Top tips

It’s a New Year, yay! And a great opportunity to make a fresh start. I decided to make my first blog this year about habits, as it is the number one issue that many of the people I work with face. Once I have helped people to create systems in their home that are tailored specifically to them and the people they live with, it is down to them to create and work on new habits in order for the systems to work. But new habits can take time and effort to create and backsliding often happens. I hope that this blog inspires you to make change and create new habits this year!

1: How long does it take to create a new habit?

It takes 21 days to build a habit, doesn’t it? It’s the long-held belief of almost all people. This can vary for each person, their circumstances and each habit. Some habits are tricky to implement, while others are easier. My advice is to focus and commit to one specific habit for a month. By working on one habit at a time, it will be easier than trying to implement several habits at once. Take some time to think about which habit you would like to begin with – brain dumping onto paper can be helpful.

2: How do you create a new habit?

Have you ever heard of habit stacking? The phrase ‘habit stacking’ was coined by Wall Street Journal bestselling author S.J Scott. In his 2014 book ‘Habit Stacking’ he recommends that you “build routines around habits that don’t require effort”. He suggests that one of the best ways to build a new habit, is to determine a current habit you already do each day and then stack your new habit on top of it. For example:

• After making my bed each day, I will meditate for 10 minutes
• Once I have finished eating dinner, I will do the dishes
• After cleaning my teeth, I will floss them

Why does habit stacking work? Your current habits are already built into your brain. Some of them you do without even thinking about it, they have become second nature to you. By stacking your new habit on top of a current habit that is already created in your brain, it will be much more likely that you’ll stick to the new habit. Brainstorm a list of habits you already have and take some time to reflect on these. Then think about where your new habit can be stacked.

3: Be accountable

Have you ever heard of the ‘Hawthorne Effect’? It refers to the fact that people are more likely to follow through with a commitment when they are being observed (read more about it here….) You have probably experienced at least once in your life, that as soon as you talk to a friend about something you are going to give up or implement, you are instantly accountable. For a new habit to form, you need to be reminded constantly as you build that habit. So talk to a friend about your new habit! Let them know about your efforts and goals. Find someone who will challenge, engage and evoke a sense of accomplishment in you.

4: Reward

Building new habits can be tiring at times and it is important to celebrate our achievements, no matter how big or small. When we reward ourselves, it:

• Makes us feel good!
• Boosts our self worth
• Increases self esteem
• Helps us to stay motivated
• Increases our ability to achieve our goals

Take a moment to think about some rewards that will work for you. These can vary from small to big, depending on what you are trying to achieve. They don’t have to cost the earth and is ideal if it is something you really like and enjoy. Examples are: Go for a walk in nature, meet a friend for a coffee, buy yourself some flowers (one of my favourites!) listen to one of your favourite podcasts, read a chapter of your book, go to an art gallery, book a meal out with friends.

So there you have it. What new habit are you going to create today to make 2019 your best year yet?

It happens to most of us at one point in our lives, whether we like it or not. For many, it is a very overwhelming task that forces us to face our stuff. Now for those of us that have not faced our stuff on a regular basis, the thought of letting go of a lifetime of possessions is daunting and unthinkable. But it doesn’t have to be that way. I was recently interviewed by the NZ Woman’s weekly on this topic and I explained how it can be a great opportunity to celebrate and enjoy a fresh start in life. Today I’m going to share with you my top 5 tips on how this process can be made SO much easier.

#1 Live in the moment

Downsizing doesn’t mean that you will loose everything you own. Sure, you won’t be able to take every item you own with you – it is just not possible. It forces us to make many decisions which can be very difficult, depending on our circumstances. Taking only the things we truly love and use now and which add value to our lives, causes us to live in the present. And what a wonderful thing that is! Having only those items in our homes that make us feel good, are the ones to surround ourselves with. Not the ones that cause us to feel any kind of negative emotions, which is distracting to say the least. Viewing downsizing as a positive experience where we can pare back and be honest with ourselves is truly liberating.

#2 Plan well in advance

This is one of the biggest problems I see – people just don’t give themselves enough time to prepare in advance. And believe me, the process takes a lot longer than you think it will. The more things you own, the more time it will take to make decisions. And if your belongings have not been reviewed regularly, the harder it will be to make those decisions. The more organised you are prior to the big day, the less stress you (and family members) will encounter. If you are pushed for time, I recommend that you employ the services of a professional to help take the stress out of the process.

