Tidy Takeaways: March 2025
Rethinking time—how to spend it, how to move through it, and how to make space for what matters.
This month, I’m experimenting with time—from embracing space in my calendar, to working with a personal trainer, to rethinking how we pack for travel. Speaking of travel, we made a new packing checklist download to help your littlest packers!
We’re also tackling Quarter 1 maintenance, March decluttering, and diving into Tidy Talks worth a listen. Plus, I’m sharing what’s on my reading stack, plotting some March joy, and yes—airing some dirty laundry (the metaphorical kind… mostly).
Experimenting With Time
Last week, I had a dream that Oprah called me.
"Hi Tyler, this is Oprah. I’m creating a reality show about ordinary dads doing extraordinary things. I think you’d be great on it."
In my dream, I stopped in my tracks, looked up at the sky, closed my eyes to process what Oprah Winfrey herself was saying, and then responded:
"I’d love to do it, but I don’t want to stop teaching. I love my school. I love what I do. I love being at the same place as my daughters. I’ll do it—but can I keep teaching?"
Without hesitation, Oprah answered, “Yes, we love that you teach. We want you to continue. We’ll work the show around that.”
I woke up laughing at the sheer absurdity of it all. Oprah? A reality show? But I kept thinking about the dream, telling people about it, and turning it over in my mind. Because here’s the thing—I get asked all the time what I want to do with “Tidy Dad”. If my goal is to stop teaching? If I want to move into a bigger house? If I'm preparing to write the next book?
The Cost of Time
It was fascinating, even in my dream state, to be offered something extraordinary and yet know—so clearly—that I love my ordinary, everyday life. Teaching brings me life. It gives me time with my family. It allows me to walk my daughters to school in the morning and home in the afternoon. It’s an ordinary job, but it’s a job that gives me time.
And time? Time is a tricky thing. It’s finite. It’s fleeting. It’s not guaranteed.
I’m especially conscious of time right now, as my book Tidy Up Your Life makes its way into the world. Writing a book was a childhood dream, and I did it. But I also know the cost—the late nights, the early mornings, the weekends spent working. While writing the manuscript, I requested an 80% teaching schedule to carve out space. But at the end of that school year, my school administration made it clear: 100% or 0%.
No in-between. No extra time.
So, after 13 years of working at the same school, I made a big change. I left that school and moved to a different one, located just six blocks from our apartment. The result? A shorter commute. A shorter school day. More time. I now walk all three of our girls to school, pick them up in the afternoons, and even walk home during my lunch break.
But here’s the funny thing: when you suddenly have time, it can feel overwhelming.
The Empty Calendar
March is the first month in years where my afternoon calendar isn’t full. No deadlines. No book edits. No structured work for Tidy Dad. For the first time in a long time, there’s open space.
And yet, instead of feeling relief, I feel the pull to fill it with another project. Because that’s what we do, right? We stay busy. We book ourselves solid. We jump from one thing to the next. Sometimes it’s because we love what we do—but sometimes, it’s because the ordinary feels stifling. Or maybe even a little scary.
Experimenting With Time
So this March, I’m experimenting with time. I’m leaning into the ordinary.
I’m leaving open space in my afternoons. I’m embracing that 2:30–5:30 PM window—not as an opening to be filled, but as a reset.
I’m taking the girls to the playground. Reading books. Finding a rhythm for my runs and workouts. And I’m making space for Emily —so she can go to book club, workout classes, and art classes. Because how I spend my time doesn’t only impact me, it also impacts the time of those around me, especially my wife and our girls.
Sometimes we fill our calendars because it makes us feel important, useful, needed. But what if the real magic is in the space between? What if the ordinary—this slow, unstructured time—is exactly what we need?
I’m about to find out.
A Coach, A Plan, and a Pair of Budgies
Reflections on February’s Self-Care Experiment
When I filled out my intake form for my personal trainer last month, I jokingly wrote that one of my goals was to look better in my budgies. (For the uninitiated, budgies are my summer swim team uniform—and yes, I have custom Tidy Dad ones). But the truth was, I just wasn’t feeling great physically. I knew I needed to shake up my fitness routine, and I also knew I didn’t want to figure it out alone.
