Episode 139 - Finding Your Fancee with Jancee Wright
A Midlife Guide to Simplifying Your Home and Life
Are you a midlife woman looking to simplify your home but feeling overwhelmed by where to start? Professional organizer Jancie Wright, founder of Finding Your Fancy, shares her expertise on creating an organized space that truly reflects your current season of life.
The Four Main Challenges of Organizing in Midlife
1. Emotional Attachment
By midlife, we've accumulated not just belongings but countless memories. Wright explains that letting go of items tied to our past or family can be particularly challenging. Her solution? Give yourself limitations, like keeping only what fits in one designated bin, to make the process more manageable.
2. Changing Roles
Whether you're becoming an empty nester, retiring from a career, or caring for aging parents, these role transitions often leave us with items that no longer serve our current lifestyle. Wright encourages asking yourself, "What do I want to leave behind for my family?" This perspective can help prioritize what's truly important to keep.
3. Time and Energy Constraints
Between work, family, and other commitments, finding energy to tackle clutter can feel impossible. Wright's solution? Think small. She teaches the "20-minute rule" – set a timer and focus on one small area. This approach keeps you from becoming overwhelmed while still making progress.
4. Overwhelming Amount of Stuff
Years of accumulation can make it hard to know where to begin. Wright recommends starting with areas that have minimal emotional attachment, like dish towels or the "multi-purpose drawer" (formerly known as the junk drawer).
The Five-Step Process to Organization
Wright shares her comprehensive approach to organizing:
Clarify: Before touching anything, determine how you want the space to feel and its purpose.
Simplify: Remove items you're not using or don't love (declutter).
Systemize: Give everything a "home address" and label it clearly.
Style: Choose containers and organizing solutions that match your aesthetic preferences.
Refresh: Develop habits to maintain the organization system.
Practical Tips for Getting Started
Start with non-emotional items like dish towels or socks
Set a 20-minute timer for focused work
Create a designated space for important documents
Take videos/photos of your home for insurance purposes
Consider keeping one empty drawer as a symbol of space and freedom
Apply the "one in, one out" rule when bringing new items home
Important Documents Organization
A crucial aspect of midlife organization is getting your important documents in order. Wright recommends:
Creating a dedicated binder for important documents
Including account numbers and login information
Maintaining an updated home inventory (video walk-through)
Informing family members where to find essential documents
Making Organization Fun
Remember, there's no "organization police" – what matters is finding a system that works for you. Wright suggests:
Playing favorite music or podcasts while organizing
Rewarding yourself (not with more stuff!)
Celebrating small wins
Taking before and after photos to track progress
Final Thoughts
Organization isn't about achieving perfection – it's about creating a space that serves your current lifestyle and brings you joy. As Wright emphasizes, "You get to find what makes you happy and brings you joy in your home and what you fancy. And it can look so different for everyone."
Want to learn more from Jancee Wright? Follow her on Instagram @findingyourfancee or visit her website at findingyourfancee.com, where you can download her "90 Things to Simplify in Midlife" checklist.
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About the Author: Jill Pack is a certified faith-based life coach and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through her podcast "Seasons of Joy" and coaching practice, she helps women navigate life's various seasons with purpose and joy.
