Skip to main content
Tag

office organization

Sep 29
Love0

7 Important Questions to Ask When Decluttering Your Digital Photos

By Blog, Digital Minimalism, Digital Organizing, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

In today’s age of technology, decluttering your digital photos is more pressing than ever!

 

We could just rely on cloud storage, external hard drives, and all our old phones and laptops to store these photos. But when you’ve got 5 dinosaur phones and no chargers to fit them, maxed-out hard drives, and really old laptops, and are paying a ton in cloud storage fees, are you in control of your photos? Or does it seem the other way around?

 

Our lives are now beautifully documented through digital photos. From capturing family vacation highlights to preserving holiday moments with loved ones, our digital photo albums have become more like time capsules.

 

However, as these libraries grow, so does the challenge of managing and organizing our photo collections.

 

So as you’re beginning this project, make it a habit to start by working a little bit on them each day. Ask yourself these 7 important questions to decide which digital photos should stay or go!

 

 

7 Important Questions to Ask When Decluttering Your Digital Photos

 

 

  1. Is This Photo Meaningful?

The first question you should ask when you start decluttering your digital photos is, “Is this photo meaningful?“

 

This basic question alone can make a significant difference in the bulk of your photo library. Just like in a physical closet, digital clutter accumulates over time and often without us noticing until it’s really full.

 

As you are decluttering your digital photos, be honest with yourself and let the “just in case” stories go. If the photo doesn’t hold any special significance to you, then it’s just taking up space on your phone or in cloud storage and it’s time to delete it.

 

 

  1. Will I Ever Use or Share This Digital Photo?

Decluttering your digital photos is not easy to do, especially when you think you might use or share them someday. However, “someday” rarely ever comes, so it’s important to assess if these intentions are realistic.

Think about how likely it is that you’ll actually use or share a particular photo. If you’ve had it stored away for years without thinking about it, it’s not likely you will need it any time soon.

 

Focus on only keeping the photos that you genuinely plan to use or share in the future!  I often say, “Keep the best of the best!”

  1. Does This Photo Contribute to My Story?

Your digital photo collection tells a story of your life, loved ones, and memories. Since each photo contributes to this timeline in some way, you’ll need to evaluate whether a photo adds value to your overall story.

 

Think about whether the photo makes sense to be in your collection and if it enhances your memory of that particular experience. If it doesn’t add value to your memory or experience, it’s probably better to remove it.

 

  1. Is This a Good Quality Photo?

Quality matters when it comes to digital photos! As you go through your collection, pay attention to the overall photo.

 

Are there blurry parts? Is the photo flattering to the subject? Is anyone cut out of the frame? Is the lighting bad? Are there duplicates with minor-to-no variation?

Snaps with significant quality issues should be deleted. After all, what could you do with them? Keeping only high-quality photos will help you maintain a more organized and polished-looking digital photo library.

 

  1. Does This Digital Photo Have Duplicates?

The main culprit of digital clutter is often multiple photos of the same subject. These photos often occupy valuable storage space without adding much unique value.

 

Search for duplicate or near-identical images within your collection. Pick your favorite version and delete the extras.

  1. Does This Photo Hold Strong Sentiments?

We often use our digital photos as a way to capture emotional moments. While some may hold sentimental value, others might bring back negative emotions and memories.

 

As you are decluttering your digital photos, evaluate whether they provoke positive or negative emotions. It’s okay to let go of photos that bring negativity or discomfort. Your future self may even thank you for not having to see them again.

 

Focus on preserving photos that make you feel happy, inspired, or nostalgic for a great time!

 

 

  1. Does This Photo Bring Me Joy?

Ultimately, the most important question to ask is whether or not a photo brings you joy. Just like with physical items in your home, your digital photos should make you feel positive, uplifting emotions!

 

Go through your collection one last time and assess each photo’s impact on your mood. Keep the ones that bring a smile to your face and help you reminisce precious moments. If you’re indifferent to any, think about whether they’re important enough to keep or if you could be okay with letting them go. Then let go of the rest that don’t make you feel your best and enjoy a clutter-free, happy digital photo library!

