Ever since I was a little girl, I loved the idea of being organized and tidy, with every toy and trinket having its own “home.” My Barbies were tucked in each and every night, my floor was free from the tripping hazards of Legos and Polly Pockets, and I was nestled into bed with nary a worry of mess or clutter. As I got older, I decluttered the homes of my closest friends and family, leaving them ecstatic and wanting more. In April 2021, I launched Organized + Tidy, a Collin County-based woman-owned business. Now, I get paid to pursue my passion of organizing and decluttering!
As long as I can remember, I’ve been intrigued by the television show "Hoarders," as well as the stories behind the individuals, leading me to want to help those who struggle with hoarding as much as I am able. During the first six months of opening Organized + Tidy, I reached out to several potential hoarder clients but only received a call back from one. At the client's request, we started small. As excited as I was when I completed her pantry job, it was apparent that she wasn’t ready to purge. This was the end of that experience, but it did teach me a very valuable lesson. I now understood who my ideal clientele would be – those who are ready to let go.
Aside from commercial and residential organizing, Organized + Tidy also manages decluttering for seniors and can help with packing, unpacking and setup, and various forms of staging. We also recently launched a new service called Organizing Maintenance Program (OMP). Clients who enlist us for OMP may schedule a maintenance visit every three or six months. We also love helping clients who are neurodivergent or have another diagnosis such as ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, or Alzheimer’s that makes staying organized a challenge.
There are a number of tried and true methods to help you manage your belongings. Having a set place for your daily go-to items has been proven to 1) eliminate stress, in turn decreasing depression symptoms, 2) allow you to physically see what products you currently have so you’re not running to the store for more, and 3) know at all times where your medications, snacks, and important paperwork are so you’re not scrambling for items in a time of desperation and frustration.
Over the past two years, I’ve developed several tips and tricks that have proven invaluable to my clients. Consider giving one a try and, once you’ve made it part of your routine, incorporate another:
1. No More “Drop Zones”
Instead of having a “drop-zone” when the family comes home from a long day at school or work, make sure everyone understands that each item has a “home” (i.e., shoes = closet, backpack = on a hook by the back door, lunchbox items = either trash, refrigerator, or dishwasher). This helps you to better manage your time and energy, get to bed at a decent hour, and have less stress in the morning.
2. Eliminate Hangers
When you remove an item of clothing from its hanger, remove the hanger from the rod as well. You can either move it to the laundry room or place it in a designated spot in the closet. This helps maintain an organized and well-managed closet system, and also helps you keep track of your hangers!
3. Don’t Break the Bank Buying Bins
If you have a junk or utensil drawer that needs a little help, forgo expensive organizational systems in favor of inexpensive alternatives available at dollar stores or inexpensive online retailers. Small spaces like these are much easier to maintain with just four or five organizing containers, and there’s no need to spend a ton of money to improve your quality of life.
For more information regarding Organized + Tidy’s services and pricing, please visit www.organizedandtidy.com, call or text us at (972) 345-9879, or send an email to info@organizedandtidy.com. Mention this editorial for a free consultation!
Instead of having a “drop-zone” when the family comes home from a long day at school or work, make sure everyone understands that each item has a “home.”