#Decluttering and Organization

[whiskerandsprig]

Embracing 30: A Journey of Self-Discovery, Serenity, and Feline Companionship

As I stand on the precipice of a new decade, the big 3-0, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has led me to this moment. Turning 30 is often heralded as a significant milestone, a time when the frivolities of youth gently give way to the deeper, more introspective pursuits of adulthood. For me, this transition is not just about celebrating another year around the sun but about embracing a period of profound self-discovery and growth.

My twenties were a vibrant tapestry of experiences, woven with threads of joy, challenges, and the occasional bout of anxiety. Yes, anxiety — my unwelcome companion that has a knack for turning serene moments into storms of worry. It was this very struggle with anxiety that inspired me to start “Whisker and Sprig,” a sanctuary not just for myself but for anyone seeking a respite from the clamor of daily life.

I am a proud cat mom to three delightful felines, each with their unique personality and quirks. They’ve taught me the art of living in the moment, the joy of a spontaneous nap in the sun, and the importance of patience and unconditional love. My cats are more than pets; they are my gentle guides through the tumultuous seas of anxiety, reminding me to find joy in the simple things. Much like the unexpected delight found in the unfolding story of a cozy indie game or the peaceful routine of a virtual farm in Stardew Valley, my feline friends anchor me to the present.

“Whisker and Sprig” is a reflection of my world — a world where life hacks simplify the daily dance, where cleaning becomes a meditative practice rather than a chore, where plants add not just oxygen but life to every corner, and where the lo-fi beats in the background score my attempts at crafting a serene existence. This space is also a nod to my love for gaming, particularly those indie titles that offer a slice of tranquility and creativity, serving as a gentle reminder of the joys and simplicities of life.

Starting this blog is my way of stepping out of my shell, of transforming my anxiety into something tangible that I can share with the world. It’s about connecting with others who, like me, find solace in the gentle care of plants, the satisfaction of a decluttered space, the quiet companionship of pets, and the immersive worlds of video games that provide a comforting escape from reality.

As I embrace the journey into my thirties, “Whisker and Sprig” stands as a testament to growth, to finding peace amidst chaos, and to the beauty of forging connections through shared experiences. This blog is not just about my passions; it’s an invitation to you, the reader, to join me in exploring the myriad ways we can infuse our lives with serenity, purpose, and a bit of plant magic.

So here’s to turning 30 — to more life hacks, cleaner spaces, thriving plants, unwavering love of cats, and the sweet escape into gaming. Together, let’s discover the tranquility that comes from creating a home and a life filled with joy, simplicity, and mindfulness.

Welcome to “Whisker and Sprig,” where every post is a step toward a calmer, more fulfilled self.

[glowettee]

✧・゜: ✧how i use pinterest intentionally (not just endless scrolling) :・゜✧:・゜✧

hey lovelies! ✨

confession time: i used to be a chronic pinterest scroller with absolutely nothing to show for my hours spent in the app. i'd save hundreds of pins to boards with vague names like "aesthetic" and "vibes," never to look at them again. sound familiar? but over the past year, i've completely transformed how i use pinterest from mindless consumption to an intentional tool that actually enhances my life. here's exactly how i made the shift!

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ the pinterest mindset shift ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

the game-changer for me was realizing that pinterest isn't just for collecting pretty pictures, it's a visual search engine and planning tool. now i approach it with purpose:

i ask myself "why am i opening this app right now?" before i even click the icon or enter it into the search bar

i set specific time limits for browsing (15-30 minutes max)

i focus on quality over quantity with my pins

i treat my boards as action plans, not just digital hoarding spaces

i regularly revisit and implement ideas from my boards

this shift transformed pinterest from a time-waster to one of my most valuable tools for planning, creativity, and personal growth.

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ my board organization system ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

the foundation of intentional pinterest use is thoughtful organization! here's my current system:

𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴: i group my boards into categories using board covers in the same color palette (lifestyle, home, fashion, etc.)

𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨: instead of vague names, i use specific titles like "meals for busy weeknights" or "bedroom refresh ideas 2025"

𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴: i break down larger boards into sections (my "morning routine" board has sections for drinks, movement, journaling, etc.)

𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘷𝘴. 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤: i keep boards private when they're in planning stages, then make them public once they're curated

𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨: i archive boards that aren't currently relevant (like christmas decor in july) to reduce visual clutter

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ my favorite intentional board types ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

here are the board categories that have added genuine value to my life:

𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵-𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴: whenever i start a new project (room redecoration, event planning, etc.), i create a dedicated board with sections for different aspects

𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴: i create a fresh board each season with sections for recipes, activities, outfits, and decor i want to incorporate

𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨: i pin actual items i own alongside new pieces i'm considering to visualize combinations

𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮: i maintain boards for different meal categories and actually reference them when making grocery lists

𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘴: i have a board for each important person in my life where i pin potential gifts year-round

𝘨𝘰𝘢𝘭 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: i create boards for specific goals with both inspiration and actionable steps

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ my pinterest workflow ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

this is my personal step-by-step process for intentional pinning:

𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦: i decide what specific question i'm trying to answer or problem i'm trying to solve

𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘺: i use specific search terms rather than browsing the home feed (which is designed for endless scrolling)

𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺: i only save pins that: • provide clear value or inspiration • lead to actual content (not dead links) • represent ideas i genuinely might implement

𝘢𝘥𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴: i write specific notes on pins about why i saved them or how i plan to use the idea

𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨: after a pinning session, i schedule time to actually try one of the ideas

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ from virtual to reality ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

the most important part of intentional pinterest use is implementation! here's how i ensure my pins actually translate to real life:

𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸: every sunday, i spend 10 minutes reviewing recent pins and selecting 1-3 to implement that week

𝘱𝘪𝘯-𝘵𝘰-𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳: i keep a simple journal noting which pins i've actually implemented

𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: i take photos of my real-life versions of pinterest inspiration

𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘴: i regularly ask "do i have the time/budget/skills for this?" before saving aspirational pins

𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘵: i remove pins that no longer feel aligned with my taste or goals

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ advanced pinterest strategies ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

once you've mastered the basics, these strategies take intentional pinning to the next level! i hope you all enjoy them!:

𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴: i create collaborative boards with friends for shared projects or trips

𝘱𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨: for complex projects, i create flow charts showing how different pins connect to each other

𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴: i document my own progress by pinning "before" and "after" images of my projects

𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳: i use pinterest to plan content themes for my blog and social media (i of course also use pinterest for images for my blog)

𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴: i create sequential boards that build skills in a particular area

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ final thoughts ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

pinterest is whatever you make of it, it can be a mindless scroll hole or one of the most powerful tools for intentional living and creativity. the difference lies entirely in how you approach it.

i still enjoy the occasional aimless browsing session (we all need that sometimes!), but transforming most of my pinterest time into purposeful searching and planning has genuinely enhanced my life. my spaces are more cohesve, my wardrobe more intentional, and my creative projects more focused, all because i stopped treating pinterest like social media and started using it like the powerful visual tool it truly is.

how do you use pinterest? are you a careful curator or a joyful browser? feel free to drop your thoughts in the notes!

xoxo, mindy 🤍

[shutthedord]

If Marie Kondo's "sparks joy" method isn't working for you (trying to rely on joy doesn't work when one has depression, for example) but you need to declutter, here's an alternate method.

Throw away all the actual trash, get the stuff to donate out of the way, then put the stuff where you "should" be getting rid of it but are too attached to throw it away into an opaque box. Put the box out of sight for a month.

Then go through it again and only keep the things where your instinctive reaction is "oh, so that's where it went". Anything where your reaction is merely "this could be useful" is something you should get rid of. Yes, you might not be able to replace it with the same thing again at will, but you can get something else that will serve most of the same function.

(Bonus tip: Just because something cost you a lot of money isn't a good reason to keep it. If the sunk cost makes you feel unable to donate it, resell it on Craigslist or something to get at least some of your money back.)

(Double bonus tip: Some curbside pickup donation organizations will take non-furniture donations if you have a sufficiently large quantity of them. If you have at least two moving boxes' worth, write a local charity that does pickups and ask. If you are disabled, mention that too.)

[bitchesgetriches]

Do you have any tipps or advice for decluttering when poor?

I am trying to tidy up and declutter and thought a podcast would help, but Feminist Survival Podcast 2025 threw me off with "you have too much stuff". Yes, if you combine households, you have more stuff than before and things are double. And I got things from a late relative and now I need to sort what I want to keep. But I am a broke person and buying replacements when things break is hard so letting go of things I might need in the future is difficult, too! Do you have any help or could point me to someone who could help?

Ok, I know it's trite, but... Marie Kondo is actually really wonderful for this.

