 Many of us grow up dreaming about the big, beautiful home we are going to have with our spouse and future children. We drive through neighborhoods in our hometowns thinking about what our ideal home would look like and fantasize about each family member having their own bathroom! However, there comes a point in time where we reconsider what we truly want. Is a big home really what we still want later in life? It is normal to think maybe it is time to downsize once all the kids are grown, but it is also hard to let go of the house we have a sentimental attachment to and where sweet memories were created. Though it can be emotionally confusing, downsizing may be a great decision for you. Sage Organizing Co. is here to give you a few ways to know if downsizing is right for you. 1. You're struggling to keep up with the maintenance and necessary repairs Whether it be financially, physically, or emotionally, if keeping up with home maintenance and repairs is difficult, it may be time for you to consider downsizing. It can be terribly frustrating when it feels like there is ALWAYS something to be fixed in your house. Right when you're done fixing and paying for one repair, another thing breaks! Not only is this frustrating but constant repairs and maintenance is time-consuming and expensive. The smaller the house you live in, the fewer things there are to break and keep up with. 2. You're planning on retiring soon and live far from family Many people decide to downsize once they retire as this leaves more flexibility in retirement income. Additionally, it gives you more time to focus on your health and happiness. Many people who plan on retiring soon decide on a smaller home without steps that will be hassle-free. Downsizing is also a perfect opportunity for retirees to move close to children and grandchildren who can help in the future. 3. You feel overwhelmed with all of your "stuff" We often feel a need to fill all the empty space once we move into a big house. As time passes, "stuff" accumulates. Sometimes you look around the house and don't even realize all the things you own! Other times we prefer to live in denial and never open the forbidden cabinets that have an unknown number of items in them. Once you've truly accepted that less really is more, it may be time for you to downsize. A smaller home will force you to reduce the stuff you have and really focus on what you truly need. 4. You feel "house poor" and sacrifice dreams because of it If housing costs are preventing you from traveling and enjoying life's luxuries, downsizing is probably a good option for you. Moving into a smaller home or even an apartment/condo/townhome requires little maintenance which makes it possible for you to travel for longer periods and have the money to do so! Even if traveling isn't your thing, downsizing frees up money that can be spent on the things you are really wanting to try. Even if you now see that downsizing is right for you, you may be worried about the stress and complication of the process. ⠀ Not only do you have to move your things, you also have to decide what you want to keep and what you want to discard. THEN, you have to figure out the best way to discard your unwanted things.⠀ ⠀ Skip the stress and call Sage! Sage Organizing Co. will help you organize your valuables, pack them, and donate your unwanted items to local charities. ♻️⠀Comment below with any questions! ⠀ Let Sage make your downsize go smoothly and put your unwanted things to good use around the community. Contact us for more information! Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area. Related Articles: HOW TO BEAUTIFULLY STAGE YOUR HOME SO IT SELLS IN A FLASH 5 STEPS TO SELL YOUR STUFF ONLINE (WITH PRINTABLE CHEAT SHEET) HOW TO SORT LIKE A PRO: ADVICE FROM A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER 
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  One of the most challenging parts of the organizing world is MAINTAINING organization on a daily basis! You've taken the plunge and had a professional organizer work some organizing magic in your home or maybe you've spent long, tiresome days organizing your home D.I.Y. style. Either way, it can be frustrating when you feel like your home is becoming unorganized not long after you spent time and money getting it in order. Sage Organizing Co. is here to help! Here are 6 ways to maintain the organization that has been set place in your home and keep clutter at bay. 1.) Clean Up After Yourself Throughout the Day Once it becomes a habit, cleaning up after yourself throughout the day does not take much time. By putting things away immediately when you're done using them, you will feel less overwhelmed and avoid moments when you scream in your head, "I don't even know where to start!" The key to this tip is getting everybody in the household on board as much as possible. Things like throwing the clothes you wore today straight in the laundry basket and your husband loading his dirty plate directly in the dishwasher and your child putting his toys away are ways to maintain organization and confidence within your home. If it is hard to get your family to pitch in, make reminder sticky notes for them around the house or even have a point system (your kids will love to see who can get the most points at the end of the week!)  2.) Spend 10 Minutes Every Night Tidying up If you're following tip number one, this step may only take 5 minutes! Incorporate picking up around the house as part of your nightly routine to maintain organization in your home. Some of the tasks you may do during this time may include putting the dog's toys back in the toy bin or folding a throw blanket. Another option is to include the whole family during this time (which reinforces tip 1.) When I was a kid, I had teachers in school who would play a special song during clean-up time and once the song ended, clean-up would end too. It may sound a little silly, but playing your child's favorite song can really make tidying up much more fun for them!  3.) Plan out your Meals for the Week Alright. I know what you're thinking, "Who has time for meal planning??" It sounds like an ideal yet unrealistic situation for many of us busy moms, but I have managed to incorporate meal planning and it has truly made my life easier! I know for my family, cooking is one of the messiest, chaotic times in the kitchen. The kitchen gets dirty, food falls on the floor, pots and pans fill the sink-- not a pretty sight. How many times have you looked at the kitchen after eating dinner and thought, "I really don't want to clean all of this." At a time like this, it is easy to resort to stuffing kitchen utensils and equipment wherever instead of their designated spots. Meal planning reduces major kitchen cleaning to once a week! Oh happy day! Check out my article on my Family Routine & Meal Planning Here and see how this handy tip can help keep you organized!  4.) Donate/Throw away One item for every New thing This is a personal tip of mine that has helped me in my minimalist goals and prevented home cluttering. As somebody who loves skincare and haircare products, I have made a deal with myself that every time I buy a new product, I throw one thing away. Of course, give yourself some leeway with this tip. Just because you bought a skincare product does not necessarily mean you need to throw away a skincare product you already have (even though that is a good place to start.) An alternative may be to donate a piece of clothing or an old pair of shoes to your local Goodwill. This tip can be very helpful in making sure you don't overcrowd your home (and life!) with "stuff." It's also a good way to slowly clear out your home of things you don't need so that you avoid panic when the time comes to move or do a massive cleaning of your home.  5.) Make sure Everything has a Place This rule is ESSENTIAL in order to maintain organization in your home. When items/products/ the nebulous "stuff" in your house does not have designated spots, you and your family do not know where to return these things which inevitably causes mass disorder (and makes tips 1 and 2 far more difficult to achieve!) When each thing you own has its own little "home," you are set up for organizing success! One way to decide where to designate spots for items is to consider where in the house you typically use those items. For instance, it may not be a good idea to keep toilet paper in a closet near the kitchen as opposed to being kept as close to the bathroom as possible. When items are stored inconveniently from places where you use them, you are more likely to leave those items laying out somewhere near where they are actually utilized. If you're having trouble creating a space for everything, consider donating things you don't need (or things you haven't touched in years!)  6.) Don't expect Perfection! We all have hard days. Maybe, it was a bad day and you didn't get around to tidying up before going to bed. Maybe, you left a few dishes in the sink for tomorrow. You can't let unorganized days make you feel like you have lost control or hope of regaining organization at home. We all would love for our homes to look like it came off the cover of a magazine, right? Though we can all dream, kids and pets make this difficult to achieve regularly and that's okay. Instead of aiming for perfection, try aiming for tidy and praise your family even for small organization maintenance achievements. Follow these tips and you'll be sure to keep the organized lifestyle alive and well in your home! Marie Kondo would be proud. Need some help STARTING your home organization? Sage Organizing Co. can create and establish a professional organization system for your home so that you'll have a thought-out organization structure to follow moving forward. Call or email us TODAY and we'll make your home organization goals a reality! Which part of your home is most difficult to keep organized? Comment below! Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area. Related Articles: CLOSET ORGANIZATION IDEAS + HACKS: THE 3 COMMANDMENTS 3 WAYS TO ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE AND YOUR TIME WITH AN ERIN CONDREN PLANNER 4 KITCHEN ORGANIZING SECRETS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND 
This holiday season, instead of giving “stuff” to your loved ones, gift them with experiences they will love. Not only are experiences more memorable, but doing things instead of buying things will reduce the amount of clutter in your life and home.
Read on for 5 fantastic experience gift ideas...1 ). Tickets and/or Memberships
2 ). Classes
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3 ). Trips
4). Big Tickets items
5). Other cool Experience gifts
*Hot air balloon ride
*Helicopter tour (or airboat, tractor, train etc) *A year of date nights (12 gift cards to restaurants, movies, sporting events, museums, etc) *Skydiving *Sailing or boating tour *Massage and or facial *Subscription boxes Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area. 
