June 2026 - Not Just a One Time Thing

Newsletter Topic of the Month

Decluttering Isn't Just a One Time Thing.

How is it already June? I am up to my EYEBALLS in a massive estate clear out, and I am a little tired, but will do a full newsletter just on this later!

For this month, let’s look at simplifying our systems. This really comes down to…decluttering regularly!

Get my free guide to LESS here!

The Year of Less.pdf

Download PDF • 119KB

 

Decluttering and Organizing:

Clutter is not a space issue. Clutter happens for three reasons:

• It doesn’t have a home

• You are unwilling to make a decision on or about it

• Things that are in transition

Maintenance is key. Every item you own requires something from you. Care, cleaning, storing, organizing and more. So having less makes life easier.

Systems can help with this, but overcomplicated or highly detailed ones will fail you every time.

Simplify your maintenance by clearing out the following:

• Specialty kitchen gadgets used once a year

• Decorative items that need special cleaning or attention

• Supplies from abandoned hobbies, or ones you won’t get to

• Duplicate tools and household items (we all have them!)

• Clothing that requires special washing or ironing

• Seasonal décor that takes hours to set up, hours to put away, and you have to store it.

• Chose macro sorting, not micro!

 

The litmus test: Ask yourself, if this was gone tomorrow, would I buy a new one? If no, let it go.

A simpler life rarely needs three backups.

If you are having a hard time, let’s talk and make a plan that works for you and your family.

Home Edits:

• Remove excess throw pillows you have to move to sit down

• Edit your decorative accessories (trade with friends for new stock if you like)

• Clear surfaces that collect clutter

• Simplify bookshelves and display areas

• Choose quality over quantity

Calm palettes and few decorative elements often make spaces feel larger, more intentional and easier to maintain.

Short Term Rentals:

• Remove complicated processes and instructions. Guest are not going to follow them anyway.

• Fragile or detailed décor requires extra time to clean and manage

• Create restocking systems for towels, linens, coffee, etc., that are obvious and repeatable

• The easier a rental is to maintain, the higher your profits

 

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Have a topic idea? Area of struggle? A fun tip? Send it in and I may make it the topic of the month. Email me at hello@judygranleegates.com

Join in the conversation at Home Elevated on Facebook or Home_Elevated_WA on Instagram!

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News & Other Stuff

Do you have a group that hosts speakers? I talk about decluttering, living smaller, parting with sentimental items and more. Let me know and maybe we can set something up. I love sharing about all things decluttering and resizing and I am happy to craft a talk just for your audience.

Are you in a book club? I would love to do a virtual book club over 4 weeks with you. Just get in touch.

Need a copy of my multi-award-winning book? Buy it here!

Want the audiobook? Buy that here!

If you have read the book and want to leave a review Here are the links. This is the biggest compliment you can give an indie author! You can leave reviews at; Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads.

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Until next month, thanks for the support and keep it COZY!

xo

Judy