Got gifts you’ll never use?

Feel bad throwing out gifts to hurt the giver’s feelings?

Is “gift clutter” overwhelming you? 

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, we need to talk.

The rule of thumb is keep only items that you love, use, or serve a purpose.
If you’re not, you’re holding onto clutter. 

Often, people mistakenly associate clutter to mean cheap, inexpensive items. However, clutter can be a collection of expensive things, heirlooms, or items of personal sentimental value. The difference with the latter “clutter” is it has an emotional attachment and thus seems more difficult to part with. 

In spite of the high emotional energy involved, use my acronym, G.I.F.T. to empower you to easily decide whether to keep or part with your “gift clutter.”

G.I.F.T. stands for:

Guilt
Impose
Function
Treasure
​

Guilt: “Am I keeping this because I feel guilty throwing it out?”

Was it given to you by your parents or in-laws and you feel guilty or ungrateful if you don’t keep it? For instance, the extra set of dishes that you never use or plan on using. The tenth outfit for your kids you have no room for. Are you too nervous to get rid of something in case the giver asks about the gift or expects the gift to be used or displayed?


Impose: “Does this gift “impose” on your lifestyle by weighing you down?

If you’re keeping a gift because a loved one gave it to you, but it’s causing you to feel burdened, then reassess if it is worth keeping. 

I found this diamond drawer organizer when I became a mom for the first time. All of a sudden, my house was taken over by little tiny clothing which was turning the drawers into a disaster zone. 

​I knew with my sleep deprivation as a mom (adios the days of "sleeping in") and organizing standards (yes, even as a mom) I had to come up with something easy and maintainable. Fast. 

The solution?

I had fallen in love with Diamond Drawer Organizers ever since I discovered them. You bet I purchased additional ones with each subsequent child. The organizers were a complete game changer in helping me maintain baby drawer chaos. 

I love how the diamond shaped compartments create a home for each item being stored. I simply rolled up baby clothes (onesies, pants) and placed them in their individual divider. As my kids grew older and clothes got bulkier, I transitioned the Diamond Drawer Organizer to house tights and socks. (Underwear would work great too- but they have separate bins for that.)

Everything is within view and super simple for my kids to pick out their legwear for the day, WITHOUT my help! 

Without--being the optimal word here. 

The Diamond Drawer Organizer is perfect for any age. Adults can organize socks, hosiery, art supplies, jewelry, yarn, pet accessories, etc.  The strips can be cut or trimmed to fit your drawer. 

Now that's a whole new meaning to finding a diamond (drawer organizer) in the rough.  

​Until Next Time, 
Adina Forouzan
Professional Organizer

*The links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

To make mornings smoother, do as much of your “morning to do list” the night before. Pack lunches, snacks, gym clothes, put away homework, sign permission slips, replenish school supplies, and prepare backpacks ready to go by the door.

Enlist your child’s help in what is age appropriate for them.

Set non-perishable breakfast items like cereals, bowls, spoons, etc. out on the table the night before.

When age appropriate, prepare outfits/school uniforms with your children for the next morning, including shoes and accessories! It is never to early to impart organizational skills to your children.

Have designated bins or hooks laid out with a hanger of complete school outfits for each day of the week.
No more, “Ma! Where is my headband,” or “Ma! Where is my other shoe?” 

​Have children come down for breakfast only once they are dressed. This will motivate them to hurry the morning process. (I mean seriously, who doesn’t want Mama's homemade pancakes?)

Create your family’s favorite music playlist. Use the playlist as “timers.” For example, when we are up to Yaakov Shwekey's, “Your Time,” song it is time for breakfast. A cheerful morning sets the tone for the day!

Your tone sets the mood in the house, by eliminating factors that frazzle you; your children will have an easier time following suit with less resistance. 
 
Until next time, 
Adina Forouzan

P.S. What's your favorite tip or idea? Comment below.

When people hear I’m a professional organizer they assume my house is picture perfect. Thank G-d, at the end of the day my house looks lived in (not like a museum, more like kids like to party hardy!)

However, my cleaning is cut down by 40% due to effective organizational systems I set up in my home, so much so that even my 2 year old knows where (almost) everything goes!

​Having a “picture perfect” system is not always maintainable or realistic.

Yes, some spaces look Pinterest worthy, however, my goal is to create ways to maximize your space and set up simple and manageable systems that work with the way you naturally function, not against it.

If getting organized was as simple as putting things in containers—then wouldn’t we all be organized?

Getting organized is making conscious decisions with the things you own. 

​First, you have to identify which items you actually use, love, or serve a purpose. Purge what you don’t use. 
​
Then, you can figure out a way to store the items you have left, like using bins if necessary.

You wouldn’t think getting in shape is as easy as buying a pair of work-out clothes, would you?

​For most of us, getting in shape means commitment, exercise, fewer cookies (ok, maybe start after the weekend!) Similarly, with organizing, it’s not just buying bins rather, it is your awareness and behaviors!

The “One Minute Rule,” that literally changed my life!

The premise of the “One Minute Rule,” is if something takes one minute or less to do, don’t procrastinate, do it now. Personally, it took a lot of discipline to be consistent with this rule, however, the payoff is incredible!

Here are some ways to apply the “One Minute Rule:”

Hang your coat up when you walk in, if it takes one minute or less.

Sift through your mail, if it takes one minute or less.

Put back the item you are holding or just picked off the floor, if it takes one minute or less.

Wash the dishes if it takes one minute or less.

Clean your car out if it takes you one minute or less.
​
After some time, it becomes “second nature,” so if you haven’t started on this one, I challenge you to give it a try!
 
Until Next Time,
Adina Forouzan