Mastering the To-Do List

📝 Keep It Realistic: We’ve all been there—jotting down everything under the sun only to feel overwhelmed by the sheer length of our to-do list. Instead, focus on what you can realistically accomplish in a day. Break down larger tasks into smaller, bite-sized steps so each item feels more manageable. For example, instead of writing "clean the entire house," break it down into "vacuum the living room," "wipe down the kitchen counters," and "fold laundry." That way, you can actually see your progress and feel the momentum build as you check things off. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more satisfying than checking off those boxes! BTW, if you're looking for an easy way to streamline your cleaning routine, you should definitely check out my Ultimate Cleaning Planner Bundle!

📝 Prioritize Like a Pro: Not all tasks are created equal. Start by identifying your top three priorities for the day—those non-negotiables that must get done. Place them at the top of your list and tackle them first. If you’re not sure what should take priority, ask yourself: Which tasks will have the biggest impact or consequences if they don’t get done today? By focusing on these first, you ensure that the most important things are handled, even if you don’t get to everything else. And a pro tip? Leave a little room for unexpected tasks that might pop up throughout the day—because they always do.

📝 Batch Similar Tasks: Save time and mental energy by grouping similar tasks together. It’s called "batching," and it works wonders. For example, set aside a specific time in the morning and afternoon to handle all your emails or phone calls in one go, so you can stay in the zone and power through them without interruption. The key is to minimize context-switching, which can really slow you down. So if you have several errands to run, do them all at once instead of spreading them throughout the day. Your productivity will skyrocket, and you’ll avoid that scattered feeling that comes from jumping between too many different types of tasks.

📝 Review and Adjust: Life happens, and sometimes your priorities shift. Take a moment to review and adjust your list throughout the day. If something can wait or be delegated, move it to another day or pass it along. This is where a little flexibility goes a long way. If you notice that you’re consistently not getting certain tasks done, it might be time to re-evaluate if they really need to be on your list or if they can be handled differently. 

Mastering Your Nighttime Wind-Down

✨ Set a Digital Curfew: Let’s face it, the endless scrolling before bed isn't doing us any favors. Turn off your screens at least an hour before you hit the hay. This helps cut down on that pesky blue light exposure, which can mess with your circadian rhythm and make it tougher to nod off. Instead, grab that book you’ve been meaning to read or put on some chill tunes. Your brain will thank you.

✨ Create a Cozy Environment: Turn your bedroom into the ultimate relaxation zone. Dim the lights and embrace the cozy vibes with soft lighting, comfy pillows, and calming scents like lavender or chamomile. Guess what doesn't create a relaxing retreat? CLUTTER! If you have piles of paper or unfinished projects laying around, or all of your surfaces are cluttered with “stuff”, you aren't going to create the space that promotes relaxation. It’s all about signaling to your brain that it’s time to unwind. Imagine walking into a spa-like retreat every night – who wouldn’t want that?

✨ Establish a Consistent Schedule: Being a night owl might sound fun, but your body loves consistency. Try to hit the sack at the same time each night. This helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep faster and get that delicious deep sleep. Plus, waking up feeling rested and refreshed is totally worth it. Set a timer on your phone to go off at the same time each night, signaling it's time to make your way to bed. 

Make Your Mornings Not Suck

✅ Streamline Your Coffee/Tea Routine: Organize coffee pods or tea bags in a neat container, keep mugs and stirrers within easy reach, and pre-program your coffee maker the night before for a stress-free start. The goal is to have everything in arms reach…because less is more before that first cup, am I right?

✅ Prep the Night Before: Lay out your clothes, pack lunches, and set out any items you'll need for the next day. This will save you precious time and reduce morning decision fatigue. Whatever you can do to put your AM brain on auto-pilot will help you reserve your brain power for more important things later in the day.

✅ Create a Gentle Wake-Up Routine: Use a gentle alarm or a sunrise clock to wake up gradually (here's one I love). Stretch or do some light exercises to get your body moving and your blood flowing. Why not take your cup of coffee outside and soak up some sun to get your circadian rhythm in check.
 

✅ Set a Positive Tone: Start your day with something you enjoy, whether it’s a few minutes of reading, listening to your favorite music, or practicing mindfulness. A positive start can set the mood for the entire day.

✅ Keep Breakfast Simple: Plan quick and healthy breakfast options like overnight oats, protein smoothies, or a quick avocado toast with eggs.

Election Day Efficiency—Time-Saving Tips for Busy Days

🚗 Pre-plan your errands

Take five minutes in the morning to map out your route for the day. Group errands by location, starting with the furthest one, and work your way back home. It’s a quick way to shave off travel time and avoid unnecessary backtracking.

📱 Declutter your digital life on the go

Waiting in a long line line to cast your vote? Perfect time to do a quick digital sweep. Delete old emails, clear out your photo gallery, or unsubscribe from those “holiday sale” emails. These small wins add up and keep your phone (and mind) feeling lighter.

⏰ Time blocking and task batching for the win!

Instead of jumping from one task to the next, try batching similar activities together. Group small, repetitive tasks—like returning calls or handling paperwork—into a single time block, so you stay focused and finish them faster.

📆 Set your future-self up for success

As your day wraps up, take 10 minutes to organize for tomorrow. Choose your outfit, set up breakfast, and make a to-do list. These little steps make tomorrow morning easier, helping you start the day strong and ready to go.

Ending the Year on a High Note

🤔 Reflect on Your Wins

Before the clock strikes midnight, take a few minutes to jot down your 2024 highlights. Big or small, these wins deserve to be celebrated. Did you tackle a project, form a new habit, or survive a tough season? Own it—you made it happen!

🗓️ Set One Small Goal for January

Instead of overwhelming yourself with resolutions, pick one manageable goal to kickstart the year. Maybe it’s drinking more water, decluttering one drawer a day, or finally starting that morning routine. Focus on consistency over perfection. Come over to Instagram to see my Huge Habit Tracker from earlier this year! 

🏠 Clear Your Space for a Fresh Start

If you've been in my end of the internet for a while, you know how I feel about clutter directly affecting your entire life (I realize that sounds dramatic, but it's 100% true). Nothing feels better than waking up on January 1st to an organized home. But if that's not your reality, that's ok (I'm right there with you!) We are going to make 2025 the year we finally get our sh*t together, and get our ENTIRE home decluttered and organized. Don't worry, I'm here to help 😉 In the meantime, take 10 minutes tonight to tidy your space—clear your desk, fluff the pillows, and light a candle. A clean environment creates room for new energy.

🤩 Visualize Your Ideal 2025

Take a quiet moment to close your eyes and imagine your best self next year. What does life look like? How do you feel? If you've never been into the whole vision board thing…let me be the 100th person to tell you, that shit works! I've manifested so many amazing things in my life. I'm going to be working on mine today. Let me know if you want any tips for creating one that works! Remember: dreaming big is the first step toward making it real. 

🥳 Celebrate YOU!
Whether you’re partying with friends or enjoying a cozy night in 🙋🏻‍♀️, take a moment to toast to yourself. You’ve navigated another year of life’s ups and downs, and that’s no small feat. You deserve to be celebrated.

Spring Clean Your Schedule – Make More Time for What Matters

🗑 Do a Time Audit
Before you can clean up your schedule, you need to see where your time is actually going. For a few days, track everything—work, errands, social media scrolling, endless group texts, all of it. The goal isn’t to judge yourself (no shame in the occasional TikTok rabbit hole), but to figure out where your time disappears.
Bonus Tip: If you find yourself constantly saying, "I don't have time for that," check your screen time report. You might have more time than you think #toughlove

🚫 Set Boundaries Like a Boss
Not every invite, favor, or last-minute request deserves a “yes.” Be intentional about what gets a spot on your calendar. Protect your time like you protect your phone battery—don’t let it drain on things that don’t serve you.

Bonus Tip: Create a go-to response for declining things that don’t fit your priorities. Something like, “I’d love to, but I’m at capacity right now—maybe another time!” keeps it polite but firm.

⏳ Time Block Like a Pro
Instead of bouncing between tasks all day, group similar ones together. Block out time for emails, errands, deep work, and yes—even free time (because if you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen).

Bonus Tip: Leave buffer time between blocks. Life happens, and having extra breathing room keeps you from running behind all day.

💤 Schedule Time for Doing Nothing

Confession: I am terrible at this. My calendar is usually packed from sunrise to sunset, and the idea of scheduling time for nothing feels almost impossible. But I also know that when I don’t make space to rest, I burn out fast. Rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s an afternoon to read, a walk without checking emails, or a weekend with absolutely zero plans (wild, I know), making intentional space to recharge is just as important as the tasks on your to-do list.

Bonus Tip: If “doing nothing” makes you feel unproductive, reframe it as “recharging”—because you can’t pour from an empty cup. (Trust me, I’ve tried.)

The 2-Minute Rule – Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done

🕒 If It Takes Less Than 2 Minutes, Do It Now
Most of the tasks we procrastinate on aren’t actually hard—they just feel annoying in the moment. The 2-Minute Rule is simple: if something takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. Hanging up a jacket, replying to a text, rinsing a dish, tossing junk mail—tiny actions like these clear up mental clutter and prevent tasks from snowballing.

Bonus tip: If you notice something will take longer than two minutes but still isn’t a big task, set a 5-minute timer and see how much you can get done. It keeps things from dragging on forever.

📝 Tackle Micro To-Dos Before They Pile Up
Ever ignored a small task, only for it to turn into a bigger hassle later? A quick email response turns into a forgotten follow-up. A single dirty dish becomes a sink full of dishes. Taking care of small things right away keeps them from spiraling into bigger problems. Next time you catch yourself putting something off, ask: Would this take less than two minutes? If yes, knock it out.

Bonus tip: Keep a “Procrastination List”—a short list of small tasks you’ve been avoiding. Pick one to tackle when you have a spare moment.

🏠 Declutter in Bite-Sized Bursts
Organizing doesn’t have to be a big, overwhelming project. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one small space and spend two minutes tidying it up. Throw out expired food, put items back where they belong, or fold that pile of laundry you’ve been ignoring. Small wins add up, and before you know it, your space (and mind) will feel lighter.

🎯 Use It to Jumpstart Bigger Tasks
Sometimes, just starting is the hardest part. If a task feels too big, commit to working on it for just two minutes. Open the document, write one sentence, clear off part of your desk—once you begin, momentum often takes over, and you’ll keep going. But even if you don’t? You still made progress.

Foolproof Guide to a Seasonal Closet

👚 Clear the Space: If you have the time, take everything out of your closet—yes, everything. Starting with a completely empty space allows you to see what you’re working with and gives you a fresh canvas to work from. But if that feels too overwhelming, no worries! You can break it down by tackling smaller categories each day. Start with shoes, then move to tops, pants, or accessories. Either way, clearing space ensures you’re only putting back what you really want or need for the colder months, while also giving you a better idea of how much space you have and how to organize everything effectively.

👗 Declutter Ruthlessly: Now that your closet is empty, take a second look at your Summer wardrobe. Did you reach for that sundress more than once? Are those sandals still in style, or are they looking a little worse for wear? Set aside anything you didn’t wear this summer and ask yourself if it’s worth keeping for next year. Decluttering now makes the next summer swap easier and leaves you with only the items you truly love and wear. Be honest with yourself—if it didn’t get worn, it’s time to donate or sell.

👙 Store Summer Items Smartly: When storing your summer clothes, think long-term. You want to make sure your warm-weather items are protected, so opt for breathable bins or garment bags. Avoid storing them in plastic, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew or odors. Also, make sure everything is clean before storing it away—any stains or dirt left untreated can set in during storage. Fold lighter items like tank tops and shorts, but hang more delicate pieces like dresses or blouses to avoid wrinkles.

🧣 Organize Fall/Winter by Category: As you bring your fall and winter wardrobe out, think strategically. Group similar items together: sweaters in one section, pants in another, and outerwear in its own designated spot. This not only makes your closet look more organized, but it also makes getting dressed in the morning a breeze. You’ll know exactly where to find your favorite sweater or the perfect pair of boots. Grouping by category also allows you to quickly see what you might be missing or need to replace for the upcoming season.

🛍️ Hire a Personal Stylist: As you swap your closet for the new season, consider bringing in a personal stylist for extra help.  A stylist can help you curate a wardrobe that fits your lifestyle, body type, and taste, while also streamlining what you already own. Hiring a stylist doesn’t just upgrade your look—it keeps your wardrobe organized and functional. With fewer, more versatile pieces, you’ll have less clutter and an easier time getting dressed every day.

🤩 BONUS TIP: If you're considering hiring a stylist, I know a great one! Emily Burnette is an LA-based (+ virtual) personal stylist. Elevate your personal brand with custom styling tailored to your unique vision for a powerful and lasting impression. Emily offers styling packages, closet edits, digital styling lookbooks and digitizing your wardrobe- making it more seamless than ever to get ready each day and feel good about it! 

To learn more, visit: emilyburnette.com. 

Swapping your closet from season to season can feel overwhelming, but it’s a great chance to create a functional, organized space. If you're looking for more detailed help, I’ve just released a brand-new guide that covers everything you need to know about making the seasonal closet swap. From decluttering to organizing and storing your clothes the right way, this guide will help you tackle the transition with ease and keep your closet working for you all year long! GRAB IT BELOW! ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Donation Done Right

💛 Match Items to the Right Cause

Not all donation centers are created equal. Research local organizations that specialize in the type of items you’re giving away. Old tech? Find an e-recycling program. Unused baby gear? Look for family shelters or foster care programs. Specialty donations ensure your items make a bigger impact.

💛 Consider Direct Gifting

Do you know someone personally who might need what you’re giving away? A neighbor, friend, or coworker could benefit from that gently used furniture or extra kitchen gadget. Direct gifting cuts out the middleman and ensures your items go to a grateful recipient.

💛 Know What Not to Donate

Not everything belongs in a donation bin. Items like broken electronics, old mattresses, or expired food are better suited for recycling or proper disposal. Check the guidelines of your local donation centers to avoid creating extra work for their teams.

Bonus tip: if you have clothes to get rid of, but aren't in good enough shape to donate (no one wants your stained shirt or old socks), then The Takeback Bag is a great option! They will recycle your old clothes and you'll earn points on future purchases.

💛 Get That Tax Receipt

Donating isn’t just good for your community—it can benefit your wallet, too. Always ask for a receipt when dropping off items. Come tax season, you’ll thank yourself for taking that extra step.

Looking for more donation services? Check out our Los Angeles Resource Guide here!

Decluttering as Self-Care: Clear Space, Clear Mind

🏠 Start Small

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t try to declutter the whole house in one day—it’s not a HGYV show, it’s real life. Pick one small area, like your junk drawer or a single shelf, and spend 15-20 minutes sorting it out. By focusing on a bite-sized project, you’ll get that satisfying “done” feeling without turning it into an all-day event. Plus, momentum is magic—once you start, you might find yourself wanting to keep going.

✨ Ask Yourself, “Does This Add Value?”

When you pick up an item, take a moment to ask: “Does this add value to my life, or is it just taking up space?” If you haven’t used it in over a year and it doesn’t spark joy (thanks, Marie Kondo!), it might be time to let it go. Be honest with yourself—sometimes the hardest part is realizing we’re holding onto things out of guilt or habit. Freeing yourself from that clutter is one of the best gifts you can give yourself this season.

🧺 Declutter in Categories, Not Rooms

Instead of bouncing around from room to room, focus on one category at a time, like clothing, books, or holiday decorations. Gather everything in that category into one spot and sort through it. This approach helps you see how much you actually own and makes it easier to decide what stays and what goes. Bonus: It keeps you from getting distracted by other tasks in the middle of decluttering.

📦 Create a “Maybe Box”

Not sure if you’re ready to part with something? No problem. Put it in a “Maybe Box,” label it with today’s date, and store it away for a set amount of time (think 1-3 months). If you haven’t needed or thought about the items by then, it’s probably safe to donate or discard them. This method takes the pressure off decision-making and makes letting go feel less final.

🎶 Make It Fun (or at Least Tolerable)
Decluttering doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Throw on your favorite playlist, listen to an inspiring podcast, or make it a family activity with some friendly competition. Reward yourself afterward—a fancy coffee or an episode of your favorite show can go a long way in keeping you motivated. When you make it enjoyable, you’re more likely to stick with it.

The 12-12-12 Challenge – A Fun Decluttering Game

🧹 What Is the 12-12-12 Challenge?
It’s exactly what it sounds like:
Find 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to put back where they belong. That’s it. It’s quick, effective, and kind of weirdly fun once you get going.

Bonus Tip: Set a timer for 12 minutes and blast some music—this challenge works best when you make it a little fast-paced and lighthearted.

