Organized for Good

21/12/2020

Not that I’m regretting our decision to come to Costa Rica for the holidays, but I may be feeling a bit nostalgic for the sweet holiday treats we’re not getting to enjoy while away from home.

I love flipping back through client photos and imagining all of the fabulous baking that has been facilitated by our organizing work this year.

I love the cookies my sister @resanchez225 makes, especially snickerdoodles! 🍪 Also the fresh rosemary sourdough bread my brother bakes. 🥖 The best!

What is your favorite baked treat at this time of year?

There is still time to enroll in my online home organizing program starting Jan 1! If your kitchen and house is anything but tidy, I’ll guide you over 9 weeks to declutter and organize your entire home! Use code blackfriday and save 20%! Link in bio for details and registration.

#kitchenorganization #bakedgoods #holidaybaking #familytraditions #christmasbaking #christmascookies
#familyrecipes #homeorganization #konmarimethod #konmariconsultant #hometransformation #2021resolution #declutteryourhome #decluttercoach #onlinecourses #giftideas

21/12/2020

The ‘Buy Nothing’ Groups on Facebook Are What Humanity Needs Right Now

Are you a member of your local Buy Nothing group? It’s truly one of my favorite resources for castoffs while decluttering. It feels so good to give items away to neighbors who want or need them. Such great community building too. Would love to hear about your Buy Nothing experiences in the comments!

You could argue the project exemplifies the best of a socialist society — but we won’t get political

18/12/2020

What makes a house a home?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🛋 A furniture store would tell you it’s the furnishings.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🖼 An interior designer would say the textures, colors, and flow of the space.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🍳A cookware company would say it’s the meals prepared and shared.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💡A lamp store would say it’s the lighting that sets a mood.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🪴A plant store would say a bit of the outdoors inside.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And truthfully, I don’t think any of these are wrong, but remember each of these are trying to sell you an idea and an ideal. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I’ve been thinking a lot about this while we’re in Costa Rica, setting up our vacation rental and thinking about what would make it feel like our home away from home. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Love this photo by the ever talented @inkedfingersphotography for @turnerresidential & @riversidehomes

14/12/2020

Any other Mary Oliver fans out these? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love this one— and feel that I’m pretty good at parts 1 & 2, I’m trying to be more intentional about part 3.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So I’m going to start sharing more of myself with you here on my feed and in stories, starting with my current adventure in Costa Rica. When I started my KonMari journey and considered what I wanted my ideal life to look like, travel and adventure were always a part of that picture. It’s amazing what you can manifest with some intention, hard work, luck, and a partner who is just as dedicated to the vision as you.

07/12/2020

At this time of year, I'm often asked for recommendations of gifts that reduce clutter and waste. Abbie and I came up with a list of 10 ideas for gifts that won't end up as clutter (or worse, in a landfill) to help you as you shop for loved ones (or yourself!).
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Some of our recommendations are local, women-owned gems found here in Austin (@Nixtataqueria, @gypsyfloral, @laperaaustin), and others are available anywhere in the world.
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Click the link in my bio to see the blog with the full list. Sending love to you this holiday season!
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xoxo
Erin & Abbie

30/11/2020

When is the last time you clinked champagne and said "Cheers!" in the company of friends? For me, I legitimately think it might've been on New Year's Eve.
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No, 2020 has not been quite the year we were expecting/hoping for, but as the months have come and gone, we've learned a lot. Businesses have pivoted, our social lives have gone virtual, and guess what?! So has @makingspaceatx.
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What is Making Space? Think of it as a yoga retreat and KonMari decluttering workshop all rolled into one. It is an opportunity to dive deep within to identify where you've been holding onto tension in your body, holding onto clutter in your space, and holding onto negativity in your life. It's an invitation to LET GO of all of that, so you can breathe deeply and step into 2021 with lightness, with joy, and in connection with others undergoing this transformation alongside you.
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Save the date - January 31, 2021 - @jessgyoga, @buffaloroamatx, and I would be honored to be your virtual guides! More info and registration coming soon.

26/11/2020

I’m generally wary of #blackfridaydeals because they have a tendency to trick us into buying more than we need. (I’ve seen crockpots in boxes that go unused because they were just bought for the deal.) In the end it’s not a good deal if you don’t need it.

