I started exploring our local library’s website during the pandemic for activities for my kids and found that they have a section dedicated to online continuing education classes for free. That’s where I took my first class on Interior Design and then I took a class on Professional Organizing. I was trying to decide what direction I wanted to go professionally between the two when I came upon an episode of “Hot Mess House” on HGTV. The show’s host, Cassandra Aarssen, is the founder of Clutterbug and her method of organizing really spoke to my heart. I decided I could push the two paths into one! I knew I could apply her organizing philosophy with my budding love for interior design and create functional and fun work spaces for homes and small businesses!
On a whim, I messaged Ashlie and soon I was sitting in her beautiful venue, The Oliver. Clearly, she does not need any design advice from me, however, after a very busy wedding season, it was clear her storage room needed me. She has the most romantic and robust collection of décor but way it was stored was time consuming to gather, troublesome to put away and bottom-line costing her money to replace items she couldn’t find. Ashlie needed to be able to see, grab and go to her events and have it be that easy and quick to put items away.
When I begin working with a new client I will start by doing a 30 minute consultation where we assess needs, wants, and the trouble spots. We discover and discuss the client's organizing style and budget. Then we set up a plan! I use the Clutterbug Method to determine a client's organizing style. There are 4 categories.
1. Visual and Macro, seeing items in a pleasing way in broad categories.
2. Visual and Micro, seeing items in a pleasing way in detailed categories.
3. Hidden and Macro, not seeing items in the open, but tucked away in broad categories.
4. Hidden and Micro, not seeing items in the open, but tucked away in detailed categories.
Imagine having a large assortment of shirts. Visual and Macro people would love to see all the shirts hung or stacked on a shelf, possibly arranged by color. Visual and Micro could be by color but also by style of shirt. Hidden and Macro would have all the shirts tucked away in a drawer or behind a closed door. Hidden and Micro would have those shirts tucked away by color and/or style.It's very common for family members to have competing organizing styles and sometimes that's the reason why staying organized can be difficult. Recognizing different styles can help determine how and where to compromise. The purpose of organizing is to make your life easier!
Decluttering is the first and most important activity! We always do this together. I use four bins labeled: Toss, Donate, Keep and Does Not Belong. As we empty the space, we place items into these bins. Toss is for trash and anything expired or broken beyond repair. Donate is for items you're ready to re-home. Keep is for items to return the space we are working on and Does Not Belong is for items you're keeping but NOT in the space we are working on. Decluttering makes space!
Once we've sorted everything and cleared out the space, I can see what we are working with and how many of the items are coming back into the space. I take some measurements and talk about container ideas. Then I make the organizing magic happen! I typically do this part on my own. I try to keep an inventory of containers ready to go. Occasionally, I may need to find something special and get to do a bit of shopping. I pull out all my containers and supplies and put all the items into their new homes, labeling as needed.
Then the very best part, the REVEAL!!! There's nothing better than helping my clients feel relieved and ready to live their best lives! Showing them how to continue organizing is also important to me so that they can continue to use those practices for years to come. We will walk through the changes I have made and go over why I chose to do what I have done. I make sure to give the client some time to live with the changes I have made. Then after 2 weeks or so I will check in to see if there is anything that needs to change in order to make it more functional long term for them. I remind them that even though I have made it pretty doesn't mean they have to keep it that way forever. Organizing will change as the needs do!
I love when I can make it easier for clients to love their space. I have found that it brings so much peace to people when they are working in a clutter free and organized environment. This is one of the many reasons I love what I do! If you’re in the need of professional organizing, please reach out to me at jessi@thelph.com. I would love to work with you!
I had a lot of fun working with Ashlie and we got that storage room whipped into shape! Seriously though, she has so many beautiful things just ready to make your event special!
Thank you Ashlie for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents!