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I’ll be the first to admit: talking about death isn’t easy. For many Americans, it’s a subject we avoid at all costs. We skirt around it in conversation, joke to lighten the mood, or brush it off with an “I’ll deal with it later” mindset. But the truth is, avoiding the topic doesn’t make it go away—it just makes it harder for the loved ones we leave behind. One of the most tangible ways this avoidance manifests is in the stuff we accumulate over a lifetime. Homes filled with cherished mementos, forgotten knick-knacks, and everyday items become an overwhelming task for those left behind. When the time comes to sort through someone’s belongings, emotions run high. Grief mingles with guilt, indecision, and sometimes resentment. It’s a burden that could be eased if we, as a society, were more open to discussing not only death but also what we want to happen with our possessions when we’re gone. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult this process can be for families. It’s not just about “cleaning out a house.” Every object tells a story, and deciding what to keep, donate, or let go of can feel like navigating an emotional minefield. But these decisions don’t have to fall entirely on your loved ones. By addressing the topic now—before it’s urgent—you can help make these choices clearer. Decluttering while you’re alive and well is a gift to your family. It’s an opportunity to sort through what matters most to you, to pass along meaningful items, and to let go of what no longer serves you. More importantly, it opens the door to conversations about legacy, values, and memories. These discussions might feel uncomfortable at first, but they can also bring a profound sense of peace. Let’s normalize talking about death and what we leave behind—not as a grim task, but as an act of love. When we embrace the idea of living with intention, we create a legacy of clarity and care, making life easier for those who matter most. After all, isn’t that how we’d all like to be remembered?

I get it—those sleek storage bins, colorful baskets, and stackable drawers at the store are so enticing. It’s easy to believe they hold the promise of a perfectly organized space. I’ve even had clients tell me they stocked up on bins before even starting to declutter because they wanted to "get a head start." But here’s the truth: buying organizing items before you declutter is like buying a new wardrobe before cleaning out your closet. It often leads to wasted money, unused items, and more clutter to manage. Why Decluttering Comes First When you declutter first, you’re making decisions about what truly matters to you and what deserves a place in your home. Without that step, it’s impossible to know how much storage you actually need or what kind will work best for your space. By starting with decluttering, you can avoid buying containers for items you might ultimately decide to donate or throw away. Plus, you’ll have a much clearer sense of the space you’re working with and how you want it to function. The Problem with Preemptive Buying One of the biggest challenges I see with clients who buy organizing supplies too soon is that they often end up with the wrong items. Maybe the bins are too big to fit on a shelf, or the baskets don’t suit the type of items they want to store. Worse, those unused organizing products can quickly become clutter themselves. It’s frustrating and discouraging to realize that what was supposed to help you feels like it’s just added to the mess. How to Make Smarter Decisions Here’s my advice: wait until after you’ve decluttered to purchase any organizing items. Once you’ve pared down to what you love and need, you can take accurate measurements and make thoughtful choices about the storage solutions that will work best. You might even find that you already have everything you need, like shoe boxes, jars, or trays, to store your items in a way that’s functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s all about using what works for your space and your goals—not just what looks good on a store shelf. A Space That Works for You Decluttering before buying storage solutions isn’t just practical; it’s empowering. By focusing on what you truly need, you’re creating a space that reflects your priorities and makes your life easier. So next time you’re tempted by that aisle of bins and baskets, take a step back and ask yourself: "Have I done the work to declutter first?" Trust me, when you tackle organizing in the right order, the results are not only more effective—they’re also much more satisfying.

