
Life in Leisure: The Blog
Your Guide to Slowing Down and Finding Order at Home & On the Go
Confessions of a Professional Organizer: 10 FAQ’s
As a Professional Organizer, people never ask about my hourly rate or what bins I recommend. It’s always the juicy questions—the ones you’d only ask if you were genuinely curious about what it’s like to step inside other people’s homes and lives every single day.
So today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the 10 most common questions I get as a Professional Organizer!
The Ultimate End-of-Summer Home Reset
As summer winds down, it’s worth asking: is your home ready for the next season?
Because whether you’ve been traveling, juggling endless summer activities, or just soaking in slower days, the way you close out the season makes a big difference in how you start the next one.
Here’s how to pack up summer with intention—so next year is easier, and September starts with more calm than chaos.
Back-to-School Made Easy: 7 Systems That Work
Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to chaos.
With a few intentional systems in place, your home can actually support the rhythms of the school year. It can calm the morning rush, make space for connection, and help your whole family feel a little more grounded.
Here’s exactly how we help clients across Bellingham and Seattle get their homes (and minds) back on track before that first-day bell rings.
A Scandinavian Summer
Discover a thoughtfully planned 3-week family adventure through Scandinavia, including Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. From fjord cruises and saunas to Lego dreams and medieval castles, explore the simple beauty, culture, and joy these Nordic countries offer.
Practical Tips for a Beautiful, Functional Pantry
It’s the middle of summer, and if your home is anything like mine, the kitchen is officially the busiest spot in the house. But your pantry doesn’t have to be chaotic just because life is. With a few intentional shifts, you can create a pantry that’s not only beautiful to look at, but totally functional—designed to support your family’s daily rhythms, even in the thick of snack season. Let’s break down how to do it!
10 Things to Declutter When You’re Short on Time
Decluttering doesn’t always have to be a giant project. It can be 10 quiet minutes while your coffee brews. Or that short window between camp drop-off and your first meeting of the day. So if you’re craving more calm in your home—but don’t have the bandwidth for a full-on organizing marathon—this post is for you. Here are 10 spaces you can declutter in 10 minutes or less, so you can feel more in control, even when life gets busy.
Your Complete Guide to an Organized Summer
Now is the perfect time to get ahead of the chaos and organize your summer essentials! With a few simple systems in place, your home (and your brain) can breathe a little easier—so you can make the most of these sunny days without the stress. Let’s dive into my favorite practical, easy-to-maintain tips to keep your summer organized, efficient, and FUN!
Q&A: 5 Common Questions I Get During Consultations
The consultation is where we get clear on what matters to you, ease any nerves about the process, and start building a plan that’s just as functional as it is elevated.
So whether you’re preparing for a move, refreshing a few key spaces, or dreaming of a whole-home overhaul, consider this your inside peek at what to expect—and how we can make it all feel a little more doable!
What to Expect When You Work with The Orderly Space
Behind every beautifully organized space is a meticulous process—one that begins long before we ever ring your doorbell on the day of your project. It’s intentional. It’s precise. And it’s designed to make your transformation feel effortless.
So if you’ve ever wondered what actually happens after you say “yes” to working with us—how we bring our signature services to life—keep reading!
Whether you're in Bellingham, Seattle, or somewhere in between, here's a peek into what really happens behind the scenes when you book with The Orderly Space.
Moving 101: Tips for a Stress-Free Transition
While a new home brings so much possibility, it also brings a lot of pressure — to get it all right, right away.
After walking alongside countless families through their moves, I’ve learned that moving isn’t just a logistical event; it’s an emotional transition.
So today, I want to share the real tips that help make a move feel smoother, lighter, and dare I say, joyful!
How to Maintain an Organized Home After the Pros Leave
Keeping your home organized after the pros leave is completely possible, and it doesn't require being "perfect." It just takes a few mindset shifts, simple systems, and a little grace for yourself.
So let’s talk about how to actually live in your beautifully organized home, and how you can maintain that "just organized" feeling long after we drive away.
From Honky Tonks to Deep Dish: Our Family Road Trip from Nashville to Chicago
From wild storms in the skies above Nashville to horse farms in Kentucky and deep-dish debates in Chicago, this ten-day family road trip was packed with music, history, and unforgettable food. Follow along as we travel from the honky-tonks of Tennessee to the heart of the Midwest, with plenty of detours, discoveries, and storytelling along the way.
10 Common Organizing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Staying organized—especially as life evolves—isn’t just about being neat. It’s about creating systems that actually support your daily rhythms, your family, your season of life.
So I’m breaking down the 10 most common organizing mistakes I see in homes of all shapes and sizes—and how to fix them with a little more strategy, intention, and grace.
The Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Wardrobe Rotation
The beginning of Spring is exactly the time of year when wardrobes start to feel confusing. You're not quite ready to pack away the coats but you also really want to pull out the linen pants—is where things tend to get messy. Here at The Orderly Space, we help our clients create intentional wardrobe systems that make seasonal transitions feel seamless—not stressful.
A Organizer's Checklist for a Stress-Free Trip
As a Professional Organizer (and someone who loves a good travel itinerary), I refuse to let any of our trips turn into a stressful, last-minute scramble. I’ve learned that the key to a smooth vacation is a well-organized plan. So, whether you’re chasing the sun, hitting the slopes, or planning a laid-back family getaway, here’s my step-by-step guide to planning a stress-free trip!
How to Organize Your Vacation Rental for 5-Star Reviews
Want to make your vacation home or Airbnb effortlessly guest-ready? This guide covers expert organization tips to create a stress-free, luxurious stay—no matter who you’re renting to. Learn how to set up each space, add thoughtful touches, and streamline your rental for 5-star reviews.
How a Disorganized Workplace is Costing Your Business
Why does an organized space feel so freeing? Why do we think clearer when our surroundings aren’t a disaster? And most importantly—why do so many businesses wait until they’re drowning in clutter before calling in help? The mental load of a messy workspace is just as exhausting as the physical clutter. But the good news is, there IS a way out of the chaos!
The Busy Person’s Guide to Staying Organized
If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought, I just need one full day to get everything organized, only to never find that magical day, you’re not alone. Here’s the secret: You don’t need a full day to get organized, you just need a few minutes. Staying organized is about building tiny, consistent habits that make organization part of your daily life instead of something you’re constantly chasing. So, what does that practically look like? I’m so glad you asked - let’s dive in!
12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying Something: A Guide to Intentional Shopping
Shopping has never been easier—or more tempting—than it is today. With trends coming and going, advertisements everywhere we look, and sales just a click away, it's easy to fill our homes with items we don’t truly need. If you’ve ever felt buyer’s remorse or struggled to keep your space organized, you’re not alone! Before adding another item to your cart, take a moment to ask yourself these 12 questions.
Two Weeks in Brazil: From Beaches to the Rainforest
Looking for travel inspiration and tips for a two-week trip to Brazil? In this blog post, we share our itinerary exploring Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon Basin, and Campos do Jordao, highlighting must-see attractions, family-friendly activities, and the best food and accommodations. From the vibrant streets of Rio to the tranquil beauty of the Amazon, discover how we made the most of our time in Brazil, plus travel tips for navigating transportation, currency, and weather. Stay tuned for more travel posts, including upcoming road trips and European adventures!