Cassandra Aarssen's Blog

This Speed Cleaning Trick Will Blow Your Mind!

If you’ve ever put off doing the dishes, changing your sheets, or cleaning out the fridge because you think it’s going to take forever — this post is for you.

The real problem? Our brains are big drama queens when it comes to time. But I’ve got a fun fix that will trick your brain, boost your motivation, and get your home clean in record time.

Welcome to my game show-style experiment: “How Long Does It Actually Take?” 🎉

Parkinson’s Law: The Productivity Secret You’re Not Using

Let’s start with the real MVP of this concept: Parkinson’s Law.

Parkinson’s Law states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion.”

Translation? If you think a task will take an hour, it will. But if you only give yourself 10 minutes, you’ll probably get it done in 10.

We tested this idea — with real chores and a timer!

Game Rules: How to Play “How Long Does It Actually Take?”

Wanna play along at home? Here’s how:

Pick a chore you’ve been avoiding.

Guess how long you think it will take.

Set a timer.

Race to finish it before the timer goes off.

Marvel at your own efficiency.

Let’s jump into the results!

1. The Dreaded Dishes

🕒 Estimated: 15–20 minutes
🎯 My Goal: 8 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 3 minutes, 14 seconds

I fully expected this to take forever. I had to unload the dishwasher, reload it, and handwash some pots. But once I started racing the clock? Boom. Done in just over 3 minutes.

Key takeaway: When you move with urgency, you move faster — and smarter.

2. Dusting (Swiffer for the Win)

🕒 Estimated: 10–15 minutes
🎯 My Goal: 2 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 1 minute, 40 seconds

Swiffer duster in hand, I zipped through furniture, legs, crevices — even tickled a few pumpkins. And it took less than two minutes. Why have I been avoiding this?

3. Sorting the Mountain of Laundry

🕒 Estimated: 30 minutes
🎯 My Goal: 16 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 12 minutes, 49 seconds

I had laundry for the whole family. Usually, I’d convince myself I need a solid 30–40 minutes. But with only 17 minutes before a live video, I sprinted through it. Sorted everyone’s piles, matched socks (ugh), and even put my own away. Victory!

4. Cleaning Out the Fridge

🕒 Estimated: 1 hour
🎯 My Goal: 10 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 12 minutes

Okay, this one almost beat me. I scrubbed drawers, tossed expired chili, and wiped shelves. Went a little over my guess, but still — it took way less time than expected.

Moral: Even “big” chores aren’t as long as your brain makes them out to be.

5. Mopping the Entire Basement

🕒 Estimated: 15–20 minutes
🎯 My Goal: 9 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 4 minutes

With my trusty spray mop, I crushed this one. Living room, office, gym — all mopped in under 5 minutes. If you’re still hauling around a bucket, I promise: spray mops are life-changing.

6. Deep-Cleaning the Bathroom

🕒 Estimated: 15 minutes
🎯 My Goal: 12 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 8 minutes, 21 seconds

Mirrors, toilet, and the dreaded glass shower — cleaned and conquered in under 9 minutes. Spray-and-walk-away cleaner helped big time. (Just don’t mix bleach and ammonia unless you want to pass out. Please.)

7. Washing Windows (Yes, Really)

🕒 Estimated: 45 minutes
🎯 My Goal: 17 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 11 minutes

This one blew my mind. I cleaned every window I could reach in 11 minutes — and I used to think this was a whole Saturday-level job. Nope. One good rinse and scrub = sparkling results.

8. Meal Prepping for the Week

👫 Team Effort: Me + Joe
🎯 Goal: 20 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 19 minutes, 53 seconds

Joe crushed this one! We prepped five days of lunches for a family of five in under 20 minutes. Teamwork + focus = a fridge full of food and no stress at mealtimes.

9. Changing the Sheets (Duvet Included 😩)

🕒 Estimated: Who even knows, it’s awful
🎯 My Goal: 6 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 7 minutes, 45 seconds

Who invented duvet covers? They are the worst. Still, even with the blanket-in-a-blanket meltdown, the whole bed was fresh and made in under 8 minutes.

