Minimalism and Happiness

The Connection Between Minimalism and Happiness

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Amid the complexities of modern life, the minimalist movement has emerged as a compelling antidote, providing a distinctive lens through which to view happiness and fulfillment. Rooted in its essence, minimalism champions simplicity, gently urging individuals to peel away the layers of excess and focus on the core of what holds genuine value. At its heart, it invites a recalibration of priorities, challenging us to declutter the spaces we inhabit and the lives we lead, in pursuit of authenticity and purpose.

In this article, we delve into the fascinating correlation between minimalism and happiness, uncovering how embracing a life of simplicity can lead to profound serenity. As we navigate the transformative effects of adopting a minimalist lifestyle, we unearth the innate connection between decluttered surroundings and an enhanced sense of contentment.

How Minimalism Can Make You Happier

Minimalism transcends mere aesthetics – it’s a lifestyle that celebrates intentional choices and purposeful living. When it comes to our possessions and the spaces we call home, minimalism holds the potential to elevate our well-being in profound ways. Here are a few ways in which minimalism and happiness are beautifully intertwined:

Tranquility and Clarity:

By simplifying our living spaces and belongings, minimalism reduces clutter and visual noise. This newfound clarity fosters a calm environment, allowing us to focus on what truly matters and fostering a sense of tranquility that contributes to our overall happiness. This serene backdrop makes room for creativity and mindfulness in our daily lives, further enhancing our sense of well-being.

Minimalism and happiness, ClutterBGone, Toronto

Enhanced Enjoyment:

Minimalism encourages us to cherish what we have. With fewer possessions, we tend to appreciate each item’s value, enhancing our gratitude for the things that surround us. This heightened appreciation fuels our sense of happiness.

Freedom from Overwhelm:

Likewise, possessing fewer items alleviates the burden of maintenance, organization, and decision fatigue. A minimalist approach allows us to free ourselves from the constant struggle of managing excess possessions, granting us more mental space and a lighter, happier outlook.

Intentional Joy:

Minimalism prompts us to curate our surroundings intentionally. Each item we choose to keep holds personal significance and brings us joy. Our homes become reflections of our authentic selves, fostering an environment where happiness effortlessly thrives. This thoughtful curation not only enriches our living spaces but also nurtures a profound sense of pride in our connection to our home.

Strengthened Relationships:

By focusing on shared experiences and quality time over material possessions, we create stronger bonds with our friends and family, which contribute significantly to our overall happiness.

Reduced Environmental Footprint:

Embracing minimalism often goes hand in hand with conscious consumerism and sustainability. By consuming less and making thoughtful choices, we contribute to a healthier planet. The alignment of our actions with our values brings a sense of purpose and contributes to our overall sense of happiness.

In essence, minimalism is not merely a trend but a transformative philosophy that has the potential to redefine how we experience life. By shedding the superfluous and embracing what truly resonates, we pave the way for a more intentional existence – one characterized by clarity, balance, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the world.

Should you find yourself drawn to embark on this journey toward a simpler and more purposeful life, know that our ClutterBGone team is ready to guide you! With our expertise in cleaning, organizing, and decluttering, we can be your companions on the path toward embracing the liberating embrace of minimalism. So take the first step, unlock the transformative power of minimalism, and open the door to a life that radiates fulfillment and joy.

How To Organize Your Home Office

How to Organize Your Home Office for Maximum Productivity

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We all know that a messy workspace can seriously hinder our ability to concentrate and work efficiently, whether we’re working remotely, freelancing, or running our own business. The environment we work in plays a vital role in our overall productivity, yet our home offices often need to be more cohesive, making it challenging to stay focused and achieve our best work.

In this article, we’ll explore the negative impact of a cluttered home office and share expert advice from the organizing professionals at ClutterBGone. Their vast experience in optimizing workspaces will provide you with practical strategies to transform your home office into a harmonious and productive space. By following their insightful tips and techniques, you’ll regain control over your workspace, eliminate distractions, and create the perfect setting for success.

So, if you’re ready to boost your productivity by conquering the challenges of a disorganized home office, keep reading and get ready to unleash your full potential!

