NAPO WDC Blog

by Nicole Holtman

Practically Organized

Did you just shudder at the word taxes? I get it. It’s one of those “adulting” things that just sucks. There, I said it. Taxes are tedious, stressful, and ridiculously easy to put off until the last minute. And if you’re a business owner? Forget it—it’s a whole other level of paperwork overload.

Between hunting down forms from different places, gathering receipts, and doing the prep work before handing it over to your accountant or tax preparer, it can feel like a never-ending task.

And here’s the thing—I’m a Certified Professional Organizer, yet for the longest time, I still felt disorganized when it came to taxes. I worried I was missing something, making a mistake, or leaving money on the table. Sound familiar?

That’s exactly why I designed a simple, repeatable system that helps me (and my clients—yes, even those who had back taxes to tackle). It’s not about doing the actual taxes—it’s about keeping the paperwork organized, so tax season doesn’t feel like a nightmare.

Quick Disclaimer: I’m not a CPA, accountant, or tax professional. These tips are purely for organizing and preparing for tax season. Always consult with a tax expert to ensure your specific financial situation is handled correctly!

Your Personalized Tax Prep Sheet

This is going to feel like a no-brainer, but you need a Tax Prep Sheet. I know, I know—there are downloadable worksheets and accountant-provided checklists. But this one is different because it’s completely personalized to YOU.

Think of it as your tax season roadmap. Whether you do your own taxes or hand them off to a professional, this sheet makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.

I personally use a simple Excel spreadsheet, but you can create yours in Google Docs, a notes app, or even on paper (as long as you make copies for future years). The goal is to make it reusable and editable so it evolves with your tax situation.

Part 1: The Ultimate Tax Checklist

Make a list of every tax form and document you need, broken down by category.

What to include:
✅ W-2s, 1099s, and other income forms
✅ Bank and investment statements
✅ Mortgage, property tax, and home-related deductions
✅ Business expenses and receipts
✅ Charitable donations
✅ Any additional forms for dependents, medical expenses, or other deductions

*Tailor this list to your needs and give each form and document its own line item.

Pro Tip: For each item, create two checkboxes: Received (so you know when you have it) and Verified (to double-check the numbers match). If you’re uploading your documents to a tax portal, you can even add a third column for that! 

Part 2: Your Personal Tax Prep Guide

Here’s where the magic happens. Document your own step-by-step process for getting your taxes done.

✨ Pretend you’re writing instructions for an assistant who has never done this before. What steps do you take? Who do you need to contact? Where do you find certain documents? What calculations do you need to make?

Why this is game-changing:
Saves you from reinventing the wheel every year
Helps you catch missing steps before tax season stress kicks in
Acts as a backup plan when life gets busy (or you just don’t want to think about it)

Bonus Tip: Add a "Notes for Next Year" section. This is where you jot down anything you wish you’d done differently, plus any questions your tax pro asked that you weren’t prepared for.

Make Tax Season Less Stressful (Yes, Really!)

This system has saved me so much frustration, and my clients have told me it makes tax season way less overwhelming. It’s not about loving taxes (because let’s be real, that’s never happening). It’s about having a plan so you can handle them faster, with less stress, and no last-minute scrambling.

Need help getting your tax papers in order? Let’s tackle it together! Work with me here.

And hey—if you use this method, tag me in a pic of your organized tax papers! I’d love to celebrate your progress.

For more information, contact Nicole Holtman.

by Chris Lancette

Orion's Attic

Strategic partnerships enable us to do more for our clients and for the planet

The nonprofit organization Community Forklift gave Orion’s Attic a big boost on our Lanham estate liquidation and home cleanout project last week. The effort served as another case study in doing financial good for homeowners, heirs and executors of houses full of stuff. It also did a ton of social and environmental good.

Lanham estate liquidation and home cleanout at a glance

A client in Lanham, Maryland needed a home he inherited cleaned out so that he could put the house up for sale and make the real money. Remember, the goal of most estate liquidation and home cleanout projects is effectively clear the home and get it sold. The goal is not to pay mortgages and property taxes for multiple months trying to sell Hummel figurines for $3.

This home contained a lot of furniture, art, books, and knickknacks that were best suited for donation rather than sale. Rather than charging the client for us to transport the stuff to a charity, we reached out to our friends at Community Forklift, one of our favorite partners. Orion’s Attic brings truck loads and van loads of stuff to its facility in Edmonston, Maryland all the time.

We love the organization because it accepts donations of a wide variety of home contents — everything from building materials to quality furniture. It in turn makes the items available to people in need through its various programs for free, and for below-market prices at its warehouse store.

How we worked with Community Forklift to clear the house

We sent Community Forklift a link to detailed photos of the home’s contents. It reviewed the photos, gave us its wish list, and sent a truck to the Lanham home on the day we did the job. Orion’s Attic got there early and used our big and diverse labor force to remove all of those items from the house. Part of what makes the partnership with Community Forklift work is that we have loads of man and woman power and a few trucks — and Community Forklift has even bigger trucks.