Well I’m here to say you can do it differently this year. I’ve been working over the last couple of months developing an online group program to help you declutter your space and love your home once and for all. In just 9 weeks, you can transform your space from a chaotic mess to a calm sanctuary of hope in 2021.

In the process, you will come to better understand yourself, what you value, and what you want out of life. You will start over with new systems you can actually maintain through the year.

Save 20% off registration with coupon code BLACKFRIDAY today and tomorrow only. The program starts on 1/1/21, and by early March your home could be totally transformed.

#linkinbio #blackfriday #supportsmallbusiness #austinsmallbusiness #womanownedbusiness #thanksgivingdeal #onlinecourses #groupprogram #newyearnewhome #newyearsresolution #supportlocal #thankful #couponcode #couponcodeblackfriday

25/11/2020

Whether yours is a reach-in closet of swapped and thrifted threads (like mine) or a walk-in closet of luxury designers (like this client’s), my goal is the same: make it functional and beautiful. ✨

This client’s love of Chanel and Louis Vuitton was clear from the moment I stepped foot into her newly built-out closet, so I knew she’d love to feel as if she were shopping her closet for what to wear each day. When you can see what you have, you are less likely to buy unnecessarily or duplicate what you already own.

We organized the shoes so she could easily “shop” by designer & style, and the colored shoeboxes created a lovely spectrum. 🌈 (Swipe to see before).

Each end shelf was designated for accessories, which created a lovely focal point at each end of the long walk-through closet.

While I do tend to preach minimalism because I’ve found peace through simplicity, it’s worth remembering that the KonMari Method is about choosing joy. There is no one way to live, and I just want to help my clients find more joy and peace at home. ✌🏻

24/11/2020

Clients ask me if there are any supplies they should buy before our session. Usually the answer is a resounding NO, but there are some exceptions. When a pantry or other closet has deep shelves that are difficult to get to, some pull-out drawers can really help make that space more functional. I use these stainless steel Elfa drawers that are easy to install and work like a charm.

When there is minimal storage space, I also look for empty walls where we can add floating shelves. This client has a tea collection that sparks immense joy but it was buried in one of those deep cabinets, so I added a couple of floating shelves so she could artfully display her teas in clear glass jars and access them with ease.

Another quick upgrade you can make in a kitchen is adding bamboo dividers in drawers to create a specific home for everything and use every square inch of the drawer.

Importantly, these storage upgrades are NO SUBSTITUTE to inventorying what you have and eliminating items you don’t use. Sorting and deciding is always the first step to getting organized.

16/11/2020

Decluttering with the KonMari Method is a journey within to learn to recognize what brings you joy.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When you are guided from within, you cannot be wrong.

12/11/2020

It’s no secret I’m a people person -being a part of a community has always been an important aspect of my self care and emotional well-being. So when @tinyhouseofficial invited me to be a part of the first Global Tiny House Online Conference earlier this year, I was immediately drawn to this group of people who share the value of living intentionally with less.

I definitely felt some imposter syndrome, since my 1000ft2 home in Austin doesn’t nearly qualify as tiny, but during my virtual presentation I could feel my message resonating, and I knew that my knowledge and experience about decluttering, downsizing, and organizing had value for this community in particular.

Fast forward to about 6 months later and I am thrilled to be a part of the event once again. Since then, my husband and I have made an intentional investment in a small (still not quite tiny, just under 900ft2) custom home in the magical town of Nosara, Costa Rica. ✨ Through the process of designing that space, we have consistently prioritized how we want the space to feel rather than how much stuff it can store.

If you are considering downsizing or even going tiny at some point in the future, I invite you to join the conference this weekend (starting today 11/12). It will be inspiring, informative, and you’ll get to interact with this incredible global community. Follow my bio link for a discounted ticket. I hope to see you there!

P.S. I’ll be sharing more about our Costa Rica home starting next month when we’ll get to see the space in person for the first time! Stay tuned for more. 🏝💕

11/11/2020

What’s cookin’ good lookin?