The Most Common Items I Find That Need Decluttering As a professional organizer, I’ve had the privilege of stepping into many homes, each with its own unique story. While no two spaces are exactly alike, there’s a surprising similarity in the types of items that tend to accumulate and cause clutter. These objects often reflect not just physical clutter but emotional attachments or life transitions. Let me share the most common categories I encounter, along with insights into why they pile up and how to decide what stays and what goes. First up is paper clutter . Bills, receipts, old birthday cards, and forgotten warranties seem to sprout from every drawer and surface. Often, these items are saved out of a sense of responsibility or "just in case" thinking. But much of it can be digitized or recycled without consequence. I always remind my clients that letting go of unnecessary paper doesn’t mean letting go of the memories or obligations tied to them. It means freeing up space for clarity and efficiency. Another frequent offender? Clothes , especially those that no longer fit or serve a purpose. Closets are often bursting with “someday” items—jeans that don’t zip, a blazer bought for a job interview years ago, or impulse purchases still sporting price tags. I encourage people to think about how each item makes them feel. If it no longer fits their life or body, it’s time to let it go. The space created often feels more liberating than the item itself ever did. Sentimental items are another big category. This includes things like inherited trinkets, children’s artwork, or souvenirs from past vacations. While these objects can be meaningful, they can also weigh people down, especially when they’re stored haphazardly or take up valuable space. I gently guide clients to keep only what truly sparks joy and to find creative ways to honor those items, such as creating a memory box or a photo archive. Every pantry has its secrets, and more often than not, they include expired spices, canned goods, or random baking supplies purchased on a whim. Those dusty cans of soup or spices that lost their potency years ago? They’re not doing anyone any good. Clearing these out not only frees up space but also makes meal planning far more efficient.   Forgotten Hobby Supplies That yoga mat you haven’t unrolled in years or the knitting supplies you bought during a fleeting interest in crafts? These are prime examples of aspirational clutter. By passing them on to someone who’ll actually use them, you create space for hobbies and activities you’re actively pursuing. Outdated Electronics and Cords We’ve all got that drawer—or worse, a whole box—full of random cords, outdated devices, and chargers we’re afraid to toss. The truth is, many of these items are obsolete. Recycling them responsibly can clear up storage and eliminate unnecessary stress when looking for something you actually use. Finally, there are duplicate or forgotten household items . It’s not uncommon to find four bottle openers, five half-used candles, or entire collections of mystery cords. These items pile up because they’re “useful” in theory, but in practice, they’re just taking up space. By consolidating, donating, or responsibly recycling duplicates and unused items, my clients rediscover the joy of simplicity. Decluttering is about so much more than getting rid of stuff; it’s about making room for what matters. Each item we sort through tells a story, and the process of letting go creates the opportunity to write a new one. If you’ve been holding onto some of these common clutter culprits, I invite you to start small—one drawer, one box—and see how a little decluttering can bring a lot of peace.

Supporting Clients Who Have Lost a Loved One Helping others navigate the overwhelming process of decluttering and organizing after the loss of a loved one is deeply personal to me. I’ve been there myself—twice—first with my mother, then with my father. Each experience was unique, but both taught me valuable lessons about grief, memory, and the power of creating space for healing. It’s those lessons I carry with me when working with clients facing similar circumstances. When someone close to us passes, their belongings often become stand-ins for their presence. Every item seems to carry a story or memory, and the thought of letting anything go can feel like losing them all over again. I understand this intimately. It’s not just about the items; it’s about the emotions tied to them. My goal is to approach the process with compassion and care, ensuring that clients feel supported every step of the way. One of the most important things I do is create a space where my clients can take their time. There’s no rush in deciding what to keep, donate, or let go of. I often suggest starting with less emotionally charged items, such as paperwork or duplicate household items, to build momentum. This gentle approach allows clients to ease into the process without feeling overwhelmed. I also encourage clients to think about how they want to honor their loved one’s memory. This might mean setting aside a few meaningful items to display or creating a keepsake box with treasured mementos. With my father, it was his collection of hand-written notes that I couldn’t bear to part with. For my mother, it was a small collection of her favorite jewelry. These curated selections allowed me to keep their presence close while letting go of items that no longer served me. There’s also practical relief in decluttering after a loss. Clearing out unused or unnecessary items helps to reclaim physical and emotional space, which is essential for healing. While the process can be bittersweet, it often brings unexpected moments of joy—a rediscovered photo, a funny memory, or simply the lightness that comes from letting go of what no longer fits in your life. Working with those who are grieving is some of the most meaningful work I do. I understand the depth of the journey because I’ve walked it myself. I’m here to offer not just a service, but a sense of peace and a path forward. Together, we can create a space that celebrates your loved one’s memory while allowing you to move forward with clarity and calm.