10. Cleaning Out the Car

🕒 Estimated: 15 minutes
🎯 My Goal: 5 minutes
⏱ Actual Time: 4 minutes

Trash out, wipes in hand, surfaces sparkling. I even found a mini skateboard (because of course I did). It felt amazing — and only took 4 minutes. Why do I avoid this again?

The 3 Ps to Beat Procrastination

This whole experiment proved something BIG — and it boils down to the 3 Ps:

Problem = Procrastination. You dread it, so you delay it.

Principle = Parkinson’s Law. The task expands to fill the time you give it.

Promise = You can get more done in less time — if you try.

Don’t just read this, actually give it a try!
Pick a task you’ve been avoiding. Guess how long it’ll take. Then cut that time in half and set a timer. See what happens.

Most of our resistance to cleaning and organizing isn’t about the task — it’s about how long we think it will take. But when we shrink the time, the task shrinks too. That’s the magic of Parkinson’s Law.

So go ahead — beat the clock. Play the game.
And win yourself a clean and tidy home ✨

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

#organization #organizing #homeorganizing

Why You’re Still Drained — and How to Get Your Energy Back with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

If you’re exhausted, unmotivated, or mentally fried, this episode is for you.
I’m sitting down with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, physician, researcher, and author of Sacred Rest, to talk about the 7 different types of rest — and why getting more sleep isn’t the real solution to burnout.

Dr. Saundra explains how true rest goes beyond naps or vacations — it’s about recharging the areas where your energy is being drained: mentally, emotionally, socially, creatively, and more. She also shares how building a rest ethic (just like a work ethic!) can help you feel productive, peaceful, and joyful again.

If you’ve been pushing yourself nonstop, this conversation will help you understand why rest isn’t lazy — it’s powerful. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what kind of rest you’re missing and how to get it.

✨ We talk about:

The 7 types of rest — and how to tell which one you need most

 

The real signs of burnout (and why sleep alone won’t fix it)

 

The difference between “fake rest” and restorative rest

 

How to build a healthy rest ethic without losing your drive

 

Simple ways to recharge your mind and body in five minutes or less

 

Why true rest makes you more creative, focused, and happy

 

🧘 Learn more from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith:
→ Take the Rest Quiz: https://www.restquiz.com
→ Website: https://www.drdaltonsmith.com
→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdaltonsmith

→ Book: Sacred Rest
→ Podcast: I Choose My Best Life

And if this episode helps you rethink rest, please like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who needs permission to take a break.
Because rest isn’t quitting — it’s recharging. 💛

#clutterbug #burnout #rest #selfcare #sacredrest #mentalhealth #productivity #podcast

 

Declutter These 20 Things for More Space Today!

Is your home feeling smaller and more cluttered than ever?  Get rid of these 20 space stealers lurking in your home right now!  They’re taking up room, creating visual clutter, and preventing your home from functioning the way you want it to.

Here’s what to finally say goodbye to 👋

1. Giant Entertainment Units

Straight out of the ‘90s and early 2000s, these beasts take up so much space (and they’re probably full of junk you don’t need! Time to ditch the towers, the bridge, and everything in between.

2. Old-School Computer Desks

Remember the ones with the keyboard tray and space for a clunky monitor tower? Yup — they’re still out there but nowadays computers are smaller or we’re using laptops so all you need is a sleek desk that will save you tonnes of space!

3. Fake Giant Plants

We’re looking at you, dusty ficus with the fairy lights. These plastic monsters eat corners for breakfast. If it doesn’t bring you joy (or oxygen), let it go.

4. Excess Plant Stands

One or two? Fine. But if your plant has its own piece of furniture, we need to talk. Use shelves, windowsills, or surfaces you already have instead of taking up valuable floor space!

