout the yard. As the family begins to assemble, they enter through the Christmas-lighted archways that my father made, which line the driveway, symbolizing the beginning of our Christmas festivities. No formal invitation is sent, and there is no Facebook event scheduled; it is a known tradition that everyone will be at Craig’s house at 7 pm every Christmas.
As the family begins to trickle in, the smack-talking also begins. Every Christmas, we start the evening with our annual family kickball game, and this means serious business. My family is extremely competitive; not even the youngest is safe from being pelted with a kickball thrown from across the yard. The youngest cousins, who were five and six when this tradition began, are now teenagers, and this year, they are excited for the chance to be team captains. This tradition may seem silly to some, but it has become something meaningful and joyous in our family. It is a lighthearted, fun competition that is talked about all year long.
We excitedly gather for the highly anticipated dinner after the annual kickball game. My father always prepares the turkey and stuffing; my cousin Rachell masterfully makes the mashed potatoes, Grandma Judy makes the casserole, Aunt Lynn makes her famous cherry dump cake, and various other cousins prepare sides and fixings that fill the kitchen countertops. Everyone piles into the kitchen and the dining room as we hold hands while Uncle Tim blesses the food. Uncle Tim always says the best prayers as he thanks the Lord for the opportunity to have everyone together on Christmas day. After the prayer ends, the race begins, not to the turkey or to the ham, but to Aunt Lynn’s cherry dump cake. It is the first thing to go every year, so everyone sprints to the sheet pan, makes their dessert plates, and stashes them away until they are ready to eat dessert. Without fail, the cherry dump cake is the first thing to go every year.
For the next couple hours, after everyone has eaten and had a chance to catch up, the last game of the night begins: the box game. If you thought we were competitive over kickball, you have seen nothing yet. The box game consists of everyone gathering around a table to try to open a box, but not any ordinary box. This box has been tightly wrapped in packing tape, and inside you will find another box, also covered in packing tape. Inside that box is another box, and so on and so on. The goal is to be the person who opens the last box and pulls out the mini- Christmas stocking. But you can only try to open the box after rolling a six on the dice. After rolling the six, you must put on a beanie, a scarf, and mittens before taking your stab at opening the box. It becomes two hours of bonding, laughing, memory building, and pure childlike fun.
To some, traditions may seem boring and mundane. Others may prefer their evenings to be spent with more spontaneity. While I consider myself a spontaneous person, traditions such as these allow me to feel grounded and connected to my family. This one day of the year provides a sense of reliability, showing that no matter where we may be, as a family, we are still close and will also prioritize each other. My family’s traditions act as a reference line on a chart– unwavering, constant, and connecting us all.
GUEST BLOGGER, Tiffany Kochensparger’s essay was selected as the best in her Writing and Communication Class at Mercer College in Macon, Georgia, which is taught by Christina Harris. As a result, I excitedly agreed to post her essay on my HER Life Hacks blog.
My name is Tiffany Kochensparger. I was born and raised in Florida but have spent most of my adult life in Georgia after moving to Savannah as a military spouse. I am a branch manager at Navy Federal Credit Union and truly enjoy my job. At 28 years old, I decided to go to college and have been pursuing a Bachelor’s in Organization Leadership at Mercer University. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and watching football (Go Bulldogs).
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever.
Company coming to your home for Thanksgiving? Yes? Read on for my novel decluttering idea!
Decluttering can be a deeply rewarding process, especially when we know that the items we’re letting go can find new life with someone else. If you’re like me, you may find it hard to discard items that you once used and loved, but no longer need or want. After all, I was raised with a “waste not, want not” mentality. Basically, we never threw away anything.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I’m excited to share a how to lighten your load and make room for what truly matters, all while giving back to those closest to you: hosting your very own “Company Store.”
This idea came to me because I’m hosting my entire, extended family for Thanksgiving. So – why not use the opportunity to “share and pare”! I’ll “pare” down some of my stuff, and “share” with people who will give my stuff a good home. It also makes getting rid of stuff a fun (to the extent possible) and interactive experience.
