Decluttering and Organizing: An Amazing Home Makeover!

Jan 7, 2025 | Decluttering Tips, YouTube

In this home makeover we show how even the busiest families can create a space they love. Meet Sarah, a hardworking nurse and mother of two, who opened her doors to us . She needed a little help to tackle the clutter and find practical solutions for her home.

Meet Sarah: Our home makeover recipient

Sarah’s life is a whirlwind. With a five-year-old daughter, a two-year-old son, and both her and her husband working as nurses, it’s no surprise her home felt chaotic. She described it best: “My house is in constant chaos mode. My mind is cluttered, my house is cluttered, my life is cluttered.” Sarah’s goal? To create a home that feels functional and joyful—a space her family can truly love.

First Impressions: The House Tour

Walking through Sarah’s home, a few key challenges stood out:

1. The Entranceway

Shoes and coats piled up without a clear system.
The only closet was blocked by a chair, making it impractical to use.
There was no designated spot for kids’ toys, leaving items scattered everywhere.

2. The Living Room

A multipurpose space that served as a living room, dining room, hair station, and workout room.
No proper zones for toys or family activities.
Piles of items with no clear homes.

3. The Kitchen

The kitchen table had become a “dropping station” for keys, bags, bills, and more.
Cabinets lacked organization, making it hard to find items.
Important documents and kids’ schoolwork were scattered on the counters.

Diagnosing the Problem: Why Sarah’s Home Felt Overwhelming

Sarah’s biggest issue wasn’t an excess of stuff—it was the lack of designated zones and practical storage solutions. Without clear homes for her family’s belongings, clutter took over. The solution? Create easy-to-maintain systems that fit Sarah’s “ladybug” organizing style: quick, out-of-sight storage that keeps surfaces tidy.

Step 1: Decluttering the Trash

The first step was simple but impactful: tackle the trash. Armed with garbage bags, Sarah and her helper moved through the house, tossing out dried markers, expired food, broken toys, and other obvious trash. This “trash hunt” was cathartic and set the stage for deeper decluttering.

Quick Tip: Don’t overthink it! If something is broken, expired, or unloved, let it go. It’s okay to say, “I’ll do better in the future.”

Step 2: Organizing the Kitchen

With the trash gone, it was time to make the kitchen functional:

Snack Zones: Create a designated spot for kids’ snacks that’s easy for them to reach.
Spice Storage: Use pull-down bins to keep spices accessible and prevent rummaging through cluttered shelves.
Paper Piles: Set up a system for important documents, like a simple file box or wall organizer.
Essentials Within Reach: Group commonly used items together and store them near where they’re needed.

Step 3: Reclaiming the Living Room

The living room needed to serve the family better:

Toy Storage: Add bins or baskets for toys, making cleanup quick and easy for the kids.
Decluttering Large Items: Move the Peloton bike to the basement to create a dedicated workout area and free up family space.
Fresh Decor: Let go of the dead plant that was giving off “bummer vibes” and add a touch of greenery with a low-maintenance alternative.

Step 4: Zoning and Simplifying

By dividing the house into zones, Sarah’s home gained a sense of order:

Entrance Zone: Hooks and a small shoe rack by the door made it easy for the family to store everyday items.
Living Zone: The living room became a cozy space for family time, with hidden storage for toys and games.
Kitchen Zone: Clear counter space and functional storage turned the kitchen into an efficient workspace.

Home Makeover Day 1 Results

Decluttering makes a difference! By the end of the first day decluttering, Sarah’s home was unrecognizable—in the best way. She now has a space that feels calmer, functional, and a little more tailored to her family’s needs. But we weren’t finished yet!

Home Makeover Day Two

When I first walked into Sarah’s home, it was clear that she was overwhelmed. Piles of paperwork, cluttered counters, and a kitchen table functioning as a catch-all screamed for a system that would bring peace and order. By day two, we were ready to take the next step: turning her house into a home.

Starting in the Kitchen: Small Systems, Big Changes

Tackling Paper Clutter The kitchen counters were buried under paper—bills, kids’ artwork, and miscellaneous memories. The solution? A simple two-box system. One box for incoming bills and paperwork that needs attention, and another for sentimental items like artwork, which can be transferred later to long-term memory bins.

Decluttering Drawers Sarah’s kitchen had two junk drawers—far too many! By adding $10 worth of drawer dividers, we transformed chaos into clarity. Now everything has a place, from scissors to rubber bands.

Creating a Smoothie Station Sarah’s family loves smoothies, so I decanted ingredients into clear containers for easy access and freshness. This small, intentional space not only looks great but also makes mornings faster and more enjoyable.

Organizing the Pantry The pantry was a mix of empty boxes and misplaced items. By zoning each shelf and using containers for items like rice and snacks, we maximized space and functionality. We also created a kid-friendly snack zone for healthy options within their reach.

Establishing a Drop Zone Phones, keys, and AirPods always seemed to pile up in random spots. A simple Dollar Store tray now keeps everything in one place. Setting up systems where things naturally get dropped makes maintaining order effortless.

Brightening the Living Room

Sarah’s living room was the first thing guests saw when entering, but it was cluttered with toys and lacked storage. Here’s how we tackled it:

Functional Coffee Table We brought in a coffee table with built-in storage and added baskets to organize toys. Now, after playtime, everything tucks away neatly.

Decorating with Heart A new rug and artwork gave the room a cozy, inviting feel. Accessories like lamps and throw pillows made it a space that feels like home.

Memory Storage Made Simple

Instead of expecting Sarah to run to the basement every time she wanted to save a memory (like little artwork, school mementos, photos etc.) , we added a small, accessible memory bin near the kitchen. When it fills up, she can transfer the contents to the larger memory bins downstairs. It’s a quick and easy system that works with her lifestyle.

Sarah’s Reaction

When Sarah saw her newly organized home, her face lit up. “It feels brighter,” she said. “It feels homey.” From the counters to the pantry, everything now has a place. Even her kids’ lunch bags and snacks are neatly organized, making mornings smoother for the entire family.

Most importantly, Sarah can finally say, “I love my home.”

Tips for Tackling Your Own Clutter

If Sarah’s story resonates with you, here are some quick takeaways:

Start Small: Begin with obvious trash or one area, like the kitchen table or junk drawer.
Create Zones: Assign specific purposes to each space in your home.
Keep It Simple: Use easy-to-maintain systems that work for your organizing style.
Let Go: Don’t hold onto items out of guilt or habit. If it doesn’t serve you, it’s time to say goodbye.

With these steps, you can transform your own space into a home you love—just like Sarah did!