Enter Martin, an online health coach I’d been following for years. (He’s known as @theteacherspt on Instagram) After months of should I?/shouldn’t I?, and some incredibly stressful seasons of work at school, I decided in February to finally make the investment. My self-care experiment for the month: get a personal trainer, build a health and exercise plan, and see what happens. (you can read more about that here)
I actually wrote an entire chapter in Tidy Up Your Life about finding your rhythm and building routines (shoutout to Chapter 3!). And yet, fitness has always been a particularly tricky routine for me to overhaul. Martin has helped me navigate that process and apply my routines framework:
Plan the routine.
Run small experiments.
Reflect and tweak.
Move forward.
One month in? I feel stronger. Leaner. More confident. But more importantly, I feel like I have someone sharing the thinking work—because deciding what to do is half the battle. Martin helps me map out workouts, fine-tune my meals, and even troubleshoot why my hamstrings are tighter than my apartment storage situation.
Tracking progress has been a real shift. I’m not a numbers guy—square footage, bank balances, arbitrary fitness stats? Not my thing. But some numbers—steps, sleep, protein—have actually kept me engaged. Turns out, seeing progress beats guessing.
What am I working toward? Triathlon season. When summer rolls around, I want to feel strong, and ready to compete in swimming, biking, and running. But more importantly, I want to build habits that last beyond summer. I’m in my late 30s, and I recognize what a gift time and health are. I also want my daughters to see that I prioritize my health—not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of life.
So, the experiment continues. Will I eventually share a before and after of me in my budgies? Maybe. But for now, I’m simply focused on the progress.
Tidy Up Your Travels
Life is a Beautiful Mess—And So Is Travel.
There’s the trip you plan—the color-coded itinerary, the list of must-see sights, the brainstormed logistics. And then there’s the trip you actually take—the one with missed trains, unexpected detours, and last-minute pivots.
Here’s how it all played out on our recent trip to Madrid.
Google Flights Spin-of-the-Globe
Madrid in February was a surprise hit. Back in October, we did a spontaneous Google Flights spin—the kind where you let fate (and budget airlines) decide. Our February school break is often a great time to get off-season discounted direct flights from NYC to Europe. My travel rule? If a European destination is cheaper to fly to than Orlando, it’s worth considering. And so, Madrid it was. Our family headed to Spain!
Sixty-five degrees, sunshine, and zero crowds. We strolled into museums with same-day tickets, grabbed a free evening slot at the Prado (6:00–8:00 PM on weekdays, highly recommend!), and wandered through grand plazas without the usual tourist crush. The only hiccup? Not booking train tickets ahead of time for our Toledo day trip. When we arrived at the station, every ticket was sold out. But Madrid had other plans for us—we pivoted, spent the day exploring El Retiro Park, and ended up with a perfect, unplanned adventure in the heart of the city. (+ we got tickets for the next day!)
Carry-Ons Only
Years ago, I learned a hard lesson about checked luggage during a summer trip to Bulgaria—14 hours stranded in the airport, a missing bag that finally arrived days later, and a firm resolution: never check a bag again. Since then, we’ve perfected our carry-on game. Each of the girls has a 30L duffel bag backpack that fits neatly under their seat, while Emily and I use 45L duffel bag backpacks that (usually) slide into the overhead bin without an issue. (Tobiq generously offered our audience 15% off an order of their amazing bags if you use code TIDYDAD at checkout on their website!)
The system works, and when we travel we get lots of compliments on our hands-free bags! However, on our Madrid-to-Heathrow flight, my carry-on was suddenly flagged for being a few kilograms overweight. I’d never had a carry-on bag weighed before, but I wasn’t about to check it. So, I did what any determined traveler would do: pulled out a few books and journals, handed them to my mom, and said, “Let’s try that again.”
Re-weighed. Approved. And on we went, carry-on bags intact.