 

When you’re decluttering your digital photos frequently, you’ll be able to easily find and enjoy your favourite memories.

When you curate your digital photo collection, you’re not just creating a tidier virtual space; you’re crafting a visual representation of your life that’s easy to revisit and share! The moments you love most are now at your fingertips, ready to enjoy whenever you please.

 

Your memories are meant to be celebrated, and an organized digital photo collection ensures you can do just that. Let go of the burden of unnecessary photo clutter today and make your digital albums a place you actually enjoy scrolling through!

 

Looking to improve your digital organization in other areas, too? Check out our new Digital Declutter Training!

Visit Training →

 

When will you schedule your next digital decluttering session? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

Google Keep: Learn the Basics + Use Key Features

 

Don’t know where to start decluttering?

 

Sign up for my free newsletter so I can send you the best organizing tips and strategies each week.

(and some freebies, too!)

Sign up here →
Aug 14
Love0

Organizing Products I Don’t Buy

By Blog, Home Office Organization, Simple Living No Comments

It’s not always easy to learn how to pick functional products that last!

 

In the quest for a well-organized living space, we’ll often invest in and try out many different organizing products to keep things tidy. However, not all products are made with the same level of functionality. Some may even end up causing more harm than good!

 

As a Professional Organizer with over 20 years of experience, I have seen my fair share of products that don’t function well and can’t stand the test of time. A lot of the time clients will see a pretty bin or a uniquely-shaped turntable and just based on the look of it, they’ll buy it. Only to get home and realize it doesn’t fit in the desired space, may scratch the finishings, or not even work as intended!

 

Below, I’ll share some of the most commonly bought organization products I see and explain why I avoid them.

 

We’ll also go over some alternative options that are both highly functional and have a nice appearance, so you can get organized without wasting your time and money!

 

 

Organizing Products I Don’t Buy

Over-the-Door Blowdryer Organizer

 

These organizers may look and sound convenient at first. But in reality, they can cause damage to both the door and the items they hold. If the top piece is too thick the door will also not close.

 

Hot tools tend to slide around and poke through any gaps, too. And let’s be real – blow dryers, brushes, and curling irons often don’t get neatly wrapped up and put away after each use, a lot of people prefer to quickly put them away and adjust later, if desired.

 

Functional Alternative: For these reasons, I recommend just storing them in a larger space. Use a large container, bin, or basket that can be neatly tucked away in your cabinet. Or simply store them in a drawer if you have the space. There are many ways to keep these items organized without damaging your door or frame!

 

Acrylic Makeup Organizer with Small Sections

 

While these organizers look great initially, they are easy to scratch and not easy to clean. This leads them to get very grimy with makeup and dusty over time. To clean the acrylic, you will need a special acrylic cleaner or soap and water, but the latter runs the risk of it drying with streaks.

 

Functional Alternative: To avoid wasting money on replacements, opt for drawer organizers with fewer and larger sections made from materials that are easier to clean. Even better, look for models with the flexibility to move the dividers around yourself.

✨ FREE DOWNLOAD ✨

3 Home Organizing Mistakes

Start achieving your organizing goals faster!

Download Now →

Drawer Dividers for Clothes

 

Drawer dividers with fixed, unadjustable sections are just not functional and can cause daily friction in the long term. They won’t accommodate changing storage needs or different sizes of item groupings inside the drawer.

 

Functional Alternative: Use expanding drawer dividers instead. These will fit in most drawers around your home and can be moved around really easily. Or if you prefer a more contained look, try organizers that offer adjustable sections. The goal here is to ensure your clothes stay both organized and easily accessible.

 

Stacking T-Shirt Organizer

 

Stacking shirt organizers may look easy and appealing, but they are often just the opposite. They will slide all over the place and require a lot of effort to fold and fit back inside the organizer. This makes it challenging to keep the shirts inside neatly.

