Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with a professional organizer? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a question most new clients ask. After all, inviting someone into your home to help you transform your space is a big step. I know I would feel nervous too. That’s why I designed the experience … Read more
This quote says it all: “Don’t let the past steal your present.“ As a professional organizer and interior decorator, I often see homes stuck in the past, rather than becoming beautiful, welcoming spaces that reflect and support homeowners’ present lives. What Are You Holding Onto? A lot of us hold onto items from the past. Sometimes … Read more
Minimalism sometimes gets a bad reputation. Perhaps it’s because minimalist décor is now considered “out,” and being out of style isn’t something most of us want. Many people also worry that choosing minimalism means giving up everything and living in a stark and uninviting home. Fortunately, that is not true. Here are a few easy … Read more
The holiday season is already upon us—yikes! How did December get here so quickly? At this time of year, there is so much pressure to cram as much into your schedule as possible and “shop ’til you drop.” However, there is a limited amount of time in life, and how we spend that time matters. … Read more
A few weeks ago, I was chatting with a client about New Year’s resolutions – or lack thereof. She doesn’t make resolutions, but she identified a couple of things she would like to change for the upcoming year. One of the things she wants to do is read more. She could make a book resolution. … Read more
Organizing all the little things in your home is important, yet you don’t do it. Even I feel overwhelmed sometimes when I’m working with someone, and we take care of organizing all the big things first, and then we look at the little things, and we both say to ourselves, “Now what?” Of course, being … Read more
Is “get organized” one of your goals for this year, but does organizing your entire home and life seem overwhelming? I suggest starting with something manageable and developing new habits around purchasing “stuff.” No matter how much decluttering and physical organizing you do, continuing to buy more stuff will thwart your efforts. S.P.A.C.E. The S.P.A.C.E. … Read more
On Cyber Monday, my email inbox overflowed with deals, such as “50% OFF” and “BUY NOW!” “LAST CHANCE!” and so on and so on. Suddenly, it was just too much. I unsubscribed from as many email lists as possible in the time I had available. Even though I choose to live a more minimalist lifestyle, … Read more
Negative or white space is a fundamental principle in interior design involving leaving empty or open areas in a room. Negative space helps to shape and define the positive spaces, or the areas filled with furniture, decor, or other visual elements such as artwork. The balance of negative and positive spaces enhances flow and focuses … Read more
Over the summer months, most of us stray from our normal routine, and perhaps our lives are a little less organized, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A break from routines can be a great time to rethink and reset. As we head into autumn and restart school schedules, consider adopting one or more … Read more
There has been a lot of talk in the interior design world about maximalism being “in” and minimalism being “out.” From what I’ve seen, the maximalism trend harkens back to the décor of the 1990s. It seems to be about mixing patterns – and a lot of them – in one space. Even though this … Read more
As more and more of us declutter and downsize, we find ourselves having practical and philosophical discussions about the purpose and meaning of life. Life and stuff are so intertwined that at some point, we may very well think about what makes a life well lived as we deal with our stuff. Recently, I attended … Read more
There’s a big difference between a house and a home. A house (or, for many of us, it’s a condo or apartment) is simply a roof over your head, a place to sleep, somewhere to cook, and a location to store your stuff. On the other hand, a home embraces you, helps you relax and … Read more
Did you know nearly 75% of people can’t put a car in their garage? I know, it’s shocking, isn’t it? I’m guessing that you had to have a garage to put the car in when you were house shopping. This is especially true of Canadians because clearing snow and ice off your car on cold, … Read more
I’m not sure I’ve told you yet about my true obsession (besides organizing, of course). I am totally, completely, over-the-top obsessed with mid-century modern (MCM) design. This quote sounds like a mission statement for simple and functional living and certainly speaks to me. It could almost be a motto to live by. “If it is not … Read more
Today, I am sharing a few things clients have tried over the years. These are five organizing pitfalls to avoid because they don’t work. I’m telling you now so you can implement better solutions right from the start. If you already have these problems, you can fix them right away and have a more organized … Read more
Seasonal changes are a cue telling you it’s an excellent time for downsizing your clothing closet. Here are my top five tips to help you get on your way. To get started, mark a date on your calendar to accomplish this task. Schedule at least a few hours (or more). Some folks like to work … Read more
During my 20 years of experience as a professional organizer, many clients have asked what to do with the fine china collection that no one uses. After all, no one actually uses a collection, right? That’s an ongoing debate if you are trying to organize and downsize your life. Here are ten great ideas for … Read more
If you embrace a minimalist lifestyle and are obsessed, like I am, with tiny homes, small spaces, and living with less, this post will definitely interest you. After all these years working in design and helping clients declutter and organize their lives, I know that less definitely gives you more—more freedom, more relaxation, more control. … Read more
I am not a professionally trained home stager, but after 20 years of helping my clients move, I do know that decluttering your home is the first step to preparing it for sale. Even if you’re not selling, you can implement my six best ideas for staging your home for sale to see how it … Read more