We promptly handed up everything the nonprofit wanted to the two staffers on the truck. The hard-working and super friendly Community Forklift folks promptly packed it all and headed out, providing the client with a tax donation receipt.

“This is amazing,” our client said, while watching us work in tandem with Community Forklift and finishing his entire project in less than a day. (We transport high-end items to auction and private dealers, haul away all the trash and leave houses broom clean.) “I can’t believe you made all this happen.”

End results of Lanham estate liquidation team effort

1. We cleared the entire home in less than one work day — enabling the client’s Realtor to come in the next day and put the house on the market.
2. Putting so many household items on Community Forklift’s truck made the above possible. We fit everything else on our two trucks and didn’t need to return the next day.
3. Finishing the job so quickly enabled us to present a final bill to the client that was $1,000 less than the estimate. He was thrilled. “Everybody comes out ahead in this,” the client said.
4. Working with Community Forklift meant that a house full of items got second lives. This is good for the people that need those things and good for the earth. It’s sustainability in action.

How the Lanham project worked for Community Forklift and for Orion’s Attic

The Lanham estate liquidation project accomplished our company goals for eliminating the burden people feel when it comes to downsizing or dealing with a loved one’s estate.  We pulled away with yet another happy client. It also gave us yet another chance to put our environmental principles into action.

Community Forklift liked it, too, because it’s not used to companies like ours providing so much labor and making life easier for its staff.

“The crew also had a great experience and appreciated how efficiently everything was organized and ready to go,” Assistant Director of Donations Martina Ivanova shared with us. “We truly appreciate your willingness to collaborate, and we’re excited about the possibility of building on this model moving forward. Your proactive approach, detailed notes, and teamwork make a huge difference, and we look forward to more opportunities to work together.”

Orion’s Attic and Community Forklift loved the good old win-win.

“We’re glad we could help streamline the process and make things easier on your end while also ensuring that as many items as possible could be repurposed for a good cause,” Ivanova added. “It’s especially rewarding to hear how happy the client was with the outcome—that’s exactly the kind of impact we strive for!”

Contact us today! Orion’s Attic is a full-service estate liquidation, downsizing and home cleanout company based in Silver Spring, Maryland. We also buy antiques and collectibles. We serve the greater Washington, D.C./Maryland/Northern Virginia region. Our service area includes Montgomery County (Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Wheaton, Takoma Park, etc.), Frederick County, Howard County (Columbia, Ellicott City), Prince George’s County (College Park, Greenbelt, Hyattsville) plus DC and Northern Virginia.

Learn more about liquidating estates in our Estate Liquidation and Downsizing Guide.

See why we’re the environmentally responsible choice for your estate liquidation in Green Choice.

Get the scoop on why estate sales can be bad ideas here.

For more information, contact Chris Lancette.

by C. Lee Cawley

C. Lee Cawley

If you’ve ever scrambled to match a charger to the right device, tossed a mystery bag from the freezer, or wondered how old that bottle of sunscreen really is—Sharpies are about to become your new best friend!

I keep permanent markers in almost every room of my home because they’re the easiest, fastest way to label things without dragging out my label maker. My personal favorite? The retractable Sharpie—no cap to lose!

Here are some genius ways to use Sharpies in every room:

BATHROOM 

•  Write expiration dates on medications, vitamins, sunscreen, and toiletries as soon as you open them.
•  On makeup and skincare, jot down the "opened" date so you know how long they really last.

KITCHEN & FREEZER 

•  Mark expiration dates on the tops of canned goods and on spice jars for easy rotation.
•  Label leftovers and meal-prepped items in the fridge or freezer with both the contents and the date.
•  Write directly on foil-wrapped foods and freezer bags so you’re never stuck with a mystery meal.

LIVING ROOM 

•  Use a silver Sharpie to label black charging cables and blocks. Be specific—write “iPhone 14” instead of just “phone charger.”
•  Label remotes (because everything seems to come with one these days!).

OFFICE ️

•  Color-code file folders for quick organization—try Green for Finances (money), Red for Medical (Red Cross), Blue for Household, and Purple for Personal.

GENERAL USES & PLAYROOM 

•  Mark chargers and remotes when opening a new toy, so you always know what belongs where.
•  Attach painter's tape to seasonal storage bins and label them so you know what’s inside.
•  Mark tools or shared items with your name—great for avoiding mix-ups in communal spaces.
•  Label power strips with what’s plugged in to prevent unplugging the wrong thing!

Bonus Tip: Need to label something temporarily? Sharpie ink can be easily removed from glass, mirrors, and some glazed ceramics with a little rubbing alcohol! Just dab some on a paper towel or cotton pad, wipe, and it’s gone. Perfect for labeling leftovers on glass containers, glasses with names for a party, or jotting quick notes on a bathroom mirror.

