Summer is a time for being loose and carefree, embracing the warmth and spontaneity that the season brings. It's a period where schedules often take a backseat to adventure and relaxation. But as September arrives, there's a comforting shift in the air. The return of cooler days and the rhythm of the new season bring a sense of renewal, making it feel good to get back into a routine. Organizing your space after a spontaneous summer can help ease the mind, creating a calming environment that prepares you for the next season. However, if the thought of getting organized feels overwhelming, this is the perfect moment to hire a professional organizer. With expert guidance, you can transform your space efficiently, reclaim your time, and set the tone for a productive and balanced end to the year. Let me help you turn your goals into reality, making the transition into fall smooth and stress-free.
Spontaneous Summer
How to make Organizing Sustainable
Organizing is most effective when approached as a continuous process rather than a one-time, scheduled event. When we make organizing part of our daily or weekly routines, it becomes more manageable and less overwhelming. Organizing as an ongoing process can easily be integrated into daily life with small, thoughtful actions. For example, imagine you're searching for a jacket in the entrance closet and come across a pair of boots your family hasn’t worn in years. Instead of leaving them where they are, take a moment to put them in a donation basket. By doing this, you're gradually clearing out unused items as you encounter them, rather than waiting for a massive decluttering session. Over time, this habit keeps your space more organized and reduces the need for overwhelming clean-up projects.
This small, consistent effort ensures your home stays clutter-free, and that unwanted items are regularly being repurposed or donated. It also promotes a sense of consistency and discipline, making it easier to maintain an organized environment without the stress or pressure of dedicating an entire day to decluttering. Ultimately, continuous organizing leads to long-term results with less effort.
If this approach resonates with you but you feel like you could use some help getting started, I’d love to chat about how I can support you in the process. Whether it’s creating an action plan, offering hands-on help, or simply giving you tips for maintaining progress, I’m here to help make organizing easier and more enjoyable for you!
The Kindergarten Method
Remember in Kindergarten, when everything had its own place? The blocks went here, the crayons there—it felt so good knowing exactly where everything belonged. The same concept works wonders for your home! The "kindergarten method" is all about creating zones in each room. In the kitchen, for example, you can have a cleaning zone, prep zone, cooking zone, food storage zone, and a utility zone. When each area has a clear purpose, everything has a home, making it easier to find what you need and saving time when putting things away.
I recently helped a client organize the utility part of their kitchen and, to their surprise, we found 16 lighters tucked away in various corners of the cabinet! Imagine the frustration of constantly buying items because they seem to have disappeared. This is just one example of how much we can accumulate without realizing it. When items have a specific zone, we avoid overspending on duplicates, saving both time and money.
Think back to that sense of calm in Kindergarten—everything in its place, no distractions, no stress. That’s exactly how an organized home should feel. Let me help make that a reality for you!
Revealing Beauty Through Simplicity
Did you know I’m an artist? I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Ottawa, where I specialized in sculpture. Beauty has always been at the heart of my work—whether it’s discovering beauty in unusual places or allowing it to emerge from unexpected environments.
Over the years, this appreciation for beauty has translated into how I curate my home. I’ve learned something vital through experience: less is often more. When I overcrowd a shelf with collected items, paintings, or decorative objects, the space becomes visually overwhelming. Instead of feeling inspired by my surroundings, I feel overstimulated, unable to focus on or fully appreciate the individual elements that make the space special.
This realization has taught me the value of intentional placement. By thoughtfully choosing where to display specific items, I allow each piece to command attention and bring a sense of calm to the room. It’s not just about creating a clean space; it’s about making room for what truly matters and allowing beauty to shine.
A recent trip to Montreal reinforced this perspective. I stumbled upon a stunning flower stall overflowing with colourful, vibrant bouquets. The display was mesmerizing, but after a while, my eyes grew tired from trying to take in everything at once. Choosing just one bouquet to display in your home, however, transforms the experience. That singular arrangement becomes the centrepiece, commanding attention and creating a sense of calm and elegance without overwhelming the senses.
