How I Changed The Way I Organize

Over the years of organizing in other people’s homes, I’ve learned a lot. Some lessons were practical, some were emotional, and some took years to fully understand. Recently, I had one of those realizations that quietly but completely changed the way I work with my clients.

We’ve always had a 5-step organizing process. We use it in every space, in every project. That part never changes. What does change, and what I’ve always known matters, is everything else. Every client. Every home. Every reason for getting stuck in the first place. What I didn’t know for a long time was how to fully use that knowledge to my advantage.

Beyond wanting to feel more organized and learning the steps to get there, every client brings two very important things into a project: what we call their style and their focus. Your style is how you operate. Your habits, patterns, and the reasons you got to where you are. Your focus is your main goal, or the outcome you care about most.

The interesting thing? We can usually identify both within minutes of working with you. Your focus shows up almost immediately. It’s the overarching theme of what you want out of the project. Your style becomes obvious as soon as we edit through even one category together.

For years, I used this information instinctively. It helped me understand my clients better, but I didn’t have a way to apply it systematically to the actual project. My internal thought process was basically: “Follow the 5 steps, tailor the rest to them.” And while that worked, I didn’t realize what I was missing.

That changed when I began quietly working on a digital version of my organizing process, something that laid out everything I know and every step I take. I started by choosing a random room and began creating a guide for organizing that space. And I kept getting stuck.

I’d think things like, “This is where Nancy would need more help, but Jess wouldn’t,” over and over again. Trying to put on paper where people get stuck, and how I help them when they do, forced me to really see the patterns.

That’s when it clicked.

My system couldn’t just be one process. It needed to be split into three parts. A triad so it could fully adapt to the person using it. That way, they’d get exactly what they needed. No more, no less, with their style and focus applied to the spaces they want to organize. 

I realized I could apply this framework not just to my digital organizing guides, but to my in-home client work as well. And honestly? It completely changed how I guide clients through projects. I feel like a different organizer than I have been the past six years.

Now, every step of my projects are guided by two things: your end goal and how you work. Knowing your style helps with editing, creating maintainable systems, and clutter coaching. Knowing your focus helps guide product choices and keeps the entire project aligned. Whether your priority is decluttering, functionality, or aesthetics.

We’ve always said things like “organization isn’t one-size-fits-all,” “work with your habits,” and “keep your end goal in mind.” We say it because it’s true: your systems need to change as you change.

The difference now is that we have started a clear framework to get you there. Intentionally, sustainably, and in a way that actually fits your life. In Person or not.

And I’m so proud of it.