10 Organizing Rules I Live By

As a professional organizer and mother of seven ka”h , people often ask me:

“Do you actually live this way?”

I’m so glad you asked.

Here are 10 ride or die rules I live by:

1. No Paper. Ever.

Paper is the gateway clutter.

School notices? Toss

Artwork? Toss immediately

Invitations, I’d rather miss the event! No excuses , ever!

If it enters the house, it has 30 seconds to justify its existence.

2. No Doubles.

One knife.

One pair of shoes.

One hoodie.

If two exist, one is clearly unnecessary.

Minimalism builds character.

3. The 60-Second Rule.

If something is left out for more than one minute, it is considered abandoned property and may be permanently removed from circulation.

You’ve been warned.

4. Coats on the Floor Are Thrown Out the Window.

Natural consequences.

Gravity teaches responsibility.

5. Missing a Shoe?

Throw out the other one.

We are not running a rehabilitation center for lonely footwear.

6. One Toy at a Time.

More than one toy out is simply a cry for chaos.

We do not negotiate with chaos.

7. Didn’t Make Your Bed?

Do not expect to find your linen at bedtime.

Orderliness is next to G-dliness.

8. Three Outfits Per Person.

That’s it.

Capsule wardrobes build resilience.

9. All Photos Are Digital.

No albums.

No frames.

No sentimental bins labeled “Memories.”

If it’s important, it’s backed up to the cloud.

10. If It Doesn’t Spark Immediate Joy AND Serve a Clear Purpose…

It’s gone before you can say,

“But I might need it one day.”

Before my children start a support group…

Relax.

It’s Purim.

We have paper.

We have doubles.

We have doubles and triples of water bottles and a pile of mysterious socks that belong to no one.

Real life — especially with kids — is beautifully imperfect.

But exaggerating? 🤷🏻‍♀️

That’s just part of the fun.

Happy Purim from a home that is (mostly) organized…