Just think about it. Imagine setting up a mini-shop in your home for family members to “shop” for free from items you no longer want or need. This approach isn’t just a chance to clear clutter, but also a way to create meaningful connections by passing along cherished (or simply practical) items to family members who could use them.
Why Host a Family “Company Store”?
Hosting a family store for your gently used items can make decluttering feel less like a chore and more like a joyful gathering. It’s a chance to:
Reduce Waste: Extend the life of items that are still in great condition, saving them from ending up in landfills.
Save Resources: Avoid unnecessary spending for your loved ones by allowing them to pick up things they may genuinely need.
Create Memories: Each item comes with its own story. Share those stories with your family members as they find new homes for these items.
How to Set Up Your “Company Store”
Here’s how to prepare for you store and make the setup fun and stress-free.
Curate Your Collection: As you declutter, set aside items in good condition that someone else may appreciate—a beautiful serving dish, hardly-worn clothes, kids’ toys, or even small furniture pieces.
Organize and Display: Use a spare room, garage, or even an organized corner in a main living area to set up your “store.” Lay out items so they’re easy to browse, grouping similar items together and labeling as needed.
Add a Personal Touch: If you’re parting with sentimental pieces, consider adding a note about the item’s history or significance—it’s a great way to honor the item’s past while welcoming it into a new chapter.
Enjoy the Process and Let Go Gracefully
Invite your family to explore, pick what they love, and even swap stories and ideas. It’s a relaxed way to ensure your things go to people who truly want or need them.
Giving items away to people who might genuinely appreciate them reduces the guilt often associated with discarding things.
While this idea is not in my plans, you could encourage family members to bring their own items they wish to give away, making it a collective decluttering effort.
Make a decision ahead of time to get rid of everything that doesn’t “sell” from your store. Once everyone has had a chance to shop, anything that remains can be easily boxed up and either donated or recycled.
Embrace the Benefits Beyond Decluttering
The Company Store approach brings unique benefits to both you and your family. It lets you:
Clear Clutter with Purpose: Knowing your items will be useful to loved ones can make the letting-go process much easier.
Organize for the Future: As you declutter, you’ll find it simpler to organize the items you choose to keep.
Preserve Your Legacy: Rather than holding onto objects, you’re able to pass along pieces that reflect family stories and shared experiences.
Why don’t you consider hosting a Company Store as a new holiday tradition that combines gratitude, generosity, and the joy of simplifying your life?
This Thanksgiving, give yourself the gift of a lighter, more organized home and the joy of sharing that with the people you care about most. Afterward, take a moment to appreciate how much you’ve decluttered and how many useful items have found new homes.
Happy decluttering!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
HER Life Hacks has narrowed its focus. As I reflect on my life in this 4th quarter of my life, my perspective has shifted. Therefore, the content I create and share is now reflected in these three pillars: Clear Clutter, Organize, and Preserve.
And this is what I’m doing in my life – Clearing the Clutter, which means simplifying my surroundings to get rid of things I don’t need, want, or love.
I’m Organizing the stuff I have after the clutter has cleared.
And I’m Preserving my legacy and heritage for future generations – nothing so grandiose as to impact the world, but for family – my world.
There was an old song (1972) entitled “I Can See Clearly Now”, which pretty much sums up why I’m taking HER Life Hacks in this direction. I narrowed my content down to these three concepts.
But the driving force behind plans, content, and action is Preserve.
Mindset adjustment: What do you want your children, grandchildren, and/or other family members to remember about you?
Preserving Values, Not Just Things
Many of us reflect on our lives as we age, but preserving our heritage goes beyond nostalgia—it’s about creating a meaningful connection for future generations. It provides a sense of belonging to know where you came from. And that provides a measure of grounding in one’s life for planning future direction.
