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Make a ‘Date’ with Old Greeting Cards and Letters Before Breaking Up for Good

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Memorabilia

Make a ‘Date’ with Old Greeting Cards and Letters Before Breaking Up for Good

For years you’ve saved greeting cards and letters from loved ones because letting go is emotionally painful. It’s almost like being in a relationship. Every time you read the handwritten messages, your heart fills with love. This is especially true when the other person has passed away.

Maybe it’s time to “break up” with those mementoes, but in a loving way, befitting of the spirit in which they were sent. Set aside an evening to reminisce. Light a fire in the fireplace or light candles. Pour a glass of wine. If you have a cat or dog, let them nestle beside you or on your lap.

Read and savor each message and then close your eyes and feel the love. Breathe deeply. Kiss each one goodbye and set it aside for the recycling bin.

Save the few that you know you’ll cherish in 10 years or that you want your children to have. But take comfort knowing that you’ve given the rest a loving sendoff.

Photo: Pixabay

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Nine Items You Are Permitted to Discard

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Declutter

Nine Items You Are Permitted to Discard

If you’re human and not a bot crawling the Internet looking for blog posts about home organizing, you understand you have stuff that you don’t need but, for reasons of sentimentality or nonchalance, just never tossed. Here are some examples of those items, which you now have my “permission” to trash or recycle.

  • A mug you received as a gift that you don’t really like
  • Nail polish that dried up or in colors from which you have moved on
  • Instructions and warranty cards of appliances you no longer own
  • Pens, highlighters, and markers that have dried up
  • Greeting cards and letters (what to do with these will be in my next blog)
  • Clothes that “might fit” when you lose the 10 lbs. you’ve been working on for a decade
  • Takeout menus (get the latest online or on the app)
  • Maps, which are likely out of date anyway
  • Swag you picked up at an event and will never use

Do you have any of the above? I hereby give you permission to properly disposed of any or all of it!

Photo: Pixabay

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Popular Strategies for Setting Priorities and Organizing Tasks

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Productivity

Popular Strategies for Setting Priorities and Organizing Tasks

For those of you who are challenged when it comes to setting priorities and organizing tasks, here’s a fabulous article that summarizes the most popular strategies. Try out the ideas to see which one(s) work for you. You might opt to use different strategies for work, home organizing, and other endeavors, such as home improvement projects.

The article suggests six different strategies for managing time and productivity. Which one resonates with you best? Have you tried any of them before? If so, what worked or did not work for you?

Photo: Pixabay

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Automate Your Email: Sort, Delete, and Archive Messages to Keep Your Inbox from Overflowing

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Email

Automate Your Email: Sort, Delete, and Archive Messages to Keep Your Inbox from Overflowing

Does your inbox hold hundreds or maybe thousands of emails that you saved intentionally or just never deleted? Do you know you can set up filters in Gmail (and most other email programs) to sort, delete, and archive mail? For example, you can set a filter to put all incoming promotional emails into a folder that you can view at your convenience. Alternatively, you can have emails from political parties go directly to trash.

Here’s a terrific article that explains the various uses for filters and how to set them up in Gmail: https://zapier.com/blog/gmail-filters

If you don’t use Gmail, check the Help instructions for the email app you do use to see if it has something similar. Here are some resources to get you started:

Outlook: https://www.wikihow.com/Filter-Email-in-Outlook

Apple Mail: Search the Help instructions for “organizing email”

Mail on iPhones: https://iphone-tricks.com/tutorial/5364-filter-emails-in-the-mail-app

Mail on Android phones: Set up filters in Gmail on a computer

Yahoo (classic version): https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN28071.html

Yahoo (new version): https://help.yahoo.com/kb/new-yahoo-mail/filters-organize-yahoo-mail-sln36699.html

It is possible to have automation help you control your inbox rather than its controlling you.

Photo: Pixabay

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It is Time to Clean Out that Junk Drawer!

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Junk Drawer

It is Time to Clean Out that Junk Drawer!

You cleaned out your junk drawer last year, patted yourself on the back, and then proceeded to do what you promised yourself you would never do: put more stuff in there. Well as a result, it’s time to take another look through that drawer and see what belongs in the trash or recycle bin. Do you have any of these contenders, by chance?

  • Used batteries. Depending on what type, toss or recycle.
  • Loose change. Put coins in a change purse or piggy bank.
  • Keys that belong to locks unknown.
  • Expired coupons.
  • Chargers for devices you no longer own.
  • Takeout menus.
  • Dried up pens.
  • Little pieces that broke off something that you were going to glue back on but now can’t remember what they belonged to.
  • Rubber bands so old that they are brittle.
  • Loose screws.

Recycle or throw out the items that are either no longer of use or no longer wanted. Since you already did the hard work last year, resetting your junk drawer should not take a lot of time. Just think, the next time you open that drawer it will be so easy to find and put away your items!

Photo: Pixabay

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Sentimental Clutter: How to Let Go Without Losing the Memories

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Memorabilia

Sentimental Clutter: How to Let Go Without Losing the Memories

Letting go of sentimental items can feel like parting with a piece of your heart—but it doesn’t have to be so. The key is to separate the memory from the stuff. Here are some simple ways to figure out what to keep and how to honor the rest:

Start with the easy stuff. Old birthday cards from people you barely remember. That high school t-shirt you haven’t worn in 20 years. If it doesn’t bring a happy or meaningful memory, it can probably go.

Ask yourself why you’re holding on. Is it because you love the item or because you feel guilty about getting rid of it? Keep things that spark joy, pride, or warmth—not obligation.

Limit your “memory box.” Give yourself one bin, box, or drawer. If something doesn’t fit, it doesn’t stay. This helps you be selective.

Preserve the sentiment in new ways.

  • Take a photo of the item before letting it go.
  • Write a short note about the memory it brings back.
  • Make a scrapbook, digital album, or photo collage of the best keepsakes.
  • Repurpose old items—turn fabric into a quilt or a loved one’s handwriting into wall art.

You don’t need to keep everything to hold onto the love. Keep what tells your story best—and let the rest live in your memory, not your closet.

Photo: Pixabay

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Taming the Cable Jungle: Easy Ways to Organize Your Wires

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Computer

Taming the Cable Jungle: Easy Ways to Organize Your Wires

We all have that drawer. You know the one—stuffed with tangled cables, mystery chargers, and maybe an old iPod cord you swear you will need again (you won’t). It’s time to get that mess under control!

Step 1: Declutter Like a Boss

First, go through your cables and be brutally honest. Do you even know what that ancient Nokia charger is for? Toss or recycle anything outdated, broken, or duplicated. (A great location to recycle electronics is either Staples or Best Buy. Contact them to make sure they take what you want to recycle)

Step 2: Label Everything

A cheap label maker or even masking tape and a marker will save you so much time later. No more guessing which black cord belongs to what device!

Step 3: Use Cable Accessories

Here’s where the magic happens. A few must-haves:

  • Cable ties & Velcro wraps – Bundle similar cords together neatly.
  • Cable clips – Stick these to your desk to keep charging cables from sliding onto the floor.
  • Cord organizers – Use a simple box or zip-up case with compartments for easy access.
  • Cable sleeves – Hide all those ugly TV or office wires in one sleek wrap.

Step 4: Store Like a Pro

Use Ziplock bags, small bins, or even an old sunglass case for travel cables. Keep everything in one labeled container so that you’re not hunting all over the house the next time you need a charger.

Ta-da! No more cable chaos.

Photo: Pixabay

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Easy Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Counter

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Kitchen

Easy Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Counter

Let’s be real—kitchen counters have a way of becoming a magnet for clutter. Between the coffee maker, toaster, mail pile, and that one mystery container that’s been sitting there for a week (Oops!), things can spiral out of control fast. But don’t worry, I have got some simple tricks to reclaim your counter space without losing your mind.

1. Declutter First: Start by clearing everything off. Yes, everything. Then, only put back what you use every day. That fancy juicer? If you haven’t used it since last summer, it might be better off in a cabinet.

2. Use Trays & Baskets: A cute tray or basket can instantly make your counter organized and intentional. Instead of a random mess of olive oil, salt, and utensils, group them together on a tray. Boom—instantly neater!

