December 04, 2019

4 Tips on how to have clutter free and joyful Holidays

December 04, 2019/ Janine

San Diego professional home organizer home organization east county el cajon lakeside alpine spring valley

Be a role model- De-clutter your own stuff first and make sure your kids see what you are doing and start a conversation about the purpose of de-cluttering (ex: getting rid of worn clothes, making room for things that fit better and donating good items to people that can’t can’t afford new things). Don’t go though your kids room and de-clutter your children’s room without them present. Make sure to include them, ask them what their favorite toys/ clothes are and which ones they would like to pass on to children that don’t have toys (don’t just make it about them, but also include reasons of giving, kindness and responsibility). Also do not get sentimental if your child is ready to let go of their first stuffed animals but you are not. Teach them to thank their belongings and say goodbye, which is a great ritual for letting go with gratitude and you might even want to take your kids with you when you your drop off the donation box at Goodwill, SalvationArmy or your local second hand store.
Do not keep gifts that don’t spark joy- Once you have received a gift or a card, it has fulfilled it’s purpose. Say thank you and appreciate the gesture. You are free to donate the item and not hold onto it because of feelings of guilt. Remember you only want to own items that support your perfect lifestyle and make you happy.
Make a list before you go shopping- If you buy gifts make sure you know exactly what you are buying and for who.For children I reccomend asking what they want or have them write a list to Santa and share that with your family members/friends, so they actually get something they really wanted, not just a bunch of plastic junk. I am also a big supporter of consumable and experience gifts. For example a bottle of wine and some home made cookies for the host of the Christmas Party. I also love experience gifts, as they are usually more memorable that material ones. Take your kids ice-skating or your loved one on a dinner cruise. For your friends how a bout an escape room experience? Groupon has some great deals for Things to do in your neighborhood.
Lastly, donate money to your favorite charity/church, volunteer or take part of a toy drive to support the community, because after all giving is always feels better than receiving and according to AARP lowers stress, boosts self confidence and decreases depression.

Notes: If you are in need of motivation or guidance in your KonMari™ journey you can find a Certified KonMari™ Consultant in your area on the official KMI webpage

November 10, 2019

Organize your time for happiness

November 10, 2019/ Janine

I saw this quote on Instagram this month and it said “it is No!vember, a time to say “no” to people, places and things that drain your energy”. I can’t agree more with this, because it has the philosophy of the KonMari Method™ written all over it.

Marie Kondo is a big advocate of creating a vision of your perfect lifestyle. By doing so, you will have a guideline on how to make decisions. This does not only apply to your household items, but ultimately to your precious time on this earth as well. Our lives are always so busy, time flies by as our kids get older, our bodies age and we always keep pushing our timeline of happiness forward. I’ll be happy when I lose 20lbs or when I get that promotion or marry or have children or whatever it may be. There will never be a right time to be happy. The right time is now. The right time is today. You just need to make a little time for it. Start a gratitude journal and write down all the awesome things that happened today. Schedule a weekly call with your mom or a friend. Set that dinner date that you have been putting off. Do the things that make you happy and practice gratitude. I personally keep a colorful Family Calendar with everyone’s tasks and schedules written on. I also make sure there are fun things planned to make memories with the family and scheduled time for self-care, may it be a massage or a wine night with the girlfriends. Just remember to prioritize the vision of your perfect life in mind and saying “no” will come a little easier.

“Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life and embark on a new lifestyle.”-Marie Kondo.

Notes: If you are in need of motivation or guidance in your KonMari™ journey you can find a Certified KonMari™ Consultant in your area on the official KMI webpage

September 29, 2019

How to make room and teach mindfulness for the holidays

September 29, 2019/ Janine

If you’re a mom and are dreading that the upcoming holidays will completely clutter up your kids room and home, here are my top 3 tips to kick clutter out and invite peace to your home.

Making room for “Santa’s List”
Once a year before Christmas and or Birthday’s my son and I will take 2 big moving boxes and fill them up with “donations” for the kids that don’t have toys, and trash, for the toys that are broken. We do this to make room for new things to come. It’s a refreshing exercise that teaches your child to be grateful for the things he/she is keeping and the one’s they are deciding to toss, as well as get excited for the new things to come. The more room we make, the more space for the new (which does not mean it has to be replaced by physical stuff by the way).
Talk about experience over stuff
When I ask my son what he wants for Christmas or his Birthday I usually add the words “to do”. When you ask the question “what do you want to do?” rather than “what do you want to have” you will re frame the assumption that it has to be something material. A friend of mine told me that grandma got her 4 year old son a gift certificate for the local YMCA for Christmas and in the weeks and months to come he still told everyone at the pool proudly that his “grandma got him swim lessons for Christmas”. Experiences often have a longer lasting memory in addition to the relationship factor.
Amazon wishlist’s
Of course I understand that grandma wants to see her grand child unwrap a gift and see his/her surprised and happy face, that’s what the presents under the tree are all about. I believe balance is everything and to make grandma happy, I suggest creating an Amazon wish list for things such as toys or things your children are asking for through out the year. This list can be easily shared and items can be mindfully purchased knowing that it’s something they have wanted and not just the latest black Friday junk.

Notes: If you are in need of motivation or guidance in your KonMari™ journey you can find a Certified KonMari™ Consultant in your area on the official KMI webpage

August 19, 2019

How streamlining your wardrobe can save you time and money

August 19, 2019/ Janine

Have you ever heard of a capsule wardrobe or a mom uniform? These “trends” suggest streamlining your wardrobe for either your job, seasons or even everyday life. Imagine walking into your closet and feel like you know exactly what to wear for every occasion. No wasting 30 min. looking for clothes, accessories or things that match. How much time would you save each morning?

Let’s examine the capsule wardrobe: Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don't go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.

Last year I have tried a 10x10 challenge where I only wore 10 pieces for 10 days interchangeable .

What I loved about it:

I always felt like had something beautiful to wear that day

It shortened my morning routine by 20 min.

It challenged me to wear my “nicer” pieces

Now the Mommy uniform is designed with similar intent in mind for feeling and looking good, but the most important aspect of this fashion practice is comfort and durability. Caring for a baby or multiple small children comes with challenges of its own; spills, food stains, burbs that turn into throw up, as well as potty training accidents on mom.

The Mommy Uniform allows you to play and have fun, get dirty and not feel guilty about having ruined a delicate fashion piece. Most Mommy Uniforms include, leggings or soft jeans, yoga or sweat pants soft shirts or maxi dresses that are not easily ruined by daily washing.

Another helpful tip is to streamline your undergarments; for example use all the same black socks and black undies, so you never have to spend another minute finding the socks mate, they are all the same.

Whatever your wardrobe needs are, Capsule or Uniform will make your daily routine a breeze and save you time and money by not buying more items you already have and love. Why not give it a try?

need inspiration? Check out Style Bee’s 10x10 fall challenge

Notes: If you are in need of motivation or guidance in your KonMari™ journey you can find a Certified KonMari™ Consultant in your area on the official KMI webpage

June 14, 2019

How to Organize your Finances

June 14, 2019/ Janine

Do you have credit card debt, a car loan or live paycheck to paycheck? Do you feel overwhelmed by how little money you have left over, at the end of the month after working so hard? You don’t have any savings and put things you want on your credit card? Are you tired of living in constant fear of not being able to pay for an emergency situation like a car accident or a loss of job? If you answered yes to any of these scenarios it might be time to organize your finances and get back on track for financial freedom.

When we were kids, no one thought it would be this hard to adult, right?!

8 out of 10 Americans are in debt. Broke is the new norm. If you are sick and tired of being broke I have some tips that helped me become debt free and take charge of my finances. Books like Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover” and Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” have changed the way many Americans view and handle their finances and helped them get out of debt.

Here are my personal favorite 5 Tips to get your finances organized:

Make a vision Board: What are your long term financial goals? Ask yourself WHY do you want to become financially independent. What will your do when you are?
Take a step back. Reevaluate your spending habits. Print out the past 3 months of your bank statements and determine where you spend most of your money. Create broad categories such as housing, groceries, loans, etc.
Create a 0 based Budget and stick to it. (These are your short term goals, so you can reach your long term goals)
Have an emergency plan in place. Have 1000$ in your savings account for emergencies, so you do not have to use your credit cards.
Pay off your debt and cut up your credit cards. You will not be able to create wealth without paying your debt first. I suggest trying Dave Ramsey’s debt snowball method, where you make minimum payments on your biggest debts and pay off the smallest debt as fast as you can. You go from paying off your smallest debt to biggest, for a fast success experiences and to learn to change your behavior.

Notes: If you are in need of motivation or guidance in your KonMari™ journey you can find a Certified KonMari™ Consultant on the official KMI webpage https://konmari.com/pages/consultants

May 13, 2019

What will a tidy home enable you to do?

May 13, 2019/ Janine

One of Konmari’s most important philosophies is to envision your perfect lifestyle. What are your plans after you are done with your tidy festival?

For me personally it was starting a business. Some of my clients visions were; more time with family, travel or going back to school to get that degree. Whatever your reason is for tidying, figure it out before you start and when the organizing gets exhausting, (believe me it will) remember WHY you are doing it.

The KonMari Method™ should only be done once and you should never again have to repeat it. Of course editing is allowed, but through this process you will learn to make decisions based on your values. “Does it spark joy?” is such a simple question that you can use it for all aspects of life. For example you might have heard the saying “surround yourself with people that lift you higher”. The same should be said for your belongings. They should reflect who you are now and who you are striving to be in the future and only support that vision of yourself.

So before you tidy, ask the WHY, then start organizing your home. Many of my most disorganized clients say after even the first organizing session “this method is life-changing”, and I agree. When you remove the negative mindset and change your thinking to surrounding yourself with (things you) love, everything will fall into place.

Notes: If you are in need of motivation or guidance in your KonMari™ journey you can find a Certified KonMari™ Consultant on the official KMI webpage https://konmari.com/pages/consultants

April 20, 2019

5 Spring Cleaning Tips

April 20, 2019/ Janine

San DIego Konmari Consultant Janine Morales

Spring time is here, which means the days are getting longer, the sun is coming out more often and flowers are blooming. Get done cleaning big maintenance items now, so you come home to and effortlessly tidy home and not worry about the things that still have to be cleaned for the season.

1.Clear your counters

The less stuff you have on your counter tops, the less you have to clean in the first place. When counters are clear, it’s quick to wipe them off with soap and water for a sparkle clean feeling.

2. Deep clean the fridge

Take out every single item and assess if it is still going to be used. Check expiration dates. Take out shelving and drawers. Wash them with soap and water. If they are made of glass, use glass cleaner or disinfectant.

3. Kids toys

Wash plush animals. Lego’s and other plastic toys can be put in a Mesh bag and cleaned in the dishwasher. Have your child choose what their favorite toys are and donate the rest to make room for new toys (Birthdays/Christmas etc).

4.Sinks and faucets

Sinks and faucets tend to get calcium stains and build up. Lime Away will help break down the gunk and hard to reach corners can be scrubbed with the help of a toothbrush.

5. Ceiling Fans

Clean your ceiling fans and other light fixtures with a damp microfiber cloth or a Microfiber Ceiling fan duster with expandable arm to get all the dust off.

Notes: If you are in need of motivation or guidance in your KonMari™ journey you can find a Certified KonMari™ Consultant on the official KMI webpage https://konmari.com/pages/consultants

April 06, 2019

Why gratitude is so important when organizing

April 06, 2019/ Janine

Letting go of things can be hard. Gifts from a friend, outgrown clothes, sentimentals that remind you of a special time or an inheritance.

Giving yourself permission to let go is essential to being able to move forward. Especially if the items are linked to negative feelings or guilt. Clients often say, but this was a birthday card, wouldn’t it be unethical to throw it away? No, because the minute you received your card or gift, it has fulfilled its purpose. If your clothes don’t fit you anymore but give you wonderful memories, say thank you and remember all the good things about them. They will be happier where they are actually used. Do you need 15 pictures of the same pose in your picture pile? No, pick one that you really love and let the other ones go. I have many clients that also digitize their loved prints to save space.

Remember the “why”!

Why are you tidying right now? What do you want to do when you are done? What’s the ideal lifestyle you are working toward? It is ok to let go of old ideas and unhealthy relationships to make room for changes and create habits that will help you reach your goal. Keeping a gratitude journal can be very helpful, when you feel stuck. Be grateful for your journey and how far you have come.

What’s one thing you can commit to doing today to make a step toward your goal?

Notes: If you are in need of motivation or guidance in your KonMari™ journey you can find a Certified KonMari™ Consultant on the official KMI webpage https://konmari.com/pages/consultants

March 24, 2019

Why you shoud consider the Konmari Method for organizing

March 24, 2019/ Janine

Sometimes, it feels like we're all running a never-ending race, doesn't it? Between juggling work and family, chasing the latest trends, and trying to keep our social media feeds looking sharp, it's like we're constantly on the move, trying to prove something. But at what cost? It turns out, all this hustle is taking a toll on us—yeah, us millennials are feeling it with higher rates of anxiety and loneliness than ever before.

It makes me think, our obsession with always wanting more is kind of mirroring how we treat the people and things in our life. Like, if your phone breaks, do you fix it or just get the latest model? And how does that reflect on our relationships with friends and family? I remember feeling like a hamster running on a wheel, having to pay credit card debt, and living paycheck to paycheck because I spent money I didn’t have on things I did not need. I felt hopeless and ashamed of not being able to handle my finances in a manner that is expected as an adult. But I did not know better than to buy things to make me feel better when I was sad. I had to dig deeper into why I coped this way and learn how to behave like the successful, independent woman I wanted to become instead.

This is where Marie Kondo and her KonMari Method™ come into the picture. It's not just about tidying up; it's a whole vibe of figuring out what matters to us. She teaches that tidying is just the means to help us find the lifestyle we truly want. Imagine clearing out the clutter and suddenly, there's this clarity about what's genuinely important. I still have the iPhone X by the way, and it’s 2024! After I came across her book “the life-changing magic of tidying up” which truly changed my life, I don’t feel the constant need to upgrade my lifestyle anymore to impress people I don’t even know and probably don’t even like! The KonMari Method™ focuses on practicing gratitude and being grateful for all the things you already have and love.

Visualizing that dream life is step one. Then, it's all about making choices that spark joy, not just in our closets but in other aspects of life too. The KonMari Method™ isn't just about organizing your space; it's about transforming your life, focusing on what brings you joy and making decisions easier.

So, to all my fellow San Diego military families and anyone longing for a bit of peace in this chaotic world, why not give it a shot? Let's tidy up not just our homes but our lives, creating a space that's all about joy, clarity, and meaningful connections.

March 21, 2019

Pet organization Tips

March 21, 2019/ Janine

If you're a proud pet parent, you already understand the benefits that come with having a furry friend. Not only do pets shower us with unconditional love and companionship, but they also play a pivotal role in enhancing our health by easing stress and decreasing the risk of heart disease. However, with the joy of pets also comes the responsibility of managing their plethora of accessories - from leashes and toys to blankets and medications.

Finding the perfect storage solutions for all your pet items is key to keeping your home organized and your sanity intact. The secret lies in categorization. Start by sorting pet items into distinct categories, such as toys, food, medication, and grooming supplies. Once sorted, assign each category its own bin or box. This method streamlines your storage and saves precious time you'd otherwise spend rummaging for items.

Designate a specific area in your home, such as a drawer dresser or a built-in closet, to house all your pet-related storage containers for an efficient and cohesive setup. This centralizes pet items, making it simpler for you to locate what you need when you need it. When it comes to toys, consider using open bins that keep playthings neatly contained and allow your dog to self-serve their favorites.

Don't overlook the importance of strategically placing leashes, collars, and sanitary bags. One idea is to hang them close to the front door, where you hang your coats. This placement ensures everything is grab-and-go, making your outdoor adventures with your pet as smooth as possible. I personally store all the to-go items in a dresser next to the entrance door, where things are arranged in bins and out of sight.

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