Enough with the stuff! Give the Gift of Experience instead.
Using these great ideas of how to give the gift of experience, you are sure to be popular this holiday season.
If you want to stage your home so it sells in a flash, 93% of Realtors highly recommend that you declutter and organize the house first. Having a house that potential buyers can imagine themselves living in takes some work, but it pays off in higher sale prices and shorter time on market.
In this article, we'll be sharing ideas for organizing and staging the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen, so you you can sell you house faster. AreaReal Estate professional Leigh Bryant, of The Temple Team at Keller Williams, will also share some of the tricks of the trade with our readers.
Source: National Association of Realtors 2017 Profile of Home Staging
Here are 9 home staging ideas to sell your house quickly...Living Room
Pro tip from Real Estate professional Leigh Bryant of The Temple Team at Keller Williams: The day the house is photographed for the online listing is the most important day of the selling process. The house should be perfectly staged for photos: those pictures are what cause buyers to want to visit your home...or not.
Master bEDROOM
Pro Tip from Professional Organizer Candi Ruppert of Sage Organizing Co.: to make your closet appear larger, use hangers of the same color throughout the whole closet. Organize the shortest garments at the front of the closet and the longer items toward the back.
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KITCHEN
Pro Tip from Real Estate Professional Leigh Bryant: Don't let the decision of whether to hire a staging expert come down to money. 90% of the time, the cost of hiring a stager is recouped in a higher sale price or shorter time on market.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
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Ready, set, Stage!
Using these 9 tips and ideas will help you beautifully stage your home so it sells in a flash!
Whether you are moving and unpacking a kitchen, or just want to reorganize, your mind will be blown by these 4 kitchen organizing secrets.!
Ready to learn the Kitchen Organizing Tips that will amaze you? Read on...Secret #1: Organize Your Kitchen Into Work Zones
The most efficient way to set up your kitchen is to have “zones” for each function of the room. Take into consideration where you want things located, what will go there, and why it makes sense.
Ideas for kitchen work zones: Dishwasher and Sink What: Cleaning products, dish towels, everyday plates, bowls, silverware and glasses. Why: Keep items closest to where they are most frequently used. Choose cabinets, shelves, and drawers near the dishwasher to make unloading efficient and easy. Cooking and Stove What: Pots, pans, bake ware, and cooking utensils, and frequently used spices/oils. Why: Reduce the movement needed when cooking hot foods. Choose deep cabinets for pots and pans. Store bake ware near oven. Food Prep Zone What: Cutting boards, mixing bowls, Tupperware, knife block, often-used counter top appliances. Why: Keep everything you need to prep your meals within arms reach. Keep appliances that are used daily on the counter top; everything else should be stored in cupboards and drawers Food Storage Zone What: Shelf stable foods and food wraps. Usually stored on pantry shelves. Why: Keeping all food in the same area allows you to see when you’re out or running low. Organize foods by category (e.g. all baking items together, all canned goods, snacks, etc.) The Rest What: Everything else should be filled in in the remaining available spaces. Why: All the often-used items have been put away. Now put the rest away in the high, low and tough-to-get to spots. 
Secret #2: The Countertop is Prime Real Estate
There is only so much counter space to go around, so items have to “earn” their spot.
For example, if you’re a daily coffee drinker, your coffeemaker should be on the counter top. (Pro tip: store your coffee mugs, coffee, and filters in the cabinet directly above the coffee maker for easy access). Same thing goes for a toaster: if you enjoy toast daily, leave the toaster on the counter top and store the butter dish in the cabinet above it. The counters around the kitchen sink deserve some counter space, since many items are used all day long. Dish soap, hand soap, and paper towels all belong right next to the sink. Keeping neatly folded dish towels in a small basket near the sink is another option. Be honest with how often you really use small appliances. Just because you make a panini once a month does not warrant a space on the counter for the Breville. If you make smoothies only on the weekend, do not leave the blender on the counter all week. Store your lesser-used appliances in cabinets and pantry shelves.
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How to Sort Like a Pro: Advice from a Professional Organizer Declutter, Donate, and Deduct Hoarder, Pack-rat, or Just Messy: 3 Ways to Tell the Difference How to Beautifully Stage Your Home So it Sells in a Flash Secret #3: Allow Yourself a “Junk Drawer”, but organize it!