That’s why preserving family heritage and legacy is so powerful. creating your own legacy – who you are and where you came from – your heritage. The result of your actions can leave a powerful and lasting impact on your family and future generations.
While I possess many precious items from my parents and grandparents, those things are not the most important.
I’ve discovered through the years that my children may not be as sentimental as I am. They have stuff of their own, and my stuff may not fit their lifestyle. There was a time when this concerned me a lot. I wanted to see those things passed along to their children and grandchildren.
But I’ve come to realize that it’s more important to preserve values, not just things.
Our life experiences – the lessons we’ve learned about resilience, kindness, perseverance – are more valuable than any material possessions. And when we see those values reflected in the lives of our children and grandchildren, we then recognize the true impact of living your values.
Those values passed down become a family’s moral compass, shaping decisions, behaviors, and relationships for years to come. Just by sharing our beliefs, struggles, and moral lessons, we can influence how future generations approach challenges and opportunities.
For example, surviving hardship could teach the value of perseverance and gratitude, offering guidance during tough times. We’ve seen that story played out in the lives of the victims of Hurricane Helene and the many volunteers, friends, neighbors, and strangers who have given of their time, possessions, and money to respond to this crisis and provide the help needed. The strength of connection is powerful.
Therefore, preserving and passing on is how I’m framing my decluttering and organizing experiences. And that has shifted my thinking and decisions about what to do with stuff.
Our Preservation Project
My husband, Wayne, and I started a video series on YouTube called HIM & HER. Our first video was about when we began dating – a LONG time ago.
Now, we’re working on telling and preserving our story for our children and grandchildren.
I created My Life, My Legacy Journal to capture and share your story. And that is what we’re doing. We are working our way through the journal, answering the questions in it and videoing the process.
You can see the first video in which we address questions in the Introduction. These are just basic questions to get started telling the story of our lives together. And we completed only half of that section.
We will continue to record and share our responses. Spoiler alert – the second part of the Introduction is hilarious! We reveal our most embarrassing moments! Part 2 of the Introduction to My Life, My Legacy Journal will be released soon!
What are your thoughts? How have you considered and/or taken action to preserve your legacy?
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
Question: How many psychiatrists does it take to change a lightbulb?
Answer: One. But the lightbulb must want to change.
You’ve probably heard that riddle before. But even though it may make you smile it does get down to the heart of the matter of changing your life. To change your life, you must want it.
Our habits drive our lives. They make things easier because we don’t have to think about them. We just do them.
We brush our teeth twice a day. We have that morning cup of coffee to get us going. We take a shower daily.
Habits are powerful. We don’t have to make decisions about many of the things we do daily. They are simple habits.
Have you ever tried to change a habit and replace it with a new one that serves you better? I know I have. But most of the time, I failed. I tried to change too much all at once. Or I tried to change too many things.
When I tried to count calories by writing down everything I ate, I failed. When I tried to cut out all sugar in my diet, I failed. When I tried to exercise 30 minutes every day, I failed.
So, what did I do? I quit trying.
But what if I changed one tiny thing consistently? How might that affect my life?
Check out this video to see how one microhabit and using a habit tracker changed my life.
And you know what? If you start doing one thing differently until it becomes a habit, it changes your perspective about things. I found that what I drank at meals or snack time wasn’t that important. I could focus more on enjoying the food I ate. I also found that I started feeling better by drinking water instead of Pepsi. And then, I started feeling better about myself because I was successful at doing something to improve my health.
It was a tiny microhabit. But it had powerful results.
So why is it better to make tiny, incremental change in your life instead of revamping your entire life at once? Because microhabits are simply doable
They are easier to start.
Often, the reason we have such a hard time making changes in our lives is that we just don’t know where to begin. The whole process seems so daunting and overwhelming. With microhabits, the difficulty is removed. When you’re only changing one very small thing, it barely feels like a change at all. In fact, it can be kind of fun trying out an incremental change just to see what kind of result you get.
They are easier to sustain.
