Pantries of sorts have evolved over the past 100+ years. However, the thing we actually call a “pantry” only dates back to the 1900’s with a little company called Hoosier out of Indiana. They created an all in one cabinet that was designed to hold your household staples like spices, flour and sugar.

This organization tidbit applies to my ladies and gents! We all tend to lug around a purse, backpack, messenger bag, or for my family clients, a purse, backpack, child and diaper bag! This is physical weight we carry day in and day out. Wouldn’t it be nice to lessen the load?

I’m currently attending a year-long program at the Institute of Integrated Nutrition to further my knowledge for personal gain and for my clients. The program looks at all our primary foods and ways to create balance. I see chaos in a holistic way and want to be the best “clutter coach” I can be. Yes, some days I’m just making spaces look beautiful but others I’m having deep conversation with clients to get to the root of why they are over spending their time and money in all aspects of their life. My goal for each and every client is to have a calm and supportive space, I want them to flourish and I know it’s possible once we are organized.

This week I started to look at the products I use every day and decided it was time to remove the excess and organize! Seeing that I make conscious decisions at the grocery store to buy all organic, sustainable sourced and local foods, why am I not doing the same with the product I put directly on my skin?

Parents with kids can all relate, even if you are a functional minimalist like me, that it’s nearly impossible to stop family and friends from over buying all those small adorable toys and clothing pieces for your kids.

It seems we have a desire to own every gadget out there to make cooking and baking at home “Fun & Easy”. Well, that’s what marketing tells us at least. There is a huge push to cook at home, know what you are eating, and shopping for the best produce. All these are great goals and we all have the best intentions to follow this new lifestyle. Unfortunately, our kitchens become filled with gadgets and tools that are never actually used.

I would say 90% of my clients own boxes of memories. What are boxes of memories? Well, anything from photos, cards, mementos, jewelry (that they will never wear since it’s in this box and not with their other jewelry) along with other odds and ends. Are you one of those people?

Everyone seems to have a handful of half empty bottles of unknown brands and tastes from a variety of events; your house warming party five years ago, your 4th of July barbecue, oh, and last New Year’s Eve party are just a couple of examples. Do you know anyone like this?

We all want it, but don’t want to put the energy into actually doing it. It’s like wanting a six pack, you can read all the articles and print out all the workouts but until you overhaul your refrigerator and actually make it to the gym nothing is going to change.