A Busy Entrepreneur’s Guide to Clutter-Free Gifts

The holiday season brings so much joy—meals with family, gatherings with friends, and the thrill of finding the perfect gift. But when you’re a busy entrepreneur juggling work and family life, it can be overwhelming to add holiday shopping into the mix. Between running a business, keeping up with family activities, and managing the day-to-day, finding meaningful gifts (without adding clutter!) is a challenge. And let’s face it—most kids already have more than enough toys and our parents are working on downsizing! That's why this year, I’m rethinking gift-giving to focus on essentials, experiences, and clutter-free options.

As an Edmonton-based Professional Organizer, I know firsthand how traditional gift-giving can lead to extra “stuff” in our homes—stuff that often causes stress instead of joy. With rising costs affecting everyone, it’s the perfect time to consider practical, memorable gifts that bring real value. Yes, even something as simple as toilet paper can be meaningful! So, if you’re looking for thoughtful gifts for any budget, here are my top clutter-free gifting ideas for you and your loved ones.

Photo by Blake Loates

Experiences as Gifts: Prioritizing Memories Over Material Goods

For hard-working entrepreneurs, time together is the most precious gift. Experiences make wonderful presents because they create lasting memories without adding clutter to the house and extra responsibility to your life. Plus, there’s something for every budget! Whether it’s a cooking class or a weekend getaway, experiences are a chance to put down our phones and enjoy time with our family and loved ones.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider planning a homemade experience. A family movie night, family ice skating day, or a DIY crafting session at home all make for memorable, personal gifts. And if you’re splurging, concert tickets or a trip to a high end restaurant is perfect for celebrating after a hectic year.

Pro Tip: Snap a few photos to remember the experience and create a small keepsake album. It’s a wonderful reminder of the time spent together!

Gifting Peace of Mind: Supporting Self-Care and Well-Being

Entrepreneurs know how easy it is to put self-care on the back burner. For many of us, spa days or yoga classes get pushed aside in favor of work or family responsibilities. That’s why a gift that supports well-being can make a huge impact, especially during a busy holiday season.

A spa treatment, massage, or even a fitness class membership can encourage self-care and provide a much-needed break. For the kids, swimming lessons or dance classes give them an experience while supporting their healthy development. A gift that promotes health and relaxation can be a gentle reminder to make time for well-being amid a busy schedule.

Essentials as Gifts: Practical Presents for Real-Life Needs

Essentials may not sound glamorous, but for many of us, they’re invaluable. With the rising cost of running a business and buying everyday necessities, practical gifts like toilet paper, gas cards or your go-to skin care products can be surprisingly thoughtful and deeply appreciated. I’m putting these items on my own wish list this year—they’re guaranteed to be used!

If you have friends or family with young kids, consider gifts like diapers or winter gear, which can be a big help in stretching the family budget. Essentials aren’t just practical; they’re thoughtful and show you prioritize the recipient’s needs.

Pro Tip: The best way to get them what they want is to take the time to ASK! 

Gifts that Lighten the Load: Services Over Stuff

For women balancing it all, a gift that lightens the mental or physical load is priceless. Instead of another candle or toy that could end up in a closet, think about services that make life easier. Gift a house-cleaning service, car detailing, or share your time by babysitting or sharing your special talent like photography.

Another great service for entrepreneurial women with packed schedules is more time, less stress and more joy. You guessed it - I’m talking about decluttering and organizing services!  As a Professional Organizer, I see how much professionals appreciate a well-functioning, clutter-free home. A gift voucher for organizing services can be a powerful way to give someone time and peace of mind.

Pro Tip: When gifting a service, personalize it with a handwritten card for a special touch.

Photo by Jamie Cornish

Rethinking Gift Giving

When life is busy, and the holiday season brings even more demands, gifts that are simple, useful, and clutter-free can bring real value. Essentials, experiences, and helpful services show you understand what’s meaningful in their day-to-day lives. Whether it’s a relaxing self-care gift, a practical essential, or a fun family experience, these gifts enhance life and reduce stress.

So as you plan your holiday list, consider gifts that bring joy without adding to the chaos. And if you’re looking for the ultimate clutter-free gift, Sort & Simple offers gift vouchers—perfect for anyone in need of a helping hand in their busy life!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaytlyn Beakhouse is the Lead Organizer at Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. With a passion for simplicity, efficiency and sustainability, her team brings flow and function to any space.

Need help getting started? Contact S&S

Photo by Christina Louise Branding

How to Declutter Using the reHome Hub

Helping Busy Entrepreneurs Declutter with Impact

As a woman in business, you’ve got a lot on the go. Making time to declutter and organize isn’t easy, and it can be even more challenging when you don’t know what to do with the items you want to let go of. 

I know you don’t want to toss a perfectly good coffee mug in the trash, or to chuck out a T-shirt simply because it’s got a highschool emblem on it. Maybe you’ve got a big, heirloom dresser that you couldn’t possibly lift on your own, or even an old set of Pyrex bowls that might hold some value. As professional home organizers, we’ve seen this countless times! 

Meet the reHome Hub: Your Go-To Decluttering Directory

Our second-hand directory connects you with local organizations eager to give your items a new lease on life— and keep them out of the landfill. Whether you're itching to donate, consign, or sell your goods, we've got you covered. 

The reHome Hub is online and absolutely free! Making it accessible to all Albertans with just a few clicks. 

