To help gauge the intensity and time required to achieve a state of balance, I’ve shared a few of my projects over the years. These range from post-move-in setup to closet touch-ups and hardware installation.

Many examples are decluttering projects, involving the purge of excess items. The goal is to keep what is practical or brings joy, let go of the rest, and find a new “home” for what’s left — where it fits functionally into your daily life and space.

Before & After – Four-and-1/2-Hour Project
{ unpacking and organizational design – items were purged before the move }

This client moved into a shared living space. I arrived the day of the move, and the two of us teamed up to unpack and sort their clothing, personal items, assemble dressers, and arrange furniture in their new bedroom.

Final Product – Three-Hour Project
{ unpacking and organizational design of clothing closets – items were purged before the move }

I loved to play Tetris as a kid. Problem-solving for small, unusual closet spaces feels a lot like playing a game to me!

Final Product – Three-Hour Project
{ kitchen hardware installation and organizational design – items were purged before the move }

This client moved into a pre-war NYC apartment with an unconventional kitchen layout and limited cabinet space, so we got creative. Wall space can be leveraged for the loss of cabinets and look attractive while being functional.

Before & After – Three-Hour Project
{ purge and organizational design }

This client felt overwhelmed by clutter in their bedroom after years of accumulation. After purging, we arranged items by type, size, and function.

Before & After – Four-Hour Project 
{ purge and organizational design }

We focused on this client’s bedroom/office space in an apartment shared with roommates. Their private sanctuary did not include closets (not uncommon in NYC), so every inch counted.

Before & After – Four-and-1/4-Hour Project
{ organizational design without purge }

We focused on kitchen cabinets, counters, and drawers. We created functional spaces where everything could be seen clearly and fully utilized — saving time and preventing financial waste caused by double- or even triple-purchasing items.

Before & After – Four-and-1/2 Hour Project
{ purge and organizational design }

This client used a basement bathroom/laundry room as a temporary storage area, out of view from visitors. We went through everything, got rid of what we could, and found new functional homes for what remained.

Before & After – Four-Hour Project
{ light purge and reorganization }

This client lived in a multi-level townhome with several bedrooms, walk-in closets, dressers, and armoires. We focused on their master bedroom closet. What brings joy is up to them to decide. While they may head into a project with the intention of downsizing, it doesn’t always happen — and that is okay.

Before & After – One-and-1/2 Hour Project
{ bedroom closet organizational touch-up without purge }

This client purged and organized previously, and wanted a touch-up. When we’re busy, we tend to put things away in a rush, even after we’ve organized a space. Life happens.

Check out “Easy and Effective Home Organizing Tips” on Redfin, featuring a favorite home and office organization tip from Intelligent Organizing.

“The things you own end up owning you.”
– Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club