The first step to achieving an organized home is often decluttering. Even if you don’t think you have much to get rid of, most people are surprised how much extra they have laying around. I like to start the process with an initial conversation on the phone or through email, and in most cases after that I can be ready to get to work upon arrival. When I arrive, you give me a tour of the space(s) we are focusing on, we briefly discuss your goals, and then I can get started! If your whole home needs a little TLC, I recommend starting with the area that bothers you personally the most. Sometimes it’s the piles in the kitchen, sometimes it’s the stack of clothes on the bed, what matters is that once complete it will have the biggest impact on your daily life and will be the boost in the right direction you need to continue into the other areas.
Once we agree upon where to start, we get everything in the space or category (including what is in drawers and closets) out in the open and divide into categories. With your approval we will determine if there is anything that can be automatically discarded (the wrong size or baby supplies for a kid who is no longer a baby for example). This is often an overwhelming part of the process for people, so I frequently do the mass sorting myself and make piles for you to sort through without getting distracted by the bulk of items that sometimes seem endless. This can be mentally exhausting, so while I won’t take breaks, I like to remind people that they can take as much time away as needed to be able to continue making decisions. The main benefit of hiring someone like me to help is that I have no attachment to your things and can help you rationalize what makes the most sense for you to keep. I will not MAKE you get rid of anything, but if achieving your goal means that you only realistically need 15 instead of 20 black t-shirts, I will present that argument. As a part of my service, I will take away anything you would like to trash, donate or recycle (as long as it fits in my large mini van). I know all the right places to responsibly discard anything we come across including (but not limited to) expired medicine, old electronics, stained towels and blankets, and even license plates!
After everything is sorted, I will help you determine the best home for your items. We will discuss how you use the space and what makes sense for your lifestyle and stage of life. One size definitely does NOT fit all. I want your space to work with you and the way you and your family use it, so that it can stay organized and makes sense for your life. Many times, my clients have tried to get organized in the past by buying bins and labels, but until completing the decluttering, there isn’t really a good way to know what sizes and shapes will best serve what you want to keep. When we are ready to buy the fancy bins, more often than not, there are already enough supplies in your house that work, and purchasing new items is optional. If you are truly going for that “Pinterest” look, I am happy to take the measurements and purchase the supplies for you, because nothing makes my heart sing more than a custom labeled spice drawer.
Are there any other areas that need a refresh in your house?
I would love to help you get your house in shape for back-to-school!
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