Two-Acts And An Intermission
Like most Broadway shows, our travel days usually follow a two-act structure with an intermission—something exciting in the morning, something exciting in the afternoon, and a much-needed pause in between. We’ve learned that without that midday break, the whole cast (us) starts to unravel.
On this trip, I took a few intermissions just for myself. Some days, I squeezed in a short run. Other days, I used my workout bands for a quick exercise session. One afternoon, I laced up my shoes for a 7.5-mile run through Madrid, weaving through El Retiro Park and scouting out playgrounds along the way—a perfect bit of solo exploring that later became an adventure day with the girls.
But not every intermission had to be active. After two sangrias with my mom at Mercado de San Miguel, I curled up on the settee in our apartment and took a solid hour-and-a-half nap. A true siesta. The kind that resets you completely, like hitting pause on the day before stepping back into Act II.
Treat Rule
Before we left for Spain, Mabel had one specific phrase she was determined to master: “Necesito churros con chocolate.” And she put it to good use, ordering for the family. We made it our mission to sample churros across Madrid, but our favorite spot was just steps from our Airbnb—a chocolate lover’s dream that stretched nearly an entire city block, filled with cozy cafés, elegant sitting rooms, and a bustling breakfast counter.
The process was an experience in itself: walk up to the register, place your order, and take your receipt to the outdoor waiters, who would then bring out steaming cups of thick, velvety chocolate and perfectly crisp churros. A ritual simple, yet indulgent.
Of course, we also discovered another Spanish specialty—sangria. We’d heard rumors that it was cheaper than water, and to our delight (and mild disbelief), this turned out to be true. I’ll be dreaming about that sangria until the next time I’m in Spain.
3 Things to Declutter This Month
March is that in-between month—winter still lingers, but spring is just close enough to start thinking about lighter layers, fresh spaces, and small shifts toward warmth. Instead of tackling a full-home overhaul, this is the perfect time for soft decluttering—quick, intentional edits that clear space just as you need it.
In January, I contributed to The New York Times article, “The Easiest Way to Feel More Organized,” which introduced this idea of soft decluttering as an alternative to an all-or-nothing purge. The concept is simple: focus on small, manageable projects that create noticeable change—without the overwhelm.
March is about moving items out at the right time—when others are actually looking for them. So before packing away winter coats or diving headfirst into spring cleaning, start with small, seasonal shifts that will make daily life feel lighter.
1. The Great Toy Edit: Moving Out of Hibernation
Winter playtime had its season—indoor forts, puzzles, and board games took center stage. But as we move toward spring, it's time for a toy refresh. This month, do a simple toy audit:
What was actually played with? Keep those in rotation!
What sat untouched? It might be time to donate or store away for another season.
What’s broken or missing pieces? Toss it.
10-Minute Declutters
⏳ Art Supplies: Markers dried out? Crayons broken? Time to refresh.
⏳ Bath Toys: Are any moldy, cracked, or leaking? If so, it’s time to toss them!
⏳ Sticker Books & Activity Pads: Are they mostly used up? Recycle ones that are done.
2. Bedrooms: Prepping for Spring Cleaning
Winter tends to bring extra layers—cozy blankets, heavier bedding, and clutter that accumulates during long indoor months. A pre-spring refresh sets the stage for the deep clean ahead:
Linens & Bedding: Wash or swap out heavy comforters for lighter layers. If something is ripped, stained, or never used, let it go.
Nightstands & Dressers: These surfaces tend to collect books, old chargers, and random odds and ends. A quick declutter makes a big difference!
Under the Bed: Out of sight, out of mind…until spring cleaning hits. Take 10 minutes to check for dust, forgotten storage bins, or items you no longer need.
3. Wardrobe/Closets: The Spring Transition
As you get ready for the new season, take a moment to clear, sort, and assess your spring wardrobe. Decide what stays and what needs to go—but keep in mind, no one is looking for winter coats and snow boots right now! Focus on curating a closet filled with pieces you’ll actually wear in the warmer months ahead.
Outgrown/Unworn Items: If you didn’t wear it this year, will you wear it next year?