 

Functional Alternative: Instead, consider folding and stacking your t-shirts vertically on a shelf. If you want to keep them in containers, file fold them in a drawer or large bins inside a drawer or on a shelf. Another great idea to keep them from falling over if you’ve got a large collection is to use sweater dividers. This method allows for clear visibility of your collection and makes it more approachable to put away freshly done laundry. For kids’ t-shirts, I recommend file folding them in a drawer or large container. This is easier for them to see what they have and put them back on their own, even if not perfectly folded. 

 

T-Shirt Folder

 

If you really want to have every shirt perfectly folded and have the time to do this, then by all means, go for it! But let me tell you about most households that I’ve organized over the past two decades… Laundry is often piled up to be done and more is waiting to get folded and put away. Good intentions just don’t cut it in reality! I’m all about simplifying life, making things functional, and having a “good enough” attitude vs. trying to attain a perfect standard.

 

Functional Alternative: If you really want to use a folding device, get a larger one with more flaps for folding. This way you can use it for all clothing items and not just tops. It could also be a fun way to get the kids to help out with laundry! Test it and let me know 6 months later how it’s going 😉

 

Office Drawer Organizer

 

White or light-colored drawer organizers may look sleek, but they tend to get dirty quickly and are challenging to clean. Additionally, organizers with large and non-customizable sections may not suit your specific storage needs. To make a functional purchase, declutter the drawer first, plan where items will go, take measurements, and then invest in drawer organizers of various sizes that can fit well together.

 

I’m all for drawer organizers, but they need to be highly functional and easy to clean! White or light-colored drawer organizers may look sleek, but they tend to get marked up quickly. The sections in a lot of these organizers are often too large to sort items into groups and are not customizable.

 

Functional Alternative: Before you go shopping, save yourself the hassle of returns by decluttering the drawer first. Then lay out where you want the remaining items to go, measure the drawer, and take a photo. Once you’ve done that, you can go shopping! Look for drawer organizers of different sizes so you can make a square or rectangle with them in the drawer. They won’t slide around when they fit comfortably in a grid. Choose organizers with small sections.

 

 

 

Investing in functional organizing products can be a game-changer in maintaining an organized home or office!

 

However, it’s crucial to avoid products that don’t function well or stand up to the test of time. By steering clear of products that won’t perfectly serve their desired purpose, you can save both time and money.

 

Consider swapping for these functional alternatives and you’ll achieve a clutter-free, beautiful, and calm environment. Enhance your overall organization and productivity today. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Like this article?

You’ll love this one👇🏼

Get Organized at Home Without Plastic!

 

 

Don’t know where to start decluttering?

 

Sign up for my free newsletter so I can send you the best organizing tips and strategies each week.

(and some freebies, too!)

Sign up here →
Jan 30
Love0

75 Creative Ways to Use A Label Maker

By Blog, Checklists, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

“Is a label maker worth it?“

 

I say… label makers are one of the most useful tools ever made!!

 

Beyond labeling in the kitchen or whichever common area first comes to your mind, these organized little machines are ready to help you in every room of your house (and office too!).

 

But before you go buy the biggest, fanciest label maker, first ask yourself these questions to determine the right one for your needs.

 

Which one to buy?

Ask yourself these questions:

 

  • How many font options would you like?
  • What size of labels will you need to print?
  • How much room do you have to store it?
  • How simple it is to learn and use?
  • Does it use batteries, a rechargeable battery, or plug into the wall?
  • Are the tape cassettes easy to find?

 

Advice For Buying A Label Maker

 

In my opinion, the Brother brand label makers are the absolute best. I have gone through many, many different brands and styles of label makers over the years, and Brother brands have never let me down.

 

They’re simple to use, it’s easy for me to find tapes in person or online, and the overall quality is just top-notch!

 

However, I use a couple of different label makers depending on my client’s style. I’ll list them below and tell you some of the differences between them, too!

 

Label Maker Comparisons

 

The first, Brother P-Touch PT- D610BT, automatically cuts and trims the edges of the label so I don’t get a huge empty white space on either end. It also fits a larger label tape for bigger prints.

