Unchecked, the style compulsion inevitably leads to cluttered closets and overflowing drawers.

Houston Clutter Coaching January 2012 Meetup

Wednesday, January 25, 2012
7:00–8:30 p.m.
FREE

Gayle Goddard facilitates the monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

If you’re a fashionista, your closets are probably bursting at the seams. The ever-changing definition of style constantly compels its devotees to buy the latest and greatest, and yesterday’s fashions get pushed aside. Unchecked, the compulsion inevitably leads to cluttered closets and overflowing drawers.

At the January meetup, we’ll talk about how to take control without giving up your personal style. We’ll introduce strategies to find the right fashion fit for your space, budget, and lifestyle.

Please note that due to scheduling conflicts at the Nature Discovery Center, we’re meeting on Wednesday this month instead of our usual Thursday.

We’ll have refreshments, and don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]

Don’t let holiday clutter steal the magic of the season.

Houston Clutter Coaching Holiday 2011 Meetup

Thursday, December 8, 2011
7:00–8:30 p.m.
FREE

Gayle Goddard facilitates the monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

Sometimes we go a little nuts for the holidays. We want to make the season magical—for the children, out of family tradition, or because the holidays give us our inner compulsive shopper permission to come out and play. We try to recapture the sense of wonder we had as kids, but the cost is a to-do list that drains the peace and joy out of the season.

One big source of holiday stress is the impulse to decorate—and the tendency to accumulate decorations. In this meetup, we’ll talk about how to enhance the magic of the season by reducing your workload and your seasonal clutter. Spend the holidays in a spirit of family and celebration, not overwhelmed by the stuff that doesn’t matter.

This meetup will be the Houston Clutter Coaching holiday celebration! We’ll have refreshments, and we encourage you to bring a holiday treat to share if you wish. (But keep it simple—you have plenty of other things to do!)

[See the Program Notes for this meetup.]

And don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]

The Clutter Fairy will be selling organizing products for beaders and other crafters. The show opens at noon on Friday, November 11, and runs through Sunday at the HESS Club (Galleria area). Visit the Houston Bead Society web site for more information and a coupon for $1 off admission to the show. Come visit my table in the Beads2You booth and say hi!

Beadwork by Gayle Goddard, The Clutter Fairy

Left: Miniature beaded doll (approximately 3" tall) named Blue Luna by its new owner Right: Broach designed around a Jonathan Winter lampwork bead

PowerPoint Presentation on SlideShare

Download the presentation as a PDF (8 MB).

Bead Circle Webinar Handout

Program notes: Organize Your Art Space for a Creative Explosion!

Passionate pursuit of the “complete” collection can become a monster.

Houston Clutter Coaching July 2011 Meetup

Thursday, July 28, 2011
7:00–8:30 p.m.
FREE

Gayle Goddard facilitates the monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

For many people, collecting is a fun and satisfying hobby. But the passionate pursuit of the “complete” collection can become a monster, gobbling up more time, money, and space than we can afford. And collecting behavior extends beyond so-called “collectibles” into accumulations of other kinds—office supplies, hair-care products, tools, etc.

We’ll talk about where the impulse to collect comes from and how to get that beast under control.

As usual, we’ll also open the floor to your questions, success stories, and tales of trouble spots.

We’ll provide refreshments, and don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]

Get help out of the cycle of depression and clutter

Houston Clutter Coaching June 2011 Meetup

Thursday, June 23, 2011
7:00–8:30 p.m.
FREE

Gayle Goddard facilitates the monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

Many people who report being overwhelmed by clutter also say they feel depressed about the state of their space. Which comes first, though—the depression or the clutter? We’ll talk about depression and its impact on cluttering…and vice versa. We’ll discuss ways to break the cycle and where to turn for help.

As usual, we’ll also open the floor to your questions, success stories, and tales of trouble spots.

We’ll provide refreshments, and don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]

Thursday, May 26, 2011
7:00–8:30 p.m.
FREE

Gayle Goddard facilitates the monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

How clear is the boundary between you and your stuff?

The Clutter Fairy team had a great discussion recently about how stuff becomes an extension of our self-image. Our things become a part of us, just like our experiences and actions. When things are part of our self-image, it’s hard to let go of them.

At the May meetup, we’ll talk about how the lines between you and your stuff get blurred in the first place, and how to start seeing the boundaries clearly again.

As usual, we’ll also open the floor to your questions, success stories, and tales of trouble spots.

We’ll provide refreshments, and don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]

FREE to members and first-time visitors

Gayle Goddard, professional organizer, will be the guest speaker at the May monthly meeting of the MOMS Club of Friendswood/Alvin, Texas. The topic of the presentation will be “Creatively Coping with Kid‑clutter Chaos.” Gayle will offer ideas for stemming the rising tide of children’s stuff and organizing your home with kid-friendly solutions. There will also be a Q&A session.

Living Stones Church Preschool Building
1407 Victory Lane
Alvin TX 77511

The MOMS Club of Friendswood/Alvin, Texas, is a chapter of the International MOMS Club® (MOMS Offering Moms Support®). They believe that being a stay-at-home mother is the most important job in the world, and members provide support for each other when they need it most. The club also provides a forum for topics of interest to mothers, helps children in the community, and performs service projects helping those in need.

Membership is open to residents of Friendswood and Alvin, Texas. Annual dues are $25. Participation in monthly meetings is free to members and first-time visitors.