The kitchen becomes a dumping ground for nearly everything. Rather than fight it (and lose), allow yourself one “junk drawer”. Caution: do not let it get out of hand. Purchase small drawer organizers to keep like items together.
Frequently used “junk drawer” items ideas:
And One More Secret: Enough with all the Duplicate Items!
Probably the best advice, and the hardest for people to follow, is to eliminate duplicate items when organizing or unpacking a kitchen. Chances are that you only use one set of silverware, one set of everyday dishes, and the same few drinking glasses daily.
What about items that are used once a year (e.g. only pulled out at Thanksgiving)? Ask yourself if you really use the item...or just used it once and not-so-much anymore. Be ruthless! Have more than one actively-used set of these items? Consider boxing it up and donating to a good local charity.
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6 Things to Not Bother Collecting Anymore (and How to Tell What IS Worth Holding Onto) How to Sort Like a Pro: Advice from a Professional Organizer You can Organize your kitchen!!
It's easy to organize your kitchen while you unpack by using these 4 secrets.
What's your favorite kitchen organization tip? Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area. 
 It is a fact: in most family inheritance disputes, the only people who end up financially benefiting are the lawyers involved. But it doesn’t have to be that way! By organizing, documenting, and talking about your wishes early and often, you can solve family battles before they even begin. want to learn the 5 useful secrets for solving family inheritance disputes? read on...organize and document your wishesLong before it is necessary, start organizing and documenting your wishes. This means putting your wishes for “who gets what” in writing, preferable a legally binding will. Hire a lawyer to prepare the will, or create one yourself online at a reputable online company (such as LegalZoom). For example, if the eldest son is to inherit the family wedding ring so that he can keep it in the family, document it. Without express written decisions made in advance, family disputes can rise up. Tell your heirs your wishes so there are no unpleasant surprises after you’re gone.  honor written wishesWhen a family member has passed away, the will is the legal document that has primary precedence is dividing up the remaining personal belongings, according to the law. It doesn’t matter if Grandma always told everyone that Billy should get the art collection: if it’s not in writing, it doesn’t legally count. If the deceased prepared an informal list of their wishes (or marked items with labels, as some people do) AND the heirs can agree to it, try to honor those wishes. The only people who financially benefit from estate battles are the lawyers involved. Related Articles: Sometimes You Can’t Do it on Your Own: When it’s Time to Throw in the Towel and Hire an Estate Clearing Professional to Help you Finish the Job Nobody Wants the Family Heirlooms: What to Do When it Happens to You with free Declutter +Downsize Family Heirlooms Game Plan Mom, We Have to Talk: 5 Ways to Discuss Downsizing with your Aging Parents with printable Discussion Cheat Sheet Don't remove anything from the house ahead of timeIf an ailing, aging parent remains in the home and starts “giving away” valuables or cash, the right thing to do is share that information with all the heirs. Often times the adult child who is the perceived “favorite” benefits from this: this is a sure way to cause family disputes in the future. Take the high road and disclose to other heirs what has already been given to you. After a family member passes, one of the very first things the Executor should do is change the locks to the house. This measure will prevent any neighbors, service providers, or unscrupulous heirs from “helping themselves” to belongings in the house. Nothing should be removed from the house until all the heirs can go through the home together. Always act with integrity and transparency to avoid family disputes over the belongings.  immediate heirs onlyWhen it comes time for the heirs to organize and divide up the belongings, it should be the immediate heirs only. This means no spouses, children, grandchildren, or close family friends. Reducing the number of people involved will streamline the process and keep it simple. Related Articles: Help Organize Your Aging Parents (While They are Young + Healthy) with printable guide: Two Easyish Conversations to Have with Your Aging Parents Declutter, Donate, and Deduct 6 Things to Not Bother Collecting Anymore (and How to Tell What IS Worth Holding Onto) agree on a fair way to divide items equitablyBefore the heirs begin dividing up belongings, agree to a fair way to divide things up. Consider these ideas:
SummaryTake the time now to organize, document and talk about your inheritance wishes with your family. It will solve future battles before they even begin. Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.  
Whether you are organizing one room in your house or decluttering a home full of stuff, knowing how to efficiently sort is crucial to your success. Professional Organizers use the tips and tricks on this checklist to help clients, and now I'm sharing those hacks with you.
