December 13, 2023

The Art of Maximizing Kitchen Storage: A Professional Organizer’s Guide

December 13, 2023/ Jeannine

In the heart of every home lies the kitchen, a hub of daily activity and culinary creativity. However, it's also a place where clutter can quickly accumulate, making cooking and meal prep more of a chore than a joy. As a professional organizer, I’ve seen how a well-organized kitchen can transform daily routines and enhance the joyment of your home. Let’s explore some effective strategies to maximize kitchen storage and create a more functional and welcoming space.

1. Embrace Clear Containers: One of the simplest yet most impactful changes you can make is to transfer pantry items like grains, pasta, and baking ingredients into clear containers. Not only do these containers make it easy to see what you have (and when you’re running low), but they also provide an aesthetically pleasing, uniform look to your shelves. This approach eliminates bulky packaging and makes use of vertical space, allowing you to store more in the same area.

2. Invest in Adjustable Shelving: Fixed shelves often leave unused space, especially with varying sizes of kitchen items. Installing adjustable shelving solves this problem by allowing you to customize the height of each shelf according to your needs. This flexibility is perfect for accommodating everything from tall appliances to short spice jars, ensuring that no inch of space goes to waste.

3. Categorize and Label: Organization is not just about where things go, but also about how easily you can find them. Categorizing your kitchen items and labeling shelves and containers is a game-changer. This system helps everyone in the household know exactly where to find and return items, reducing clutter and saving time during meal preparation.

4. Utilize Vertical Space: Don’t overlook the potential of vertical space. Wall-mounted racks for utensils, pots, and pans or hanging baskets for fruits and vegetables can free up valuable cabinet and counter space. Just remember to store likewise items together so everyone knows where to find them.

5. Drawer Dividers and Organizers: Drawers often become a catch-all for miscellaneous kitchen gadgets and utensils. By using drawer dividers and organizers, you can designate a specific place for every item, making your drawers as efficient and easy to navigate as your shelves.

Maximizing kitchen storage is more than just a way to keep things tidy; it’s about creating a space that supports and enhances your daily life. With these strategies, you can transform your kitchen into an area that’s not only functional but also a pleasure to use. Remember, the key to effective organization is to tailor solutions to fit your unique space and lifestyle. As you implement these tips, you’ll find that an organized kitchen is the ingredient you need for a more harmonious home.

October 30, 2023

Time Blocking for a Sparkling Home: One Monthly Mission at a Time

October 30, 2023/ Jeannine

Do you ever find yourself gazing longingly at those immaculate, clutter-free homes on Instagram, wondering how on earth people maintain such cleanliness and order? Well, the secret isn't just magic; it's the art of time blocking. Imagine breaking down your cleaning tasks into bite-sized, manageable chunks, tackling one major mission per month. It's like a cleaning challenge, but without the overwhelm! So, grab your cleaning supplies, put on your superhero shirt, and let's dive into why time blocking for cleaning is your ticket to a sparkling home.

Fridge Fandango

Bid farewell to those forgotten, fuzzy leftovers and mystery condiments. Scrub those shelves and drawers till they gleam. Your fridge will thank you with fresher, longer-lasting groceries, and you'll thank yourself for a cleaner, more organized kitchen. Don’t forget to clean the outside of the fridge and recycle all the kid’s art, reminders and coupons that are probably hung up on a magnet. This is my go-to cleaner for stainless-steel.

Window Wonders

Time block a weekend to tackle those windows. Start with a warm, soapy water cleanse, followed by a vinegar-based solution to banish streaks. You'll be amazed at how much brighter your home feels, and you'll have a newfound appreciation for the world outside.

Pantry Party

Donate non-perishables you won't use, and toss expired items. Invest in clear containers for better visibility, and arrange your pantry like a grocery store shelf. Your culinary adventures will be more delightful when everything's easy to find.

Closet Crusade

Bid adieu to old, ill-fitting clothes and accessories. Donate or sell items in good condition. You'll be left with a curated wardrobe full of pieces you love and actually wear. My extra tip to stay organized; use the “one in-one-out” rule; For every item you buy, get rid of one. That way your closet space never feels too overwhelming.

Basement Blitz

Time blocking for basement cleaning will help you reclaim this space for practical use or hobbies. Say goodbye to forgotten clutter or have a garage sale if you have many large items that can be sold. I recommend storage shelving for vertical storage and clear bins.

