Discover practical tips for organizing your home and reducing stress with expert advice from Diana Moll. Learn how to start small, set realistic goals, and create sustainable routines to make midlife your best life.
In today’s episode, Kelly and I had the pleasure of speaking with Diana Moll, an organizing expert and fellow podcaster who transitioned from a 20-year corporate banking career to pursue her passion for decluttering and organization. Together, we dove into the challenges of organization, especially during the back-to-school season, and discussed how taking small, manageable steps can make a big difference in maintaining a tidy, functional home. Let’s explore some of the key takeaways from our conversation with Diana and how you can apply them to your life. Diana is the founder and CEO of D’s Decluttr LLC, the author of In the Know: Basic Life Skills 101, and the creator of the Fresh Start Method, a four-step system designed to help even the busiest lives stay organized.
1. Start Small: Tackling Overwhelm One Step at a Time
One of the most common challenges in organizing is the feeling of being overwhelmed. Diana emphasizes the importance of starting small to avoid this paralyzing feeling. Instead of trying to tackle an entire room or area in one go, she suggests beginning with a single drawer, a kitchen counter, or the infamous junk drawer.
Diana’s Tip: Set a timer for 15 to 30 minutes, and focus on one small area. By breaking down the project into manageable chunks, you’ll see progress quickly, which helps build momentum and motivation.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Plan for Success
Diana shared how she set realistic goals for herself over the summer, focusing on just three areas of her home. By giving herself a specific timeframe—from June to the end of August—she was able to complete these tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
Kelly’s Insight: Many of us tend to overestimate what we can achieve in a short period, leading to frustration when we can’t finish everything. Instead of planning a massive overhaul in one weekend, break it down into smaller, achievable goals spread over a longer period.
3. Consistency is Key: Create Daily and Weekly Routines
Maintaining an organized home isn’t just about decluttering once; it’s about creating consistent routines that keep your space tidy. Diana talks about her morning and night routines, which include simple tasks like cleaning the kitchen counter and putting away dishes.
Morning Routine Tip: Start your day by making the bed. This small act can set a positive tone for the rest of your day and give you a sense of accomplishment right from the start.
4. Involve the Family: Get Everyone on Board
One of the biggest challenges in maintaining an organized home is getting everyone in the household to participate. Diana shared how she created specific zones in her home, like a designated area for donations, to keep things in order. She also mentioned the importance of involving her family in routines, like having her children follow a morning checklist.
Kelly’s Question: How do you get everyone else on board? Diana suggests starting small, like having children fill their water bottles the night before. Over time, these small tasks become habits, making the entire household run more smoothly.
5. The Fresh Start Method: A Step-by-Step System
Diana’s Fresh Start Method is a straightforward approach to decluttering and organizing. The first step is to sort and categorize items to get a clear picture of what you have and what’s cluttering your space. The next step is to evaluate and assess each item’s condition. If something is broken, worn out, or no longer needed, it’s time to let it go.
Practical Application: Start with a single drawer in the kitchen, categorize items, and assess what you truly need. If you find five spatulas (like Diana did!), it’s time to pare down.
6. Celebrate Your Progress: Acknowledge Your Achievements
Diana emphasizes the importance of celebrating small wins. Whether it’s organizing a drawer or setting up a new system, take a moment to acknowledge your progress. This positive reinforcement helps keep you motivated.
Kelly’s Reflection: We are often our own worst critics. Instead of focusing on what’s left to do, take pride in what you’ve accomplished. Celebrate with a small reward, whether it’s a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or simply taking a moment to relax.
7. Sustainable Systems: The Key to Long-Term Success
The hardest part of organizing is not just getting it done but maintaining it over time. Diana recommends creating sustainable systems that fit your lifestyle. For example, her nightly routine includes clearing the kitchen counter, loading the dishwasher, and setting up the coffee maker for the next morning.
Long-Term Success: Remember, a habit takes about two weeks to form, but a lifestyle change takes around 90 days. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll see long-term benefits.
8. Mental Health and Organization: Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Organization isn’t just about having a Pinterest-perfect home; it’s about reducing stress and creating a sense of calm. Diana points out that a cluttered space can contribute to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. By organizing your home, you’re not just tidying up; you’re creating a more peaceful environment.
Kelly’s Note: Research shows that a well-organized space can significantly impact your mental well-being. By reducing clutter, you’re also reducing the mental load that comes with it.
Join Us in the 15-Minute Junk Drawer Challenge
Inspired by Diana 's mini weekly challenges, Kelly and I are challenging you to set a timer for 15 minutes this week and tackle a junk drawer. Start small,and see the difference it can make in your space and your mindset.
Connect with Diana Moll
If you’re looking for more tips, inspiration, or personalized help with organizing your home, you can follow Diana Moll on Instagram, and LinkedIn at @DsDecluttr. Her website, DsDecluttr.com, is full of resources to help you get started on your own decluttering journey.
Closing Thoughts
Organizing your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. By starting small, setting realistic goals, and creating consistent routines, you can transform your space into a sanctuary of calm and order. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Celebrate your small wins, involve your family, and most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way.