Why is clutter bad for your productivity?

Countless studies, such as the 2011 research conducted by neuroscience experts using fMRI and physiological measurements, have shed light on the detrimental effects of a cluttered environment on both productivity and well-being. These studies consistently demonstrate that an untidy workspace hampers concentration, impairs information processing, and increases stress levels. A chaotic and disorganized setting can be highly distracting, leading to decreased efficiency and increased stress levels. This happens because clutter overloads our visual and mental stimuli, making it difficult to prioritize tasks and maintain mental clarity. Moreover, the constant presence of clutter can evoke feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, further impacting our ability to perform at our best.

That’s why creating an organized and tidy workspace is so important – it fosters focus, reduces stress, and promotes a productive work environment.

Organizing Your Home Office

How can you organize your home office?

According to our team, the best way for you to create an optimal home office environment and boost productivity is by following these steps:

  1. Declutter: Begin by removing any unnecessary items from your home office, such as broken equipment or unused supplies.
  2. Categorize: Sort your belongings into categories and prioritize them based on the frequency of use and importance.
  3. Invest in efficient storage solutions: Purchase storage containers, shelves, and organizers to keep your office supplies and documents neatly arranged and easily accessible.
  4. Opt for a minimalist environment: Keep your desk clear of unnecessary items to create a clean and focused work area.
  5. Prioritize digital organization: Whenever possible, scan your documents and organize them into computer files. Ensure that your folders are structured logically and intuitively for quick and easy document access.
  6. Create designated zones: If you have enough space, establish specific areas for different activities, such as a separate area for paperwork, a reading nook, and a space for creative activities.
  7. Set up ergonomically: Ensure that your desk, chair, and other office equipment are ergonomically designed for comfort and proper posture, promoting productivity and reducing strain.
  8. Maintain tidiness: Dedicate time to regularly decluttering and organizing your home office to maintain a clean and efficient workspace.

And if you need help, get in touch with our team!

For many people, finding the time and mental stamina to organize and clean a home office can be challenging. That’s where our ClutterBGone services come in. We take care of the decluttering and organizing process, allowing you to focus on what matters most. Contact us today and let us create the ideal workspace for you!

Organized Home Office

8 Tips To Keep Your Home Office Organized

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The home office is the hub of productivity for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and those who manage their personal affairs in the house. It’s where ideas are born, finances are managed, and communication with clients or managers happens.

But let’s face it: if your workspace is disorganized, your productivity can come to a grinding halt. The chaos of a cluttered office can be overwhelming and distract you from the important tasks at hand. So, whether you’re running a business or simply managing your household affairs, creating an efficient and inspiring home office is crucial. Here are a few tips to keep an organized home office:

1. Give every item a home

Assign a specific spot for everything in your home office and make a habit of returning it there after use. This will help keep clutter at bay and make finding things easier.

2. Invest in storage solutions

Use shelves, filing cabinets, or storage bins to keep your items organized and within reach. You can also use hooks or wall-mounted storage to free up desk space and keep frequently used items close.

3. Keep a minimal desktop

Limit the items on your desk to essentials, such as your computer, notepad, and phone. Avoid overcrowding your desk with unnecessary items, which can cause distractions and make it difficult to focus. Remember: a clean and clutter-free desk can help boost productivity!

Organized Home Office

4. Go digital with your paperwork

Convert your physical documents into digital files and organize them in a cloud-based storage system or on your computer. This can save you time and space while keeping your documents safe and easily accessible in case of an emergency.

5. Reduce cable clutter

Cables and wires snaking around your home office can be a safety hazard… and an eyesore. To reduce cable clutter, try decluttering any electronic devices that you no longer need or use. Consider replacing wired devices with wireless alternatives like a wireless mouse, keyboard, or printer. Additionally, a USB hub can help you connect multiple devices to your computer using a single cable.

6. Keep your home office in check

No matter how good your intentions are, keeping a home office constantly clean and organized can be genuinely hard. Make it a habit to tidy up your home office once a week or every other week. Doing so will help you stay on top of clutter and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.