 

The second, Brother P-Touch Cube Plus PT-P710BT, uses larger tapes (24mm) which allows for large, easy to read, and beautiful labels in a pantry, linen closet, or on storage bins. The 24mm black tape with white font has quickly become my new favorite choice of tape because it actually has the look of a custom label!

 

 

Both of these label makers use laminated tapes. Using laminated tape is KEY for making professional-looking labels.

 

I prefer to stay away from the cheap paper tape that lower models use. This type will curl up once cut and leaves a lot of white residue when you peel the label off. Yuck!

 

So now that you have an idea of WHAT you’re shopping for…

 

Head out for the fun part! Or stay in and shop with your fingertips (our fave!)

 

Our Favorite Label Makers

(Remember to only buy what fits YOUR needs!)

 

 

How to Organize Your Entire House
with a Label Maker:

 

1- Office Cords and Plugs

  • Routers
  • Printers
  • Monitors
  • Laptop chargers

2- File Folders and Cabinets

  • Color code for more organization

3- Binders

  • Spine
  • Tabs
  • Pockets

 

4- Receipts Area

  • Bin / Basket / Container
  • Binder clip

5- Notebooks

  • Meeting notes
  • Reference notes
  • Specific projects

6- Drawers

  • Drawer dividers / containers
  • Office supply sections

7- Highlighters

  • “Important dates”
  • “Priority to-do’s”
  • “Goals”
  • Color code tasks for different people

8- Miscellaneous Cords

  • Phone charger
  • Laptop charger
  • HDMI
  • Ring light
  • Names on chargers for each family member

 

9- Bulk Office Supplies

  • Items taken out of original packaging

10- In-Tray

  • Sections for mail, paperwork, different kinds of documents you receive

11- Linen Closet Shelves

  • Towels
  • Sheets by size
  • Guest
  • Satin pillowcases

 

12- Laundry Excess

  • Items decanted / taken out of original packaging
  • Detergent
  • Softener
  • Bleach
  • Dryer sheets / balls

13- Laundry Baskets

  • Lights
  • Darks
  • Whites
  • Delicates

 

14- Board Games

  • Storage shelves of games
  • Age range
  • Type of game
  • Kid-friendly

15- Hobby Section

  • Shelf in closet
  • Project boxes
  • Drawer / Cupboard in storage furniture

16- Kitchen Cooking Utensils

  • Whisks
  • Tongs
  • Spatulas

 

17- Spices

  • Decanted items
  • Mixed bottles, give uniform labels
  • Easier to read

18- Snack Zone

  • Kids
  • Sweet and salty
  • Healthy

19- Baking Supplies

  • Bin of baking supplies
  • Sort by holiday

 

20- Health Section

  • Protein powders
  • Smoothie additives
  • Supplements

21- Meal Prep Jars

  • Salads
  • Smoothies
  • Juices

22- Frozen Items

  • Smoothie ingredients
  • Meat
  • Soups
  • Expiry dates on homemade items

 

23- Allergy Notes

  • Mark with yellow or brightly colored label tape

24- Bulk Decanted Items

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Oats
  • Coffee
  • Dried nuts

25- Fridge Shelves

  • Condiments
  • Proteins and cheeses
  • Fresh produce

 

26- Utensil Drawer

  • Serving spoons and forks
  • Steak knives
  • Kids cutlery

27- Pantry Shelves

  • Dried foods
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Extra seasonings

28- Tea Collection

  • Different types of tea
  • Brands

 

29- Cleaning Products

  • Under the sink bottles
  • Items no longer in original packaging

30- Additional Drawers

  • Organizational products with drawers

31- Playroom Supplies

  • Figurines
  • Lego
  • Small part toys

 

32- Kids’ Craft Supplies

  • Construction paper
  • Crayons
  • Coloring books

33- Label By Child

  • Separate toys
  • Split things evenly

34- Toy Bins

  • Stuffed animals
  • Contents by type

 