Fantastic Floors

Sweep, mop, and, if necessary, wax or polish. Pay attention to corners, baseboards, and edges where dirt tends to accumulate. Avoid using excessive water, especially on hardwood floors, as it can cause damage. For stubborn spots or stains, use a microfiber cloth or mop with a bit of extra cleaner. Be gentle on delicate floor surfaces. If your floors have grout, use a grout brush to scrub the lines between tiles. Remember that the frequency of floor cleaning can vary depending on factors like household traffic and the type of flooring you have.

January 06, 2022

15 Experts Explain What to Get Rid of Around Your Apartment Today

January 06, 2022/ Jeannine

Figure out what to get rid of this year with these 15 tips from some of the top professional organizers around.

With 2021 officially in the rearview mirror, now is the time to purge the unnecessary items lying around your apartment, create more space and approach this new year with plenty of room to grow. Who better to break down the process of what to get rid of and what to keep than a selection of some of the top professional organizers in the industry?

Without further ado, here are 15 quick tips from some industry experts on entering 2022 with a clean space and a clear mind, void of all your outdated and unnecessary items and ideas.

1. Be honest with yourself

Steph, a Columbus-based certified KonMari consultant and professional organizer at Find Your Tidy suggests that you, "Look for areas in your apartment that are overstuffed or collecting dust to start decluttering." She goes on to say that, "Clothes and papers tend to be the main culprits, especially if you've inherited a belief that you need things just in case or because it's still good."

Being both a professional organizer and someone who has moved seven times in the past nine years, Steph also recommends, "Clearing out that sweater with the hole in the seam, those pants that have been too tight for a while or the backlog of college essays and textbooks that you haven't cracked open in years."

"Be honest with yourself about where you are in your life now, and let go of the things that don't support your current lifestyle and goals."

2. Reduce, reuse, recycle

"A good rule of thumb is, if you haven't worn or used the item in a year, it's likely you won't use it again," suggests Fort Collins-based organizer, AJ of Organized by AJ.

"With my clients, I utilize my company pillars: reduce, reuse, recycle. If the items are in great condition, consider reselling them on an app or in person at your local resale shop."

3. Optimize and organize

"Apartment clutter will undoubtedly make an already small space feel even more cramped, and it can contribute to a high-stress level," says the Cleanzen Cleaning Services Team.

"Because storage in apartments is usually very limited, optimizing the use of that space is essential. If you are like many other renters, your closet floor may be covered in shoes that you have not worn in months. As a rule of thumb, if you have not worn a pair of shoes in the last year, it is time to throw them out."

"To optimize space in your closet, consider investing in a tall shoe rack or a door-mounted rack. You could also hide a flat storage bin of shoes underneath your bed if you need to find more storage space."

4. Stay in line with your lifestyle

San Diego-based professional organizer, Janine Morales of Tidy Closet suggests that "One thing you need to get rid of today is clothes that don't spark joy or have served their purpose. A quick wardrobe edit can make a significant impact on how your closet looks and feels."

"Saying goodbye to the items that do not reflect your ideal life anymore serves for closure and starts a new beginning with only outfits that spark joy and make you feel good about yourself."

5. Embrace your current situation

"I see a lot of people that hold on to clothes that don't fit," explains Sydney, an Austin-based organizer and founder of Organize With Sydney.

"Whether the clothes are too small or too big, people like to keep every item in their closet just in case. I encourage my clients to embrace where they are in life by helping them make space in their homes for the clothes that fit and make them feel good. In the end, they stress less about their clothes because they know they can grab any piece when getting dressed and it will fit!"

6. Toss the trendy kitchen items

Professional organizer Aileen, of Aligned by Aileen, often tells her clients to remove "any duplicate items. Whether you have blended households or have collected items over the years, you only need one of everything. When it comes to single-purpose kitchen gadgets and appliances, if you're only using an item once a year or only bought it for a trendy diet (looking at you, spiralizer), you probably don't need it."

"Consider borrowing items from a neighbor or getting multipurpose tools and appliances."

7. Ditch the outdated items

"Get rid of unused or outdated computer accessories and kitchen gadgets," suggests Darra McClendon of Simply Darra.

"These items may seem helpful at the time of purchase or gifting, but they just take up valuable counter and storage space."

She encourages her clients to always, "Think of functionality and let go of the things that are just sitting there."

8. Donate your old bottles

Victoria Willard, founder of Organize Design Create, talks about one of her most common cuts while helping her clients organize by saying, "I've worked with clients in the past who have tons of reusable water bottles throughout their space. I've had one client who collects them because she finds them cute or unique. My rule of thumb is to keep two water bottles per family member and donate the rest to a women's or men's shelter."