Damaged/Uncomfortable Pieces: If it’s itchy, tight, or never your first pick, it might be time to go ahead and part ways with it.
Duplicates/Extra: How many pairs of black leggings or hoodies do you really need?
10-Minute Declutters
⏳ Shoes: Any that are scuffed beyond repair or never get worn?
⏳ Spring Accessories: Sun hats, sunglasses, and lightweight scarves—do they still fit, or are they worn out? Keep what you love, donate the rest.
⏳ Tote Bags & Everyday Purses: Empty out old receipts, gum wrappers, and forgotten essentials. Keep only the bags you actually use.
Maintenance Department
It's the final month of Quarter 1! Spring is nearly here! Our spaces need to support us—keeping things comfortable, functional, and running smoothly. Whether you live in an apartment, a house, a castle or somewhere in between, these Q1 maintenance tasks are a great place to start to help keep things running (and they spell out Tidy Dad! 🤣)
Tidy up home cleaning supplies and home maintenance products
Inspect weatherstripping around windows and check doors for drafts
Dust ceiling fans and reverse the fan direction to push warm air down
Yearly winter roof check, look for ice dams or damage from heavy snow
Deep clean kitchen appliances (don't forget to also clean underneath)
Assess home security, ensure cameras, locks, and alarms are functional
Declutter winter gear and consider storing extra winter items in your car
Tidy Talks: Conversations Worth A Listen
I’ve continued to have the opportunity to be a guest on some incredible podcast shows to talk about Tidy Up Your Life. These could be a fun listen while you declutter, organize, tidy or clean! Here are the most recent links, in case you missed them:
Under the Influence with Jo Piazza: Scrubbing Toilets to the Today Show: Tyler Moore's Accidental Influence
Unplugged with Nicki Marie: Parenting, Mental Health, and the Magic of Tidying Up
Beyond the To Do List: Tyler Moore (aka Tidy Dad) shares the connection between mental wellness and physical organization from his book “Tidy Up Your Life”
Dear Chiefs: Tidy Dad on Making Space for What Matters in First Responder Family Life
Startup Dad: Tidy Up Your Life | Tyler Moore (Dad of 3, TidyDad, Elementary School Teacher)
Hot Off The Press
Tidy Up Your Life has recently been highlighted in some fantastic articles:
Check out the latest here:
The New York Times: How to Bring Order to Chaos in Your Home: We asked professional organizers to share their favorite books
House Beautiful UK: ‘We need to reset to factory settings’ – Instagram's Tidy Dad shares his secret to an organised family home
BORO Magazine: Astoria’s Tidy Dad helps families clean up the clutter - one page at a time! (page 22-23)
Good Housekeeping Magazine - March/April Edition (page 71)
Airing Your Dirty Laundry
Dear Tidy Dad: I’m trying to pack a capsule wardrobe for a trip using a small backpack suitcase. Do you have any tips for making this work efficiently—especially for kids? How can I ensure they have enough outfits without overpacking?
Dear CHRONIC OVER-PACKER: We see you, we are you, and we’re here to help! Packing light—especially with kids—can feel like an impossible riddle: How do I fit everything we need without bringing the entire house? The good news? It’s doable with a little strategy and the right gear.
Backpacks - Tobiq Duffel Bag Backpack: This duffel bag (which also doubles as a backpack!) has replaced our carry-on rolling luggage! It meets airline personal bag sizing requirements, and can also be worn as a backpack. It is divided into 4 small compartments and also includes a padded laptop section. This is a great bag for families, and you can pack each section by person, by category or by day of the trip. So many great options! Plus you can use code TIDYDAD for 15% off an order.
Checklist - Packing for everyone can feel overwhelming! It's a ton of work, but the responsibly doesn’t have to fall on one person. Our "Kid-Friendly Travel Packing Checklist" helps shift the process from "I do" → "We do" → "You do." Parents list the number and types of items needed, and kids take the lead in packing. It builds independence, reduces stress, and makes travel smoother.
Want to try it? Download the checklist HERE and simplify your next trip!