7. Avoid overloading your space

Resist the temptation to fill every inch of your office with stuff, and leave room for movement and creativity. Treat this space as a sanctuary for your productivity and inspiration rather than a storage area.

8. And… organize your digital space too!

Just like your physical workspace, your computer can also become cluttered and disorganized if you don’t keep it in check. Regularly clean up your desktop, delete old files and programs you no longer need, and create a well-structured filing system for your digital documents.

And if you’re still struggling to keep your home office clean and organized even with these tips, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At ClutterBGone, we have the expertise and experience to help you declutter and organize your home office. Our team can work with you to create a customized plan that meets your specific needs and helps you achieve a clutter-free and productive workspace. Get in touch with us today!

organize home office fast

How To Organize Your Home Office Fast

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It’s undeniable – a cluttered workspace makes for a cluttered mind. Having paper piles and all sorts of junk in your desk and drawers will make it impossible for you to concentrate or even feel at ease. So if your office is currently out of control, the first thing you’ll want to do is reset your space. Not only will having an organized desk look more inviting, but it will motivate you to get the job done.

Here are 5 small manageable things you can do to organize your home office right now:

  1. A fresh start!

Clear everything off your desk at once, wipe your desk down, and then decide on what things should stay on it. Do you really need those old magazines? That collection of pens that don’t work anymore? Those used yogurt containers? Likely not. It’s time to get rid of them!

  1. Organize your belongings

Now that you’ve done a quick decluttering, you should carefully organize everything you need to work properly. And remember: home offices need a clear work area, so try to keep this area as minimalist as possible. Think about where you’ll place each of these items. A carefully designed layout will make the room feel practical and logical.

organize home office with binder clips

  1. Place your hardware properly

When it comes to organizing your hardware, we have an unmissable tip: position your equipment by frequency of use. If you use the printer daily, it should be within easy reach. If it is rarely used, it can be placed outside the work area. When setting up hardware, be conscious of access to drives, trays, and cords. Don’t block access to drawers or take up leg room with tangled cords. To keep wires away, you can attach binder clips to the edge of your desk and place the cords through the clips, for example.

  1. Get the right accessories

If you don’t have good home office accessories such as pen holders, filing trays, files, and so on, nip to the shops soon to help keep your desk organized. This could also be a great opportunity to verify if you have the correct type of furniture and lighting in the room. There is nothing worse than sitting down to work in an uncomfortable, dark home office – so check if you need to make some of these little upgrades!

  1. Schedule a weekly cleaning

To prevent your workspace from becoming cluttered again, plan to clean it once a week. This way, you’ll get to any little things that still got left out, if there are any. Dust the surface of your shelves and desk, wipe down hard surfaces where necessary, empty the trash, and vacuum. Moreover, try to go through your paperwork with some frequency, to prevent it from piling up.

Simple steps like these can go a long way in keeping the office neat, tidy, and organized.

Sounds too complicated to you? If that’s the case, you can always count on ClutterBeGone to help you organize and declutter your most problematic spaces! Get in touch with our team of experts and we will be delighted to offer you a free consultation to understand your needs and help you achieve a clutter-free office space – and home!

Home Office Organizing

5 Best Home Office Organizing Tips You’ll Love

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Everyone has an idealized idea of what the perfect home office looks like: a place where you can work, create, and feel inspired. But with all the files, papers, accessories, and general clutter that usually piles up in these spaces, it’s hard to keep a home office organized, let alone “inspiring.” Whether you have a massive study or a little corner with a desk, there are plenty of solutions that can turn your space into a comfortable and uncluttered office. Here we’ve put together a few tips for arranging and ordering a home office.

Have a clear idea of what your office should look like

Before organizing your home office, it’s essential to decide what should actually be in the room, especially if it is a small space. Home offices can easily become a dumping ground for other things (such as ironing boards, gym equipment, toys), and that shouldn’t happen. Be clear about how you will use the space and only include the essential things for that purpose.

Which also means: purge, purge, purge!

