Inspiration & Motivation

Things That Don’t Spark Joy, But You’d Better Keep Anyway

By Hazel Thornton | March 19, 2016 |

What do a toilet plunger and old tax returns have in common? They’re both things that don’t exactly spark joy, but you’d better keep anyway. If you’ve heard of Marie Kondo, the Japanese bestselling author, you will probably recall her #1 criterion for keeping things: Does it spark joy? I think this is a lovely…

Read more...

Getting Organized Once And For All

By Hazel Thornton | March 14, 2016 |

So… what does “Getting Organized For Life” really mean, anyway? Consider these three meanings: 1. Getting organized so your life will be easier, less stressful, more balanced, and ultimately more satisfying; so you can find your things when you need them, and get stuff done; so you can spend less time doing what you have…

Read more...

The Five Stages of Marie Kondo & The Life-Changing Magic of Doing What Works for YOU

By Hazel Thornton | January 21, 2016 |

Last year was a very long one for professional organizers. Some have jumped on the bandwagon, some have been openly critical, and others are just trying hard to stay above the fray. Not a day goes by but what I don’t see an article about, or at least mentioning, Marie Kondo, or someone asks me…

Read more...

The Gratitude Box

By Hazel Thornton | January 1, 2016 |

What? Have you ever heard of a Gratitude Jar? Well, I use this pretty wooden Gratitude Box. I’ve been doing this for a few years now and find it very rewarding. Keep reading to learn how I use it, and why you might want one too…   How? Write down good things that happen to…

Read more...

Busting the Top 10 Organizing Myths

By Hazel Thornton | October 10, 2015 |

As part of my 10-year celebration of being in the organizing business, I thought I’d revisit this old blog post and see if I still agreed with myself. I do. Don’t believe everything you think!  Here are the top 10 organizing myths, along with the truth and some helpful links to related blog posts and …

Read more...

Keep or Toss? “But I might need it someday!”

By Hazel Thornton | August 4, 2015 |

Organizing and decluttering go hand in hand. Sometimes the choice to keep or toss something is easy: I love it! I use it! I need to keep it! OK, obviously a keeper. Put it away, or create a home for it. Sometimes it’s not so easy, though: But it was a gift…but I paid a…

Read more...

Are you taking it too far? (recycling/donating/selling/repurposing)

By Hazel Thornton | July 5, 2015 |

Decluttering and letting go of unwanted items is good for the soul. One man’s trash can indeed be another man’s treasure! Repurposing can be a creative and satisfying endeavor. And recycling is good for the planet. But… there’s a limit to what one person can do. You can’t save the planet single-handedly. Don’t forget to…

Read more...

The Very Inspiring Blogger Award

By Hazel Thornton | May 25, 2015 |

Imagine my surprise when I sat down to read a blog post by a friend who had received a Very Inspiring Blogger Award….and saw MY name listed as someone to whom she wanted to pay it forward! This award recognizes bloggers “who work hard to keep the blogosphere a beautiful place”.

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...

Once a Client, Always a Client

By Hazel Thornton | April 9, 2015 |

I miss my clients…some more than others, of course…after I’ve spent a lot of time with them in their homes and offices. It’s hard not to form a bond when they have confided in you, and trusted you, and you have laughed (and maybe cried) together. Sometimes the break is sudden and complete, such as…

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

Book cover: 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