You're living in a scarcity mindset--and I don't blame you!!! I've been there. But the Kondo method of considering each item and whether it "sparks joy" is a great way of examining your mindset and turning it somewhere more positive. You'll be able to carefully ask yourself, "Am I holding onto this thing because I genuinely like or need it? Or am I holding onto it because it makes me feel safe to keep it against potential future emergencies?"

Minimalism is a lot like frugality. It's less about decluttering and downsizing and more about INTENTIONALITY.

Plus, you can likely make money from selling some items you don't need. Here's more:

My Cure for Aimless Wardrobe Syndrome: Manage Your Clothes the Same Way You Manage Your Money 

Everything I Know About Minimalism I Learned from the Zombie Apocalypse

Did we just help you out? Say thanks on Patreon!

[thesoftgirlguide]

A Soft Girl's Guide to Home Organization ˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆

Decluttering and creating a peaceful sanctuary in your home.

I’ve had such a stressful, depressing week and one of the things that made me feel better everyday was coming back to a neat, decluttered room. As a soft girl, you must value comfort, elegance, and serenity in all aspects of your life, including your home. A cluttered and disorganized space can be overwhelming and draining, making it challenging to relax and unwind. In today’s guide, we'll explore gentle and effective home organization and decluttering methods, tailored specifically for a girl like you.

╰┈➤ The Soft Girl’s Approach to Decluttering

🌸 It all starts with a mindful mindset. Acknowledge that decluttering is a process, and it's okay to take it one step at a time.

🌸 Focus on gentle decluttering. Prioritize items that bring joy or serve a purpose, rather than strict minimalism.

🌸 Create a soothing atmosphere: Play calming music, light candles, or diffuse essential oils to make the process enjoyable.

╰┈➤ Define Your Organization Goals

Before you begin decluttering, set clear intentions. Ask yourself:

🌸 Why do I want to organize my home? Is it for relaxation, creativity, or efficiency?

🌸 What do I like about my home’s current layout? Identify what works and what needs changing.

🌸 What are my pain points? Recognize areas that stress you out.

╰┈➤ Crafting a Master Plan

🌸 Take Inventory: List spaces that need organization (closets, kitchen, living room, etc.).

🌸 Arrange tasks based on your life—room by room or category by category.

🌸 If you can’t do it all in a day, allocate time in your schedule for dedicated organization sessions.

╰┈➤ Decluttering Room by Room

🌸 Begin with small areas: If you’re cleaning out just your room always start with your bed. Once you take care of your bed, everything else looks “wrong.” You can move on to drawer, shelf, or closet to build momentum and confidence.

🌸 Sort items into categories: Group similar items together (e.g., books, clothes, kitchen utensils).

🌸 Use the "touch once" rule: Handle each item only once to avoid repetitive decision-making.

╰┈➤ Organizing Strategies

🌸 Utilize storage containers: Choose decorative bins, baskets, and boxes that complement your home's aesthetic.

🌸 Implement the "one in, one out" policy: Maintain a balanced amount of possessions to prevent clutter buildup.

🌸 Designate a "launching pad": Create a designated spot near the entrance for keys, bags, and other essentials.

╰┈➤ Tackling Paper Clutter

🌸 Create a paper sorting station: Designate a spot for sorting mail, bills, and documents.

🌸 Digitize important documents: Scan and store papers electronically, shredding or recycling the originals. If you can’t do that, find a place a store them.

🌸 Organize digital files: Use cloud storage and clear file names to access documents effortlessly.

╰┈➤ How to Maintain Your Sanctuary

Now that you’ve cleaned out your space, you have to maintain it. To do this:

🌸 Schedule regular decluttering sessions: Set aside time each month to maintain your space.

🌸 Practice mindful consumption: Be intentional about purchases, considering whether they align with your values and needs.

🌸 Embrace the "home for everything" rule: Assign a designated spot for each item to prevent clutter accumulation.

Transforming your home into a personal sanctuary requires patience, self-care, and willingness. Remember, organization and decluttering are ongoing processes – be kind to yourself, and enjoy the journey.