While big changes tend to get real old really fast (like changing from a diet full of processed foods to something Keto or Paleo), micro-changes (like adding a vegetable to every meal) never feel hard at all. The simplicity of incremental change carries momentum all on its own.
They are fairly painless.
The big changes are sometimes so sweeping that they can actually hurt. Imagine throwing out every piece of unhealthy food in your kitchen. Then imagine standing there staring into the abyss of an empty refrigerator trying to figure out what to eat. You have nothing left that your actually liked to eat!
The nice thing about microhabits is that the change is in increments. So, if you’re working to change your diet, you may be only changing one food – like giving up soda – while still enjoying the things you love.
And ultimately, you may find it much easier to start adding other healthy microhabits in your life.
They use less energy.
Those great big changes are only going to wear you out. It’s like going for a full-fledged workout when you typically rarely leave the couch. Your body certainly isn’t ready for that kind of work, and the whole process (finding workout clothes and equipment, going to the gym, knowing what machine to use and how long, and for how many reps) can be pretty daunting.
Microhabits encourage you to take things slow, leaving you with more energy for the rest of your day. So instead of worrying about all that time at the gym, maybe you’re just deciding to take the stairs at work or to park further away from the building, so you get that extra walking in. That bypasses all that energy you’d spend going to and from the gym, and still gives you some exercise you wouldn’t normally get.
They keep you motivated.
Great big goals can feel a million miles away and easily leave you discouraged.
Microhabits set smaller goals that are achieved in tiny increments. This means you get to your destination a lot faster, leaving you with a feeling of accomplishment. That feeling helps keep you motivated as you continue to work towards change. Creating microhabits is a self-sustaining cycle of change and momentum.
While these might not seem like big achievements, the feeling of having done something special is still perfectly valid and will make you feel good about yourself, and what you’re doing.
Is there something you would like to change in your life? Can you simplify it into a microhabit?
Here is a simple habit tracker I designed and used to establish my habit! My One Thing Daily Habit Trackeris an undated printable that you could print out to complete or use in digital format and save in a file. You have a choice of three colors – green, pink, or white, and can use it over and over because it is undated.
And start your tiny, incremental change toward huge rewards in your life today!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
Decluttering and organizing is hard. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with decisions about what to keep, what to discard, and how to organize the things we keep.
Dana K White, author and decluttering expert, is the creator of this process – the Container Concept.
Understanding the Container Concept
The Container Concept is a simple but powerful principle that shifts the way we think about our belongings. I typically try to fit the most I can into a space. It doesn’t work. At least, not in the long run.
Instead, think about every space in your home as a container that has a limit.
Whether it’s a drawer, a shelf, or a whole room, each container is limited in the space it provides. In fact, your entire home is a container. It can only hold so much stuff.
The key is to recognize that the container is the decision-maker—it dictates how much we can keep. This is one of the most important principles that I had to understand and accept when decluttering and organizing my own home. Shifting the decision-making process to the container also removed my emotional involvement.
Working the Container Concept
Here’s how the Container Concept can transform your approach to decluttering and organizing:
Identify the Container
Start by identifying the space you’re working with. This could be a single drawer, a bookshelf, your entire closet, or even an entire room.
The physical boundaries of this space are the limits of the container.
Choose the stuff you want and need to keep
Sort like stuff together so you can see the quantity you own of each item and make decisions about what you want to keep and what to discard.
Next, go through your items and pick out the ones you want to keep or use regularly. Organize these in your container first.
Place like items together in a container.
Respect the Boundaries
Once the container is full, the hard part begins—everything that doesn’t fit must go. It’s all about recognizing that the container has done its job.
If you’ve chosen what you want and need and the container is full, then anything extra is excess and needs to be donated, discarded, or relocated.
Leave Space to Expand
If you fill a container until it’s completely full, you have nowhere to put additional like purchases.
Leaving extra space not only looks better, but it also gives you the option of adding items in the future.