Behind the Stories
My Behind the Stories email series delivers essays, insights, and writer's notebook prompts to get you thinking! Catch up on February’s editions!
Shimmer & Shine - Unpacking the parenting moves I swore I'd never do
¿Como Se Dice Break? - Reflecting on our travels with kids, we're thinking about how we decide where to go and what’s most important to us in this stage of life.
A New Kind of Tidy Up - A look at my self-care experiment
Tidy Dad's Reading Stack
Welcome to Tidy Dad’s Reading Stack—a mix of reviews, library finds, articles, and books I can’t stop thinking about, from my past month of reading. From practical reads to page-turners, these are the titles that have caught my attention and might just earn a spot on your bookshelf, too!
Raising Calm Kids in a World of Worry - “Keep calm and carry on” is one of my favorite mantras, and it perfectly aligns with the themes of this book. Reading it, I felt truly seen—both encouraged and equipped with practical strategies. Not only did it offer insights on helping my children express their emotions more effectively, but it also gave me tools to stay calm during challenging moments.
The Fountains of Silence - I love reading books set in the places we’re traveling—it makes the experience even richer. I read this historical fiction novel while we were in Spain. It was captivating, fast-paced, and full of fascinating details. Before reading, I knew almost nothing about Spain under Franco’s rule, but this book brought that history to life. It left me both emotionally fulfilled and eager to learn more.
“High-School Band Contests Turn Marching into a Sport—And an Art” - article from “The New Yorker” - For years, I downplayed my time in high school marching band. As an adult, when people ask me what sports I’ve ever participated in, I would usually say “baseball as a kid” or “running” and steer the conversation elsewhere. But the truth is, marching band was also a defining part of my identity—one that shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until now. Emily and I were in marching band together during all 4 years of high school, and after reading this article, I finally understand why it mattered so much. It’s given me the confidence to embrace that part of my story and reflect on the invaluable lessons I learned, step by step, across that football field.
"Adults may want to consider revisiting their childhood hobbies, according to a psychologist" - article from CNN - Play is such a fundamental part of childhood, yet as we grow older, it’s often one of the first things we leave behind. That’s why I loved reading this article about people rediscovering joy through their childhood hobbies. As a kid, I enjoyed reading books, writing, drawing, riding my bike, and swimming. In many ways, my current summer swim club and triathlon training feel like a natural extension of those childhood passions. And my Behind the Stories email series and this newsletter tap into my love for creativity, storytelling, and idea-sharing. It’s made me reflect even more—what hobbies from your childhood might be worth revisiting?
March Joy Plotting
In Tidy Up Your Life, I talk about joy plotting—taking a few minutes to anticipate moments of joy in the week or month ahead. It’s a simple practice worth trying!
Here’s what’s on my joy plotting list for March:
Butcher Box Experiment: This month, we’re trying out Butcher Box—I’m excited to incorporate some new protein-packed meal options into our dinner rotation, and see if it tidies up our grocery shopping (and maybe our meal planning, too).
On-Deck Books: To keep my reading life going strong, I need two things: the book I’m currently reading and a solid lineup of “on-deck” books. I’m working on updating my list now—I’ll report back. Send suggestions if you have them!
Manifesting Warmer Temps: If I write it here, maybe spring will take the hint?
Washington, DC Trip: We’re heading to DC for a long weekend at the end of the month! We’ve already locked in tickets for the National Air and Space Museum and plan to Smithsonian-hop our way through the weekend. If you’re planning your own trip, here’s a 3-day itinerary for Washington DC I wrote a few years ago—it’s still making the rounds on Pinterest and Google (scooters included).
Thanks for reading! I’m so excited to move my newsletter and writing to the Substack platform. You can now leave me questions, comments, and share!
Listening to this via audio while getting the kids ready for school was so helpful - and it went with the theme of today’s article on organizing your time!!!
I absolutely loved listening to this while making breakfast this morning Tyler! I love a newsletter, but it is so much better for me to have the option to listen to it while I am doing something else.
So many great gems in here! Looking forward to the next one.