Desk drawers and file cabinets are often full of pens, paperwork, notepads, and markers that no longer work – well, pointless clutter. There are probably papers, books and all sorts of objects in your office that have sat there for years with no purpose. It does take time, but before anything else, you should through everything around the room and decide what you want to keep and what should be discarded.

Office Furniture

Get the right furniture

And if you’re new to the “home office” thing, getting the right furniture is key. If your room has plenty of space, you can divide it into several areas: a relaxation and leisure corner with sofas and a desk/shelf area to work, for instance. Depending on how you’ll use this room, you should also contemplate the type of desk you’ll need. Keep in mind that a writing desk is fairly different from a computer desk or a floating desk. For smaller home offices, we recommend multi-functional furniture.

Invest in office supplies

And don’t forget to buy organizational supplies! That includes anything from cups where you can place your pens, to a cable management box to keep your cords from tangling. You can also invest in file organizers, storage cases, a few packs of interlocking drawer organizers, and any desk accessories that you might find useful. Keeping your things in order and accessible is the golden rule of thumb when it comes to creating your ideal desk setup.

Keep it clean and organized

To keep a home office clutter-free, you should make an effort to maintain the organization you’ve created. Make it a habit to put everything back in its place at the end of each workday. This sets you up for success the next day and helps you change gears from work to home life.

Having a clean and organized home office allows you to focus more on your work and feel more inspired. However, we’re well aware that it can also become an overwhelming task. If you are struggling with a cluttered, distracting workspace, and don’t know where to begin, get in touch with our team of experts! We will be delighted to offer you a free consultation to better understand your needs.

organized tax filing system

How To Stay Organized At Tax Time

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Getting organized at tax time can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

It’s time to tackle that messy documents drawer under your desk and get organized for tax time. The biggest secret to getting prepared for the busy tax period is to keep your documentation organized all year round. Follow these great tips to make tax time a lot less stressful!

How to stay organized at tax time: Create A Filing System

Half the stress during tax time comes from trying to locate files. Start your financial year off fresh by setting up an organized tax filing systemorganized filing system. Here are just some of the ways to make your job easier come tax time:

  • Place your file system in a home office, or somewhere within easy reach of where you conduct business affairs.
  • Purchase an accordion folder to file tax-related documents.
  • Labels are your best friends! Label everything, from folders to documents. Make every document, folder, and file, clear and easy to sort through.
  • If you’re an independent contractor, consultant, or run a small business, most likely you itemize your tax deductions. If you don’t keep everything organized, filing deductions can be very stressful and time-consuming. To make it easier, create a filing system where every different type of document has its own folder and an attached description.

When the paperwork still starts to feel like it’s breeding overnight (it happens to the best of us), bringing in a professional can save both time and sanity. A reliable business accounting service can help review your records, flag anything missing, and make sure your documents are lined up properly before deadlines roll around. This is especially useful when it comes to Business Tax Returns, where accuracy matters and small oversights can turn into big headaches. With expert support, your neatly labeled folders actually get used the way they were intended—smoothly, efficiently, and without last-minute panic.

How to stay organized at tax time: Get Your Receipts In Order

Tracking down receipts can be a very stressful process. Many people end up tearing their hair out by the end of the tax period. There are a couple of things that you can do during the year to make it as seamless as possible.

  • Label receipts – this is an easy way to categorize your documents and make them easier to identify when filing your taxes. Write down the reason for the expense of your receipt when you make your purchase. This will make filing your taxes a breeze!
  • Go paperless – whether you run your own business or have a 9-5 job. Chances are you will need to file an How to stay organized at tax time save your receiptsassortment of different receipts. However, during the year many receipts get misplaced or the ink can fade and make the receipt illegible. Start uploading your receipts online! There’s a lot of great software where you can scan receipts and keep them in an online account. Many even allow you to take a photo and upload them right from the convenience of your phone. Having all your receipts in one place as a clearly legible scan is invaluable.

How to stay organized at tax time: Online Forms

If you often give to charity, it’s a good idea to start a spreadsheet of your tax-deductible donations. In the spreadsheet, you may include the amount of the donation, the date that you gave the money, and the charity you gifted it to. Make sure you also have further proof of your donation. This can include a bank record or official note from the charity organization providing the details of your donation.