How Do I Declutter With the reHome Hub? 

It’s as easy as Sort & Simple! Sortandsimple.ca, that is. From our website, go to the menu and select reHome Hub. There you’ll find the second hand directory! 

You can browse all of the organizations, or you can refine your search based on the category of item you are looking to rehome. We've curated a list of businesses, charities, schools, and makers looking for:

• Clothing and Textiles

• Baby and Children's Items

• School and Art Supplies

• Books and Media

• Furniture and Home Goods

• Home Renovation Supplies

• Sporting Goods

• And more!


For each organization, you’ll find helpful information including what items are accepted, where they are located and how to get in touch if you have further questions. Plus, we’ve listed who can do pick-ups (great for big furniture!) and highlighted some of the most needed items (wonderful for decluttering motivation!). 

The reHome Hub is more than just a directory - it's a platform that showcases the commitment of Albertans to keep reusable items out of the landfill. With our comprehensive list of organizations, you can trust that your decluttered items will find new homes and new life!

Time to Declutter with Impact! 

With the reHome Hub at your fingertips, you’re ready to tackle decluttering with confidence. 

No more wasting time, wondering where all your stuff should go after spring cleaning, or stressing over where to consign clothes in Edmonton. Head on over to the reHome Hub to save time, declutter with purpose, and support sustainably-minded community organizations!

Still feeling stuck?

Contact Sort & Simple  to declutter with confidence!

Photography | Christina Louise Branding

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaytlyn Beakhouse is the Lead Organizer at Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. With a passion for simplicity, efficiency and sustainability, her team brings flow and function to any space. Ready to organize your space? Contact S&S

How to Start Organizing Your Space

A professional organizer’s guide to kick-starting decluttering and organizing for 2024.

Welcome to 2024!

It’s the time of year when new beginnings abound and we want to give you the secret ingredient to organizing success. Whether you prescribe to new years resolutions, or are just ready to make a change, we’re ready to share our #1 tip for starting your organizing journey!

Let Me Introduce Myself

I’m Kaytlyn Beakhouse, the Owner and Lead Organizer at Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. I have a passion for simplicity, efficiency and sustainability. Our team of expert organizers supported over 100 individuals on their organizing journey last year, and we want to help you get started too!

How do I get organized?

You might be thinking the first step is to declutter. While that typically is a major part of the process, there’s something we need to do first. Before attempting to make decisions about what to let go of or keep, it is essential to identify your goals and motivators.

That’s right. Before you break a sweat moving boxes, shuffling papers and emptying out drawers, we need to sort out what we are working towards and why. Not only will this help you work towards a specific goal, it’s going to empower you to make intentional decisions.

STEP 1: VISUALIZE YOUR SPACE

Close your eyes and picture your space transformed. What does it look like?

Likely, you’re already picturing a functional, tidy space where you can easily access and put away items. If it’s an office, there are neat filing systems and a clear desk top. In a bedroom you see calming colours and a floor clear of clothes and clutter.

Let’s keep going. How does the space feel once it’s organized? Maybe your craft room feels inspiring, creative and peaceful. Or a kitchen feels cozy, welcoming and energetic.

From there, what activities are you doing in the space? Identify the specific functions that it serves. In a storage room you might picture yourself stowing away holiday decor with ease, whereas, in a living room you can picture friends and family gathering together with ample space to play games.

Now, I want you to imagine how you feel in this space. Confident, peaceful, happy, excited, relieved - these are many of the common emotions clients are working towards.

STEP 2: WRITE IT DOWN

Having created a clear and specific visualization of your transformed space, it’s important that you write it down. This further solidifies the image you’ve created and turns the vision into articulated thoughts.

TIP: If you share your space with others, do this part together to ensure you’re on the same page.

We’ve made it nice and easy - use our complimentary worksheet to organize your thoughts.

STEP 3: FIND YOUR MOTIVATIONS

With your clear and specific vision identified, take a look over and see if you can spot your key motivators. These are the “why’s” that will keep you working towards your goal.

Here are some examples of visions and their accompanying motivators:

• My space will look beautiful. - Motivated by aesthetics.

• My space will feel inspiring and creative. - Motivated to have space for hobbies and learning.

• I will be able to cook for my family. - Motivated to spend time with loved ones.

• I will feel confident in my abilities. - Motivated to grow and improve self-esteem.

List at least three motivators that you can refer to throughout the process. These are going to be paramount to overcoming obstacles like loss of momentum or indecision.

TIP: Post your vision and motivations on a wall to keep you on track.

STEP 4: TIME TO DECLUTTER!

Armed with an inspiring vision and clear motivations, now you’re ready to tackle the decluttering and organizing process!

When you come across items you’re not sure about letting go of, reflect on whether it aligns with your vision. You’d be amazed how many things we have in our homes that don’t match our goals. With your specific goals in mind you’ll be able to make intentional decisions confidently.

TAKE ACTION

It’s time to apply what you’ve learned and to make 2024 the year you declutter and organize.

Want to make it even easier to get started?

To guide you through finding your organizing vision, download our complimentary worksheet here.

Looking for additional support? We’d love to work with you through identifying your goals and motivations, to set you up for success. Contact us below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaytlyn Beakhouse is the Lead Organizer at Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. With a

passion for simplicity, efficiency and sustainability, her team brings flow and function to any

space. Need help getting started? Contact S&S