If you don’t leave space for expansion, you may need to adopt the “one in – one out” rule. For every item you want to add to the space, an item needs to be removed to make room for it.
Apply It Everywhere
The genius of the Container Concept is its versatility.
It works everywhere in your home, from your pantry to your garage.
It even applies to less tangible “containers” like your schedule or your mental energy. They have limits too and recognizing that improves your chances of making good decisions in these areas.
By understanding and respecting the limits of your containers, you naturally begin to declutter and prioritize what’s most important to you.
Embracing the Effectiveness of the Container Concept
The Container Concept is effective because it removes the emotional burden of decision-making.
Instead of agonizing over what to keep and what to let go, the container’s physical boundaries guide your choices. Instead of trying to justify keeping items, your focus becomes making space for the things that add value to your life.
This mindset also helps prevent future clutter.
When you bring something new into your home, you’re more likely to consider where it will go and whether it will fit within your existing containers. If it doesn’t, you need to make a conscious choice about what to remove to make room for it.
By viewing your spaces as containers with fixed limits, you can simplify the decluttering and organizing process. It also reduces stress and helps you create a home that reflects what matters most to you.
The Container Concept is your ultimate decluttering and organizing decision-making tool!
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website (address below) and sign up for my newsletter. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
Do you have more stuff than the space to store it?
Which of these statements describes you and your relationship with your space?
I often find myself wasting time because I can’t find an item I need.
Sometimes, I come across things I didn’t even know I had.
I can’t bear to get rid of Grandmama’s china.
I have several boxes of memorabilia under the bed or in the attic.
I know I have to decide what to do with my mother’s and mother-in-law’s furniture, but I keep putting it off.
I have a storage facility that I pay for monthly because I can’t decide what to do with the contents. They hold fond memories for me.
I find expired food in the back of the pantry (or refrigerator) that I didn’t know I had.
I know I need to get rid of some stuff, but I’m like Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind” – “I’ll think about that tomorrow”.
Every time I start to declutter a space, I make such a big mess sorting and going through things. I dread even starting.
I’ve thought about starting a whole-home decluttering project, but the thought is so overwhelming that I simply put off thinking any more about it.
I just am not motivated to get my house in order by decluttering and organizing.
I don’t have the energy to tackle big decluttering and organizing projects.
I have enough closets and spare rooms to effectively “hide” all the extra stuff I don’t know what to do with.
I think I’ll just wait and let my children and grandchildren deal with all the stuff.
The thought of getting rid of things from my parents and grandparents is too depressing. How can I throw away precious memories?
I want to declutter and organize, but I just don’t know where to start.
Things may look a little cluttered, but I like having a lot of stuff around me.
When I was growing up, I was taught to take care of your stuff. You don’t throw away stuff that still functions. That is wasteful.
Every time I read about how to declutter and organize, it just doesn’t feel right for me. Is there really a right way to do it?
It makes me so sad when I realize that my children and grandchildren don’t want the stuff that I cherish.
Write down the number of any statement that reflects how you think or feel.
Instead of “where do I start?”, should the question be “what kind of mindset do I need to cultivate before starting a major decluttering and organizing project?”
Personally, I have struggled with many of these thoughts and feelings. After all, how do you think I came up with all of them?
When you consider whether you need to declutter and organize your space, what is holding you back? If you’re happy with everything in your home – the stuff you have and where you have it, then don’t let anyone tell you what you need to do.
However, if thinking about any of these statements makes you feel uncomfortable, what needs to change for you? Or what do you need to change? Your mind?