5. Entire Linen Closets

If you’re not running a bed and breakfast, you don’t need an entire closet full of sheets and blankets. Keep one extra set per bed and store them under the bed. (Also, it’s time to let go of the duvet you bought in college and are holding on to “just in case”.)

6. Under-Bed Junk Piles

Pop quiz: What’s under your bed? If your answer is “I have no idea,” it’s probably wasted space. Clear it out and store seasonal clothes, memory bins, or extra linens instead.

7. Formal Dining Hutches

Not the dining table — we’re talking about the enormous china cabinet filled with dishes you never use. You deserve open, breathable dining space. The hutch can go.

8. Guest Room Furniture

You don’t need a whole room for the in-laws who visit once a year. Use an air mattress, Murphy bed, or pull-out sofa and turn that room into something you will actually enjoy every day.

9. Throw Pillows

Who needs that many pillows?  I”m guilty of it too 🙈  Try scaling back and ditch the closet full of extras too!

10. Vintage DJ-Size Speakers

Waist-high stereo speakers from the ’80s? They’re not even plugged in anymore. Toss them and take your living room back!

11. The Entire Storage Room

Here’s a hard truth: If it’s in storage, you probably don’t want it. Reclaim that basement/spare room and turn it into something useful (craft room, home office, library!). Seasonal decor excluded, of course.

12. Giant One-Use Kitchen Appliances

Bread makers, ice cream machines, multiple blenders, rice cookers and an Instant Pot? Be honest: how many do you actually use? These gadgets are robbing you of counter space.

13. DVDs, CDs, and VHS Tapes

The truth is you probably don’t even watch them anymore and they’re just taking up space.  Time to say good by – yes, even that collector’s edition of Titanic.

14. Too Many Pet Accessories

Your dog doesn’t need a wardrobe. One leash, one collar, one cozy spot. Same goes for cat towers — unless your cat is actually using it, it’s just taking up space as a fancy fur-covered sculpture.

15. Band-Aid Storage Solutions

You know the plastic drawer carts, tiny bookcases, or stacked bins in corners? These aren’t solving your clutter — they are the clutter. Swap them for real, vertical storage like tall shelving units.

16. Textbooks, Encyclopedias & Old Magazines

If you haven’t cracked it open in a decade, it’s not coming off the shelf now. Let those college textbooks and dusty magazines go.

17. Dressers That Don’t Work

If your kids are butterflies or you’re a Ladybug like me, dressers = clothing purgatory. Consider tall cube shelving for tripled storage and way more function.

18. Empty Boxes

Vacuum box, TV box, blender box… why are we keeping literal trash? Your basement is not a cardboard museum.

19. Visual Clutter on the Walls

Wallpaper borders, old posters, sticker-covered doors from your teen’s grunge phase — all of it shrinks your space visually. A little wall decluttering = big impact.

20. Unused Organizing Products

We’ve all done it — bought bins to “get organized someday” and then… never did. If you’ve got a stash of baskets, dividers, and drawer organizers that are still empty, it’s time to donate them and free up the space.

Even if you let go of just one of these space-stealers, your home is going to feel lighter, brighter, and easier to maintain. You don’t need a bigger house — just fewer things taking up space.

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

#clutterbug #organization #organizing #homeorganizing

The Wheel of Decluttering: A Fun Way to Finally Let Go with Abigail Roe

Ever feel like your stuff is running your life instead of the other way around? Like no matter how much you declutter, your home still feels overwhelming — and every “maybe someday” pile just keeps growing?

In this episode, I sit down with decluttering coach and creator of Downsize Upgrade, Abigail Roe, to talk about why letting go isn’t just about tough love or sentimentality — it’s about logic, systems, and learning to stop overthinking your stuff.

Abigail shares her refreshingly practical approach to simplifying, from her “Wheel of Decluttering” challenge to her F.I.V.E. method for curating clothes. She brings equal parts truth bombs and silly jingles (yes, really!) to make the process not only doable but fun.

Whether you’re drowning in clothes that don’t fit, sentimental keepsakes, or just way too many organizing containers — this conversation will leave you motivated, clear-headed, and ready to finally make space for joy and productivity.