Ready to learn a professional organizer's tips for Sorting? Read on...Set yourself up for success
Before starting any organizing or decluttering job, make sure you have all the supplies you need before you get started.
Tools/ Supplies Needed:
Keep
The first step is to sort your "keepers" into a pile or one area. Keep items that you love and actively use. Items that aren't actively used should be moved into a long term storage area, such as a basement or attic.
Tools/ Supplies Needed:
*available space in actively used items *temperature variation in for long term solutions *transporting “keepers” to new location, if applicable 
Sell
Don't love it, but you'd like to make a little money from it? Consider selling online or offline.
Tools/Supplies Needed:
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6 Things to Not Bother Collecting Anymore Nobody Wants Family Heirlooms: What to Do When it Happens to You. Gift These 5 Wonderful Experiences To the Ones You Love..Instead of Buying "Stuff" Donate
Have items that don't need to live with you anymore, but are still in great condition? Give to a local charity.
Tools Needed:
Discard
Some things just need to be discarded. If the items can't be sold or donated, its time for the trash/ recycling bin.
Tools Needed:
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Estate Sales Aren't Always the Answer: Why Estate Clearing Might Better Fit Your Needs 4 Smart Ideas to Sell Your Stuff Offline and 1 Really Dumb One with free printable How to Sell Items Offline Cheat Sheet 5 Tips to Sell Your Stuff Online with free printable How to Sell Items Online Cheat Sheet YOU'RE ready to sort like a pro!
Using this checklist, you now have the tools to Keep, Sell, Donate or Discard when you are decluttering and organizing.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area. 
Decluttering your home and donating your items to local non-profit groups is a fantastic way to organize your home...and get a tax deduction.
Disclaimer: This information is compiled from many sources and is not intended as tax, investment, financial planning or legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. For tax, investment, financial planning or legal advice you are encouraged to consult with your personal advisers
Ready to learn how to Declutter, donate and Deduct? Read on...Declutter
When the organizing and decluttering bug strikes, separate things out to Keep, Discard, or Donate/Recycle piles.
Trying to figure out what you can easily declutter AND have it make a difference in your local community?
Donate
Before donating, be sure you are giving to an organization that is a 501 (c)(3) by the IRS. These are organizations that are recognized by the IRS as being tax-exempt by virtue of their charitable programs.
“Big name” charities (think Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or the Salvation Army) are no-brainers, but if you’re unsure about a group you’re thinking of giving to, you can always check their website or a site that vets non-profit groups, like Charity Navigator. Have big stuff to donate, but no truck and/or the muscles to get it done? Try the website Pick Up My Donation: they will find a non-profit group within 15 miles of your zip code and set up the pick-up, at no cost to you. Be sure you get a receipt or donation acceptance letter from the non-profit you give to. Keep a file in your glove box or console to organize on-the-go receipts, then transfer them into a permanent file in the house regularly.
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Donate or Dumpster?: 3 Tips to Know What to Give Away vs. Throw Away 6 Things to Not Bother Collecting Anymore (and How to Tell What IS Worth Holding Onto) How to Beautifully Stage Your Home So it Sells in a Flash Deduct
Even though the standardized deduction for individuals and married couples has increased in 2018, it’s still a good idea to keep records of your charitable giving.
Keep track of what you give!
get organized and do good!
Decluttering, donating and deducting is a great way to organize your home, while making a difference in your community at the same time.
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Related Articles:
Sometimes You Can’t Do it on Your Own: When it’s Time to Throw in the Towel and Hire an Estate Clearing Professional to Help you Finish the Job. Nobody Wants the Family Heirlooms: What to Do When it Happens to You 5 Steps to Get Rid of Sentimental Clutter 
How do you know which things in your collections have lost value over the years, and which are worth keeping? It can be tough to tell!
Items that your parents (or you) paid a lot of money for back in the day are now worth much, much less than was paid for them. An aging population has caused a heavily flooded market, making "valuables" less so. As a Professional Organizer and Estate Clearing Specialist, I see a lot of these collectibles in homes. Some are worth keeping, but unfortunately, most are not. Want to know what is worthless and how to tell the difference? Read On.
Loss in Value: Figurines and Commemorative Plates
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