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
We all have those days when motivation is nowhere to be found. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some simple and effective tips to help you get back on track:
**Meditate**: Take a few minutes to calm your mind and reduce stress.
**Journal**: Write down your thoughts and feelings to process them better.
**Find Inspiration**: Read or listen to inspiring stories.
**Explore New Hobbies**: Try something new to spark your interest.
**Set Small Goals**: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
**Establish a Routine**: A consistent schedule can create a sense of normalcy.
**Practice Gratitude**: List things you’re thankful for to boost your mood.
**Get Moving**: Exercise to improve your mood and energy levels.
**Listen to Music**: Play your favorite tunes to uplift your spirits.
**Connect with Friends**: Spend time with loved ones for support.
**Surround Yourself with Positivity**: Be around motivated people.
**Prioritize Self-Care**: Take care of your physical and mental health.
**Limit Social Media**: Reduce time spent on social media to avoid comparison.
**Reflect on Achievements**: Remember past successes to build confidence.
**Take Breaks**: Short breaks can refresh your mind.
**Spend Time Outside**: Nature can have a calming and rejuvenating effect.
**Seek Help if Needed**: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional support.
These tips can help you find your motivation and enjoy life more. Remember, it’s okay to take it one step at a time. For more ideas and detailed advice, check out the original article on the [Calm blog] (https://www.calm.com/blog/i-dont-feel-like-doing-anything).
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
Have you ever noticed how many emails you get or articles you see that start with a number?
“5 Final Thoughts About…..”
“7 Things You’ll Never Regret…”
“The 11 Best…”
Well, decluttering rules are no exception! In this article, I’ll share 10 sets of rules with a specific number of rules! Confusing? It’s all in the numbers.
Here is the condensed version. If you want to know more about a specific set of rules, just click on the hyperlinked title beneath each image.
The 90/90 Rule turns out to be only one rule, but you decide on the number. It started with 90 days – 90 days before and 90 days afterward.
This works well for decluttering clothing. Ask yourself if you have worn an item in the past 90 days and whether you will wear it in the next 90 days. Then remove those items that don’t make the cut.
Turns out that the 20/20 Decluttering Rule also boils down to one rule.
This is a good rule if you are one of those people who want to hold on to an item “just in case” you might need it sometime in the future.
Describes my mother to a T! And I’m my mother’s daughter.
If you get rid of an item that you realize you need, can you replace it for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes?
If so, it goes in the discard box.
For people living in a very rural setting like I do, you may not be able to meet the 20-minute deadline, but the concept still holds. And even where I live, we have a new Family Dollar-Dollar Tree store less than 5 minutes away out here in the middle of nowhere!
These 10 Gentle Decluttering Rules are not decluttering methods or how-to rules. Instead, they are to help you learn how to let go of things and live with less.
Why is more important than how.
One thing at a time.
This is not a race.
If everything matters, nothing matters.
Keep your eyes on your own stuff.
Small progress is still progress.
Less is not nothing.
Just in case means never.
Holding on is harder than letting go.
This is love. Simplicity.
As you read the above rules, could you envision how some of them may have played out in your life? Our own interpretation of these rules is how they should be applied.
As an introduction, Taryn notes that the average American spends 2.5 days per year looking for lost items. And 20% of families who live in homes with 4 or more bedrooms have items in storage. Yikes!
Declutter little. Declutter often.
Apply KonMari decluttering techniques only to your everyday clutter.
Spontaneous combustion – meaning if an item in your home were to spontaneously disappear, how would you feel?
20/20 rule – if you rarely use an item and can replace it for less than $20 and in less than 20 minutes, get rid of it. (Hint: you will probably never end up buying it again!)
Project 333 from Courtney Carver – have 33 pieces of clothing in your closet that you commit to using for 3 months. Pack up the rest of your clothes and put them away, so you can always go back to get what you missed or needed until you are satisfied with the process.
90/90 Rule – consider if you used the item in the previous 90 days and would you use it in the next 90 days. Then make the decision to keep it or discard it.
Wait for it – if you decide you want something, wait a specified amount of time to see if you still want it. Many times, you’ll find you don’t really need it after all.
There are no rules. At least there are no hard and fast rules. Make your own rules based on what you want to accomplish and the best way that works for you, your personality, your energy level, and your available time.
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, look for the Subscribe block (below right) and submit your contact information. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything!
