Part of this magical journey to peace is taking everything out, keeping what is practical or brings you joy (here’s looking at you, Marie Kondo!), letting go of the rest, and finding a new “home” for what’s left — where it fits functionally into your daily life and space.

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. I don’t know about you, but I love a good before/after series… Enjoy!

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 did not sort clothes by color to save time (sorry, Marie!), but arranged them by type, size and function. Fun fact: I sort my own items by type, size and color when possible, it makes me happy!

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-1/2 Hour Project
{ purge and organizational design }

This client used a basement bathroom/laundry room as a temporary storage area, out of view from visitors. Think: Monica’s closet of shame (this is a reference from an episode of “Friends” in case you haven’t watched the show).

Before & After – One-and-1/2 Hour Project
{ bedroom closet organizational touch-up }

This client purged and organized previously, and wanted a touch-up. We tend to put things away in a rush, even after we’ve organized a space — especially when we’re overcommitted and keep buying unnecessary things. It happens!

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

This client moved into a shared living space, having an existing roommate. 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.

Before & After – Four-and-1/4-Hour Project
{ organizational design }

This project took place in the same home as the one above. We organized common area items, focusing 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-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, and while they may head into a project with the intention to downsize, it doesn’t always happen — and that is okay!

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

I loved to play Tetris as a kid. Problem-solving for small, unusual spaces to maximize usage (even loading a dishwasher) feels like playing a game to me!

Final Product – Three-Hour Project
{ hardware installation and organizational design }

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

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