The Organized Military Life

Hello Reader, Can you believe there are only two weekends until Christmas??!!! I apologize for the slight delay in this week's email – amidst the hustle and bustle of all the Christmas activities, a bonus stomach bug decided to join the party over here. Life, right? This is Nacho's purpose in life! Nevertheless, I couldn't let the week pass without sharing some exciting news! My latest blog post is out, featuring an incredible discount from Keeper that I think would make an amazing gift for...

Week #13 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar Hey Reader, We just got back from Portugal, and wow—the sunshine and colors were amazing! It was one of those trips that made me pause and appreciate this chapter of life. But now, reality is setting in… our time in Europe is winding down, and another PCS is on the horizon. Honestly, the thought of moving again feels overwhelming, but I am excited to get back to the States. One thing I know I need to start on? My PCS binder—because paperwork is already...

Week 11 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar Week #11: Declutter Your Computer Desktop Hey Reader, So, fun fact. I’ve always loved the color green. It’s just happy to me. Fresh, calm, and somehow makes me feel like I have my life together (even when life is chaotic). Maybe that’s why I love decluttering so much. It’s like hitting the reset button. One place that used to be a total disaster for me? My computer desktop. 😬 Back in the day, it was a mess of random screenshots, downloads I swore I’d...

Week #10 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar Week 10: The Home Office Hey Reader, This week, we’re decluttering the home office! Here’s the breakdown: Monday: Magazines & Newspapers Clear out the stacks. Keep what you’ll read and recycle the rest. Tuesday: Books Go through your books. Keep the ones you love or use and donate the rest! Wednesday: Broken/Unused Office Supplies Toss the broken pens and anything you’re not using. Thursday: Military Memorabilia Sort through your collection. Keep the...

Week #9 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar Week 9: Financial Paperwork Happy Monday Reader! This week on the 2025 Declutter Calendar is all about our financial paperwork! Here’s a quick guide on what to keep and what to toss: What to TOSS (Shred or Recycle): ❌ Old utility bills (Unless needed for tax deductions—otherwise, toss after one year.)❌ ATM receipts & bank deposit slips (Once checked against your statement, let them go.)❌ Expired insurance policies (No longer valid? No longer needed!)❌...

Week #7 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar Week 7: Declutter Phone Apps Hello Reader, It’s Week 7 of the Declutter Calendar, and today we’re tackling something we use constantly—our phone apps! If your home screen is cluttered with apps you don’t use, this is your sign to clear them out. Set a timer for 15 minutes and: ✅ Delete apps you haven’t used in months ✅ Organize the ones you keep into folders ✅ Turn off notifications for anything that’s just noise Need a step-by-step guide? I’ve got you...

Week #6 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar Week 6: The Entryway Hello Reader, This week, we’re tackling a space that can make or break your home’s organization, your drop zone. As military families, this area is constantly changing with each move, so what worked in one house might be a disaster in the next. That’s why we’re breaking it down into small, actionable steps (just 15 minutes a day) to streamline it by the weekend! Your Entryway Declutter Plan for the Week: ✅ Monday: Rehome shoes that...

Week #5 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar Week 5: Declutter/Organize Auto Paperwork Hey Reader, I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like January lasted about 78 days, right? 😅 But February rolled in with a gorgeous first day here in Madrid. We had sunshine after a dreary week, and I spent my Saturday soaking it all up and snapping a few pics at Casa de Campo, a historic park near our house. It was the perfect start to the month and the perfect time for a little reset. If you haven’t already,...

Week #4 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar It's Week 4 of the Declutter Calendar! Hey there, Confession time: I’m still holding on to some chunky necklaces from the 2010s. You know the ones—oversized, colorful, and borderline ridiculous (but so fun at the time). And let’s not even talk about the long, layered necklaces that were practically a wardrobe requirement a decade ago. Why am I keeping them? Because I just know they’re going to make a comeback. I mean, I thought wide-leg jeans were gone...

Week 3 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar Week #3: Declutter Phone Contacts Hi Reader! When we PCS’d a few years ago, I scrolled through my phone looking for a number and realized I had five Jessicas saved! No labels, no context, just “Jessica.” 🤦♀️ And the number I actually needed? Nope, I couldn't find it. That’s when I knew my contact list had turned into digital clutter. It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook, but once you take a little time to sort it out, life gets so much easier....

Week 2 of the 2025 Declutter Calendar Week #2: Declutter & Organize your Bathroom BEFORE: AFTER! Hi Reader! It’s Week 2 of the Declutter Calendar, and this week, we’re tackling the bathroom. Here’s your quick-start plan: ✅ Toss expired products: Check those dates on your skincare, makeup, and medicine! ✅ Group similar items together: Hair care, skin care, and first-aid items will thank you. ✅ Use or lose it: It's time to use up those hotel shampoos or toss them! A little decluttering goes a...