Sharpies aren’t just for art projects—they’re the ultimate organizational tool! How do you use yours? Let me know!

For more information, contact C. Lee Cawley.

by Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

Kitchens collect a lot of stuff! It’s so easy to add things to your kitchen cabinets or countertop until they don’t function as they should, which can cause you unnecessary stress. Deleting what you don’t need will free up space to breathe.

Here are 10 items your kitchen can do without:

Small gadgets that don’t work the way you hoped.

We have all bought one of those single-use items that we thought would solve a problem—maybe it was a pineapple corer or an emersion blender. It didn’t quite do the job you hoped, but you didn’t have the heart to toss or donate it. If it didn’t solve your problem, then it won’t solve the same problem later. Ask yourself, “Can I do this task with a different tool I already have in my kitchen?” IF SO, LET IT GO!

Silverware that stays in the drawer.

Maybe you have extra sets of silverware (just in case you invite another 12 people over) or maybe it’s those cute cheese spreaders for the charcuterie board you’ve been meaning to make again. Decide how much silverware you need on a daily basis, then add a few more pieces and you’ll probably be good to go.

Specialty bakeware that has been forgotten.

Have you ever bought a special pan to bake an unusual-shaped cake? But didn’t have a reason to use it again. Or maybe you used to bake cupcakes all the time of the kids, but they are grown now and you don’t need a dozen of those tempting sweet treats around. Ask yourself if you use each baking item often enough to take up space in your kitchen. Also look at items you have multiples of, like cookie sheets or pizza pans. I tell clients “Only keep the number of baking items that can fit in your oven at the same time”. You probably don’t need more than that.

Souvenir and unused coffee mugs.

Have you ever picked up a mug from one of your travels, but when you get home you didn’t use it? You probably placed it on the top shelf of a kitchen cabinet, because that’s where there was space. It’s not easy to get to, so you don’t use the mug. Do you remember the trip when you made the purchase? Often people think they need to keep a souvenir to retain those memories, but you don’t. You are remembering the vacation right now without the mug in your presence. So many unused mugs! To determine how many you need, use the Pareto Principle by gathering all your mugs somewhere outside the cabinet. Then use the mugs you like for the next two weeks. When you use a mug, it can go back into the cabinet. At the end of the 14 days, you’ll know which mugs you prefer. Use them and donate the rest.

Appliance accessories you’ve never used.

It may be a piece from your KitchenAid mixer or a bin that came with your refrigerator that you have no use for. I understand that when you first buy an appliance you may want to use these extra accessories, but if you’ve owned the appliance for some time (maybe 6 months or a year) and haven’t used it, consider letting them go. Storing an unused accessory in a closet or the back of a kitchen cabinet isn’t going to make you use it.

The collection of extra cooking utensils.

There’s been a great debate lately on whether black plastic cooking utensils are dangerous to your health (but then I saw an article saying otherwise). You’ll have to decide for yourself. I’m no expert. But I bet you have utensils that you like and use all the time. But hiding in a drawer somewhere are the other spatulas, slotted spoons, etc that you never use. Is it because they are made of a material you don’t like or are too big or too small for your needs? Maybe you like the look of wooden utensils but never reach for them when cooking. It is time to evaluate whether they need to take up space in your kitchen.

Serving Platters that never make it to the table.

I have to confess, I have too many platters. If you are like me, you desire to entertain more often than you do. Like me, do you store serving platters (and bowls) that have never (or seldom) made it to the table. They probably aren’t “quite right” for you and you have something else that services the same purpose that you use more often. If you haven’t used a serving dish in the last year, ask yourself if you really need it.

Food storage containers that aren’t working for you.

Whether you’ve lost the lid or the plastic has cracked, I bet you could find a few items in this category that you could declutter. People often unconsciously collect food containers. Have you seen the Pretty Good Box video? The same goes for your collection of take-out food containers. One of my container tips is to have only containers of the same size, so you can stack them inside each other when storing, to take up less space. On another note, I think the container lids should be stored separately from the containers. What do you think?

Anything chipped has got to go.

Now this is subjective. Maybe you have small children and chipped plates are the way you roll. That’s fine. I wouldn’t want you to spend money on new dishware unless your family can handle it. But if you have too many dishes or bowls an easy way to declutter them is to eliminate the chipped items. Now, if we are talking glassware – if it’s chipped it got go!

Items you have collected on the counter.

After reading about 9 categories of things to declutter from your kitchen cabinets and drawers I wanted the tenth item it be anything not needed on your kitchen counters. Your counter should be clear of clutter so the space can function correctly. But, I know that’s hard to do consistently. The kitchen counter is where everything lands – every day, all day. See if you can make it a practice to do a 5-minute sweep of your countertop right before you make dinner or at the end of the day. This routine will at least help keep the clutter at bay.