3. Maximize Vertical Space: If counter space is limited, think up! Install a wall-mounted spice rack, hang mugs under cabinets, or use a tiered stand for fruits and veggies. This keeps things handy without eating up valuable workspace.

4. Create a “Drop Zone”: Let’s face it—mail, keys, and random odds and ends will end up on the counter. Instead of fighting it, designate a small basket or organizer for these items. Just remember to go through it regularly so it doesn’t turn into a junk pile.

5. Limit Appliances: I know, I know—it’s tempting to keep the toaster, blender, and air fryer all out, but if you’re not using them daily, consider storing them away. Keeping just the essentials out makes a huge difference.

6. Keep It Up! The key to an organized counter? Maintenance! Take a minute every evening to put things back in their place. It takes almost no time, but keeps things from getting out of control again.

A clean, organized kitchen counter makes cooking (and life) so much easier. Try a few of these tips and enjoy the extra space!

What is your biggest kitchen counter clutter culprit? Let me know in the comments!

Photo: Pixabay

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Swedish Death Cleaning: Declutter Like You Are Dying (But in a Good Way)

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Downsizing

Swedish Death Cleaning: Declutter Like You Are Dying (But in a Good Way)

Swedish Death Cleaning—yeah, it sounds dramatic but hear me out. It’s not about being morbid; it’s about making life easier for yourself and your loved ones. The idea, called döstädning in Swedish, is simple: you go through your stuff, keep what you need or love, and get rid of the junk before someone else must do it when you are gone.

Think of it like Marie Kondo with a reality check. Instead of asking if an item sparks joy, ask: “Will someone be happy I kept this, or will they curse my name while hauling it to the dump?” Brutal? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

The best part? You do not have to be on your deathbed to start. In fact, it’s better to do it when you are still kicking! Less clutter, less stress, and your kids (or whoever inherits your stuff) will thank you.

So, whether you’re 40 or 80, consider a little Swedish Death Cleaning. Your future self—and everyone around you—will be grateful. Bonus: You get to enjoy a tidier, lighter life now. Win-win.

Some resources for getting started:

https://www.thespruce.com/swedish-death-cleaning-4801461

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/a43826147/swedish-death-cleaning/

https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/swedish-death-cleaning/

Photo: Pixabay

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The A-Z Guide for Quick Decluttering

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Hands on Organizing

The A-Z Guide for Quick Decluttering

Sometimes when we get overwhelmed but are still motivated to declutter our space, a little guidance is appreciated. You’re welcome!

A-Z quick items to look for when decluttering:

Athletic and sports equipment that is broken, unused, or outgrown

Books you will never read again (donate to your local library!)

Broken appliances or headphones

Candles that are down to their stubs

Chipped dishes and glassware

Dried out nail polish, paint cans, or glue

Duplicate kitchen gadgets, utensils, and appliances

Electronics you no longer use (VHS players, Caller ID boxes, and answering machines)

Expired medications, batteries, spices, coupons, toiletries, sunscreens, cosmetics, or lotions

Food that has expired

Greeting cards

Hangers that are broken

Incomplete jigsaw puzzles

Jewelry that is broken or that you never wear

Knives that are damaged

Luggage that is broken, torn, or unused

Magazines and newspapers

Menus (takeout) you do not use or are from a now closed restaurant

Nostalgic items for which your love has faded (ticket stubs or program books)

Obsolete user manuals or calendars/planners

Phones (landline and mobile) that are broken or unused or phone books

Quilts, comforters, and blankets that are stained, torn, or worn out

Receipts older than needed for tax or reimbursement purposes

Scratched CDs and DVDs

Swag (promotional products or party favors)

Torn or stained clothing

Unused cookware

Vases that are chipped or unused

Worn out linens, towels, shoes, or socks (Recycle textiles or donate gently used sneakers)

Xmas decorations and lights that are broken or no longer wanted

Yard and gardening tools that you don’t use or are worn out

Zippered items with a broken zipper that are not worth repairing or replacing

Go on a treasure hunt to look for a few of these items listed above to motivate you. One never knows how this will inspire you to dig deeper to declutter.

Photo: Pixabay

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