7 Ways I Simplified My Life (And You Can Too)

Simplifying - Part II (Read Part I here)

There was a time when my to-do list felt like an avalanche - small things piling up until I was buried under the weight of it all. I was getting ready to reach my limit and knew that something had to change. As a professional organizer, having my home organized wasn’t an issue. But clutter isn’t always the physical things. Sometimes, the real overwhelm lives in your calendar, your head, or your expectations. I needed to do for myself what I do every day for my organizing clients—create a system that works for me. I needed to get rid of what wasn’t serving me.

Here’s how I simplified my life—mentally, emotionally, and physically. These seven strategies are helping me spend more time on what actually matters, and less time treading water.

1. Work on Building Better Habits

   
   

One of the biggest myths about getting organized is that it’s a one-and-done process. Spoiler: it isn’t. But the good news is, simplicity starts with consistency, not perfection. So instead of trying to overhaul my entire routine, I started small.

Like, really small. After four decades of not making my bed each morning, I started. Nevermind that it only required pulling my duvet up each morning. Baby steps. That tiny act gave me a quick win—and more importantly, a visual cue that the day had started with intention.

Building good habits is the foundation to staying organized. And when you take small steps consistently, they eventually lead to big changes. Now I pull up the duvet AND add a decorative throw pillow.

2. I Started Being Realistic About What I Can Accomplish

   
   

I love a paper planner and used to look forward to my weekly goal planner arriving in the mail each year. I’d plan out the year with gusto, then end up with a lot of blank space. Why? Because I’d write a list of everything I wanted to accomplish, but I was never getting it all done. Talk about defeating.

I finally realized I was being unrealistic about what I had the bandwidth to do in a week or a day. I started to pay attention to how long tasks really took, and how many things I could do before my brain quit cooperating and I started getting burnt out. I left room for unexpected tasks.

On the flip side of that, I also remind myself that many tasks only take as long as you allow for them. Parkinson's Law says "work expands to fill the allotted time". When we don't have a deadline we have to meet, we not only procrastinate, but projects can grow. Not to mention the opportunities for distraction.

There are still days I don’t get to cross off all of my to-dos, but there are also days when I get more done than I thought possible. Your systems should support you, not shame you, and that includes your time management system. 

3. I Focus on One Thing at a Time (No, Really)

Multi-tasking is one of the greatest myths of productivity. Sure, you can fold laundry while listening to a podcast. But when it comes to meaningful work—writing, planning, parenting—you can only give your full attention to one thing at a time.

So I stopped trying to do everything at once. When it comes to the important stuff, I pick one task and commit to finishing it before moving on. That doesn’t mean I ignore the rest of my responsibilities; it just means I’m more intentional about focusing on one thing at a time. I also consciously try to reduce distractions (talking to you, phone!)

4. Speaking of Distractions…

I love tv. I admit it. It’s an escape, and I totally view it as a form of self-care. If I find a really good show, I get so sucked in that I will let it distract me from doing something more constructive. So, if I am in a place where I feel like I’m treading water, I go on a tv hiatus. 

And instead of trying to take in all of the information, I am more selective about what I consume. I don’t let guilt keep me from hitting the Unsubscribe button if the emails aren’t providing information that is relevant and helpful to me. I unfollow the people that don’t give me information that’s useful, or make me LOL. And I try to read more books, because it’s much harder to scroll to something else when you’re turning pages.

Think of this as mental decluttering. What we consume—social media, news, entertainment—impacts how we feel and how we focus. Simplifying what I take in helps me be clearer about what I put out.

5. I Asked For Help 

Organizing clients come to me because they’re overwhelmed, don’t know where to start, and want structure, support, and expertise. And guess what? I needed the same things in my business. After spinning my wheels trying to do everything solo, I hired a coach.

I didn’t overanalyze or spend weeks comparing options. I picked someone who understood my industry and could help me move forward with clarity and accountability.

Whether you’re organizing your home or your business, sometimes the best thing you can do is not go it alone. The right support system can shave months (or years) off your learning curve. You don’t have to struggle just because you’re capable.

6. I Try to Take Better Care of Myself

I love to eat. I really love to eat sweets. I also hate to exercise. But I also know that a healthy body makes us feel better, have more energy and focus, etc., etc…

I didn’t go on the newest fad diet or start a high-intensity workout routine. I try to eat more protein and veggies. I try to only eat sweets if they’re really worth the calories (if you’re wondering, Krispy Kreme, Blackberry Cobbler, and Ukrop’s Chocolate Pie). I go to the gym when I can (make myself) and don’t give up if I miss a week. I grocery shop with intention and try to meal plan. I buy the pre-cut fruit and veggies. 

I figure if I can find the discipline and routines to support healthier habits, the rest will be cake (no pun intended). Feeling better and having more energy positively impact all the other areas of your life. It’s not about restriction, it’s about choosing what supports you and your goals, whether it’s your pantry or scrolling habits.

7. I Connect With My Kids (on Their Terms)

Back when we were all stuck at home, I got the silver lining of having time with my kids that I had never had working a corporate job. And running your own business gives you some flexibility, but it doesn’t give you more time. I spent years flipping the two-sided coin of business-owning mom guilt: feeling bad when I worked instead of being with my kids, and feeling bad when I was with them but ignoring work that needed to be done. 

Now that my kids are older and more self-sufficient, I’ve shifted my focus. I’m intentional about showing up for their interests, making memories, and planning meaningful experiences while they’re still under my roof. And if that means I’m working at 9:00 p.m. because I’m taking off on Friday for a volleyball or golf tournament, so be it. That’s a trade I’ll make every time—and I’ve finally stopped feeling guilty about it.

What Simplifying Really Means

I’ve mastered some of these changes better than others. The moral of the story is to figure out what works for you (and make it as easy as possible.) 

This isn’t about achieving minimalism or becoming the most productive person in the room. It’s about creating systems that work for your life, your energy, and your priorities. Systems that can evolve as you do.

For me, that means:

• Letting go of systems that look good on paper but don’t work in real life

• Saying no without apology

• Choosing rest without guilt

• Knowing that organization isn’t about perfection—it’s about peace

  
  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you don’t need a complete life overhaul. Start small. Make your bed. Clear one drawer. Cancel one commitment that no longer feels aligned. Ask for help.

And above all—give yourself grace.

Because the best organizing or productivity system in the world won’t stick if it’s built on shame, stress, or self-judgment. But one built on honesty, self-awareness, and care? That’s where the magic happens.

Need help organizing more than just your stuff? Whether it’s physical clutter, calendar chaos, or mental overload, I help clients in Richmond, VA, and beyond create systems that work for real life. If you're ready to simplify your days and feel more in control of your space and time, let’s chat.