decluttering

Think of your big project as a new hobby

By Hazel Thornton | February 13, 2023 |

  Do you have a big project you’ve been putting off? Is it because you are waiting for the perfect time to devote your entire self to getting it done? If you try to do too much at once, you risk getting overwhelmed and exhausted. Chances are you’ll get discouraged, go away, and never come…

Read more...

What do you love about your office? Here’s what I love about mine.

By Hazel Thornton | February 12, 2020 |

I think the key to being productive is to be comfortable and happy spending time in your office. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a corporate cubicle; a dedicated room at home with a door that closes; or another space you’ve carved out for yourself. If you love your office, great! Carry on. If you don’t,…

Read more...

Organizing for Stressful Times

By Hazel Thornton | October 21, 2019 |

These are stressful times. And I think we’re all feeling it one way or another. (I originally wrote this post during a specific national crisis, but really, every day is stressful for someone, isn’t it?) Are you remembering to take care of yourself? I forget sometimes, so I’m writing this for myself as much as…

Read more...

How clean does your house really need to be?

By Hazel Thornton | April 22, 2019 |

I love nothing more than a clean, tidy, organized home! But those are three completely different things.  

Read more...

Embrace the Clutter!

By Hazel Thornton | July 18, 2016 |

Embrace the clutter! Why on earth would I, a professional organizer, say such a thing? Well, think about it. What’s the opposite of embracing something? Fearing it? Ignoring it? Avoiding it? Doesn’t it seem like anything you fear, ignore, or avoid persists? It doesn’t go away, it just nags at you. Doesn’t it? Maybe not…

Read more...

“But I paid good money for that!” (The Sunk Cost of Clutter – part 1)

By Hazel Thornton | May 21, 2015 |

When I help a client sort through their things, there are any number of reasons why they have difficulty letting them go. This, despite the fact that they don’t love or use them. “But it was a gift! But I might need it someday! But I paid good money for that!” Wait! WHAT? (Cue screeching…

Read more...

Have a Garage Sale…If You Must

By Hazel Thornton | June 3, 2013 |

Love ’em or hate ’em, garage sales (yard sales, tag sales, whatever you call them) are here to stay. Here’s why I hate ’em:

Read more...

Clear Your Mind and Get it All Done… Sooner or Later

By Hazel Thornton | May 21, 2013 |

I know how to get stuff done, and I can teach you how, too. I have tools and systems for all the stages of workflow (collect, process, organize, review and do). I have an inbox and project lists which I clear and review weekly. I say no to activities that don’t support my goals and…

Read more...

Clearing Mental Clutter

By Hazel Thornton | May 17, 2013 |

Clutter comes in many forms. If you are worried about something, but aren’t doing anything about it — or can’t do anything about it — it’s mental clutter. For any persistent, worrisome thought, ask yourself: Can you do something about it? If you think so, or if you don’t think so, or if you’re not…

Read more...

3 Steps to Falling in Love with Your Home Office

By Hazel Thornton | February 16, 2013 |

How does your home office make you feel? If you have the sort of business where you have clients in, are you embarrassed to let them see it? One of my organizing and redesign clients said, about her cluttered, drab room, “I feel like I’m going to prison every morning.” Oh no, that’s terrible! Depending…

Read more...

Don't miss out!

ENTER your email address below to receive notifications of new blog posts by email. (Don\'t forget to subscribe to my newsletters as well!)

Hazel's Books

Cover of " What’s a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy"

What’s a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy

Cover of "Go With the Flow! (The Clutter Flow Chart Workbook)"

Go With the Flow! (The Clutter Flow Chart Workbook)

Cover of "Hung Jury: The Diary of a Menendez Juror"

Hung Jury: The Diary of a Menendez Juror

Categories