🛋 Where to Start
You can do this challenge in literally any space:
– Your junk drawer
– Your closet
– Your bathroom cabinet
– Even your car or purse

Pick a space that’s bugging you and jump in. It’s a great way to see progress without committing to a full-on deep clean.

👨‍👩‍👧 Make It a Family Game
This one’s fun for kids too. Give everyone their own bag or basket and let them do their own 12-12-12 round. You’ll be shocked at how much gets done when it’s a friendly competition (and you didn’t have to nag anyone).
 

Bonus Tip: Offer a little reward—like movie night or their favorite treat—if everyone participates. Bribery? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

Brain Dump Method – Clear Mental Clutter in 5 Minutes

🖋 Get It All Out
Grab a piece of paper and write down every single thought, task, or worry bouncing around in your head—no filter. The goal isn’t to be neat or organized; it’s to unload everything from grocery items you just remembered to that email you keep forgetting to send.
Bonus Tip: Set a timer for five minutes and write non-stop. Knowing the clock is ticking keeps you from overthinking and helps you get everything out quickly.

🗂 Sort the Chaos
Once everything’s out, go back through your list and sort tasks into categories: work, home, personal, or whatever makes sense for you. This step turns an overwhelming list into smaller, more manageable parts.

Bonus Tip: Use symbols or color-coding to quickly identify tasks—like a star for urgent items or a checkmark for quick wins. You can also draw a line down the middle of the page, and write your personal items on one side and work items on the other. This is how my brain likes to categorize my to-dos.

✅ Prioritize Your To-Dos
Now that everything’s sorted, pick the top three tasks that need your attention today. Focusing on just a few things keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and makes it easier to actually get things done.

Bonus Tip: Use the “2-Minute Rule” for anything quick—if it’ll take less than two minutes to finish, do it now instead of adding it to your list.

🗓 Schedule It Out
Take those top three tasks and assign them to specific time slots on your calendar. Even if you can only fit in 15 minutes, blocking out time makes it more likely you’ll actually follow through.

Bonus Tip: Keep some buffer time between tasks for unexpected interruptions—because let’s be real, they always happen.

Speed-Cleaning Hacks for a Clutter-Free Home

🎯 Target the Hotspots
Instead of attempting to clean every corner of your home, zero in on the areas that make the biggest impact—think kitchen counters, entryways, or the living room surface. Spend 10 minutes clearing away stray items and wiping down surfaces to instantly lift the clutter.

Bonus Tip: Keep a small basket nearby to quickly gather misplaced items as you move from room to room; once the timer’s up, return them to their proper places.

⏰ Set a Timer & Beat the Clock
Turn cleaning into a fun race against the clock by setting a timer for just 10 minutes. This short, focused burst will motivate you to work quickly and efficiently, turning tidying into a game rather than a chore.

Bonus Tip: Crank up your favorite upbeat playlist during your 10-minute tidy to add energy and make the time fly by.

🧼 Use Multi-Tasking Tools
Streamline your cleaning process with tools that do double duty. A microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner can tackle spills and dust on various surfaces without the need for multiple supplies. This minimizes interruptions and keeps you moving through your tidy-up session without breaking your momentum.

Bonus Tip: Keep a portable, handheld duster or mini vacuum in your cleaning kit for those hard-to-reach spots that tend to gather dust when you’re not looking.

Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind - Storage Tips for Small Spaces

🏠 Go Vertical

When you can’t spread out, go up. Walls aren’t just for decor—they’re prime real estate for extra storage. Floating shelves can hold books, decor, or even pantry staples, while pegboards and hooks are perfect for organizing tools, accessories, or kitchen gadgets. You can also hang baskets or wire bins to get items off the floor and into easy reach. 

Bonus tip: Use the backs of cabinets or closet doors to mount slim vertical racks or caddies. They’re perfect for holding spices, cutting boards, or even cleaning supplies while keeping everything tucked away but accessible.

🏠 Double Duty Furniture: Your Secret Weapon

Furniture that works overtime is a game-changer. Choose pieces that work as storage and function, like ottomans with hidden compartments, beds with built-in drawers, or coffee tables that lift to reveal hidden storage. Console tables behind sofas or in hallways can hold decor on top while sneaking in bins or baskets below. 

Bonus tip: If you’re short on space, think mobile—rolling carts or storage cubes on wheels can double as portable storage that you can tuck away when not in use.

🏠 Don't Forget Your Doors

Doors are an often-overlooked storage solution. Over-the-door organizers aren’t just for shoes—use them to store snacks, cleaning supplies, or even scarves and hats. Hooks or adhesive baskets can be mounted to hold light items like keys, bags, or phone chargers. 

Bonus tip: For renters, removable adhesive hooks and organizers are a game-changer. They let you maximize door and wall space without worrying about leaving marks behind. This is my favorite (I've probably used it 100 times in my client's homes!).

The Power of a 10-minute Tidy

🕒 Set a Timer Literally set a timer for 10 minutes and see how much you can get done. You’ll be amazed at how fast you move when you’re racing the clock. It turns tidying into a game, and before you know it, a cluttered space becomes neat again.

🗑 Focus on Hotspots You know the places where clutter just grows? Like the entryway where shoes pile up, or the kitchen counter that collects mail? Focus your 10-minute tidy on these high-traffic areas and nip the clutter in the bud before it spirals out of control.

🧺 Grab a Basket If you’re overwhelmed by stuff scattered around the house, grab a basket or bin and walk room to room, collecting items that are out of place. Once your 10 minutes are up, return the items to their homes and enjoy the instant transformation.

👧 👦 Make It a Family Affair Get the kids involved! Turn on some music, set the timer, and see who can pick up the most. This makes tidying fun and takes the load off of you. Plus, teaching kids to tidy in small bursts helps them build long-lasting habits.

View Organization as a Journey, Not a Destination
 

✨ Embrace Continuous Improvement: Organization isn't a one-time achievement; it's a continuous process. Start by setting small, manageable goals for yourself. Each step, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress.

✨ Learn From Setbacks: Inevitably, there will be days when things don't go as planned. Instead of viewing these moments as failures, see them as opportunities to learn and improve your organizational strategies.

✨ Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your milestones, no matter how minor they may seem. Each bit of progress is a step forward on your journey, reinforcing a positive mindset and encouraging further development.

Use apps to make sure nothing slips through the cracks

✅ Use apps like Trello, Asana or Todoist to create and manage task lists and projects. These apps allow you to break down larger projects into smaller tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. Visual boards and checklists help you stay on top of your to-do list and ensure nothing is overlooked.

✅ Synchronize your schedule using digital calendars like Google Calendar or Outlook. These tools let you set reminders, create recurring events, and share your calendar with others. Integration with your smartphone ensures you receive notifications on the go, helping you manage your time effectively.

✅ Apps like Evernote, OneNote, and Google Drive allow you to store and organize notes, documents, and ideas in one place. Use these apps to capture important information, clip web articles, and organize your notes into notebooks or categories. This makes it easy to access and reference your notes whenever needed, enhancing your overall productivity.

How to Get Your Family on Board with Simple Living

☀️ Be a Light, Not a Judge
The best way to inspire change? Live it yourself. Instead of nagging or pressuring, let your own results speak for themselves. When your space feels calmer and your schedule isn’t chaotic, others will notice—and maybe even get curious.

Bonus tip: Share your excitement subtly. Maybe mention how much more relaxed you feel with fewer things, rather than pointing out what others need to change.

🛠 Give Them Ownership
People resist what they feel forced into (at least, that's what I find in my family 🤪). Instead of decluttering for your family, involve them in the process. Let kids decide which toys to keep, ask your partner what areas they’d love to simplify, and respect each person’s attachment to their own things.

Bonus tip:  Offer choices instead of ultimatums. “Would you rather keep 10 favorite stuffed animals or 5?” feels much better than, “You have to get rid of these.”

📦 Create a No-Stress Exit Strategy
One of the biggest hurdles to decluttering is not knowing what to do with the stuff. Set up a simple system—like a donation bin in the closet or a once-a-month drop-off routine. When it’s easy to let go, your family is more likely to follow along.

Bonus tip: Make it fun! Turn on music, set a timer for 10 minutes, and do a “quick donation dash” together.

🧘 Respect Their Process
Not everyone moves at the same pace. Your version of simplicity might not look the same as theirs, and that’s okay. Instead of getting frustrated, focus on the progress they are making, no matter how small.