9. Don't let paper pile up

"Even though we live in a digital age, we still need to deal with paper clutter," says Karen Elaine Olson of Organized Lane.

"To reduce paper clutter, sort your mail as it's received. Put junk mail in the recycling bin or trash. Sort bills and file them away, don't pile them on the table. Same with magazines or books. Once you've read them, pass them on to someone else or donate them."

10. Ask yourself the difficult questions

Sherri Monte of Elegant Simplicity claims that "The best way to go about ridding yourself of excess stuff is to simply ask yourself a series of questions that help you determine the significance of this particular belonging to you:"

Do I need this?

Do I love this?

Do I want to keep this?

"Determining the significance of each of your belongings takes time but you don't have to tackle everything at once."

She also encourages people to "map out a logical approach to working through the things in your apartment. Visually seeing the progress is another strategy of ensuring you maintain perspective as you work towards a more intentional way of living."

11. Don't hold on to unused hand-me-downs

Nova Scotia-based professional organizer, Cindy Wezenbeek works a lot with renters and notices that, "Renters are usually short on space and storage so it's important to sort through things in order to maximize every square foot."

"They often hang on to all the hand-me-downs they were given like furniture, dishes, etc."

She tells her clients to "Take the time to go through these hangers-on and donate what no longer serves a purpose. Odds are, someone else can use them more!"

12. Free yourself from unused furniture

Lauren of This Simplified Home suggests that you "take a look at your rarely used furniture. This includes chairs you don't sit in or side tables that gather nothing but dust and clutter. Minimizing the amount of rarely used furniture you have in your home can greatly add to a feeling of spaciousness (even in a small space)."

13. Ditch the excess emotional items

Figuring out what to get rid of is as simple as, "streamlining your space by getting rid of anything you don't love or has outlived its usefulness. This includes items such as unused gifts, unworn clothing and excess coffee mugs," explains Jenn of Intentional Spaces Organized.

As for sentimental items, Jenn goes on to say that, "We all have emotional physical clutter. These are unused gifts, expired or aspiring hobbies and old childhood relics. Believe it or not, seeing these items, or even just knowing they are buried at the bottom of a closet somewhere, causes negative emotions. Pick your favorite three to six sentimental items that contain joyful memories and lovingly release the rest."

14. Cherish memories, not items

"Anything that was gifted or given to you that you have never used, wanted, or loved, donate it or give it to someone who will," say Matina and Kristina of Two Tidy Tinas.

The Tidy Tinas go on to suggest that, "It's okay to let go of items that hold emotional significance even if someone you care about gave them to you. Someone else will be able to love and cherish those items when you let them go."

At the end of the day, they assert that the most important thing is that you "Hold onto the meaningful gesture, not the unwanted gift."

15. Reduce redundancies

"Having lived in an apartment for the majority of my adult life, I have found that I do not need these items in my space for they create unnecessary clutter," explains Jess Green of Green Mountain Space.

"If you live on your own, with a partner or family, I highly recommend keeping three sets of plate ware and flatware per person."

Another reliable way to figure out what you need to get rid of is by "purging your closet every season. This leaves you with room to be creative and grow as a person. You are not the same person you once were 10 years ago. So why keep your 10-year-old band shirt or your high school sweatshirt?"

It's up to you

At the end of the day, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to decluttering your apartment and figuring out exactly what to get rid of. If any of the tips above resonate with you, give them a try. If the end result is a more streamlined space and a clearer mind, great. If you regret the cuts you make, you can always find something new online to fill the void left behind.

Article written by Carson Sperry, find the original Blog here>>>

August 27, 2021

Marie Kondo is sparking joy again on Netflix

August 27, 2021/ Jeannine

Are you ready for more Marie Kondo and her magic of changing lives? Marie Kondo’s new Netflix series promises to inspire you to get started for yourself. This show goes beyond organizing and teaches the life-changing magic of the KonMari Method to achieve your ideal lifestyle. The road to happiness is not linear, it gets a little messy and emotional in between and it is a lot of hard work, but no one else is going to do it for you. If you loved Marie’s “Tidying up with Marie Kondo” on Netflix, this is a must-see!

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Wanting to get organized is often the first in making changes in your home, routine, habits, and life. Once you have envisioned your ideal lifestyle it is easier to decide what you want to keep and let go of, this is applicable to household items, hobbies, habits, and relationships as well. When we love something we should take good care of it and this includes self-care. Being mindful of one’s own needs and wants will help make better choices and can also make you a happier person.

Gratitude is one of important the tools in the KonMari Method™. Oxford dictionary defines Gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. In tidying, we exercise this practice with our belongings and comes naturally to carry it over to other aspects of life.

