5 Tips to Overcome Emotional Connection to Clutter

5 Tips to Overcome Emotional Connection to Clutter

by | May 12, 2025 | Cleaning, Closets, Digital, Organizing

Top Shelf Home Organizing is often asked how to overcome the emotional aspect of clutter and collections within a home. While we are great at getting items organized, the emotions questions are a bit more challenging. Here are our best thoughts on five effective ways to overcome an emotional connection to clutter in your home.

Identify Emotional Triggers

Reflect on why certain items are hard to let go of. Are they tied to memories, guilt, or a sense of security? Understanding these triggers can help you decide if the item truly brings value or is just a reminder of the past.

Use the "Memory Capsule" Technique

Create a small box or album for sentimental items that genuinely bring you joy. Limit the space so you are forced to prioritize the most meaningful pieces.

Practice the "One-In, One-Out" Rule

For every new item you bring into your home, remove one you no longer need. This helps maintain a balance and reduces the build-up of emotional clutter.

Photograph Sentimental Items

Take pictures of items you are emotionally attached to but no longer use. This allows you to keep the memory without holding onto the physical object.

Start Small and Gradual

Begin with an area that is less emotionally charged (like a bathroom or pantry). As you build confidence, move on to more sentimental areas, giving yourself permission to let go.

Overcoming emotional connections to items is complex. We hope this list helps to overcome some of the emotional connections. We always recommend a trained professional therapist to talk through the deep connections. Top Shelf Home Organizing is happy to help get you organized.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

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7 Essential Tips for Spring Wardrobe Organizing

7 Essential Tips for Spring Wardrobe Organizing

by | Mar 11, 2025 | Cleaning, Closets, Organizing, Wardrobe

Spring is the perfect time to give your wardrobe a fresh start! As the seasons change, so do our clothing needs, making it essential to declutter, reorganize, and refresh your closet. Top Shelf Home Organizing has seven simple steps to create a functional and stylish wardrobe that makes getting dressed a breeze.

Start with a Seasonal Swap

Pack away heavy winter clothing like thick sweaters, coats, and boots. Store them in labeled bins, vacuum-sealed bags, or under-bed storage to free up space for lighter spring essentials.

Declutter and Donate

Take a critical look at your clothing and remove anything that no longer fits, is damaged beyond repair, or hasn’t been worn in the past year. Donate gently used items to charity or sell them online for a fresh start.

Organize by Category

Sort your clothing into categories—tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and accessories. Within each category, consider organizing by color or frequency of use to make your daily routine more efficient.

Maximize Closet Space

Use space-saving hangers, shelf dividers, and storage bins to keep everything neat. Hanging organizers and shoe racks can help maximize vertical space, making it easier to find what you need.

Refresh with a Spring Palette

Spring is all about light and airy colors! If your wardrobe is feeling dull, incorporate pastel shades, floral prints, and breathable fabrics that match the season’s vibe.

Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Simplify your style with a capsule wardrobe—a curated collection of versatile pieces that mix and match effortlessly. This helps reduce decision fatigue and keeps your closet clutter-free.

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Maintain the System

To keep your wardrobe organized year-round, commit to a one-in, one-out rule—when you buy something new, donate or remove an old item. Regularly reassess your closet to prevent clutter from piling up.

With these easy steps, you can step into spring with a fresh, organized wardrobe that reflects your style and keeps your space tidy. What’s the first item you’ll declutter this season? Top Shelf Home Organizing loves to assist with wardrobe organizing. Let us know how we can help.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

Get Organized Today!

Start Fresh in 2025: Your Month-by-Month Organization Plan

Start Fresh in 2025: Your Month-by-Month Organization Plan

by | Jan 9, 2025 | Cleaning, Digital, Money & Paper Management, Organizing, Self Care, Bathroom, Work & Home Office

The new year is a great time to organize various aspects of your life and start fresh. Here’s a list of ideas to help you get started. Don’t expect to tackle the entire list in January, but maybe pick one topic for each month. At the beginning of each month, develop a plan on how you will organize one area.