✨ We talk about:

Why “being sentimental” often masks a struggle to let go

 

The F.I.V.E. method for deciding what clothes deserve space in your closet

 

How curating as you go makes decluttering easier (and less emotional)

 

The genius behind the Wheel of Decluttering — and why you’ll want to spin it

 

How to stop impulse buying before it fills your home again

 

Why joy plus productivity is the real secret to lasting change

 

🗂️ Learn more from Abigail Roe:
→ Website: https://www.downsizeupgrade.com/

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downsizeupgrade

→ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DownsizeUpgrade

→  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigailatdownsizeupgrade/

→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@downsizeupgrade

And if this episode gave you the motivation you needed to finally tackle your clutter, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend. Your home doesn’t need more storage solutions — it needs less stuff. 💛

#clutterbug #mondaymotivation #podcast #delcutter #decluttermotivation

The Secret to a Tidy Home: Zoning 101

Zoning your home is the missing piece most people overlook when trying to get organized.   If you skip this step, your house will never be easy to maintain. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true. Once you nail this, your house practically organizes itself.

So grab a metaphorical tour bus ticket because I’m going to be your guide as we explore the “realm of zoning.” 🚍✨

What Is Zoning (and Why Does It Matter)?

Zoning means giving every category of items in your home a specific place to live — not just in a random drawer, but in a logical, functional “zone.”

Think of it like this:

Regions = Rooms

Cities = Activity areas inside the room

Neighborhoods = Smaller categories within those areas

When everything has a clear “address,” it’s easy for anyone in your family to find it and put it back. That’s how you stop the endless cycle of tidying and re-tidying.

STEP 1: Map Your Home

Before you buy bins or baskets, sketch out your house. Each room is a region.

Then within each room, divide it into cities. For example, in the kitchen you might have:

Hot Beverage City: coffee maker, mugs, tea, sugar

Cooking City: pots, pans, utensils

Snack City: chips, granola bars, treats

Inside each city are the neighbourhoods. For instance, in Hot Beverage City, you might have the “Coffee Neighborhood” (all your coffee stuff together) and the “Tea Neighbourhood” (all your tea together).

STEP 2: Tour Your Home by Zones

Let’s take a tour of some common zones so you can see how this works:

The Entrance Zone

This is your landing region — coats, shoes, bags, and keys. Break it down further into:

Mudroom City: shoes, boots, coats

Utility City: batteries, manuals, flashlights

The Craft Zone

If you’re a crafter, you need a dedicated Craft City (whether it’s a whole room, a corner, or just one drawer). Inside:

Tool Town: scissors, glue, tape

Kids’ Crafts Neighborhood: crayons, markers, paper

Your Hobbies Neighborhood: yarn, paints, or whatever you love

The Exercise Zone

Even if you don’t work out much (same 🙋‍♀️), keeping equipment together is key. Dumbbells, yoga mats, and resistance bands all belong in Strength City — ideally near where you actually use them.

The Guest Zone

Think like a host: guests should easily find everything they need.

Snack Neighborhood: granola bars, drinks

Toiletry Neighborhood: spare toothbrush, soap, lotion

Comfort Neighborhood: blankets, towels, pillows

The Pet Zone

Pets need their own city too! Put bowls, treats, leashes, and meds all together in Pet City so nothing gets lost (and your family knows where to look).

STEP 3: Zone for Laziness

Zoning isn’t about perfection — it’s about making life easier. Put things where you use them.

Dishes should live near the dishwasher.

Dog food should be stored right where you feed your dog.

First aid and medicines should be neighbors in the bathroom so you can grab a bandage and Advil in one trip.

When you zone for laziness, you save time and energy — and your home naturally stays tidier.

STEP 4: Declutter + Zone = Magic

Here’s the hard truth: you can’t zone clutter. If you’ve got duplicates, random piles, or stuff scattered across multiple rooms, you’ll never feel on top of it.

Declutter first. Then zone what’s left.

