Client Spotlight: How Decluttering One Room Sparked a Whole-Home Transformation

When most people think about getting organized, they imagine a one-and-done project—declutter a little, tidy up a few spaces, and move on. But for one of my recent clients, taking that first step opened the door to a complete life transformation—and it all started with her kitchen, pantry, and laundry room.

Starting Small, Building Momentum

When I first stepped into her home for the consultation, she immediately apologized for the state of things. She told me she was embarrassed, but I could already tell how much courage it took for her to invite me in.
There was hardly any visible counter space. Clutter was piled on the floors, tucked into corners, and drawers were so overfilled they barely opened.

I smiled and told her, "I’m proud of you for having the courage to reach out for help. This is going to be a journey I’m honored to be part of. My team and I come in with big open hearts and a non-judgmental attitude, just wanting to make a difference in your home—and your life. We are going to impact you in ways you never thought possible."

Before: A cluttered kitchen cabinet and counter used for storing medicine and first aid supplies, in need of a functional system.

From that moment, she was ready. She didn’t hesitate. She wanted change—and she was willing to do the hard work to get there.

After: A beautifully organized medicine and first aid cabinet with clear bins and labeled zones, creating calm and easy access.

Both she and her husband are artists, and as we got started, it became even more clear why clutter had accumulated over time. Creative minds often don’t operate in a linear or systematic way—it's what makes them brilliant. But it also made it harder to establish "homes" for belongings. I knew our systems had to be simple, intuitive, and easy to maintain.

Before: A cluttered pantry stuffed with food items and no clear zones for storage.

Throughout those first sessions, she worked hard—letting go of things she didn’t love, need, or use anymore. Every few items, she'd glance at me, seeking reassurance that she was doing okay, and say “see how much I’m getting rid of.” Each time, I told her the truth:  "You’re doing amazing. I’m so proud of you."

After: A fully organized pantry featuring labeled bins, turntables, and intentional zones to make everyday life easier.

I made sure to check in often, asking if she needed breaks or if decision fatigue was setting in—something that's so important during emotional decluttering work. She appreciated those pauses, those moments to breathe and regroup.

Before: An overcrowded laundry room with cluttered counters and cabinets that needed a major reset.

It was reflective. It was eye-opening.

After: A transformed laundry room with clear counters, organized cabinets, and thoughtfully designed zones for daily efficiency.

She kept saying, "I can't believe how much junk and trash I've been holding onto." and later, as we moved things out to a junk pile for haul-away, she said over and over again, "I just love how good it feels to see it all go."

A clutter free kitchen counter can have such a big impact on you and may not even know it.

Tackling Sentimental Items—Earlier Than Planned

Typically, I coach my clients to leave sentimental items for the end of their decluttering journey. These items are tied to emotions and memories, and by the time we get to them, my clients usually have the confidence and decision-making momentum needed to handle them thoughtfully.

But life had other plans for this project.

Sentimental items can be hard to organize. Having a designated space and a professional organizer can make a big difference.

Family was coming to stay with her for an extended period, and the guest room—also her craft and office space—was filled with sentimental items.
She wanted that room to feel welcoming. She wanted it to feel peaceful for her guests.
So we pivoted.

Together, we tackled the emotional layers sooner than planned.
Piece by piece, item by item, she worked through memories.
And somewhere during that process, something shifted.

The Ripple Effect : A Whole-Home Reset

After we cleared the kitchen, pantry, laundry room, and guest room, the momentum was undeniable.
She started organizing her bedroom and closets on her own between our sessions.
She edited down hallway closets, creating breathing room where there had once been chaos.
She tackled the garage with new eyes, shedding items that no longer served her current life.

She donated dozens of bags to local charities. She even found forgotten cash during a decluttering session—which she happily used to bring in a junk removal company to take away the last of the bulk items.

Proof of progress: Over 12 bags of donations showing the incredible effort and transformation made in just one session during this full home organization project.

It wasn’t just her space that was lighter.
She was lighter.
Her energy changed. Her home changed. Her sense of peace changed.

Even her husband—who admitted he had been hesitant about the process at first—told me after a few sessions that it was worth every single penny.

The Power of One Step

This story isn’t just about stuff. It’s about reclaiming ownership of your home—and your life.

Decluttering can feel overwhelming at first. But with the right support, encouragement, and systems, it becomes one of the most empowering journeys you can take.

Sometimes all it takes is one project, one decision, one brave step forward to change everything.

And you don't have to do it alone.

If you're ready to experience the peace and freedom that an organized home can bring, I would be honored to help you take the first step.

Explore our home organization services to see how The Simple House can turn clutter into calm with customized solutions for every space.