What a Session Looks Like with Me When you schedule a session with me, my main goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your home. Every client’s needs are different, so no two sessions are exactly alike. However, there’s a general flow to the process that ensures we work effectively while respecting your unique situation. We always start with a conversation. Whether in person or over the phone, I’ll ask questions to understand your goals, challenges, and the emotions tied to your space. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by a specific room, struggling with sentimental items, or just don’t know where to start. This conversation sets the tone for the session and helps me tailor our approach to what works best for you. Once we’ve defined the focus area, we roll up our sleeves and dive in. Together, we sort through items, one category at a time, making decisions about what to keep, donate, recycle, or discard. I’m there to guide and encourage you, but I also give you the space to reflect. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. I always bring tools like bins, labels, or a donation box to help keep the process organized and efficient. Throughout the session, I keep an eye on the bigger picture. Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things; it’s about creating systems that work for your life. As we go, I’ll suggest practical solutions for maintaining your space, such as storage options, organizing tips, or habits to prevent clutter from building up again. These small adjustments can make a big difference in how your home feels and functions. At the end of our session, you’ll have a space that feels lighter, more intentional, and aligned with your goals. I’ll even help you load up donations or arrange for items to be removed so you’re not left with loose ends. My aim is to leave you feeling accomplished and inspired, ready to continue the momentum we’ve created together. A session with me isn’t just about transforming your home—it’s about transforming how you feel in it.

The Power of Accountability One of the biggest challenges of staying organized is keeping the momentum going after the initial work is done. That’s why, when I work with clients, I don’t see our session as the end of the journey. I know how easy it is to slip back into old habits or find that certain systems aren’t working quite as planned. To truly create lasting change, I believe in supporting my clients beyond our time together, helping them stay accountable and ensuring the systems we’ve put in place continue to serve them. Checking In Matters After we’ve decluttered, organized, and set up systems tailored to your space, I make it a point to check in with you. These follow-ups are about more than just seeing how things look—they’re an opportunity to discuss how the systems are functioning in your daily life. Maybe you’ve discovered that a certain drawer gets cluttered faster than you thought, or you’re not sure how to manage new items coming into your home. By staying connected, we can make small adjustments to keep your space running smoothly. Adjustments Are Part of the Process No system is perfect right out of the gate, and that’s completely normal. Life changes, routines shift, and sometimes what worked in one season doesn’t fit as well in the next. My goal is to help you feel empowered to maintain your space, but I also want to be a resource when tweaks are needed. These check-ins give us a chance to troubleshoot together, so your organization remains sustainable and fits your current needs. Your Success Is My Priority When I work with clients, I’m invested in their long-term success. Organization isn’t just about tidying up for today; it’s about creating a foundation for a more peaceful, manageable future. Checking in after our session allows me to continue supporting you on this journey and ensure that the systems we’ve built together truly work for your life. Because at the end of the day, your space should serve you—not the other way around.