👉 This way, when you pick something up, you’ll instantly know where it belongs. And if it doesn’t have a zone? That’s your clue it probably doesn’t belong in your home.

Real-Life Example: From Doom Room to Done

I recently worked with Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD and her partner, Raph, on their “doom room.” At first, you couldn’t even see the floor. But once we decluttered and zoned their house, everything clicked.

Now when they pick up an item, they know exactly where it goes. And if it doesn’t have a zone? It doesn’t stay.

Their entire home has stayed tidy since, because zoning takes away the guesswork.

🏡 See their makeover here! 

Your Homework: Make Your Map 🗺️

Grab a notebook and walk through your house like you’re a stranger who just moved in.

Sketch each room (region).

Break it into cities based on activities.

Create neighbourhoods for the smaller categories.

It may mean moving things around at first, but once every “neighbour” lives beside its logical friends, your house will practically run itself.

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/ffwh
Facebook: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Clutterbug
TikTok: https://urlgeni.us/tiktok/TikTokClutterbug
Website: http://www.clutterbug.me

Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

How to Become the Person You Want to Be with Mimi Bouchard

In today’s episode, I’m talking with Mimi Bouchard about something so much bigger than just organizing your home — we’re talking about organizing your life. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or trapped in negative self-talk, this conversation is for you.

I’ll be honest, “manifestation” always sounded a little too magical to me, but what Mimi shares is real, practical, and life-changing. It’s not about chanting or meditating in silence — it’s about shifting the way you speak to yourself, creating clarity about who you want to be, and stepping into that version of yourself right now.

Mimi shares her simple two-step formula for transformation — clarity and becoming — and how you can rewire your self-image so success and confidence feel natural instead of impossible. We’ll talk about habit stacking, positive self-talk, and why your future self is waiting for you to show up today.

If you’re tired of waiting for “someday” to finally feel proud of yourself and your life, this episode will inspire you to stop holding back and start becoming who you were always meant to be.

Learn more about Activations here: https://mimibouchard.com/#Activations

Follow Mimi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimibouchard/?hl=en

How To Organize A Kitchen for EVERY Style!

If keeping your kitchen clean feels like a never ending chore, you’re not alone — especially when your house is full of people who organize completely differently than you do.

This post is all about those real-life compromises that make a shared kitchen actually work — even if you’re a Ladybug married to a Bee, or a Cricket trying to survive in a Butterfly’s world. These tips work whether you’re visual or hidden, detailed or not.

Let’s dive into smart organizing tricks that keep your kitchen functional, tidy, and still really pretty.

Start Here: Know Your Organizing Style (and Everyone Else’s Too)

Everyone organizes differently!  If you’re not sure what your style is (or the people living with you) be sure to take the quiz here, it’ll be SUPER helpful in creating systems that work for everyone!

Here’s a quick breakdown of the four Clutterbug styles:

Bee: Visual + Detailed

Butterfly: Visual + Not Detailed

Ladybug: Hidden + Not Detailed

Cricket: Hidden + Detailed

Knowing who you’re living with is everything.

The Golden Rule!

When organizing for multiple styles, the golden rule is:
👉 Default to the Visual and the Non-Detailed

That means if a Butterfly lives with a Cricket?  The Butterfly wins. (Sorry, Crickets.)

Compromise Hack #1: Decant (Only When It Makes Sense)

Let’s talk decanting. I’m not saying you should decant everything – because that doesn’t work for everyone.  BUT if you’re a Ladybug, you probably just want to keep everything hidden but say you live with Bees and Butterflies?  They need to see what they have so decanting may make some sense.

For the hidden organizers – if you’re leaving soap, hand lotion, or dish soap out on the counter – it can feel chaotic and too much.   Instead, decanting them and putting them in pretty matching containers (which takes one second) will instantly makes the space feel less chaotic — no visual noise, no mismatched branding, and no stress.

