Hey friends!
If you walked through my home, you’d notice something immediately: there’s a less “stuff” lying around than most people expect. But it’s not perfectly in order. Let me repeat that – It’s not perfectly in order. As a professional organizer, I see the hidden chaos that accumulates in homes all the time—and I’ve learned to keep only what’s useful, loved, meaningful or manageable.
Here’s a peek at the top things you won’t find in my home (and why you might want to rethink keeping them too):
- Mystery cords
That tangled ball of wires you “might need someday”? Gone. If I don’t know what a cord is for, it doesn’t stay. Life is too short to untangle unknown electronics. - Unopened Amazon packages + empty boxes
If it hasn’t been used or returned, it doesn’t stick around. Packages are opened, items are used—or they go right back. And empty boxes? Those belong in recycling, not stacked in a corner. (Note – I’m keeping a few boxes for wrapping presents but I’m being intentional about size based on gifts already purchased.) - Loose food storage lids
Nothing makes me cringe like a drawer full of mismatched lids. I keep containers that have their perfect match—and that’s it. Lids going in a bin near the container. - A pile of tools in the garage or drawer
Tools should have a home, and that home should be orderly. Random piles slow you down when you actually need them. - Unused swag
Promotional pens, tote bags, and stress balls? If I don’t use them, they go. Holding onto clutter that isn’t adding value just adds stress. - A bunch of returns
If it needs to be returned, it gets returned. Leaving it around is just inviting guilt and clutter. - Mystery keys
Keys with no lock, no door, no memory attached? Gone. Life is complicated enough without extra mystery. - Unopened boxes from our last move
If I haven’t opened it by now, I probably don’t need it. Moving is the perfect time to purge. - Old magazines or newspapers to read
I love reading, but piles of unread periodicals only create visual clutter. If I want to read it, I read it. If not, it leaves. - Unopened mail
Bills, flyers, invitations—it all gets sorted immediately. Unopened mail is like invisible clutter, silently stressing you out.
Why this matters
Clutter isn’t just about messy spaces—it’s about mental space too. Every item you hold onto that doesn’t serve a purpose steals a little clarity, time, and peace from your day. By being intentional about what stays in your home, you free yourself to focus on what really matters.
So, take a look around your home. What’s hiding in drawers, closets, or corners that you haven’t touched in months (or years)? Start small—pick one category, one area—and see how liberating it feels to let it go.
After all, the less clutter you have, the more room you make for life.
💛 Ready to take your next step to work with me?
💛
Nicole
Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!
This post may include affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Regardless, I only share products and resources I genuinely love or find helpful!