 

As you can see, I didn’t tell you to get rid of an entire category of anything. I would never do this. Instead, evaluate each category separately to determine what you don’t use and can do without. Making a little space in each area will make a big difference in the overall functionality of your kitchen.

What is one item you could do without in your kitchen? Let me know in the comments.

For more information, contact Janet Schiesl.

by Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

How do you stay productive?  Most of us have a system in place when we need to get focused to complete a task.

Some of us use a steady approach, while others wait until the last minute. Either way, I’m sure you’re able to complete your tasks. However, less stress is the name of the game. The team at Basic Organization would like to share how we stay productive and relieve some of your stress. Let’s find ways to become more productive.

 

Janet– “When I want to create a new habit, I find it much easier to succeed by tying it to an already established routine.

Years ago, I decided that to encourage my family to put their dirty dishes in the dishwasher, I had to solve the issue of the “I didn’t know if it was clean or dirty” excuse. I decided that the dishwasher would run every day in the evening. Then, I tied the tasks of emptying the dishwasher to my making coffee in the morning. Can you empty a dishwasher at the same time it takes a Keurig to brew one cup of joe? I tied emptying the dishwasher with making my morning coffee. I now had a focus for the brewing time. Instead of wasting that time scrolling on my phone, I got something done. The success was that there was no reason for anyone not to load dirty dishes in the machine – saving me time!”

Patti-“I make lists and use the bullet journal method religiously.” Do you use a paper or digital journal? Check out her fun video explaining why she loves her paper.

“When you return to your project, you will feel refreshed and ready to begin again.”

Denene-‘I am a big proponent of using 4×6 ruled Post-It Notes to stay on task.  Each night, I list the appointments and tasks I have to complete the following day, putting them in order by the time of day I would like to complete them.  The next day, I refer to the list and start checking things off.  It’s easy to take the list with me wherever I go and even stick it on the dashboard of my car so I can stay on task while I’m out and about.  The 4×6 Post-It is the perfect size – just enough space for my day but not too much space to overwhelm me. Writing out my daily to-do’s and appointments on the Post-It the night before cements it and helps me visualize my day.”

Sandy-‘Staying on task and productive with decluttering and organization requires a clear and structured approach. It is most effective to write down what I want to accomplish, whether it’s an ongoing list, a weekly plan, or a to-do list made the night before, if I know I’ll have time the following day. I also set a time limit for each task, which helps break it down into smaller, more manageable segments, preventing it from feeling overwhelming. Minimizing distractions is key, so I put my phone in another room and close my laptop, removing any temptation. I’ve learned to celebrate even the smallest accomplishments—like organizing a kitchen utensil drawer and cleaning out the crumbs—as every step forward is a win!”

“I’ve learned to celebrate even the smallest accomplishments—like organizing…”

Rouba-“Number one thing for me to stay on task is to avoid multitasking and tackle one thing at a time. I have to stay focused on the job that I’m doing. Another one is to establish a to-do list, follow it as much as possible, and create deadlines as they help prioritize what you are working on. Eliminate distractions to be productive, and take little breaks if necessary.”

Michelle-“A key to staying productive is making time for breaks so you don’t get overwhelmed. Set an alarm on your phone, and when it goes off, walk away from your project and do something else. When you return to your project, you will feel refreshed and ready to begin again. I also find that it is helpful to work with a friend or family member. You can rely on each other to tackle the project together and have fun in the process.”

When you return to your project, you will feel refreshed and ready to begin again.

Lori– “I stay on task and productive by writing lists at night for the next day of tasks I need to do. I prioritize my list by the things I need to make sure I take care of right away. I also set the alarm on my phone for the most important tasks so I have a reminder. Sometimes, I’ve been distracted by unimportant daily interruptions, and having an alarm helps me stay on track.”

Ann-“My tip for being productive is to use a timer.  Pick a task and set a timer for 15 minutes.  You will be amazed at how focused you will be (it’s like a race with yourself).  It also helps you realize how much you can accomplish in such a short period of time.  That way, in the future, when you don’t think you have enough time, you will know what you can do in 15 minutes.”

Sue-“Limit distractions and make a list. I am most productive when I can see the tasks I need to accomplish written down on paper.  Then, I can move towards checking them off.  Also a closed door to my office allows for uninterrupted time and minimizes distractions.”

Share with us your favorite productivity tips below in the comments.

for more information, contact Janet Schiesl.

by Chris Lancette

Orion's Attic

Inviting strangers into your home is rife with peril, and often a waste of time

Thinking about selling on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to sell the contents of your home? That can be a bad idea for a whole bunch of reasons.

While most people today understand that the best way to liquidate the contents of their homes and cleanout their houses is by hiring a company like Orion’s Attic to get it done quickly, some still think selling on Facebook Marketplace and sites like Craigslist is the way to go. Even people who should know better still suffer from that misguided impression. A Realtor called me recently to inquire about our services as the only thing standing between her clients and cashing in on the sale of their home was the stuff inside it. (Ditto for the Realtor making her commission.)