Why Less Truly Is More
Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about uncovering the beauty that’s already there. By chipping away at the excess, we create opportunities to reveal what’s most meaningful in our spaces. A simplified environment allows us to focus on the objects that bring us joy, tell our stories, and inspire us.
How You Can Embrace Simplicity
Start Small: Begin with one area—a shelf, a corner, or a single drawer. Decide which items bring you joy and let go of the rest.
Be Intentional: Choose a few meaningful items to display and give them a dedicated spot.
Rotate Your Favorites: If you love many items, try rotating them periodically instead of displaying them all at once.
Think About Functionality: A less cluttered space is easier to maintain, keeping your home clean and functional while showcasing its beauty.
Creating a home that feels serene and beautiful doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step makes a difference. If you’re ready to declutter and reveal the beauty that’s already in your space, I’d love to help. Together, we can create a home that reflects your style and lets your favorite pieces truly shine.
Rethinking Gift-Giving:
A Conversation Worth Having
Growing up, gifts were a big part of my family Christmas traditions. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve started to value quality over quantity. I’ve become intentional about what I bring into my home, saving for what I need and taking time to consider what I truly want. This year, I had an open conversation with my parents and partner, and we decided not to exchange gifts. Instead, we’re focusing on what matters most to us: family time, good food, and creating memories.
Talking openly about holiday priorities can help everyone feel valued while avoiding unnecessary clutter. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the volume of gifts, especially for your kids, consider suggesting experience-based alternatives. Ski passes, museum memberships, or even a weekend trip can create lasting joy without adding to the pile. A thoughtful conversation with loved ones can lead to more intentional choices and reduce the stress that often comes with gift-giving.
Rethinking holiday traditions doesn’t mean losing the magic of the season—it’s about creating meaningful connections. Experiences like a shared meal, a family outing, or even homemade treats can leave a lasting impact without filling up your home. Let’s make this season simpler and more joyful. Send me a message if you’d like ideas for thoughtful gifts or tips to reduce holiday overwhelm!
How to Eliminate Stress Over the Holidays and
Make Space for Magical Moments
When I was younger, Christmas was a magical time for my family. My parents went above and beyond to make the holidays special, filling our home with joy, tradition, and creativity. Each year, my mom and I would make handmade Christmas ornaments as gifts for our family and friends. We’d bake treats, cut down a tree together, and decorate it as a family. The house smelled like delicious homemade treats, and we spent evenings singing songs and reading Christmas stories by the fire.
Looking back as an adult, I’m in awe of what my parents, especially my mom, managed to pull off. She worked full time yet somehow found the energy to organize all these incredible traditions that created lasting memories for us. Now, as I manage my own household, I sometimes wonder how she did it all.
This year, I’ve chosen to simplify. I’m scaling back presents and focusing on handmade, meaningful gifts. I want to ensure I have the energy to savour those small, special moments that make the holidays so beautiful. If you’re looking to reduce holiday stress while still enjoying the season, here are my top 5 tips.
1. Simplify Gift Giving : Stick to handmade gifts, baked treats, or meaningful experiences to keep things simple and thoughtful.
2. Declutter Before the Holidays : Clear out unused items to make space for decorations and gifts—it makes everything easier to manage.
3. Prioritize Your Time : Focus on the traditions and activities that matter most, and say no to the rest.
4. Make Space for Rest : Schedule downtime to recharge and stay present for the moments that matter.
5. Plan Ahead : Create a simple to-do list, plan meals early, and prep what you can ahead of time.
The holidays don’t have to be about doing it all. By simplifying where you can, you’ll create space—not just in your home but in your life—to focus on what matters most: spending time with loved ones, creating memories, and soaking up the magic of the season.
What are you doing this year to make the holidays a little easier? I’d love to hear your tips or traditions—let’s inspire each other to make this season joyful and stress-free!