Personal Goals

Set Resolutions: Define specific, achievable goals for the year.

Health & Fitness: Plan routines, set fitness goals, and book annual health check-ups.

Hobbies & Skills: Schedule time to learn something new or pursue interests.

Financial Organization

Budget: Review last year’s expenses and create a budget for the new year.

Savings & Investments: Set savings goals and review your investment portfolio.

Taxes: Prepare for tax season by gathering necessary documents.

Debt Management: Plan repayments and track your progress.

Home Organization

Decluttering: Go through closets, pantry, and other spaces to donate or discard unused items.

Cleaning Schedule: Create a weekly or monthly plan to maintain your space.

Repairs & Upgrades: List and prioritize home maintenance tasks.

Work & Professional Growth

Career Goals: Identify skills to improve or new responsibilities to take on.

Networking: Connect with colleagues and expand your professional network.

Workspace: Organize your desk and digital files for efficiency.

Family & Social Life

Calendar: Coordinate birthdays, anniversaries, and important events.

Vacations & Trips: Plan holidays or weekends away (e.g., your March family trip).

Traditions: Set plans for family rituals or start new ones.

Wellness & Mindfulness

Mental Health: Schedule self-care routines or therapy sessions if needed.

Mindfulness Practices: Start journaling, meditation, or gratitude exercises.

Time Management: Assess priorities and set boundaries to avoid burnout.

Digital Cleanup

Photos & Files: Organize digital photos and documents, and back them up.

Unsubscribe: Clear out email clutter and cancel unused subscriptions.

Password Update: Update passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

Community & Giving Back

Volunteer: Choose causes to support with time or donations.

Social Engagements: Join local groups or participate in community events.

Top Shelf Home Organizing takes pride in helping busy families get organized. Reach out to Jayme to see how Top Shelf can help you plan and get organized in 2025.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

Get Organized Today!

4 Key Areas to Organize Before the Holidays

4 Key Areas to Organize Before the Holidays

by | Dec 8, 2024 | Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Cooking & Kitchen, Eating & Kitchen, Organizing, Pantry

Preparing your home for December holidays can make the season more joyful and stress-free. Having a plan can help you prepare and avoid procrastination and last minute, unnecessary purchases. Top Shelf Home Organizing has four areas to plan and focus on to keep you focused on the reasons for this busy season.

Decorations

Sort and Declutter: Go through your holiday decorations and discard or donate broken or unused items.

Plan Placement: Decide where your tree, lights, and other decorations will go to avoid last-minute rearranging.

Store Smartly: Keep unused decor in labeled bins for easy access. Purge the décor you repeatedly decide not to use.

Kitchen and Pantry

Clean and Stock: Clear out expired items and stock up on baking essentials and festive staples (e.g., spices, flour, and beverages).

Plan Serving Ware: Ensure you have enough plates, glasses, and serving dishes for guests.

Prep in Advance: Organize your recipes and ingredients for holiday meals to save time later.

Living and Guest Spaces

Declutter Common Areas: Tidy up living rooms and clear surfaces for decorations or entertaining.

Guest Room Prep: If hosting guests, freshen up linens, clean closets, and add festive touches like candles or small gifts.

Seating Arrangement: Plan seating for larger gatherings to avoid scrambling for chairs.

Gifts and Wrapping Supplies

Inventory: Take stock of gifts already purchased and make a list of remaining items to buy.

Set a Wrapping Station: Keep wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and tags in one area for easy access. Have a plan to use the wrapping supplies you already have. This will help avoid storing excess holiday wrap supplies the remainder of the year.

Hide Gifts: Choose designated hiding spots for gifts to avoid clutter or surprises being found too early.

Planning ahead and scheduling out all of your holiday preparations will help save you stress, time and money. If preparing for a holiday brings too much stress, Top Shelf Home Organizing can help. Reach out to Jayme to see how we can help you during these busy times.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

Get Organized Today!

