Course Description

So many people are living amid a sea of random objects in houses that don’t flow with ease and grace. The American Cleaning Institute, an association serving the producers of cleaning products found that eliminating clutter would reduce housework by 40%. These homes are impossible to entertain in or even decorate because of the clutter and this obstacle has the homeowners feeling overwhelmed and stuck.

“The Home in Your Head” is the solution to your disorganization issues. It addresses the problem of what to do with too much stuff, without the fears of messing it up and throwing away something you need.

More specifically, here’s how it’s going to work:

Each week for 4 weeks you’ll receive a module to work through.

  • In week one, you’ll learn to turn the tables on your stuff through a simple, easy to implement process of decluttering that takes the fear of needing something you’ve gotten rid of out of the equation. In week one you’ll also begin to develop habits that will serve you in good stead for keeping things orderly.
  • In week two you’ll begin to create systems for the items that pass through your home - mail, trash, food, receipts, etc. So much of clutter and disorganization originate with these temporary items. Learning to process them properly makes keeping your surroundings organized much easier.
  • In week three, we’ll begin to address the items you’re keeping for the long haul. Just like those adorable kittens your neighbor is trying to get rid of, these things need a "forever home". I’ll show you how to organize your cabinets and closets so these items can live comfortably, be found easily and be simple to put away, making your home so much easier to keep organized and clutter free.
  • Now that you have a handle on your things, week four is all about making your home more orderly to move around in, entertain in and keep clean. I’ll give you tips and ideas about furniture placement, how to manage surfaces so they’re attractive and functional and help you determine what new pieces you should be looking for to maximize space and attractiveness.

Included in the cost are the choice of two bonus lessons to augment your organizing skills. Choose from:

  • How to organize a small home for multi-purpose use
  • How to organize a craft or art space
  • How to create a design scheme for your home
  • Configuring space when doing major renovations
  • Working with contractors and sub-contractors

Other bonus features include:

  • Cute, downloadable, printable labels to support your organizing efforts
  • Tips for selling unwanted items online
  • A checklist form to help you to decide whether to keep or discard tricky items
  • Tips and resources for organizing and reducing digital clutter in your computer

Senior Instructor

Brini Maxwell

Described as part Doris Day, part Mary Tyler Moore, Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips. Inspired by a divine thrift shop purchase of 1950's nesting bowls, she first began sharing her vintage/classic know-how with other Manhattanites in 1998 through her self-titled cable access television show. With an emphasis on uncompromising fabulousness, Brini quickly garnered a devoted fan base and established herself as the go-to-girl on vintage fashion and mid-century modern treasures. After five years on the local airwaves, her show was picked up nationally by the Style Network. The subsequent series has been called a delightful success and has attracted a diverse audience thorough its national platform. In addition to her television show, Ms. Maxwell has also shared her wealth of knowledge and love of all things of the late ‘50’s, 60’s, and early ‘70’s in numerous media interviews, which have included CNN, MSNBC, ABC World News Now, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, E! Entertainment Television, and The Learning Channel. She participated in the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum’s panel on Authenticity in Design, was a presenter at the Lambda Literary and James Beard Awards. In 2005 she released her first book, Brini Maxwell’s Guide to Gracious Living. Since then, she hashad a very successful series of podcasts in conjunction with NPR, and a successful web video series which can be found at Brini.tv.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Reclaiming Your Surfaces - The Decluttering Process

    • A Note About This Course

    • The Home in Your Head Intro Video

    • Intro worksheet

    • Lesson 1 - Defining Your Terms

    • Lesson 1 - Defining Your Terms

    • Lesson 1 - Questionnaire

    • Supply List for Lesson 2

    • Lesson 2 - The Decluttering Process

    • Lesson 2 - The Decluttering Process

    • Lesson 2 - Worksheet Instructions

    • Lesson 2 - Worksheet

    • Lesson 3 Overview

    • Lesson 3 - Decluttering Problem Areas

    • Bonus - Computer Organization Tips

  • 2

    Manage Your Flow - Systems for Your Stuff

    • Module 2 Lesson 1 - Watch Your Waste

    • Module 2 Lesson 1 Worksheet

    • Module 2 Lesson 2 - Tame Your Paper Clutter

    • Module 2 Lesson 2 Worksheet

    • Bonus - What Papers to Keep and How Long to Keep Them

    • Module 2 Lesson 3 - Curbing Clothing Clutter

    • Module 2 Lesson 3 Worksheet

    • Supply List for Lesson 4

    • Module 2 Lesson 4 - Give Kitchen Clutter the Kibosh

    • Module 2 Lesson 4 Worksheet

  • 3

    Where to Put What - The Principles of Organization

    • Mod 3 Les 1- The Basics of Organization

    • Module 3 Lesson 1 Worksheet

    • Mod 3 Les 2 - Create Cohesive Closets

    • Mod 3 Les 2 worksheet

    • The Care and Hanging of Trousers

    • Mod 3 Les 3 - Take Control of Your Kitchen

    • Mod 3 Les 3 worksheet

    • Bonus Label Instructions

    • Bath Labels

    • Freezer Labels

    • Kitchen Labels 1

    • Kitchen Labels 2

    • Storage Labels 1

    • Storage Labels 2

    • Storage Labels 3

    • Workshop Labels

  • 4

    Making Your House a Home - Furniture and Floorplans

    • Mod 4 Les 1 - Your Furniture Situation

    • Mod 4 Les 1 worksheet

    • Mod 4 Les 2 - The Layout

    • Mod 4 Les 2 worksheet

    • Mod 4 Les 3 - Your Surfaces

    • Mod 4 Les 3 worksheet

    • Bonus Video: Style Your Stuff - The Breakfront

    • Bonus Video: Informal vs Formal Balance

    • Keep It or Dump It Score Sheet

    • Selling Your Stuff Online