35- Bookshelves

  • Reading age of books
  • Fiction / Non-fiction
  • Per child

36- Garage Storage Bins

  • Big, easy to read

37- Seasonal Decor

  • Holiday
  • Special occasion
  • Tradition
  • Indoor / Outdoor

 

38- Camping Totes

  • Cooking supplies
  • Tent and sleeping setup
  • Games
  • First aid

39- Emergency Kits

  • Fire evacuation
  • Earthquake
  • Lockdown

 

40- Medicine and First Aid

  • Cold and flu
  • Allergies
  • Bandages
  • Kids products

41- Beauty Supply Bins

  • Nail care
  • Skincare
  • Hair products
  • Hairstyling tools

 

42- Expiration Dates

  • Makeup
  • Hair products
  • Shower products
  • Decanted items

43- Drawer Containers

  • Cotton swabs
  • Cotton pads
  • Exfoliation pads
  • Dental care

44- Cleaning Products

  • Toilet cleaner
  • Shower cleaner
  • Countertop disinfectant
  • Items no longer in original packaging

45- Family Member Bins

  • Per family member
  • Guest use
  • Excess supplies

46- Towel Hooks

  • Per family member
  • Guest use
  • Hand and face towels

 

47- Skincare Fridge

  • Sections for different product types
  • Order of routine

48- Shower Caddy

  • Per family member
  • Sections for different types

49- Product Bottles

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Liquid soap
  • Items no longer in original packaging

50- Traveling Containers

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Liquid soap
  • Skincare
  • Cleaning products
  • Jewelry

51- Makeup Brushes

  • Types of brushes
  • Per family member

52- Jars of Decanted Items

  • Soap bars
  • Epsom salts
  • Dishwasher tabs

53- Mirror Cabinet Shelves

  • Sections by skin, hair, dental, etc.

54- Bath Toys

  • Bin for bath toys
  • Per family member

55- Magazine Holder

  • Types of magazines
  • Content
  • Kids or adult material

56- Dresser Drawers

  • Shorts
  • Jeans
  • Sweatpants
  • Workout clothes

57- Under-The-Bed Drawers

  • Socks
  • Shoes
  • Extra pillows

58- Bedroom Cords

  • Chargers
  • TV
  • Lamp
  • Cable box
  • Clock

59- Closet Shelves

  • Summer / Winter storage
  • Sweaters
  • Pants

60- Nightstand Drawers

  • Sleep aids
  • Lavender / Calming spray
  • Lip balm
  • Sleeping mask

61- Vanity Drawers

  • Powdered makeup
  • Eyes
  • Lips
  • Brushes

62- Storage Furniture

  • Bins
  • Baskets
  • Containers
  • Cabinets
  • Desks
  • Wardrobes

63- Remotes

  • Cable box
  • TV
  • Media streaming box
  • Videogame console

64- Plant Markers

  • Use laminated labels
  • Names
  • Caring instructions

65- Learning Language

  • Label commonly used items around home / office with new language
  • Teach little ones reading and names of items

66- Reminders

  • For self, kids, spouse
  • Do dishes
  • “Put away shoes”
  • “Clean up toys”
  • “I love you”

67- Gift Tags

  • Personalize gift tags

68- Table Setting Place Cards

  • Holidays
  • Dinner parties

69- Charcuterie Boards

  • Types of cheese, meat, cracker, dried fruits, spreads, etc.

70- Hooks

  • Keys
  • Hats
  • Purses
  • Scarves
  • Reusable bags

71- Books

  • Without name on spine
  • Journal years

72- Videogame Storage

  • Console
  • Type of games
  • Kid-friendly
  • Per family member

73- Photo Albums

  • Printed photo books name / year
  • Spine
  • Sections of photos inside

74- Recycling Bins

  • Paper
  • Glass
  • Bottles

75- Kitchen Books

  • Cookbooks
  • Recipe books
  • User manuals
Disclosure: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This keeps Simply Productive 100% reader supported and free of ads or sponsorships.
Thanks for your support!