8 Areas to Organize Before Thanksgiving

8 Areas to Organize Before Thanksgiving

by | Nov 12, 2024 | Bathroom, Cleaning, Closets, Clutter, Cooking & Kitchen, Eating & Kitchen, Organizing, Pantry

Getting your home ready for Thanksgiving can make the holiday feel more enjoyable and less stressful. Top Shelf Home Organizing has eight key areas to focus on:

Declutter Common Areas

Clear surfaces in the living room, kitchen, dining area, and entryway. Remove unnecessary items to create an inviting, open space for guests to gather.

Deep Clean the Kitchen

This includes cleaning appliances like the oven, stove, fridge, and microwave. Make sure you have enough counter space and clean tools for all your cooking and serving needs.

Organize the Pantry

Sort through your pantry to ensure you have the essentials like spices, flour, sugar, and canned goods. Toss out expired items to make room for Thanksgiving ingredients.

Set Up the Dining Area

If you have a separate dining room, set the table with plates, napkins, and cutlery ahead of time. Consider adding a table centerpiece or festive decorations to bring a holiday feel.

Prepare Guest Rooms

If you have guests staying over, ensure the guest rooms are fresh and clean with extra towels, fresh sheets, and any essentials they may need.

Stock the Bathrooms

Make sure bathrooms are well-stocked with essentials like toilet paper, soap, hand towels, and any air fresheners. A small basket with extra amenities can make guests feel welcome.

Organize the Entryway

Clear any shoes, bags, or coats that might clutter the space where guests first arrive. You could also add hooks, a small rug, or a shoe rack to manage belongings.

Plan the Serving Area

Decide on a spot where guests can serve themselves food and drinks. It could be a kitchen counter, buffet table, or even a sideboard. Having this ready will make serving easier and keep the flow in the dining area relaxed.

Getting organized early will let you focus on enjoying the holiday and spending time with family and friends! If your busy schedule prevents you from organizing your home, Top Shelf Home Organizing is here to help. Reach out to Jayme to schedule a consultation.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

Get Organized Today!

Five Areas to Get Your Kids Organized for Summer Break

Five Areas to Get Your Kids Organized for Summer Break

by | May 21, 2024 | Cleaning, Clutter, Managing Time, Money & Paper Management, Organizing

We have crafted five areas to get your kids organized for the end of the school year. Get your kids involved for organizing and planning for summer break.

Declutter and Purge

The end of the school year is an ideal time for kids to declutter their school supplies. Going through their backpacks, desks, and lockers to remove any old papers, broken items, and unused supplies helps create a fresh start for the next school year. Encourage kids to recycle or donate items they no longer need.

Organize and Store Supplies

Sorting and storing school supplies for the summer can save time and money when the new school year begins. Labeling bins or boxes for different items such as notebooks, art supplies, and textbooks can make it easier to find them later. This also helps kids learn the importance of organization and responsibility.

Review and Reflect

 Reviewing the school year’s work and reflecting on accomplishments and areas for improvement can be beneficial. This can involve going through graded assignments, reports, and projects to see what they did well and where they can improve. It’s a good opportunity for goal-setting for the next school year.

Plan for Summer Learning

Keeping kids engaged in learning over the summer can prevent the “summer slide.” Planning educational activities, such as reading lists, science experiments, or museum visits, can keep their minds active. A summer schedule that balances learning with fun activities can help maintain a routine.

Set Up a Summer Routine

Establishing a summer routine can help kids transition smoothly from the structure of the school year to the more relaxed summer months. This routine can include set times for chores, reading, outdoor play, and family activities. A consistent routine helps kids feel secure and can make it easier to return to school in the fall.

These strategies can make the end of the school year a positive and organized experience for kids, setting them up for success in the coming year. Top Shelf Home Organizing is happy to help you organize your home for the summer.

Simple. Life. Solutions.

We would love to put our talents to use making your home and office functional and organized. Let us know how we can help your space be the best it can be.

Get Organized Today!