Where To Store Your Documents

Many people file their documents in a random desk drawer in their office. Tax documents are important and sensitive items. Consider getting a secure filing cabinet to lock away important tax documents and identity files such as passports. You may also need to invest in a paper shredder. Keep in mind that bank documents, tax files, and other sensitive information should always be disposed of thoughtfully.

If you follow these simple steps during the year, you can get organized and save time and stress this tax season! And, if you need a little support in getting your paperwork organized, give us a call. Always happy to help!

Let’s Get Organized at Work

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The new year is a good time to start fresh both personally and professionally. When your peers and your superiors see an organized office, they see someone who is productive and in control. You can find thing easily thus improving time management and can work more effectively. Let’s see how ClutterBGone can get you better organized at work.

Stay focused on one task

Although we think we can work on more than one thing at a time the fact of the matter is we can’t. Dividing your concentration and efforts on more than one task reduces the focus you put on a project which reduces the quality of work. organized officePrioritize your tasks and give each one the full effort they require.

What is your peak time?

We’re not all morning people, or afternoon people for that matter. I normally need a couple of cups of coffee and a bit of time to reach my optimal working time. Know what yours is and save the most important tasks for this time if you can.

Clutter is a distraction

I’ve seen a lot of desks with an enormous pile of paper scattered everywhere on them. These people typically don’t know where to start and waste a lot of time just getting ready to start a project. A lot of time is also wasted looking for files, reference materials and office supplies. Handle the paper once when it comes in. Devote time each day to paper if you need to.

Do you have home and office balance?

A lot of studies have been done confirming that people who have a balance between the office and home typically are less stressed and we know what stress can do to the body. organized officeThey also feel more in control of their lives and feel more successful. Work is something that can easily consume us and have a negative effect on our personal lives so find the right balance for you. Maybe it means limiting the evenings per week you will work late or perhaps you can let go of some of the less important projects to staff. Whatever it is, find your balance for less stress in your life.

Set your goals and write them down

Set your goals and revise them often. They could be daily, weekly or monthly goals. Write them down and leave them where you will see them. Without setting your goals how else will you know what needs your attention and what you have accomplished? Block out time for the really important stuff and let people know it’s “do not disturb” time.

We all want to be successful at work. Use these tools to bring more balance to your life, be more productive and stay organized. Let ClutterBGone into your office to help you get organized as we have done to others. Just reach out to us here.

 

Resolve to Get Organized This Year

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resolve to get organized

With the new year fast approaching a lot of you will be making resolutions to make 2019 better than 2018 was. If you are one of those that makes New Years resolutions, then I know a lot of you will be resolving to get organized this year. In order to avoid being in the same cluttered mess at the end of January, here are some tips on how to help you stick with your clutter free resolution.

Know why you want to be organized

Jot down the main reasons for wanting to get organized. resolve to get organizedDo you want to have more time to spend with your family or friends? Do you want to reduce your frustration and anxiety levels when you can’t find things? Will being more organized improve your relationships? Will you save money on past due and interest charges and improve your credit rating? Whatever the reason, write them down and keep the list in a conspicuous place until the task is completed. It will be a constant reminder to you.

Tackle one room at a time

Rather than running around the house picking up clutter, pick the one room that causes you the most grief. Start on that room. Be realistic about how much you can give to the task at one time. With every drawer you organize, with every pile you make disappear or with any space you open up give yourself a pat on the back and realize the step you have taken towards an organized and clutter free pace.

Give, store or sell?

There are so many ways to rid yourself of the items you are not going to keep. Family members may want some of the items as a keepsake. Any items that are in good working order or aren’t worn could be sold in a consignment shop or on line. Many charities would love to receive your gently used items to restock their shelves after the holidays.

Get any help you need

A lot of the clients that ClutterBGone has worked with in the past could not have done it alone and there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Enlist the help of friends or family if you feel you just can’t get it done yourself. You can also hire a professional organizing service like ClutterBGone. We can get you organized in no time with our highly skilled team just like we have with hundreds of satisfied clients in the GTA.