Thursday, March 24, 2011
7:00–8:30 p.m.

Gayle Goddard facilitates the monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

How do you stay motivated to keep moving?

You’ve pushed yourself to get started and spent a whole afternoon digging out a space that was in terrible shape. Then you look up, and it seems nothing is different. What a discouraging feeling!

How do you stay motivated to keep going when you can’t see tons of progress right away? At the March Meetup we’ll talk about tricks to help you keep plugging away until you finish the project.

As usual, we’ll also open the floor to your questions, success stories, and tales of trouble spots.

We’ll provide refreshments, and don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]

Thursday, February 24, 2011
7:00–8:30 p.m.

Gayle Goddard facilitates the February monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

Five simple techniques can help you get unstuck.

Our January meetup discussed the psychological roots of clutter. Armed with new insights about why we clutter, the logical next step is to get moving! But if you’re completely stuck and overwhelmed, getting started can seem impossible. For February, we’ll introduce five simple techniques to help you get unstuck and start reclaiming your space.

[See the Program Notes for this meetup.]

As usual, we’ll also open the floor to your questions, success stories, and tales of trouble spots.

We’ll provide refreshments, and don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]

Gayle Goddard will address the Seabrook United Methodist Church Women’s Group. The topic of her presentation will be “The Five Most Common Organizing Mistakes.”

Seabrook United Methodist Church
David and Mable White Senior Citizens Center
1102 Meyer Road
Seabrook, Texas 77586

Gayle Goddard facilitates the January monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group: The Psychology of Clutter: A Therapist’s Point of View.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

How do we clear the clutter from our minds, bodies, and spirits?

At the January meetup, our topic will be “The Psychology of Clutter: A Therapist’s Point of View.” Our guest speaker, Liz Kampf, LMSW-ACP, LMFT, is a psychotherapist and life coach who has been helping people for more than 20 years. Liz will discuss how our cluttered homes and offices may be mirrors reflecting the chaos and stress in our lives. She’ll talk about clearing the clutter from our minds, bodies, and spirits.

As usual, we’ll also open the floor to your questions, success stories, and tales of trouble spots.

We’ll provide refreshments, and don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]

Gayle Goddard, professional organizer, will be the guest speaker at the January monthly meeting of the Bay Area Mothers of Multiples. The presentation will address “Five Common Organizing Mistakes” and “Creatively Coping with Kid‑clutter Chaos.” Gayle will offer ideas for stemming the rising tide of children’s stuff and organizing your home with kid-friendly solutions. There will also be a Q&A session.

Medical Center Professional Building
450 Medical Center Blvd. #420
Webster, Texas 77598

Bay Area Mothers of Multiples (BAMOM) is a nonprofit organization for moms, guardians, and expectant moms of multiple-birth children. BAMOM’s goal is to provide the opportunity for social contact with others who share their interests and problems. BAMOM understands that the challenges of caring for multiples are different from those of a single birth.

BAMOM has been serving mothers in the Galveston Bay Area since 1977, including the communities of Alvin, Clear Lake, Dickinson, La Porte, Manvel, Webster, El Lago, Friendswood, Houston, League City, Pasadena, Pearland, Texas City, Santa Fe, and Seabrook. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month. Meetings are for moms only; after all, this is meant to be time away from the kids. Visit the BAMOM web site for more information.

Gayle Goddard facilitates the December monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group: Clutter Review and Resolutions: Learning Lessons and Setting Goals.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

Celebrate your successes, look for lessons in setbacks.

At the December meetup, we’ll check in on the project we introduced in October: “’Tis the Season to be…Decluttering!” Come tell the group about your progress and we’ll share hints about how to keep moving forward.

We’ll also introduce our new topic: “Clutter Review and Resolutions: Learning Lessons and Setting Goals.” We’ve spent 2010 working our way through all the rooms of the house. Now the year is winding down, so it’s time to take a look back. What have you learned about yourself and your clutter this year? We’ll celebrate our successes and look for lessons in our setbacks as we choose some new goals for 2011.

As usual, we’ll also open the floor to your questions, success stories, and tales of trouble spots.

We’ll provide refreshments, and don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]

Gayle Goddard facilitates the November monthly meeting of the Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group: ’Tis the Season to be…Decluttering!.

Henshaw House (Nature Discovery Center)
Russ Pitman Park
7112 Newcastle St.
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-667-6550

Let go of the old to make room for the new.

At the November meetup, we’ll check in on the project we introduced in October: “Making Room for Holiday Guests.” Come tell the group about your progress and we’ll share hints about how to keep moving forward.

We’ll also introduce our focus for December: “’Tis the Season to be…Decluttering!” Christmas and Hanukkah are on the way, and they come bearing gifts! So December is a crucial time to clear space. Teach your children a timely organizing lesson by encouraging them to recycle unwanted toys and games to benefit the less fortunate. And children of all ages can get into the spirit of the season—you and your spouse can also let go of the old to make room for the new

We’ll provide refreshments, and don’t forget the drawing for a door prize or two! (You must be present to win.)

FREE and open to the public.

RSVP by visiting the Meetup page or by sending us e‑mail.

The Houston Clutter Coaching Meetup Group is a community of people who want to conquer their clutter and make more room in their lives for the things they love. Come learn tools and tips from an expert, and share your success stories and “ah‑hah!” moments…[READ MORE]