Estate liquidation market trends at a glance

I took the time to explain the basics to her, the way I’m always happy to do when people call. I conveyed that estate sales are going the way of the dinosaur. Next, I shared why estate sales are an ineffective way to accomplish the goal of selling treasures in a home.

I gave her an antiques and collectibles crash course. The market for many antiques is dead, I said. They generally cost more to move than they sell for. The entire market for “stuff” has changed, too, I elaborated. “There is too much supply of most things on the market today, and not enough demand.”

“The best, most effective and environmentally conscious way to clear your clients’ home is for us to do what we do best,” I continued. “We charge a labor fee and then get a house empty in a flash. What can be sold goes to auction and specialty dealers and your clients get the money. We take donations to charity and provide your clients with the tax donation receipts. Then we haul away the trash and sweep up on our way out.”

The Realtor took exception to what we’ve learned from 14 years of doing this work. She scoffed and said it’s ridiculous to pay a company to empty a house.

“Selling on Facebook Marketplace would be better,” she said. “Anybody could do that.”

I laughed out loud.

5 Reasons why selling on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can be bad ideas

I didn’t mean to laugh but the suggestion was absurd. Here are just five of the reasons why:

Reason 1: Most people wouldn’t even know where to start.

The average homeowner, estate executor or beneficiary would have no idea how to approach this task. They don’t know what’s hot and what’s not in the market. They don’t know how to price furniture, antiques or collectibles. Many people would struggle with he mechanics of accepting payments. Creating great listings with solid photos and descriptions isn’t easy, either.

Reason 2: It’s hard to root out scammers and time-wasting buyers.

The moment your start listing items for sale to the public, you extend an invitation for all kinds of scammers, tire-kickers and unscrupulous people to enter your life. People say they’re going to show up to buy something but fail to show, so sellers end up dealing with countless people before someone actually buys a given item. Spammers and identity thieves hit you up.

Reason 3: It requires an enormous amount of time.

It would take even a professional like me an exceptionally long time to attempt to pull this off. Time is money, and the big money is always in the house — not the contents. Most people have jobs and lives; they don’t have a year to spend selling Hummel figurines for $3. We landed yet another estate liquidation and home cleanout job last month AFTER a Silver Spring, Maryland man listened to bad advice from someone else. He tried selling the entire contents of his home on Facebook Marketplace. He sold a whopping 15 items, and the few antiques he sold went for next to nothing.

Reason 4: It’s not going to get the job done.

Even if homeowners, downsizes, executors and beneficiaries had all the time in the world, selling on Facebook Marketplace is still not likely to accomplish the goal. They’re still going to be left with likely most of their stuff still sitting there and all they’ve done is delay selling their houses.

Reason 5: Selling on Facebook Marketplace and other sites can be dangerous

I am not the paranoid type. Nor am I blind. The world can be an ugly place, and people do get robbed while trying to sell on Facebook Marketplace. Assailants even use guns against Facebook Marketplace sellers. I don’t think inviting total strangers into your home to sell a set of china for $20 makes sense. (Maybe you’re trained in the martial arts and have bulletproof vests at the ready. Is it really worth it to you to use either of them?)

A very nice young woman called me the other day. She said her grandmother told her before she died that she could sell her four wine glasses and a few pieces of china for “a lot of money.”

“Grandmothers always say that,” I said. “They don’t know any better.”

I asked the young woman to text me photos. I looked at them. The items sell for next to nothing today, if a buyer can even be found.

A simple alternative to the risk with selling online — donation

“Save yourself a lot of time and hassle and take it to Goodwill,” I said.

“But I could try selling on Facebook Marketplace,” she countered.

“Is it really worth it to you to risk your safety to maybe make twenty bucks?”

“Umm …”

“You seem like a lovely person,” I continued. “I recognize the odds of someone responding to an online listing and then stabbing you or killing you is are small, but I’d hate to read in the Washington Post tomorrow that a young woman died trying to sell twenty dollars of stuff.”

“But my grandmother said –”

“I’m sure your grandmother was lovely, too,” I said. “But she didn’t do what I do for a living. And I’m quite sure she wouldn’t want you to waste your time and risk death to make twenty dollars. She would be happy to see you give the stuff a second life at Goodwill and go on with your life.”

“Thanks,” the young woman chirped. “That helps. I feel better now. I’ll go donate it.”

Learn more about liquidating estates in our Estate Liquidation and Downsizing Guide.

