When life is simplified and decluttered, you can enjoy the small moments. With 16 years of hands-on experience, Megan Golightly is the driving force behind Simplified Inc. As the founder and CEO, she leads a team dedicated to empowering Calgarians to declutter, organize, and embrace simplicity. Each member of the Simplified team possesses a passion for solving problems, organizing projects big and small, and collaborating with families to effect remarkable transformations in their homes and lives.
Their primary objective is to help you feel at ease in your home and eliminate the negative feelings you may have about your clutter. While the journey can be demanding, it is profoundly rewarding. Megan's academic background in Psychology and her ongoing exploration of Neuroscience sparked her curiosity about the intricate relationship between our brains and the spaces we inhabit. It’s unhealthy to have nagging critical thoughts about the state of the rooms we inhabit; whether or not we believe these words, our subconscious mind does.
Deciding how and where to start organizing can be paralyzing. Megan offers motivation, inspiration, and insights into the psychology of organizing through her Instagram handle, @gosimplified. On this platform, she has inspired hundreds of thousands in her niche community to discover tips, tricks, step-by-step guides, transformative before-and-after photos, and more. Notably, Simplified has collaborated with public figures such as Jillian Harris, Cat&Nat @catandnat, Sarah Landry @thebirdspapaya, and Jann Arden.
Megan's passion extends to public speaking, where she shares her motivational, educational and transformative message. Her insights have also been featured in magazines and outlets like Chatelaine, Global News, and CBC, amongst others. For those ready to begin their own organizational journey, Megan provides a range of invaluable "How to Organize" guides and courses on her website, www.go-simplified.com. By following her lead, you can set yourself up for a simplified and decluttered life.
Tell us about your journey into professional organizing. What inspired you to start helping people declutter and simplify their homes?
My journey into professional organizing began quite organically. I started by helping friends organize their pantries and quickly realized I had a knack for it. As word spread, I found myself organizing for others for about eight years without fully understanding why people often find themselves in these states of disorganization.
After a decade in the field, I came to realize that successful organizing is all about creating effective systems and understanding why people feel stuck. It's about helping them examine why they believe they need so much and why they feel paralyzed when it comes to letting go. This insight led me to explore the psychology behind clutter, which made the process truly enjoyable because people were making long-term changes. It became a lifestyle change rather than just fixing the same issues repeatedly.
In 2021, I started an Instagram account, which has brought me a lot of joy. It allowed me to reach people everywhere and spread the message about the importance of systems, understanding why we hold on to things, and learning how to let go.
For parents with young children, what are your top three tips for keeping their homes organized and clutter-free?
1. Create Clear Zones: I recommend keeping toys out of the bedroom and only having books in that space to create a calming environment for rest. Establish dedicated zones for specific activities, such as play areas and relaxation spaces, to help children understand where items belong and make cleanup more straightforward.
2. Limit and Rotate Toys: Try not to have too many toys so parents stand a chance of maintaining order. Reducing the number of toys makes managing clutter easier and keeps playtime fresh. Rotate toys regularly to keep children engaged without overwhelming them with too many options.
3. Label Everything: Use clear labels so everyone knows where things go. This can help teach kids about organization from a young age. For really young kids, take pictures of what's inside the bins to put on the outside of the bin, so even before they can read, they know where things go. A visual reference makes cleanup easier for little ones.
What are some small, manageable steps busy parents can take to start decluttering their homes today?
1. Start with Small Tasks: Pick a single drawer, shelf, or corner to declutter and focus on that area. Setting achievable goals prevents overwhelm and builds momentum for tackling larger projects.
2. Adopt a "One In, One Out" Policy: For every new item brought into the home, let go of something old or unused. This simple rule helps maintain balance and prevents the buildup of unnecessary clutter.
3. Create a Donation Box: Keep a donation box in a convenient location and regularly add items you no longer need. Once it's full, drop it off at a local charity, making decluttering an ongoing habit.
What's your favorite organizational hack or tool that you think every parent should know about?
One of my favorite organizational tools is the use of clear storage bins with labels. They allow you to see what's inside without opening them, making it easier to find items quickly and efficiently. I also recommend implementing a command center in the home, where you can keep calendars, schedules, and important documents accessible for the whole family. This central hub helps keep everyone on track and reduces the stress of searching for important information.
Do you have a favorite organizing-related quote or mantra that you live by?
"Progress over perfection" is a mantra that resonates deeply with me. Perfectionism can be paralyzing, often preventing us from starting. Nothing ever stays perfect, so it's crucial to put your best foot forward and take a shot at it. Organizing is an ongoing process. Embrace the journey, not the end result, and recognize that continuous effort is key to maintaining a clutter-free life.
What are your favorite products at Copper Pearl?
I love Copper Pearl's character hooded towels, they are so cute.