I’ll admit it—life gets busy, and it’s easy for our homes to become catch-alls for everything we bring in. But over time, clutter starts to creep in, and so does the stress. When our surroundings feel chaotic, it’s hard to relax. In fact, studies have shown that living in a cluttered environment can lead to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and even trouble sleeping. That’s because our minds crave order. When our space feels calm and organized, we feel the same way. One of the biggest ways clutter affects our daily lives is by stealing our time. Think about it: how often do you find yourself looking for misplaced keys, important documents, or that one pair of shoes you swore you just saw? On average, people spend nearly two and a half days a year searching for lost items. That’s time we could spend with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. And the frustration of not finding what you need only adds to the stress. Keeping an organized home isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about creating a space that supports your life instead of working against it. When everything has a designated place, it’s easier to find what you need and keep your space tidy. Imagine walking into a kitchen where every utensil is neatly stored or opening a closet where you can actually see all your clothes. That sense of order isn’t just visually appealing—it’s a form of self-care. I’ve seen how powerful it is to reclaim your space. The transformation isn’t just physical; it’s emotional. People often tell me how much lighter they feel after decluttering and organizing their homes. They sleep better, feel more productive, and finally have time for the things that matter most. It’s amazing how something as simple as an organized space can ripple out and improve so many areas of your life. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by your home, start small. Tackle one drawer or shelf at a time and celebrate each little victory. The peace of mind you’ll gain is worth every effort. A clutter-free home isn’t just about neatness—it’s about creating a sanctuary where you can truly thrive.

ADHD and the Challenge of Decluttering Living with ADHD can often feel like juggling ten tasks at once, with all of them slipping through your fingers. For me, and for many others I’ve worked with, keeping up with daily life is a challenge on its own, let alone managing a cluttered home. The piles of papers, mismatched socks, and unfinished projects aren’t just physical messes—they can feel like mental roadblocks, making it even harder to focus or relax. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone, and there are solutions to help regain control of your space and your peace of mind. The ADHD Brain and Clutter ADHD affects how the brain processes tasks, which can make decluttering feel overwhelming. Decisions like what to keep, toss, or donate can feel exhausting, and distractions often pull you away before you can finish. Clutter doesn’t just occupy physical space; it also occupies mental space, making it harder to concentrate and adding to the stress. This isn’t a lack of effort or care—it’s a real challenge tied to the way your brain works. That’s why creating systems that support your unique needs is so important. Why You Don’t Have to Do It Alone Decluttering with ADHD isn’t just about getting rid of things—it’s about creating a functional space that works for you. This is where a professional organizer can make all the difference. When I work with clients, I bring not only expertise but also understanding and compassion for how ADHD impacts daily life. Together, we develop strategies and systems that are simple, sustainable, and tailored to your needs. It’s not about achieving perfection—it’s about making your space a tool that helps you thrive. A New Way Forward Hiring a professional organizer is an investment in yourself and your well-being. It’s about more than just a tidy home; it’s about creating an environment that supports focus, reduces stress, and brings a sense of calm. If you’ve struggled with ADHD and clutter, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can transform your space into one that truly works for you—because you deserve to feel comfortable and in control of your home.

Moving is often cited as one of life’s most stressful events. Whether you’re buying a new home, selling your current one, or both, the process can feel overwhelming. From coordinating showings and paperwork to packing boxes, the mental and physical toll of moving can quickly escalate. Decisions pile up, timelines tighten, and it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling too much at once. One key strategy to reduce stress during a move is decluttering before packing. Clearing out what you no longer use, need, or love not only lightens the physical load but also helps you avoid paying to move items you may end up discarding later. Fewer belongings mean fewer boxes, less packing material, and even potential savings on moving services. Plus, a decluttered home is more appealing to buyers, potentially leading to quicker sales and better offers. Did you know it takes the average person six months to fully unpack after a move? That’s half a year of living surrounded by boxes, struggling to find what you need. With Morganize It , I can turn those six months into days—if not hours. Not only do I guide you through decluttering before your move, but she also ensures everything is packed and labeled with purpose. Once you arrive in your new home, I work my magic to help you unpack and organize efficiently, creating spaces that feel functional and calm from day one. With my expertise, the chaos of moving transforms into an opportunity for clarity and ease. By preparing your home with a clear, organized plan, you’ll gain more than just a smoother move—you’ll set yourself up for a fresh, clutter-free start. Let Morganize It help you focus less on the stress of the move and more on the exciting possibilities ahead.