Compromise Hack #2: Make Drawers Work for Each Style

Everyone can win with drawers — if they’re set up right:

For Bees & Butterflies: Use clear containers or snack bins with stacking systems so everything is visible at a glance. Great for things like snacks or pantry items.

For Ladybugs & Crickets: Use open-top bins in drawers — just toss and go. Still organized, but way less fussy.

Remember: it’s okay to organize your space in your style. So if only one person uses the spice drawer, organize it to work for them.

Compromise Hack #3: Create a “Visual But Tidy” Setup

Visual organizers often struggle with things hidden behind doors (because they forget).   But you can make it work for everyone by keeping things visible inside closed spaces. How?

Use clear bins, lazy Susans, or pull-out trays inside cupboards.

Stick peel-and-stick hooks on the back of cabinet doors for things like oven mitts or paper towel holders.

Use wall-mounted or stick-on bins for things like plastic wrap, foil, or small tools.

Everything’s behind a door, so it feels hidden… but it’s still easy to see and access. Win-win.

Compromise Hack #4: Use Vertical Space (Especially for Food!)

You know I love a good wall system. Try this:

Use hanging baskets on a wall for fruits and veggies.

It’s functional, visual, and super budget-friendly.

Bonus: your produce lasts longer because you see it and use it before it goes bad.

This is one of my favorite tricks — especially in small kitchens.

Compromise Hack #5: Create Smart Zones

Before you organize, ask yourself: what do you do most often in your kitchen?

Brew tea or coffee?

Bake?

Reheat leftovers in the microwave?

Help with kids’ homework?

Whatever it is — that gets the prime real estate. Put all the tools for that task together in one spot. (Here at Clutterbug HQ, coffee is important so we have a full hot beverage station with syrups, tea, mugs, and honey all in one drawer.)

Organizing by activity keeps your space easy to use and harder to mess up.

Compromise Hack #6: Open Shelving

If someone in your home is visual, they probably leave stuff all over the counters.
Try this instead:

Add open shelving for everyday items like dishes and mugs.

Keep color choices minimal (2–3 colors max) so it doesn’t feel chaotic (for those hidden organizers).

Store above the dishwasher or near the sink to simplify cleanup.

It looks cute and keeps surfaces clear — no more “Where does this go?” chaos.

Compromise Hack #7: Keep it Neutral

Here’s a sneaky trick: the more visual clutter you have on your walls, the more overwhelming the space feels for hidden organizers.

So go light or neutral with paint, backsplashes, and finishes. That way, the stuff that needs to be out (like dishes or your coffee bar) becomes the “decor,” and it doesn’t compete with wild wall colors.

Neutral doesn’t mean boring. It means peaceful.

Compromise Hack #8: Hide the Big Stuff

Want to instantly make your kitchen feel calmer?

Hide the fridge, dishwasher, and microwave with cabinet panels.

Use a portable induction cooktop instead of a traditional stove — especially if you barely use your oven.

This keeps the appliances out of sight, so the everyday messier things can be out without overwhelming the space. It’s a total visual game-changer — especially for Ladybugs and Crickets.

Compromise Hack #9: Use Peel-and-Stick Everything

If you rent or just want easy, non-permanent upgrades, peel-and-stick accessories are your BFF:

Rods for towels

Hooks for tools

Mini shelves and wall bins

These tiny add-ons give you smart storage without drilling holes, and they help everyone keep things where they belong.

Compromise Hack #10: Add a Visual Command Center

Everyone needs a drop zone — for bills, permission slips, schedules, and reminders.

Create a small command centre in your kitchen using:

Wall files

Pinboards

Magnetic dry-erase boards

Cute baskets or clipboards

This keeps paper clutter off the counters and makes the space feel calm and purposeful.

Final Pop Quiz: Who Wins in a Shared Kitchen?

🐞 Ladybug + Cricket? = Ladybug wins

🐝 Bee + Butterfly? = Butterfly wins

🐝 Bee + Cricket? = Bee wins

The visual + non-detailed always wins — not because they’re better, but because it’s the easiest to maintain for everyone.

And if you’re a Cricket? I see you. I love you. I married one. (Sorry, Joe 😅)

Want More Organizing Style Tips?

If you’re new here and wondering, “Wait, what Clutterbug style am I?” — take the free quiz here. It’s a game-changer for understanding why things never stay tidy and how to fix it (without changing who you are).

Shop the products I used in this video!
Amazon Canada
Soap Dispenser Set: https://amzn.to/42tBXzp
K Cup Holder: https://amzn.to/4nibld2
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Oven Mitt: https://amzn.to/3JZbJ1F
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🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

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Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

The Emotional Reason You’re Holding On to Too Much Stuff

In this episode, we’re breaking down how your attachment style affects the way you hold on to clutter. Whether you’re secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized, these patterns don’t just show up in your relationships—they also show up in your home. Learn why it feels so hard to let go of stuff, how your emotions are tied to clutter, and simple steps to create a home that feels calm and peaceful.

🎧 Want to leave a question or message for Cas? Go to www.clutterbug.com/TalkToCas and record your message now!

Cozy & Magical Home Ideas for Fall

If you’re ready to cozy up your space for Fall and sprinkle a little magic into your home, here are my favorite easy, budget-friendly fall DIYs and decorating ideas .

1. Cozy Up All Five Senses

Want to make your home feel instantly fall-ified.🍁? Think beyond just sight — cozy is a full-body experience. Here’s how to hit all five senses:

Smell: Simmer pots and fall-scented candles are game changers. Throw some apple slices, cinnamon, and cloves into a pot of water and let it simmer away.

Sight: Add fairy lights, candlelight, and soft, warm lighting to create a magical glow.

Touch: Think chunky blankets, plush pillows, and layered textures — all things snuggly and soft.

Taste: Apple crisp, pumpkin loaf, or warm muffins. Your kitchen is your coziest decor when it smells and tastes like fall.

Sound: Try a nature sound playlist — rustling leaves, waterfalls, birdsong. It’s shockingly calming.

2. Create a Calm Bedroom Sanctuary

If you’re in a burnout season (hi, same), your bedroom should feel like a calm, muted cocoon. I swapped out bright colors for soft neutrals, added texture with waffle-knit throws, and layered in a budget rug to ground the space.

Here’s the secret formula:

Neutral curtains to quiet the room visually.

Comfortable, practical chairs from a discount store (don’t sleep on secondhand finds).

Textured throws and knitted blankets for cozy layering.

Twinkle lights for soft, warm glow at night.

This transformation isn’t about making it “perfect” — it’s about making it peaceful. I call this season “Muted Magic.”

3. Sprinkle in Nature

Bringing the outdoors in is my favorite fall decorating hack. Here’s what I used:

Faux Dollar Tree pumpkins (painted in neutral tones)

Dried grasses and fragmites from a nearby ditch (zero dollars, full impact)

Painted leaves for a subtle natural touch

It’s fall decor without being loud — and it’s cheap. One bin of seasonal items is all you need to transform your home without cluttering it.

4. DIY a Loose Leaf Tea Station

Your kitchen counter? It’s begging to become a mini tea apothecary. Here’s how:

Use glass jars to store loose leaf teas, dried herbs, and lemon slices.

Add a pretty teapot or kettle, plus a spoon for honey (bonus points if it’s from your own hive like mine!).

Label the jars (you know I had to), and arrange everything on a stand or tray.

It’s beautiful and functional — and it turns your daily tea into a calming fall ritual.

5. Make a Sweet Treat Station

If you’re baking pumpkin muffins anyway (or just grabbing some store-bought treats), turn them into decor:

Add cake domes and jars to a cleared kitchen corner.

Fill them with baked goods, croissants, or seasonal cookies.

Tuck in some fairy lights and a few tiny pumpkins or faux leaves.

It’s functional, adorable, and makes your kitchen smell like a cozy cottage bakery.

6. Warm Spices

Don’t forget your spice cabinet! Bring your fall MVPs (pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) front and center so they’re easy to grab and give your cabinet that warm fall vibe every time you open it.

7. Try Dollar Tree Fall Decor

Decorating doesn’t mean adding chaos. It’s about creating signals for your brain that say: “This is your sanctuary.”

Here’s the rule: if it doesn’t spark coziness, it doesn’t stay. But a few new Dollar Tree goodies — in soft pinks, grays, or blues — can refresh your space and help you fall in love with your home all over again.

8. DIY Fall Soaps

Making soap is way easier than it sounds and it’s the perfect mix of practical and magical. You just need:

Melt-and-pour shea butter or glycerin base

Add-ins like dried lavender, chamomile, oatmeal, or essential oils

Silicone molds (Dollar Tree or Amazon)

Just melt, pour, sprinkle in your magic, and let them set. You’ll have the coziest little handmade soaps to use or gift — no witchcraft required.

9. DIY Fall Candles

Grab those vintage teacups (yes, the ones I told you to declutter 😅) and make your own fall-scented candles:

Melt beeswax or soy wax pellets in a double boiler.

Secure the wick to the bottom of your teacup or cute vessel.

Pour in wax, then add essential oils in fall scents like snickerdoodle or cider.

Decorate with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise.

These are seriously beautiful, smell amazing, and make great gifts too.

10. Let in the Fall Magic

Here’s your friendly reminder: adding fall magic doesn’t mean adding clutter. You don’t need to go full Hobby Lobby haul.  A few cozy, intentional pieces + a little nature + a few sensory moments = autumn perfection.

This season is your permission slip to slow down, soften up, and let your home hug you back.

🧡 Bonus: Want More Fall Inspiration?

Don’t miss my collab with Joyful Hostess (aka Mara!) for a Practical Magic inspired Fall Party ideas here – think fall recipes (like a chocolate cake),  cocktail ideas, and table decor that all look so magical!  .

🎙 Subscribe to my Podcast Channel & Get Inspired! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzb9pSHe_w_e1jeg5BaK-bQ? sub_confirmation=1

🧺 ORGANIZING & STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR UNIQUE ORGANIZING STYLE: https://clutterbug.me/2025/02/storage-and-organizing-solutions-to-fit-your-style.html

✨ DECLUTTER & CLEAN LIKE A PRO – My Top Picks
Fave Cleaning Tools : https://urlgeni.us/amazon/2xYW0
Fave Organizing Solutions: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/JOrJm
Kitchen Organizing Faves: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/8YWRx
🛍️ SHOP MY AMAZON: https://urlgeni.us/amazon/Clutterbug

📲 Let’s Get Social! Follow Me Here ↓
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Some links are Amazon affiliate links to products I love!  I may earn a small commissions for purchases made through these links (but don’t worry, it doesn’t cost you anything extra)

Why Organization Beats Design Every Time with Carrie Locklyn

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Carrie Locklyn—a woman whose journey is as inspiring as it is entertaining. From her early days as a backup dancer for Mariah Carey (yes, you heard that right!) to touring the world with iconic stars, Carrie’s story is one of fearless reinvention. I was blown away as she shared how she moved from the dance floor to embracing the art of organization, transitioning into an HGTV star and mastering the craft of interior design.

We dove into the real, unglamorous side of life on TV—talking about everything from lugging boxes in messy hotel rooms to finding beauty in the chaos of decluttering. Carrie’s down-to-earth approach, her knack for mixing humor with practical advice, and the way she champions taking risks, even if it means failing spectacularly, truly resonated with me. I was especially struck by how she balances the art and science of organizing—turning everyday clutter into a canvas for a soulful, personal space.

Tune in for a spirited conversation packed with laughter, tough truths, and a whole host of behind-the-scenes stories that remind us that sometimes, saying “yes” to life’s challenges is the boldest design choice of all.

To learn more about Carrie, check out her website https://www.carrielocklyn.com/

Follow Carrie on her socials! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie_locklyn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieLocklynExtremeMakeover/