Monthly Archives: April 2018

We’ve all heard it, “I really want to do this with _______ space.”  “Someday this _________ space is going to be _________.”  “If I only had time I would redecorate this _________ space.”  Fill in the blanks, either you or someone you know labels this _______ space this way.  

The real problem is commitment, or a lack thereof.  Areas get out of control when we don’t designate a specific use and follow through with it.  If the space should be an office, get a desk in there.  Then make the space inviting to encourage use and, no more excuses, you’ve done it! 

Dresser drawers are hard to keep neat if you stuff the garments and hope the drawer closes.  Roll garments like t-shirts, pajamas, activewear.  Move off-season clothes out and into bins on top shelves.  This also allows you a day to purge the unwanted.  Jeans work well folded on shelves (think “like in a store”) and drawer dividers can segment socks, underwear, bras and cami’s.  

Bins don’t have to be clear plastic, check out decorative fun bins and baskets at The Container Store.  Your closet can have a new look without spending much money and happiness will replace the “drawer depression”. 

The kitchen is a room where one must function efficiently.  Arranged into work zones, this will be the case.  Store items where you use them, (bakeware near the oven, glasses near the refrigerator, flatware in a drawer near the dishwasher)… extra steps are great for exercise, not kitchen functionality.  Big kitchen?  Set up designated areas for frequent activities, (coffee prep, entertaining prep, baking area).  Not so big kitchen?  Try a mobile island for extra counter work space. 

My pet peeve is a closet with a myriad of hangers that don’t match, are weak, are multi colored… well you get the idea.  Even a crowded closet can look tidy with matching hangers.  Take your pick of style, there are many out there.  I prefer wooden; however, these do take up more space, but all the hangers match.  Transfer the dry-cleaned clothes onto good hangers and pitch the wire ones. 

Hang clothes in one direction, shirt fronts facing the same way, trouser/slack crotches inward, and if you are crazy like me, color code.

At the very least, match those hangers and you’ll be surprised. The new look in your closet will be refreshing!  

My newest client is.  She is older, a little less energy than a few years ago, downsizing, overwhelmed, anxious, and tired of decisions. 

That is why her realtor suggested she hire me.  We are working hard together packing what she doesn’t need in the near future, decluttering, and finding some very interesting things.  Somedays she breaks out laughing which only brings me joy.

Some things are sad as her husband is in a nursing home and will never return to this house, so she cries, and I take care of his belongings.

The new home that awaits is considerably smaller, so she has relented to only keeping what will comfortably fit and realizes the truth that only necessities are essential.  Her new home will be safe, free of clutter and I am excited for the day she is settled in, relaxed, and this enormous task is behind her.

I will always love my new client / turned friend.  She has taught me much about life, memories and graceful transitioning.  She’s a champ.