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Client's cluttered living room

Stop Buying Containers—Start Decluttering

April 1, 2026/0 Comments/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

More storage is not the answer for too much stuff. Less stuff is the answer. Before purchasing organizing tools or storage solutions, focus on decluttering first. Let go of items you no longer use, need, or love. When you reduce excess belongings, your home becomes easier to organize, easier to clean, and easier to maintain.

https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Beforelr3-e1395978011760.jpg 502 625 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2026-04-01 01:10:242026-03-31 20:45:17Stop Buying Containers—Start Decluttering
Attic organizing

Too much stuff!

March 1, 2026/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

No amount of organizing can fix too much stuff. Having more than what will comfortably fit into our homes cause stress and frustration. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all, it’s time to let go and reduce.

https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Attic-clean-out.png 2000 1545 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2026-03-01 01:53:102026-03-25 20:04:15Too much stuff!

Want less?

February 1, 2026/0 Comments/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

Don’t make room for more if you want to have less. It’s tempting to buy more bins, baskets, and organizing gadgets, but more containers often lead to more clutter. If your goal is to simplify, start by reducing what you own rather than creating new places to store stuff.

The best organizing tool is less stuff.

https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg 0 0 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2026-02-01 01:57:592026-01-29 21:11:10Want less?
toilet paper

Stop excess

January 1, 2026/0 Comments/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

Excess is defined as more than is necessary, normal, or desirable. Stop the cycle of excess. More is not better when it causes stress and frustration. Use what you have and reduce to a manageable amount.

Read more to help get rid of excess:

  • Use it or Loose it
  • Let go every day
  • Determine, Decide, Dispose
  • Letting go
  • Keep or not keep
https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pile-of-tp.jpg 371 660 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2026-01-01 01:28:442025-12-27 18:45:13Stop excess
simple holiday decor

Simplify the holidays

December 1, 2025/0 Comments/in Tip of the Month/by Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®

Simplify whenever possible.

5 Ways to simplify: 

  1. Reduce the number of people to whom you give gifts and the number of presents you give to an individual.
  2. Buy gifts that don’t require wrapping (especially for adults) for example: gifts of experience, donations to non-profits in the receiver’s name, gift cards, cash. 
  3. Send an E-card instead of paper greeting cards. 
  4. Support local bakeries instead of doing the baking yourself. 
  5. Use recyclable paper products for guests to reduce time spent on clean up.
https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Simple-Holiday-trees.png 458 712 Janine Cavanaugh, CPO® https://helpfulorganizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/18-Years-LOGO.jpg Janine Cavanaugh, CPO®2025-12-01 00:27:212025-11-24 15:11:49Simplify the holidays
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Recent posts

  • Give Your Wardrobe a Seasonal Check-Up
  • Getting rid of stuff
  • Declutter filter
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  • Stop Buying Containers—Start Decluttering
  • Happy Valentine’s Day!
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