[futurememor1es]

★ how to declutter your phone ★

i spend a lot of my time on my phone, and most likely you do too (don't worry, i'm not here to call you out). if you never organize or declutter your phone, after a while your storage gets full and you can't find anything on it. here's a list of things you can do to keep your phone looking clean and organized:

⋆ ˚｡ ⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡ ⋆

✧ move new and unorganized apps into folders

✧ delete all unneeded alarms

✧ delete unneeded photos and videos

✧ delete unneeded screenshots and screen recordings

✧ close all tabs

✧ delete unneeded notes

✧ add upcoming events to calendar

✧ delete unneeded bookmarks on browser

✧ organize apps on homescreen

✧ delete and unsubscribe unneeded emails

✧ organize social media (unfollow people, update profiles)

✧ delete unused apps

✧ organize playlists

⋆ ˚｡ ⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡ ⋆

if you do all this once a month, or atleast every few months, your phone will stay nice and tidy. it might feel like a big project the first time, but once you start doing this regularly, it'll be much easier and faster. have a great day, stay organized ♡

[creations-by-chaosfay]

If you're looking to do some organizing, but with a touch or a lot of style, check these out. All of these are free patterns and tutorials, and great for storing things while keeping your space looking stylish.

[qsplaylist]

digital clean-up checklist ⋆.˚🦋༘⋆

an all-inclusive guide for the chaotically digital girlies with a million screenshots and even more tabs open because "i will use this at some point"

1. quick clean (desktop)

start with a clean slate. drag everything on there into a folder called "sort later." we all know that you're going to spend hours looking through them and not actually cleaning, so starting off with a mostly blank desktop is the way to go. we can organize meticulously later.

delete those random duplicate files. you said you would get to them later. you didn't.

empty the recycle bin. i think that's self-explanatory.

2. a bit more thorough clean (finder/file explorer and browsing tabs)

screenshot purge. if you don't remember why you screenshotted it, delete it.

labeled folders are your friend. move important screenshots into labeled folders. move those downloads into labeled folders. put your cat photos in an imaginatively labeled folder: “cat."

close those random tabs. if you haven't looked at the opened tab in 2+ weeks, it's a good sign that you won't need it later either.

control-shift-D. if you're really that afraid to lose "potentially good stuff," just cntrl/cmd-shift-D. this creates a bookmark folder made of all your wonderful once-opened tabs. now, you can have peace of mind when closing the browser for good.

3. very thorough clean (notes app, downloads)

delete those untitled/randomly-made notes. a homework assignment you scanned a month ago? goodbye. grocery lists? gone.

delete those apps. if you haven't opened it in a while, it's probably just using up your phone/laptop storage.

clear the cookies (the website ones.)

go through the sort later folder. now's the best time, y'know?

restart your phone/laptop. since when was the last time you did that?

they say the spaces around you represent your state of mind, so how are our digital spaces any different?

I hope you can spend some time this week cleaning up your phone or laptop. I'm sure future you will thank you for it.

all best wishes, q's playlist

[simplyghosting]

Me: Wow! Reorganizing my room is so great! This new system has everything looking so much better :)

Me, 20min later:

WHERE IS IT WHERE DID I PUT IT WHERE IS MY HECKIN STUFF !!!!!!!!

[makemiskates]

I probably mentioned before, but right before the pandemic we moved to a house for the very first time, which meant no more apartment living, and thus the ability to actually install things to the walls! It wasn't right away, but eventually we put this pegboard in my craft room for better organization. And why settle for boring white or brown pegboard when you can have any color you like, right? The colors aren't the most even, but once everything is hanging on it you really can't tell. And I think it makes it really decorative! It was such an easy project with high bang-for-buck results, I definitely recommend for anyone thinking about doing something similar.

Follow for more!

December 2021

[gramarobin]

[gravitasmalfunction]

This is a book rec. Your local library may already have it (mine did). You don't have to have ADHD to find something useful inside; if you struggle with clutter, the author has compassionate, sensible and inexpensive solutions for organising in executive-dysfunction friendly ways.

[lanalol]

[colorful-academia]

Ok but can we talk about how satisfying the post semester digital decluttering is? Looking at all of your hard work, your essays, presentations, notes… Then you store it away in your computer or hard disk and make space for the new blood sweat and tears that are about to come. Just poetic 🤍

[soymilktemplates]

hey there ~ just dropped the ultimate home management notion template with planners for cleaning, meals, pets & plant care <3

this is avail on my etsy hehe !!

[readersmagnet]

"Why Is My House Always a Mess?" offers a practical, 30-day roadmap to transforming a chaotic home into an organized sanctuary. Discover effective decluttering and storage solutions to conquer the clutter and reclaim your space.

Visit https://www.joanneradkebooks.com/book/ for more information and to claim your copy. Don't wait any longer to create the organized home you deserve!