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the I+D blog

Simple ideas. Short posts. Shared here to help make your home happier.

finding my purpose in professional organizing

Updated: May 14, 2025

I never dreamed I’d start a business, let alone one that would meld two of my favorite things: interior design AND organizing. The latter is what's really made me find fulfillment and purpose. Helping busy families transform where they live into a home they love is such an honor. Every space is different. Every client is inspiring and insightful. And as much as I'm hired to teach, I consider each client relationship a collaboration.


2024 was quite the year for my little biz. It brought more connections and clients than I could have hoped for, and the best part was seeing it all unfold organically. I’m so grateful to every kind soul who shared my name, each brave mama who reached out, and all the amazing local creatives in my town who continue to cheer on my efforts.


Here's a snapshot of some of the incredible organizing transformations I had the pleasure and privilege to take part in:


triple closet makeover


Quite possibly the most dramatic before and after of the year, involving not one but THREE closets! Check out the full story here: Closet Clutter Challenge

  • closet full of toys bags and random items
  • empty closet with wire shelving
  • dedicated closet for luggage and formal Indian garments

The guest closet housing "all the things" was repurposed for travel gear and formal attire


  • entry closet of kid clothes and diapers
  • entry closet divided into supply zones

Entry closet became a storage space for lesser accessed gift supplies on top and active baby supplies below. In season coats were relocated to mudroom and off-season to kids' closets.


  • closet full of formal Indian garments
  • closet full of formal Indian garments and luggage
  • kids clothes neatly hung in closet

Their little one has a closet just for her clothes and future toys!


mudroom mayhem managed


As the main entry for many homes, mudrooms without a clear system can get messy in seconds. Both of these mudrooms needed decluttering and rezoning to make them manageable, welcoming spaces for everyday use.

  • messy mudroom of coats shoes and unused boxes
  • coats neatly hung in mudroom
  • mess of shoes and cleaning supplies in mudroom
  • cleaning supplies organized above neat shoe racks

Two mudroom zones: coats, shoes and cleaning supplies


  • mess of coats hats and bags on wall hooks
  • coats neatly hung on wall hooks
  • messy shelves of random household items
  • household supplies organized in bins above laundry folding table
  • shoes spilling off of rack in closet
  • neat shoe rack and coats hung in closet

Mudroom coat rack (accessible for parents and kids) and multipurpose closet (home repair supplies, laundry, occasional coats/shoes)


a purposeful place for play (and more)


Play doesn't just include toys. These days, crafting is huge and the myriad of supplies seems endless. We collected all craft-related items scattered about my client's home and consolidated them into TWO Elfa drawer units. The third one (below, far right) is for keepsakes and documents that require rare access.

  • messy playroom closet of clothes toys and books
  • craft supplies organized in closet drawer units

  • craft supplies organized in drawer
  • craft supplies organized in drawer
  • craft supplies organized in drawer
  • craft supplies organized in drawer


downsizing


This client is one I'm still working with as they downsize 89 years of living into a single room. I feel honored to help them through this emotional journey and to a place where they feel at home. Here's a look at how I improved the bathroom and closet storage.

  • cluttered bathroom counter
  • white vanity drawers keep bathroom items off counter
  • messy bathroom closet
  • felt bin and pull-out drawer organize bathroom closet items
  • clothes hanging in paritally used closet
  • labeled bins keep personal wear organized above hanging closet rod

Vanity drawers, lightweight bins, and a pull-out shelf gave the bathroom dedicated, accessible storage. Labeled woven bins in the closet helped divide personal wear and care items.


kitchen flow


If I'm allowed to have favorites, transforming kitchens and pantries is it! This unusually shaped kitchen (like a star) made placing items in intuitive spots a challenge. I ran into my client the night before our session and when I said I was excited, she asked, "Are you sure?". I really was! I saw the potential from the before photos (something I always review beforehand) and had most of the rearrangement mapped out ahead, so I knew the after was going to be awesome!

  • disorganized kitchen cabinets
  • tableware stored by type in cabeint
  • cluttered drawer of baby tableware
  • kid tableware organized into boxes by type
  • messy pantry closet
  • pantry items sorted into food categories


new home of endless possibility


I may have waited six months to help this client move into her new home, but she had to endure the anticipation for 2.5 years! This is only a fraction of what we did, starting with the all-essential pantry...

  • cluttered pantry closet

Old home pantry


  • organized pantry shelves and drawers

New home butler pantry


...and then this dream primary closet upgrade!

  • clothing and shoe boxes crammed in closet
  • clothes crammed in closet

Old home closet


  • Jennifer folding pants in closet

New home walk-in closet

(Seriously, someone, pinch me. DREAM job, right here!!)


Embarking on my own has been a long, winding journey, filled with overwhelming uncertainty and doubt. Over and over, I’ve had to take the advice I give…


Ask for help.

Let go of expectations.

Trust the process.


There’s been no roadmap. Yet like my home, it’s been learning what feels good and right, and letting myself live into what I’m here for—to help others see the possibility in their space, so they feel empowered to make it better and work for their real life, right now.


I could not and would not do any of this without the most committed clients who have put their trust in me and the home process. Beyond grateful for each of you and I cannot wait to continue helping as many families as I can in the years to come.



Always,

jds


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