Imagine walking into your home and feeling a sense of calm instead of chaos—that’s the gift of an organized space, and it’s exactly what Katie Wagner of Renewal By Kate delivers.
“Our goal is to create customized organizing solutions that work for each client. We take time to understand their routines, lifestyles, and preferences instead of using a one-size-fits-all system. Our hope is that the systems are maintainable for everyone in the home and will reduce clutter for the long term, making their daily lives easier.”
What got you into professional organizing?
Growing up, if I had a Saturday free, I thought it was fun to reorganize my dresser. It was just something ingrained in me. In 2020, I was searching for a career that would allow me to manage my own schedule, and organizing is something that I’ve always been passionate about. I’ve loved connecting with all the different types of people we’ve helped. Each client is unique, and it’s so rewarding to transform their space into a home that truly serves them and their family.
What kind of effects can a disorganized home have on overall wellness?
We all want a peaceful space, but for some people, the chaos of the day might continue when they get home. Clutter can drain your energy, steal your time, and make it harder to relax or focus. You're always looking for something and can't find what you need. We give people back their time and energy to really enjoy their home and the things in it.
Walk me through the process once a client comes to you looking for help.
It usually starts with a phone call so that I can understand the scope of their project. Then I offer a complimentary consultation at their home. This is a great opportunity for us to meet each other and ensure they feel comfortable, as organizing can be a vulnerable process.
We walk through the house and identify their current habits and pain points. This allows me to put together a project plan tailored to their needs. Next, we schedule organizing sessions. If we're focusing on decluttering and downsizing, oftentimes we work in three or four hour sessions with the client alongside us, asking them meaningful questions to help decide what stays or what goes. Other times, we’re simply setting up organizing systems, and my team and I will organize someone's space independently during the workday.
What kind of advice would you have for people looking to make changes in their own homes? (Aside from hiring you, of course)
Start small and build momentum from there. Sometimes people think, 'I'm going to organize my bedroom closet this weekend', they pull everything out of their closet and are overwhelmed. They never really get to the downsizing, editing and organizing part. Keep it manageable, a drawer or a shelf, and work your way up.
Set a routine. This can be great for people with young kids or a family. So, let's say you eat dinner together most days. After you’ve finished eating, set a 10-minute timer and have everybody put away whatever they used that day. It can be fun, and it's much easier to tidy up daily than to deal with a week’s worth of clutter all at once.
Another good one is to “catch the mood.” If you're already in a closet looking for something, take advantage of that moment. Do you see three things that could either be tossed, recycled, or donated? These small actions add up and can make a big difference over time.
"Our goal is to create customized organizing solutions that work for each client. We take the time to understand their routines, lifestyles, and preferences instead of using a one-size-fits-all system"