Decluttering, Small Steps & Big Achievements

Musings from Marge

Happy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones are off to a wonderful 2024!  
The first week of January, I attended a small business planning conference in Charleston. It was a great time to reflect and make plans for the future. This July, I will be celebrating SEVEN years in business. House of Von wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of my fabulous clients. 

On the home front, my boys are keeping me busy with spring sports, my husband and I recently celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary, and I’m currently adjusting to my oldest son driving me around while he perfects his driving skills.

I am excited to see what 2024 will hold, and I appreciate you allowing me to be a part of your lives, your businesses, and your homes!

Marge

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Small Steps Towards Big Achievements

Last year, I read Atomic Habits by James Clear, which notes that systems are a huge part of the organization.

So…my quote for 2024 is, “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger.”

One way to portray this quote is the example of making your bed every day.  It’s a small habit that sets the tone for the day. Over time, you do this without even thinking. 

This can also be translated throughout your home with tasks such as backpacks in the mudroom, dishes put away, having clean countertops, etc.  

What is a habit you want to add to your routine that will improve your day?

The Best Mindset for Decluttering

Last month, I sent tips on decluttering which included crucial steps to complete prior to organizing. If you are not decluttering (offloading extra items, donations and removing trash) - you cannot organize. There is a difference between decluttering and simply moving things around. 

One way I’ve found to make the decluttering step more enjoyable is by changing my environment beforehand. The step of making a bigger mess by pulling everything out can sometimes be daunting. Change your environment, and your mindset will follow! When you enter the room you’ve designated as your working space, add these extra touches and see if it makes decluttering an easier task. 

  • Light and Bright - Open curtains and turn the lights on 

  • Cool and Collected - Turn the air down a few notches because you’re going to work up a small sweat. 

  • Crank that music on and up - Click here for my Spotify list

  • Stay hydrated – Caffeine, water or your favorite beverage

  • Have a checklist and trash supplies - Writing down where you’re working and what you want to accomplish allows you to track your progress. No pretty containers are needed right now – trash, donation bags, or a basket to relocate items around the house. Be sure to stay in the zone! Do NOT relocate items until you’re complete, or you will spend your time running back and forth around the house. 

  • Set a timer and plan for breaks – An example might be 45 minutes to declutter earns a 15-minute break.

  • Ambiance - Light a candle while you’re decluttering and/or add the smell of a fresh multipurpose cleaner while you wipe down the now-emptied space.

During this phase of the plan, you’re often making an even bigger mess to remove all the excess and clutter. If there are items that need to be relocated within the home to various spots, I recommend you use a trash basket to collect all of them. However, don’t leave the room you are working within to distribute them throughout your home until after you’ve completed this step. It is crucial to stay in the zone so that you avoid bouncing around your home and not accomplishing anything. 

Small changes can make a big impact! Happy Decluttering!

Project Feature: A Historic Home in
Downtown Savannah

Linn Gresham, a local designer with Leah Bailey Interiors, has an amazing portfolio and beautiful talent. She recently completed the renovation project of a historic residence in downtown Savannah. Some of the cabinet inserts arrived and didn’t fit the space or were not the right dimensions. Well…have no fear, when they called House of Von, I was super excited to grab my drill and help recreate the space!

The pegboard inserts for the dishes, pots, and pans were a fabulous upgrade for the kitchen, and Linn’s vision was for her client to have what she needed close by for cooking and/or entertaining. The clean lines of the beautifully designed cabinets were improved with specific containers and systems placed within the drawers. 

To see more of Linn’s work, click here.

Marge VonLehmden