I am super excited to see what her new show is all about including her home and office organization tips, wisdom on life, and the change the participants experience in their life when following the Method. The new season will air on August 31st. 2021 on Netflix.

February 06, 2020

The Biggest Misconceptions regarding the KonMari Method™

February 06, 2020/ Jeannine

Guest Blog: Sandy from Tidy with Spark is a Certified KonMari™ Consultant located in Irvine, CA. She loves to share her knowledge of the transformative powers of the KonMari Method™ with her clients and her social media following on Facebook and on Instagram.

As a Certified KonMari™ Consultant and professional organizer, I have heard many misconceptions about the KonMari Method™. Upon the release of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, written by Japanese tidying guru Marie Kondo, the method created a massive craze as the world was introduced to the idea of decluttering your home through a lens of joy.

Mixed in with the wave of popularity from the book came a tidal wave of misconceptions about what the KonMari Method™ really is. Let’s dig in to deconstruct the myths revealing the real truths behind the ever-popular home organization method.

Misconception #1: The KonMari Method™ is Minimalism in disguise.

People often confuse the method as Minimalism because the method emphasizes decluttering and reducing the number of items actually owned. While there are similarities between Minimalism and the KonMari Method™, the two concepts are very different. The central idea around KonMari™ is to live a joyful life through surrounding yourself with items that spark joy for you. Minimalism emphasizes reducing consumerism through purchasing decisions based on necessity and essentialism rather than through a lens of joy. Both explore the idea of reducing first before making an assessment of what is required to live surrounded by joy or simply to live with less. My own journey of home organization borrowed heavily from both KonMari™ and Minimalism. These two ideas can coexist together, complimenting one another, giving life to intentional living which I feel is the goal for both.

Misconception #2: Only wealthy individuals can use the method.

Marie Kondo encounters criticism about her method for being inaccessible for individuals below a certain socioeconomic status. Critics claim application of the method can only benefit those who have wealth and therefore excess amounts of things that can be discarded or donated without a batted eyelash. Across America, homes are stuffed to the gills with excess whether the homeowner brings in low or high income. Whether an individual has more or less disposable income is not an accurate indicator of the number of items stored in a household. With rampant debt across all income brackets, consumerism is at an all time high. In the Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo expressly discourages purchasing organizational supplies prior to decluttering first. She emphasizes using containers already in existence in the home such as sturdy shoe boxes. Marie Kondo also dispels the idea that households have to own a typical item for the sake of owning the item. After discarding a hammer that was worn out, rather than replacing, Marie Kondo repurposes a frying pan to fill the need of a hammer. Finding multiple uses for an item is the KonMari™ way and this creative thinking makes the method accessible to the masses.

Misconception #3: Marie Kondo wants me to get rid of all my things.

Contrary to what many may think, according to Marie Kondo, de-cluttering is part of the KonMari Method™, but “discarding is not the point; what matters is keeping those things that bring you joy.” When we surround ourselves with items that speak to our heart, we are able to live a more joyful life. Marie Kondo explains that “our goal in tidying should be to create a living environment filled with the things we love.” Some people may get carried away in the de-cluttering process and find that discarding becomes fun. This is a warning sign to be heeded per KonMari™. Becoming a “discarding machine” will not “on its own will” bring joy to your life. Kondo reiterates that “it’s far more important to adorn your home with the things you love than to keep it so bare it lacks anything that brings you joy.”

Misconception #4: Marie Kondo wants me to talk to my things.

A cornerstone of the KonMari Method™ is gratitude. Having gratitude for our items and appreciation for how they serve us in our lives is essential to living a joy filled life. It isn’t enough for our possessions to spark joy; an extension of our gratitude towards our items creates a symbiotic relationship where our items return care and support to us. We may not entirely be aware, but “our belongings really work hard for us, carrying out their respective roles each day to support our lives”, according to KonMari. This appreciation and gratitude can be expressed to our items through care and not necessarily in an audible manner. If this feels odd to you, consider taking a mindful moment, where you purposefully express appreciation for the items that support you in your life.

One by one I’ve dispelled the fake truths surrounding the KonMari Method™. My hopes in writing this piece is to share with you how useful and relevant the method can be in your journey to home organization. With over 12 million copies sold world-wide (as of the writing of this post), the Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up has undoubtedly changed many lives across the globe. By breaking down these misconceptions, we can truly make headway towards the mission to “organize the world™”.

Notes: If you are in need of motivation or guidance in your KonMari™ journey you can find a Certified KonMari™ Consultant in your area on the official KMI webpage