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Books to Inspire and to Guide Your Decluttering

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Books

Books to Inspire and to Guide Your Decluttering

If you are someone who learns by reading and prefers to have books to refer to, here are some suggestions for popular and helpful books on decluttering.

Real Life Organizing by Cassandra Aarssen
This book focuses on organizing your home in small, realistic chunks—often just 15 minutes a day—making it ideal for beginners who feel overwhelmed by clutter.

The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker
This room-by-room guide shows how to gradually reduce clutter and create calmer spaces throughout your home, making it an approachable starting point for people new to decluttering.

The More of Less by Joshua Becker
A popular introduction to minimalism that explains how owning fewer things can create more time, freedom, and financial flexibility. Becker combines personal stories with practical advice on reducing excess possessions.

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders
Part memoir and part guide, this book follows the author’s year-long challenge to stop unnecessary shopping and reduce what she owned. Along the way she reflects on spending habits, consumer culture, and how simplifying her life led to greater clarity and freedom.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
This bestselling guide introduces the KonMari method, which encourages keeping only items that “spark joy”. Instead of tidying room by room, Kondo suggests decluttering by category so you can see how much you own and make clearer decisions about what to keep.

Clutter Free by Kathi Lipp
A gentle, encouraging guide that helps readers simplify their homes with quick, practical steps and manageable goals rather than strict organizing rules.

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson
This thoughtful book explores the Scandinavian practice of gradually decluttering your belongings so that others won’t have to deal with them later. It blends practical advice with reflections on aging, memories, and living more simply.

Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin
Rubin explains how organizing your surroundings can improve focus, productivity, and mental clarity. The book offers short, manageable steps for creating order without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s All Too Much by Peter Walsh
Walsh explores the emotional reasons we hold onto too many possessions and provides practical guidance for clearing clutter room by room. The focus is on creating a home that supports the life you actually want to live.

Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White
A practical, realistic approach for people who struggle to stay organized. White focuses on small, manageable steps and quick decluttering sessions so the process feels doable instead of overwhelming.

If you still need help, you can reach out to me for virtual organizing or one to one organizing to help you not feel overwhelmed on your organizing projects.

Photo: Pixabay

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Strategies for Keeping Bathroom Essentials Organized

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bathroom, Declutter

Strategies for Keeping Bathroom Essentials Organized

Small bathrooms have a way of collecting clutter fast. One tube of toothpaste, a few skincare products, extra toilet paper, hair tools, and suddenly the counter is full. When space is limited, the key is not just cleaning up. It’s finding simple ways to organize the everyday things you actually use.

A good first step is taking a quick inventory of what really belongs in the bathroom. Most of us keep far more products than we use regularly. Half-empty bottles, expired makeup, and samples from years ago take up valuable space. Clearing those out makes it much easier to organize what’s left.

Once you know what you’re keeping, think vertically. In a small bathroom, wall space is your friend. Simple wall shelves above the toilet or next to the mirror can hold towels, extra toilet paper, or baskets for everyday items. Over-the-door organizers can also work surprisingly well for things like hair tools, brushes, and extra toiletries.

Drawer dividers can make a huge difference too. Without them, drawers quickly turn into a jumble of small items. With a few simple organizers, you can separate things like makeup, dental items, and grooming tools so you’re not digging around every morning looking for what you need.

Baskets and small bins are another easy solution. Grouping similar items together keeps everything easier to find. Use one basket for hair products, one for skincare, and still another for first aid items. When everything has a designated place, the counter stays clearer and putting things away becomes automatic.

If counter space is tight, look for ways to store things just out of sight but still within reach. Under-sink cabinets are perfect for stacking bins or small drawers that hold extra supplies. Clear containers can help you quickly see when you’re running low on things like cotton swabs or toothpaste.

It also helps to keep the counter limited to just a few daily essentials. Consider a toothbrush holder, hand soap, and maybe one small tray for items you use every day is usually enough. When the counter isn’t overcrowded, the whole room instantly feels calmer and easier to keep clean.

Small bathrooms may not have a lot of storage. Still, with a little creativity, they can still stay organized. A few baskets, some vertical storage, and a habit of keeping only what you actually use can make the space feel bigger, tidier, and much less stressful during busy mornings.

Photo: Pixabay

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Goals Got You Down? Play BINGO!

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Goals, Productivity

Goals Got You Down? Play BINGO!

Instead of making a long intimidating list of things you “should” do, make a simple bingo card. Make a 5×5 grid. Write your goals in the squares. Vary the goals:  Big ones. Tiny ones. Fun ones. Annoying but necessary ones. The center can be a free space or something easy to get the momentum going.

The magic is that you are not trying to do everything. You are just trying to complete a row or column. Suddenly it feels like a game instead of a grind. You start looking for quick wins to fill in a row. Maybe one square says clean out one drawer. Another says send that email you have been avoiding. Another says walk for 20 minutes. BINGO! It adds up fast.

It also works because it mixes effort levels. On days when you have energy, tackle a harder square. On low energy days, knock out a small one and still feel progress. You are building streaks without the pressure of perfection.

When you get bingo, celebrate it. Start a new card. Change the themes. Make one for home projects, one for fitness, or one for creative work.

Turning goal setting into something visual and satisfying without being overwhelming is, honestly, is half the battle. Won’t you feel wonderful accomplishing all that you set out to do in a fun and manageable way?

Photo: Pixabay

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Safe Selling Online

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Declutter, Selling

Safe Selling Online

Selling online can be great, but you want your money and your safety intact. Here’s how to protect both when using Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist.

General Safety Tips (All Platforms)

  1. Keep communication on the platform.
    Don’t switch to text or email. Scammers often try to move you off the platform because you lose protection.
  2. Never accept overpayments.
    If someone “accidentally” sends extra money and asks you to refund the difference, it’s almost always a scam.
  3. Use cash or secure platform payments only.

Avoid:

  • Wire transfers
  • Gift cards
  • Zelle/Venmo for strangers (no seller protection)
  • “My cousin will pick it up” and any weird payment methods
  1. Don’t share personal info.
    No home address (unless absolutely necessary), no phone number if you can avoid it, no verification codes.
  2. Trust your gut.
    If the message feels scripted, rushed, or weirdly urgent, walk away.

Selling on Facebook Marketplace

  • Use buyer profiles to your advantage. Brand-new accounts with no photos, posts, or friends? Be cautious.
  • For local pickup: meet in a public place, ideally:
    • Police station parking lot (many have designated exchange spots)
    • Busy shopping center under lights near the front entrance
  • If they insist on paying before seeing the item and sending a third party? Red flag.

 Selling on eBay

  • Ship only to the address listed in the transaction.
  • Use tracking—and require signature for higher-value items.
  • Photograph the item and packing process for expensive sales.
  • Don’t agree to off platform deals to “avoid fees.” You lose seller protection.

eBay actually has solid seller protections—if you follow their rules.

Selling on Craigslist

  • Cash is king for local sales.
  • Meet in daylight.
  • Bring a friend if the item is large or pickup is at your home.
  • Don’t let strangers inside your house if you can avoid it—move items to the garage or porch.

Craigslist has the least protection built in, so you have to create your own safety net.

Speaking of which, in general, be sure to inform family or close friends by text where you are meeting the seller. Call and even leave the phone line open so that they can hear the transaction. Afterwards, text them/tell them that the exchange went well and that you are on your way home.

Payment Tips by Situation

Situation

Best Payment Option

Local pickup

Cash

Shipped item

Platform payment (eBay checkout, FB checkout)

High-value item

Bank deposit or platform payment and signature required shipping

Common Scam Scripts to Watch For

  • “I’m out of town, but I’ll send a courier/my son/a friend.”
  • “I can’t come see it, but I’ll pay full price.”
  • “I need your email to send payment.”
  • “Kindly send…”

The word “kindly” in a random sales message? Not a guarantee of a scam, but… suspiciously common.

Photo: Pixabay

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Pros and Cons of Selling Online

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Declutter, Selling

Pros and Cons of Selling Online

You have “stuff” you don’t want any longer, but it’s not the kind of item you can donate. What’s more, it’s too good to throw out. I’m thinking of that collection of miniature porcelain teacups you inherited, specialized books that your local library will not accept for the book sale, or a crafting kit you had good intentions of creating something with, but in which you have since lost interest. Your local consignment store won’t accept these items because there’s too limited a market for them.

You decide to sell the items online, which is a good option if you’re not looking to make big bucks. Rather, think of doing so as getting paid for not throwing your stuff in the trash.

The two most popular sites are Facebook Marketplace and eBay. (I’m ignoring Craigslist because it isn’t what it used to be, though could be an option depending on where you live.)

Here are pros and cons for using Marketplace and eBay.

Marketplace

Pros:

  • Local buyers
  • No shipping costs (unless you choose the option to allow shipping)
  • No commissions or fees

Cons:

  • You need a Facebook account
  • Scammers abound here
  • You get a lot of messages asking, “Is this available?” from people who have no interest in buying
  • No-shows are not uncommon
  • In-person transactions with strangers can be dangerous. (My next blog post will provide tips below for mitigating danger.)

eBay

Although eBay started as an auction site, you may not be aware that it is now possible to list a fixed price for selling. You can also list a minimum offer you’d accept and the offer price where eBay can sell automatically. For example, you can list an item for $30, but indicate you’ll accept $25 without eBay reaching out to you for confirmation and that the minimum offer you’d accept is $20.

Pros

  • eBay acts as an intermediary for payment
  • Wide geographical reach
  • Collectors watch for their niche items on eBay
  • None or minimal contact with buyers
  • Communication with buyers goes through eBay’s messaging system, so there is a record of all conversations

Cons

  • You need to pack and ship items. You’ll find yourself storing boxes of all shapes and sizes to accommodate the items you’re selling.
  • eBay withholds a fee for each transaction, so you don’t get the full amount.
  • Your sales are subject to taxes, with eBay issuing a 1099.
  • It takes time creating a listing, filling in all the information a buyer might want and taking photos that show all details of the item.

If all that seems like too much work, there is another option of using various websites like The Buy Nothing Project (via Facebook groups or app) and Freecycle Network (or Trash Nothing) being top choices for direct neighborhoods. Nextdoor and Craigslist can offer a broader local reach.

Photo: Pixabay

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Seven Hacks for Repurposing Everyday Items into Storage Containers

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Storage

Seven Hacks for Repurposing Everyday Items into Storage Containers

You do not have to spend a fortune on products to help you organize your stuff. Instead, take advantage of materials you likely have at home.

  1. Hang a clear plastic shoe organizer on the back of a door to store cleaning supplies or inside a pantry large or small to store small food items like popcorn, hot chocolate mix, or snacks like protein bars to free up shelf space. The same holds true for your linen closet or clothes closet.
  2. Hang a pegboard on the back of a door to hang BBQ tools.
  3. Store earrings, rings, and similar small items in ice cube trays.
  4. Tuck extension cords in toilet paper rolls.
  5. Use an empty tissue box as a plastic bag dispenser.
  6. Use Command hooks to support appliance cords. Hang your hairdryer on one hook and its cord on another. Attach a hook to the side of a food processor, blender, or mixer, and wrap the cord around the appliance and secure it to the hook.
  7. Fold and store sheets into a matching pillowcase.

Photo: Pixabay

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Ten Uses for Dawn

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Cleaning, Moving, Paper Management, Time Management

Ten Uses for Dawn

Hmmm… got your attention, right? Which ‘Dawn’ am I referring to?

Well, my Facebook feed constantly displays clickbait suggesting multiple uses for WD-40, baking soda, vinegar, and, yes, Dawn dish soap. Let’s have a little fun and list ten uses each for Dawn, the dish soap, and Dawn, me, the Certified Professional Organizer.

Dawn, the dish soap:

  • Clean garden tools, grill grates, and tire rims
  • Remove sticky substances like gum, Silly Putty, and slime from hair
  • Blow bubbles!
  • Remove gummy residue from stickers and labels
  • Clean soap scum
  • Soak air filters
  • Unclog drains
  • De-ice steps and walkways: mix 1 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and 1/2 gallon hot/warm water and pour over walkways
  • Relieve poison ivy itches and keep the rash from spreading
  • Remove fleas from your dog instead of expensive shampoo

Dawn, the Certified Professional Organizer:

  • Declutter
  • Organize your paperwork
  • Customize and organize your files
  • Set up efficient office systems
  • Develop routines to keep you on track
  • Advise on time management
  • Provide motivational coaching
  • Prepare for moving; packing & unpacking; upsizing/downsizing
  • Set up bill paying systems
  • Help you efficiently use programs for your Mac or PC

As you can see, both ‘Dawn’s can be very useful for you. Please call and use me!

Photo: Pixabay

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Eh, Might as Well

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Procrastination, Productivity

Eh, Might as Well

Have you heard of the “eh, might-as-well” mindset? Apparently this started on Reddit, where someone described it as a brain trick for reframing a task into a convenience.

Here’s how it works: Going from the bedroom to the kitchen? Might as well take the laundry with you. Going to grab the mail? Might as well take the trash out since you’ll pass the trash can.

You can use it to complete tasks as well. Tell yourself you’ll pay one bill, fold one t-shirt, reply to one email, and you might find yourself saying, “Eh, might as well do the rest.”

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Winter Cleaning Hacks When Everyone Keeps Tracking in Snow

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Cleaning, Declutter, Winter

Winter Cleaning Hacks When Everyone Keeps Tracking in Snow

Winter is beautiful—until it ends up all over your floors. The minute the first snowflake hits the ground, it’s like everyone in the house suddenly forgets how to wipe their feet. Boots, puddles, salt, and mystery slush… your entryway becomes a crime scene.

However, with a few simple tricks, you can keep the chaos under control (and keep your sanity intact).

  1. Create a “landing zone” for the mess.
    Think of it like an airport for wet boots. A heavy-duty mat outside the door and another mat inside buys you time before the water hits the floors. Add a boot tray and—boom—melting snow has a place to go that isn’t your rug or your hardwood floors.
  2. Make slippers a house rule.
    It sounds bossy, but once people get used to swapping boots for cozy slippers, everyone’s happier (and cleaner). Keep a little basket of extra pairs for guests so that no one feels awkward.
  3. Keep a towel by the door—yes, really.
    A simple hand towel saves you from chasing puddles around the house. Quick swipe under the boots, problem solved. Bonus points if you toss a spare towel in your car, too.
  4. Vacuum more, sweep less.
    Winter dust and salt grains are sneaky. A fast vacuum pass in high-traffic areas does more than a broom ever could, and it keeps that gritty feeling off your floors.
  5. Declutter the entryway.
    The less stuff sitting around, the easier it is to clean up the wet footprints that inevitably appear. Hooks, baskets, and a designated spot for everything make winter mess feel a lot more manageable.

Winter might insist on coming inside with you, but it does not have to take over your whole house. A few smart habits go a long way—and your floors will thank you in the spring.

Photo: Pixabay

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Using Winter as Your Secret Organizing Superpower

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Declutter, Winter

Using Winter as Your Secret Organizing Superpower

Winter gets a bad rap for being dark, cold, and full of reasons to stay inside… but honestly, that’s exactly why it is the perfect season to get your house organized.

Think about it: you’re already indoors more. The pace slows down. The social calendar chills out (literally). Suddenly, all those little projects you’ve ignored all year start whispering your name—stuffed closets, mystery drawers, that corner of the basement you pretend doesn’t exist. Winter is basically giving you permission to deal with them.

Treat winter like your annual home reset. While the weather outside is doing whatever it wants, take an hour here and there to sort one tiny area at a time. A shelf. A drawer. A basket that somehow became the Bermuda Triangle of mail. It’s amazing how much progress you can make when you tackle things in small wins instead of trying to “organize the whole house” in one heroic (and impossible) weekend.

Plus, winter organizing feels different. It’s cozy. You can put on soft socks, sip something warm, and declutter while a candle burns nearby. It’s basically self-care with a side of productivity.

Here’s the best part: by the time spring shows up with all its energy and sunshine, your house is already in great shape. You get to skip the big “spring cleaning panic” and enjoy the season instead of spending it knee-deep in forgotten sweaters and expired pantry items.

If winter’s going to keep you indoors anyway, you might as well let it work in your favor. Grab a blanket, pick a small project, and let the season help you get your space (and your sanity) back.

Photo: Pixabay

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