Contact us today! Orion’s Attic is a full-service estate liquidation, downsizing and home cleanout company based in Silver Spring, Maryland. We also buy antiques and collectibles. We serve the greater Washington, D.C./Maryland/Northern Virginia region. Our service area includes Montgomery County (Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Olney, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Wheaton, Takoma Park, etc.), Frederick County, Howard County (Columbia, Ellicott City), Prince George’s County (College Park, Greenbelt, Hyattsville) plus DC and Northern Virginia.

For more information, contact Chris Lancette.

by Janet Schiesl

Basic Organization

When does clutter become a problem? The answer to this question is different for everyone. However, clutter becomes a problem for most people when one or more of the following situations arise.

• It is creating feelings of depression or anxiety.
• The need for more or better or newer things seems insatiable.
• It feels like you are losing control of your life as your possessions take over.
• The disorder of your living space prevents you from feeling comfortable or happy at home.
• You conflict with other household members over this issue.
• You’re ashamed to have friends and relatives over to the house because it’s such a mess, and you feel more isolated.

If you can relate to these situations, you can no longer ignore them. It’s time to take control and get organized.

 For more information, contact Janet Schiesl.

by Heather Nickerson

Artifcts

When I moved three times in as many years, I had no choice but to come to terms with what stuff I owned and whether it warranted a spot in a moving box, place on the truck, and space in my next home. Of course, in a pinch, and if space was not at a premium, I knew which boxes left unopened for multiple moves I could contentedly continue to ignore for another day and hand into the truck.

But that level of awareness is unique I think to people who move a lot. A professional home organizer told me recently that her clients get tripped up when decluttering and organizing a space because they have forgotten what was even in it. So, they rediscover items they already own and want to keep them and put them to use. There’s a human psychological phenomenon in play here. Namely, we tend to place greater value on items we already own.

Through Artifcts, my co-founder and I have spent an above average amount of time with people who are moving and/or downsizing as well as the professionals who assist them. Along the way, we have picked up on some tricks to help us with our own 'stuff’ of daily life and are eager to share them here with you to help reduce your day-to-day stress and enjoy your homes more. 

____________________

The Obvious Strategy: Pretend You’re Moving 

Before we cover any true tips and life hacks, let’s just put it out there: Even if you have no intent on moving anytime soon, pretending you are and going zone by zone through your home can be an incredibly effective decluttering technique.

Few of us follow golden rules popularized by the likes of Martha Stewart when it comes to regularly refreshing all of our spaces, including those cabinets and closets, to remove dust and other debris. When you tackle one zone after another this strategy becomes a decluttering and home cleaning win all in one!

The Second Most Obvious: You Don’t Need It, but Someone Does

Decorative pillowcases, picture frames, books, and special glasses and dessert plates are great examples of this downsizing theme. Yes, it is perfectly good. Yes, it’s perfectly usable. But you have outgrown it. That’s okay! Tastes and preferences change. Your space has changed. You simply don’t need it. That’s life. You married your spouse, not the ‘stuff,’ so give yourself some grace and the permission to let it go. It's natural to let go of stuff.

How exactly should you go about letting go?

For some, the answer to this type of ‘stuff’ is charity. Temporary homes for abused persons and other displaced individuals often need the sort of TLC cozy and practical home goods and décor can offer. Donate locally! Or check our free Going Green guides for ideas.

For others, taking a page out of Margareta Magnusson’s book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, is just the ticket. And no, you don’t have to be dying or in your senior years to use this concept in your life. When it comes to ‘stuff,’ Magnusson reminds us that rehoming items not only lets us share the stories and value of them with loved ones now, but it helps us to live as comfortably and stress-free as possible without the burden stuff can become.

Add an Artifcts QR code to the item you are rehoming to ensure the stories and memories are passed down along with the actual item.

And if you do not want to use stickers, you can always print a QR code directly from your Artifct.

Shred and Digitize, Today not Tomorrow.

Accidentally accumulating paperwork—yes, including photos—to sort through another day? Do not take a shortcut and stick it all in a binder or bin. That's a Band-Aid. Let’s go for a sustainable and useful fix. Mass digitizing and shredding can immediately clear spaces in your home and the back of your mind from this sort of clutter.  

Yes, it could mean you now have shifted it to digital clutter, but at least you freed up space and now that it’s digitized, it’s accessible when you are on the go, shareable and searchable, and protected from destruction by mother nature or theft. You can’t say that for a filing bin, cardboard box, or cabinet.

And your files are ready to upload into whatever app you are using for planning all of life’s nexts. Perhaps those cards, postcards, letters, photos, and pieces of kid art are ready for Artifcting along with their stories. Maybe you need to add that latest home insurance policy into your digital vault, like Trustworthy. 

Done digitizing? Now recycle.

Piles with Timelines (#IveBeenMeaningTo)

When you are heading toward a move, you start clustering things naturally in your mind: making the move, heading to donation, must ask a friend/family member if they want it, selling this, etc. If you apply that logic on a daily life basis, and dedicate a strategy for each intent, you’ll have a great habit that keeps you decluttering regularly. 