#3 Ask for help

One of the hardest things people struggle with is letting go of possessions. If it’s all too much and you are feeling overwhelmed, ask for help! Whether it’s from a family member, objective friend or professional, it’s okay to reach out if you are struggling at any point during the process. It is so much easier making decisions when you have a support buddy to help you and speeds the process along when you are feeling stuck.

#4 Ask the right questions

It is important to ask the right questions throughout this process. “ Do I love it?” “Do I use it?” “Does it add value to my life now?” are key questions to ask. Our situations change over time and items may no longer have the value they once had. We move on from things as we change as people – this is very natural and a part of life. Embrace who you are now and be honest with your decision making, remembering that you simply cannot take everything with you anyway.

#5 Capture your memories

There are so many memories behind our belongings. Most items in our homes have stories attached to them. I find that once the story has been told, it is easier to let go of the item. Take photos of treasured items and record their stories. These can be passed down through generations and the legacy lives on. Remember that our memories are inside us and will be with us forever. We don’t always need to keep the item to remember the experience, but having a photo triggers our memory and allows us to reminisce.

By following these tips, your downsizing experience can be a truely positive life change. You will most definitely go through many emotions as you face your belongings. But what might seem like an overwhelming task to begin with, can turn into a wonderful opportunity to create new memories and a new start in life!

The kitchen is the hub of every home and is often the busiest area in most households. The pantry is SO often neglected – items build up and create disorganisation and chaos. It is frustrating trying to find what you need which happens when it is disorganised and filled to the brim. Here on Stuff I am sharing how you can have an organised pantry using these three simple steps! 

Have a read and let me know how you get on 🙂

Downsizing happens to all of us at LEAST once in our lives. It can be a stressful process, filled with overwhelm and anxiety and not knowing where to start is very common! In Peter Walsh’s latest book “Let it Go” he walks you through the feelings that you will experience and gives sound and practical tips and strategies that will help you to downsize without feeling stressed and to stay in control.

I recently chatted with Carly Flynn on Radio Live about Peter’s book and the benefits that you can gain from downsizing – you can listen in here:

“Let it Go will help you to identify your stuck points, make a solid plan that fits with your goals, and stick with it.” David Tolin, Phd.

Happy listening 🙂

The kitchen once had a single purpose – a place to prepare food. Now, they are the hub of every home, due to the hive of activity that now takes place there. The island bench is often the centre of activity – it is not only used for preparing meals and entertaining, but also where kids do their homework, paperwork is sorted and organised and family schedules and planners are displayed. (more…)

No matter what space you organise, big or small, you will need to commit to a simple maintenance routine. If you don’t, your systems will potentially fall apart and all of your hard work to will go to waste! Here on Stuff I am sharing my 5 secrets on how to keep your home organised in both the short and long term and stay in control. (more…)

Doing laundry is not one of the most exciting tasks to do at the best of times, but let’s face it, it has to be done, whether we like it or not. An organised laundry that functions well will not only make your life easier, it will save you time and help you to get the job done efficiently and with ease. Featured on Stuff here are some smart solutions to help you keep on top of your laundry and to make this task a much more enjoyable one!

This is the fourth article of a series I am writing for Stuff Magazine 🙂

Often when I visit a client for the first time, the linen cupboard is one of those areas that they REALLY don’t want me to see. “Don’t open the door…..everything will fall out!” Does this sound familiar to you……? Has your linen cupboard seen better days?  If this is the case, these 6 simple steps will help you to tame your linen cupboard once and for all.

Pop over to Stuff to read the full article and let me know what worked for you!

This is the third article of a series I am writing for Stuff Magazine 🙂

Living with the things that we love brings liberation. But the thought of letting go of our possessions can be overwhelming for many. So much so, that many don’t face them at all – it’s all too much. Does that sound like you? If so, this will be a good read for you. It is important that our belongings make us feel happy rather than making us feel sad, guilty or resentful. This month I shared my four key reasons with Stuff that can help you to understand why it can be so difficult to let go.

This is the first article of a series that I am writing for Stuff Magazine 🙂