I had an interesting conversation with a client recently. She mentioned how most people are afraid of change and try to avoid it. She was referring to the changes happening at her workplace. However, it made me think about making changes at home. In fact, when we work with clients on home organizing, decorating, and renovations, a large part of what we do is facilitate change. I am one of those seemingly rare people who love change, and that’s part of what allows me to help clients successfully overcome their fear and embrace positive change.
In the last year, we worked with several dozen design and organizing clients. With our design clients, we transformed almost every type of room from garages to bathrooms to kitchens. We styled shelves, designed a bar area, and completely redecorated entryways, living, and dining rooms. We chose window treatments and picked lots of paint colours. We also reorganized and decluttered kitchens, closets, playrooms, home offices, and storage areas. We helped a few of our clients downsize, unpack, and settle into new homes.
Our Design and Decorating Client Projects
Most of our design clients were updating furniture, window treatments, accessories, paint colours, lighting, and more. With hundreds of choices available, the design process can be challenging. That’s why I like to take the time to ensure we make the best decisions for each client project.
Did you know it might take anywhere from two to six months from the time you order furniture to its delivery? It doesn’t happen as seen on TV, where everything arrives and is installed at the same time. In fact, when we are transforming a space, I prefer to install the various items as they arrive. It helps our clients see that big changes are on the horizon. Plus, they know we haven’t abandoned their project partway through as we wait for other integral furniture pieces to arrive. And sometimes, if clients are afraid of change, small adjustments make the process less overwhelming.
During the past year, we renovated a handful of bathrooms and completely transformed a tiny kitchen. From inception to completion, those larger projects can take several months. Again, I like to take my time in the planning and design phases so that execution goes as smoothly as possible, with minimal disruption. The amount of change (never mind the disruption) can be nerve-wracking for our clients, and I am grateful they have trusted us with all these amazing transformations.
Our Organizing Client Projects
While the calendar year wraps up, we’re still supporting our organizing clients, with projects extending into next year and beyond. There’s the ongoing basement decluttering job, the craft room, the living room, the new closet units, and more. Interestingly, each year some clients want to do a second—or even third decluttering in areas we previously tackled. They are inspired to let go of even more. Typically, we have a plan for new projects from our long-time clients that we will tackle as we head into a new year. As you’ll often hear me say, “the less you own, the easier it is to keep your home organized.”
In my experience, if you’re afraid of change, it’s best to declutter and set up organizing systems gradually. Then, you will find it easier to learn new habits and routines before moving on to the next room. In addition, letting go of a lifetime of accumulated possessions is exhausting and time-consuming. Many of our clients have super busy lives already, and fitting these projects into an already crammed schedule needs to be a step-by-step process. After all, as a professional organizer, I don’t want to add to the overwhelm of life; I want to reduce it.
How to Embrace Change with Your Next Home Improvement Project
As I mentioned above, if you’re afraid of change (or just a little nervous), I suggest starting with small adjustments because big changes can feel overwhelming. For example, declutter a single drawer, a shelf, or one corner of a room. If you’ve never renovated, choose something simple, like a new walk-in closet (minimal plumbing, electrical, and ventilation work). The process is much the same whether it’s a large or small project, but starting small can help you understand what’s involved. Then, you’ll gain confidence before tackling something larger. Small successes create momentum, reduce anxiety, and can help you build trust that change is manageable and worthwhile.
To help you embrace change, focus on the long-term vision. Think about the benefits associated with renovating, redecorating, or decluttering a space. Focus on the outcome you want—maybe it’s more space, less stress, easier daily routines, or a more beautiful home. Regularly reconnect with your vision to help you cope with the temporary mess, the number of decisions, and the disruption. It will help you stay motivated and build resilience throughout the process.
Finally, don’t try to do it alone. A support system will help you feel informed and in control, and hopefully avoid mistakes later. Friends and family members can assist in decision-making, and tradespeople can provide valuable information about renovation limitations. However, change feels much less intimidating when you have someone with experience to help you navigate it. As an interior decorator and a professional organizer, I can help guide your projects from start to finish. If you’re ready to embrace change, reach out and let’s talk.