Perhaps you have an under-the-bed bin, a cute basket with a lid, or even a simple bag tucked into a closet where you can put anything you’re ready to donate.  

Perhaps you Artifct sentimental and valuable items and set a reminder with the Artifcts “In the Future” feature to sell by a certain date. Or maybe instead you share that Artifct with a loved one to see if they want it (especially now that they know the story) before you sell, donate, or otherwise rehome it. The act of asking not only avoids traps that faulty assumptions might set, but it’s also a best practice in managing your family history estate.

Another reason those move piles work wonders? It’s visible progress. For the items that have already made it through your assessment and are keepers, we strongly encourage adding a QR code so that you (and everyone else who looks) can see this item matters and can scan to learn why.

(Re)Set Up Your Home for Convenience and Peace

One of the best parts of a move is setting up your home again. You have a blank slate. Nothing is stopping you from using this blank-slate strategy even if you are not moving:

1. Grab a pen and paper or open up a blank note on your phone.  
2. Go room by room.  
3. Do you see any pain points, constantly cluttered areas, things that are broken or damaged? Note it all down. 
4. Review and prioritize for action.

Let’s walk through some examples.
Is it constantly irritating and slightly absurd that your hook for your reusable shopping bags is in the pantry and nowhere near the car you get into to go shopping? Move the hook.

How about the fact that naturally everyone in your home has some volume of clutter. And it’s everywhere, including on the counter, on the table, on the coffee table. I have a specific pen I love, a tape measurer, a set of Artifcts QR code stickers, and a book I’m reading, all of which I want readily accessible. Create a home for your clutter. I have a cute little pop-up crate on my bookshelf that holds these and other random items. Problem solved. (And, yes, my husband and daughter have crates, too. And we have a small one for common household stuff like scissors, tape, batteries, and a retractable utility knife.

You can find these hay.com collapsible crates at MOMA, Design within Reach, and other online vendors in a variety of sizes and colors.

Furniture falls into this category, too, albeit we’re not always in the right place financially to do anything about it. But if you are, everyone who moves knows that you do not want to ship furniture that you always found uncomfortable, has a worn-out look that is not intentional or repairable, or is literally outgrown, like a toddler sized rocking chair. Sell or donate it, but either way, move it on out!

Schedule it. 

When you’re on deadline, as in the moving trucks will arrive one month from today, you have no choice but to get stuff done. Many people already keep things running on a schedule at home anyway, e.g. how often the chimney is inspected, the air filters replaced, or the windows washed. Why wouldn’t you add decluttering to your schedule? Home is not just where you spend the majority of your time, but it is also a place that should help you to feel recharged and comfortable. 

If daily or weekly sounds too intense, try monthly, as in, the third Sunday each month you schedule a specific space in your home for a once over. Sometimes it might be a “simple” drawer, other times you might schedule the front hall closet, because it’s a month when you know you’ll have more time. You do not need to make it a stretch goal. You just need to make the decluttering a reality.

And if you are truly under deadline, perhaps a guest is coming to stay, or you just feel overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional organizer to get you started with the most challenging spot for you.

____________________

All of these strategies are about (re)organizing and removing things that drain your energy and provoke frustration so you can live your life more smoothly. We hope you test them out, revise to your liking, and reap the rewards.

Happy Artifcting!

For more information, contact Heather Nickerson.

by C. Lee Cawley

C. Lee Cawley

When moving into a new home, there’s a lot to think about—decorating, organizing, and settling in. But there’s one simple, often-overlooked step that could save you thousands of dollars in the long run: investing in a $2 folder.

Yes, really. A humble two-pocket folder (preferably green, to symbolize money!) can be the key to easily keeping track of capital improvements—those upgrades and changes that increase the value of your home and help you save big when it’s time to sell.

Capital improvements are upgrades to your home that enhance its value, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. See what they are in this IRS publication on page 10. Think construction costs for additions, new HVAC or plumbing systems, installing a deck or fence, or even minor updates that will stay behind like grab bars in the bathroom.

When you eventually sell your home, these improvements can increase your cost basis—the amount you originally paid for your home, plus the value of qualifying upgrades. The higher your cost basis, the lower the taxable profit (capital gains) when you sell.

Without documentation, it’s almost impossible to claim these improvements for tax purposes. That’s where your $2 folder comes in.

Dedicate a folder or a large zippered pouch to store ALL the physical receipts. Whether it’s a major renovation or a minor upgrade, save those proofs of payment. Even smaller expenses, like under counter lights or landscaping projects, can add up over time.

I use a green two-pocket folder to organize my receipts with a page that lists the date, cost, vendor, and explanation of the expense with a running total for each year. Or you can take a digital approach and scan and save copies of your receipts for easy access and backup, using an app like Landlord Studio.

Imagine you purchased your home for $300,000. Over the years, you've made various improvements (adding a deck, replacing windows, etc.. ) totaling $50,000. When you sell your home for $500,000, your taxable gain is reduced from $200,000 to $150,000.

The info in your $2 folder just saved you from paying tax on $50,000!

It’s not just about saving money—it’s about peace of mind. When the time comes to sell, you won’t be scrambling to remember what you spent or trying to locate receipts from decades ago.

So, grab that $2 folder, pick a safe spot to store it, and start building your cost basis one receipt at a time. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

For more information, contact C. Lee Cawley.

by Jill Katz

One to Zen Organizing

The Story

I love yoga! It's a form of exercise and meditation that doesn't really feel like exercise or meditation (I love a good hack). I also love organizing. I didn't grow up naturally organized (see this blog post about my journey) so researching and uncovering strategies to support an organized life really gets me pumped.

I have always looked at yoga and organizing as similar disciplines. I remember back in 2018, talking with my best friend on the phone and trying to come up with a name for my business. As part of a free association exercise, we tossed around words related to yoga like "mindfulness" and "calm" until we arrived at "One to Zen Organizing". I then chose a person sitting in Easy Pose (Sukhasana), a basic yoga position, for my logo.

Five Commonalities between Organizing & Yoga

I believe that by practicing organizing (on your own or with a professional), you can achieve many of the same benefits as yoga. Similarly, by practicing yoga, you are creating the foundation for an organized mind. Don't believe me? Read these 5 commonalities that I discovered and decide for yourself.

Both are a practice

In organizing and yoga "perfection is the enemy of the good." I tell my clients that the goal of our sessions is to continually practice good habits and routines in an effort to become more organized. Similarly, in yoga, the goal is to get your body used to new positions to the best of your ability based on how you feel that day. In both cases, practice makes "better" NOT perfect.

Both force you to slow down and reflect

Yoga is often practiced by moving through positions slowly. In this way, we can discover which muscles are stronger and which muscles are weaker and develop strategies to compensate for weaker muscles. For example, I might notice that I tighten my jaw when holding crow pose. I take that awareness off the mat by observing when I clench my jaw during the day. In this way, I start to notice situations where I am feeling stressed. With this new awareness, I can then strategize ways to relieve that stress.

Likewise, when a client is having difficulty letting go of a possession, we might stop and reflect about why that is happening. When sorting items into categories, I might ask a client to think about when he or she uses that item or if it is something used more or less frequently. When we slow down and reflect, we learn something new that can be applied to our practice. I discuss the importance of slowing down in my blog posts "The power of the pause" and Nighttime Routines: Clearing Your Mental Clutter

Both require modifications based on your abilities

When I work with my clients, I recognize that some struggle with organization. One person might have the ability to hang up their coat in a closet while another might only be able to get their coat to a hook next to the front door. Many of my clients have interesting hobbies, are very creative or have strong research skills. All these elements impact their organizing. Every person has areas of strength and we can build and expand upon that strength. We always make sure to acknowledge both our strengths and our successes while adjusting as needed.

In yoga class, when we are working through a flow or pose, the instructor will demonstrate alternate movements. They always say, "Remember that child's pose or resting pose is a choice for you." We always start the class by saying "Congratulations, you made it to your mat today." So we start with success and work toward our strengths while being compassionate about any weaknesses. In this way, we can build ourselves up. In this way, we can improve.

Both include mindfulness

Yoga creates an environment of awareness. When I am moving my body through various positions, I notice which muscles are tight and where I am holding stress. I notice when a pose is difficult and I am forgetting to breathe. I concentrate on creating ease of movement. I bring this enlightenment into my everyday life. During the day, I might realize that I am holding my breath. So I will take a few minutes to breathe. When I walk outside, I might notice that my shoulders are slightly hunched over so I will adjust my body so my chest is more open just like Mountain Pose (Tadasana).

Organizing also creates mindfulness. When I am working with someone, I go at their pace. Sometimes a client will make decisions very quickly and we fly through our session. Other times, that same client will encounter an area that requires more thought and we slow our pace to carefully consider a space or category. I check in with them and ask, "What associations is this category or object bringing up for you?" We explore and uncover and the result is a new awareness they can build upon.

Both achieve alignment and calm

I ask all my clients what success looks like to them and most of them include calm as their ultimate goal. They have reached out to me because their physical and mental clutter is creating noise in their lives. Decluttering clears the noise so they can feel aligned and calm.

Spending time on my mat, creates that same calm. I end my yoga practice with Corpse Pose (Shavasana) where I lie on my mat feeling an overwhelming sense of peace, reaping the benefits of my yoga session. It feels like a deep body massage.

In Conclusion

In both yoga and organizing, the journey is about creating space—physical, mental, and emotional—for what truly matters. By embracing the shared principles of mindfulness, reflection, and alignment, we can find greater calm and balance in both our homes and our lives.

For more information, contact Jill Katz.