My Organize Yourself Healthy approach emerged from witnessing the positive effects of decluttering on my clients’ sleep, stress levels, and overall quality of life.
For over 13 years, I’ve collaborated with numerous families and professionals, many of whom share how organizing their environments leads to improved emotional and physical health. With their spaces refreshed, clients enjoy quality family time, better rest, and reduced anxiety.
After 7,000 hours in professional organizing, I’ve learned that these benefits aren’t mere coincidences. You, too, can implement my expert strategies. Here’s a detailed look at my decluttering method to help you Organize Yourself Healthy effortlessly.
Understanding the Organize Yourself Healthy Method
I’m Di Ter Avest, the designer of the Organize Yourself Healthy (OYH) system, which unites home organization with personal wellness.
This method comprises six foundational pillars: Mind, Time, Home, Social Life, Meal Planning, and Exercise. Each pillar aligns organizational techniques with your holistic well-being.
My method transcends mere tidying; it focuses on developing supportive systems for mental, physical, and emotional health. It’s crafted for busy families, making organization practical and achievable even with children in the mix. Learn how to organize with kids in mind.
Essentially, OYH empowers individuals to reset their environments, habits, and mindsets, fostering harmony between their living spaces and overall wellness. It emphasizes that perfection isn’t the goal; rather, it’s about cultivating a home and lifestyle that feel lighter and more aligned with personal values.
I discovered that clients sought more than assistance with specific areas like closets; they needed strategies for holistic home organizing systems and effective weekly schedules.
This realization led me to merge home organization with time management and wellness strategies, utilizing tools like command centers for streamlined scheduling, reminders, and family communication.
For instance, I recommend the Skylight Calendar from Amazon or The Susan Wall organizer from 1Thrive. Both tools help keep the family organized in one view.
This evolved into my Organize Yourself Healthy Method, a comprehensive approach that helps manage not only homes but also schedules, habits, and health for a balanced lifestyle.
Steps to Organize Yourself Healthy

'An organized home is the foundation for healthier habits'
In my view, an organized home is the starting point for healthier habits. A serene space paired with effective systems naturally enhances your mind, body, and daily routines.
Even early in my career, a client expressed that our sessions felt therapeutic, allowing her to clear her mind while achieving an organized environment. She appreciated that it was more than tidying; it offered emotional relief as well.
Many clients often asked how I balanced organizing with daily life. Here’s how to incorporate the six organizing pillars into your routine:
- Mind: Begin by defining clear objectives and establishing simple systems that support them. For example, if you aim for a calmer evening, create a “wind-down basket” filled with a journal [like The Gratitude Journal from Amazon], a book, or calming items like your favorite candle, rather than reaching for your phone.
- Time: Manage your time by creating routines that fit your life. Organize your calendar to include not just appointments but also slots for meal prep, workouts, or family time. A clear plan helps safeguard your priorities.
- Home: Ensure your space facilitates your lifestyle. For instance, organize your pantry so healthy snacks and ingredients are easily accessible, making it simpler to choose nutritious options. A tidy kitchen doesn’t just look good; it influences daily choices.
- Social Life: An organized environment fosters quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s decluttering your living room for a cozy game night or streamlining the bathroom for smoother mornings, small changes can enhance your connections.
- Meal Planning: Implementing a meal system can transform your routine. Organize your weekly menu and grocery list to minimize waste, save money, and facilitate healthier eating choices without last-minute stress about meals. A simple meal board, such as the CHALKY CROWN Magnetic Dry Erase Menu Board from Amazon or a digital planner can help maintain consistency.
- Exercise: Moving becomes easier when your environment supports activity. Dedicate a corner for yoga and weights, or keep your gym bag ready by the door. These systems reduce the hurdles to staying active.
When all six pillars align, you’re not just organizing your home; you’re reshaping your entire lifestyle for greater calmness and health.
What I Appreciate About the Organize Yourself Healthy Method

'It’s about fostering a lifestyle change with support along the way'
What I value most about the OYH method is its ability to reach more individuals beyond local organizing. Based in Baltimore, MD, I work directly with clients here, but this method allows me to support people globally.
Through my book Organize Yourself Healthy on Amazon, online one-on-one sessions, and the ongoing Organize Yourself Healthy Club, I guide moms step by step. Together, we organize one area each month, concentrate on one healthy habit at a time, and engage in Q&A sessions.
What’s even better? There’s a supportive community of moms encouraging one another. It’s more than just organizing tips; it’s about creating a lifestyle change with mutual encouragement.
Shopping Recommendations
I always suggest decluttering before acquiring any new supplies. When used thoughtfully, organizational tools can significantly enhance your efficiency.
All prices were accurate at the time of publication.
Deluxe quality pages
I recommend a bullet journal for planning, tracking goals, and habits. This Moleskine option is particularly appealing due to its simplicity, durability, and versatility.
Available in six colors
Baskets and bins are ideal for containing items that tend to accumulate, such as toys, mail, or school supplies, making tidying faster and keeping spaces orderly.
Magnetic
This magnetic meal planner can be placed on your fridge for jotting down needed ingredients, ensuring you’re always prepared. With 52 pages, it’s sufficient for a year’s worth of planning.
Five-piece set
This comprehensive set features a customizable design made from BPA-free clear plastic for easy access to your essentials.
Easy to install
This storage rack optimizes vertical space in your home gym, featuring a strong and durable build.
Includes six markers
This magnetic habit tracker allows you to monitor your positive changes easily. Place it on your fridge for convenient access.
With my Organize Yourself Method, selecting tools that suit your lifestyle is crucial. Matching your systems with your habits simplifies maintaining organization.
I've also discussed how to prevent nightstands from becoming cluttered, sharing what I keep on mine and its significance.