When we moved into our house 4 years ago and I felt like we were organized. Unfortunately, like most people going through a move-in – you don’t get to manage the process. Things are placed in drawers and cabinets that you may never see again. Your kitchen gets organized in a way that may not make sense at the time but then it’s never changed. My friends nag me all the time about how nothing is in the right place in my kitchen. Ugh. Over it.
We have also accumulated a wide variety of items over the years that have sentimental value at one time. My husband’s Mother passed away before we got married so we were passed all of her kitchen items. We have had these items for over 10 years and I’m not sure how to even use some of them. Random utensils for pounding meat, tons of meat thermometers, Winnie the Pooh orange juice glasses that have never been used… you name it. Why did I have this stuff?
My kitchen had also become a dropping ground for everything. It is right off the garage so everyone comes in and dumps. My husband works from home so I was finding that all my papers, school notes, homework, bills – they were all in piles in the kitchen for everyone to see. It’s also the place everyone comes to hang out, so guests were living in my most cluttered room.
Life got in the way of our move and our kitchen has become an animal over all these years. I was determined to get a hold of the situation. So who did I call? Julie, the Organizing Pro!
Julie came to check out the kitchen situation and developed a plan. I have to say I was a little self-conscious. What does this kitchen reveal about me? Is it showing all my horrible skeletons? Is it the worst she has ever seen? Is she judging me? Julie just took her notes, opened cabinets, asked questions and developed a plan. “See you next week!” And that was it.
One week later, Julie came back with a big bag from the Container Store and got to work. Every once in awhile I would pop down to the kitchen and answer questions about what to keep and what to donate. I kept checking the progress and I was excited to see where it was going. I was trying to give her space but near the end I felt like I was just sitting at the top of the steps like a child on Christmas morning… anxiously waiting for my parents to call me downstairs.
She finished. I could barely contain my excitement as I checked out every drawer and cabinet. It looked like and adult lived here! My silverware drawer showed maturity and no longer reeked of college. My coffee station was a cabinet that made me want to drink coffee and invite others over for coffee. I had Tupperware that was matched. I had a drawer of spices that informed me that I actually had spices. There were file folders that were hidden from the eye that contained all my important documents. My kitchen was no longer junky – it was beautiful. I couldn’t believe how excited I was about an organized kitchen. I had a feeling this woman was going to be a staple in my life forever. My wheels were turning on what to have her do next. Needless to say, I am a happy customer. J
Julie’s side of the story:
I recently helped Erin get her kitchen back in order after a difficult time in her life. Her friends and family had helped set up her kitchen for her years ago when she moved in. Since she didn’t unpack her kitchen she wasn’t able to put things away in a way that made sense to her. Like items were not grouped together and frequently used items were put in hard to reach areas. She needed someone to sort it all out. This was right up my alley! My team and I have set up literally hundreds of kitchens over the years for our de-cluttering and unpacking clients. In fact, the kitchen is the number one requested area for us to unpack since it is the hub of activity in the home.
First, I started with what WAS working. I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel. The everyday plates and glasses and silverware should be in the best locations since you use them everyday. Pots and pans need to be near the stove. Erin had these items exactly where they should be.
Next, think about the things that are in several locations and get them all grouped together. All your appliances need to be together in one or two cabinets. You’re making too much work for your self by having to check four locations to find a blender instead of one. (Which is what Erin had to do.)
Finally, go through items and see what you have too much of and what you can whittle down. We constantly bring things into our homes from shopping but rarely haul out the same amount. Think about this week and what you bought. Did you take out the same amount? Multiply that times a month and then times a year and you begin to understand why our homes get cluttered. Erin did a great job in whittling down the coffee mugs, everyday glasses and utensils that they just didn’t use.
Julie is being modest to say the least. She did an amazing job and you should contact her immediately to put your life in order.
Check out her website (The Organizing Pro) to see all the amazing things she does. It’s not just kitchens and playrooms, but she also works with Business and Office clients, Home Sale Preparation and Unpacking and even Senior Move Management. This is a must-do for any family and a game changer in the home. THANKS JULIE!!!!