So, if you have resolved to get organized in 2019, good for you! Keep these tips in mind. And if you need professional help to get organized just contact us here to get the ball rolling. We love what we do!

When You Should Hire A Professional Organizer

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Hire a professional organizer

Does your hall closet look like a four-season disaster? Does your bedroom look nothing like a place you would want to sleep in? Do you spend too much time, and get too frustrated, looking for items? Do you just not have the time to get organized yourself?

It sounds like you may be needing a professional organizer to get your home organized and clutter free. Many of our clients never thought they would be hiring the services of a professional organizer, but our testimonials speak for themselves.

Here are some of the reasons why ClutterBGone has been hired to help many clients in the GTA.

You don’t know where to start:

Organizing and decluttering a whole home can be a daunting task. Professional organizers are trained to hone-in on the areas that give you the most trouble and take it from there. We also learn how you operate in an area and organize it with that in mind. Our team can tackle an entire home in no time.

Paper piles

Not everyone has an act for organizing paper. hire a professional organizerBeing disorganized in your home office can cost you money with late fees applied because of lost bills. After a while your credit score can take a hit and that can cost quite a bit when you are refinancing a home or loan. ClutterBGone has organized small and large offices and we have staff that specialize in paper.

Improve your mental health

It’s no secret that disorganized people live in a state of anxiety. Some even suffer from depression. All that clutter can weigh you down. Once you are organized and clutter free you will feel like a load has been lifted off your shoulders. You will want to use the rooms that have not been used in a quite a while. You will also want to have company over and entertain.

Find things again

Do you have a closet full of clothes but can’t find anything to wear? Does it take you forever to find your gloves or scarf but know they’re there? Disorganized people spend more than a year of their life looking for things and this always happens at the most inopportune times. Wouldn’t you like to have some of this time back and reduce the anxiety it causes?

Maybe you eat out more than you want to because of a cluttered kitchen. Perhaps you’re paying for the storage of items you no longer use or need. Or, maybe you can’t get your car into the garage this winter due to the mounds of items already in there.

Whatever the reason, a professional organizer can get you organized and eliminate your clutter in no time. Contact ClutterBGone here to see how we can help you.

 

How Being Organized Can Change Your Life

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organizing can change your life

When we at ClutterBGone complete a project with a client we frequently hear how being organized has changed our clients’ lives. It really is one of the reasons why we love what we do. There are many benefits to being organized. You will feel a peaceful calm at home, your health and finances will be in better shape and it can have a positive impact on your relationships.

Let’s look at some of the benefits in more detail.

Improve your productivity

Both at home, and at work, your productivity will improve. You won’t be wasting as much time looking for things in an organized environment and once you’re organized the system we leave you with will keep you organized. You’ll have more time to spend with your loved ones or even have the time for that cup of coffee in the morning.

Save money

organizing can change your life Many people don’t understand just how much money you can save by being organized. Bills will be paid on time thereby saving late fees. Your credit score will improve as well. You won’t be buying duplicates of items that you can’t find but know you have somewhere. In more than one case we found cheques that were misplaced! Luckily, they weren’t stale dated yet.

Feel that sense of calm

Just being in an organized space is relaxing. Not only is clutter an eyesore but it’s stressful just looking at it. Now, just imagine living in an organized space. No more running around looking for things that you need at the last minute. No more panic attacks when you need something but can’t find it. This sense of calm will also transfer over to other members of the family and who wouldn’t want that?

Being organized is healthy for you


Let’s face it, stress is a killer and being disorganized can cause a lot of stress. organized can change your lifeOnce you are organized you’ll find you have the time to do things you love or always wanted to do. You’ll have the time to hit the gym or meet up with friends or sometime for a quick walk at lunch time. Many of us don’t do these things because we “don’t have the time”. Let us help you find that time.

In a nutshell, being organized brings you a sense of calm that translates to improved health and wellness. So, what are you waiting for? Contact ClutterBGone here to find out how we have changed the lives of many clients and how we can change yours.