Something about opening a kitchen drawer and getting a clear view of all its contents just makes you want to cook/bake/eat. 🤤

My kitchen tool collection more minimal than this client’s collection. But as a rule, I don’t tell my clients what they need to let go of. That is entirely a personal decision about what brings THEM joy. ✨

I do have something to say about how to organize a space to make it work for their lifestyle. And I do like a pretty utensil drawer. 🍴

Excuse me while I go to the kitchen for a snack!

10/11/2020

Have you been procrastinating making a big change in your life? I can think of a few projects I’ve been putting off, telling myself “not yet.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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More likely than not, there is some fear behind this delay. What is the narrative you’ve been telling yourself about this project?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I’m here to tell you that in my experience, getting started is the hardest part, and once you finish you’ll be glad you didn’t wait another day.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you happen to be dreaming about living with less, and have been unsure of how to get started, I’d love you to join me for a virtual workshop this Thursday at 6pm CST as part of the @tinyhouseofficial second global online conference. I’m kicking off the 3-day event featuring tons of amazing speakers in the tiny community. Visit the link in my bio for a discount on your ticket! I’ll be sharing the keys to successful decluttering, how to maximize storage for a small space, and habits that will keep you organized for good (inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Hope to see you there!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Xo⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Erin

26/10/2020

Lately I’ve been struggling a lot with uncertainty. Can you relate?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Between the pandemic and the election cycle, it feels like every sentence begins with “as soon as...” or “when this is all over...” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Planning for the future? Just hold that thought. What does the future hold that you can’t have now?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Joy?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Inner peace?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Freedom?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Connection?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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My work right now (and yours too btw) is to ground into NOW and see if you can find it right here. It’s not out there. It’s right here. It’s not in some future purchase, or experience, or version of you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#beherenow #happinessquotes #inspirationalquotes #thework #uncertainty #joy #now #settlein

22/10/2020

When moving into a massive (and beautiful!) kitchen, a gazillion decisions have to be made when you are already exhausted from the move.

💭where to keep glassware?
💭where should the coffee station be?
💭where should the appliances live?
💭how should I arrange the pantry?

If it’s overwhelming and you just want to be settled already, call in the professionals. I absolutely love unpacking and setting up new spaces, and I’m happy to help!

Follow the link in my bio to book your free phone consultation today!

#kitchengoals #newhome #unpackedandorganized #organizedforgood professionalorganizer #professionalunpacker #austinorganizer #settled #newhouse #kitchendesign #kittensofinstagram #kitchenorganization #kitchenorganizer
#newtotheneighborhood #newtoaustin #newaustinhomes

20/10/2020

So you skipped Prime Day but you’re still aching to buy something. I get it. This is where conscious consumption comes in. Buy things that are high quality, that will last, and that will, of course, bring you joy!

I have a recommendation. Follow the link in my bio to @wholeplanet Party with a Purpose online auction supporting entrepreneurs living in poverty. There are hundreds of beautiful and unique handmade items, as well as favorites from sponsors and donors (like me!) you can bid on. And you won’t be padding pockets of billionaires. You’ll literally be investing in women-led businesses in the U.S. and around the world through micro loans to help them run their business.

While you’re there, bid on my 3-hour virtual decluttering session (item #600) to make some space for your incoming goodies.

#consciousconsumption #onlineauction #dogood #supportsmallbusiness #supportwomeninbusiness #makeadifference #partywithapurpose #wholeplanetfoundation #donatetoday #cantstopshopping #declutter #organizedforgood

19/10/2020

#choosejoy

28/09/2020

At the first crispness of fall, I reach for a sentimental item of mine - my dutch oven. It was a gift from my pops when I was living in one of my first apartments, a few years before he got sick. He wanted to cook a meal together (his love language) but was appalled at my dull knives and cheap starter cookware. He immediately took me to the Calphalon outlet and we picked out two good knives and an enameled cast iron dutch oven that sparked joy. Every time I use that pot and our home begins to fill with the aroma of something tasty, I feel my pops beaming with pride. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sentimental items that are also functional have a way of allowing a memory to live among us. Do you have an inherited set of China that you never use? A beloved accessory that you never wear for fear of losing it? Fear not the loss, for the loss has already occurred. The importance is not the item itself, but the meaning your memories give it. The item can help you remember with love every time you use it, and has the power to bring you joy, comfort, and peace.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What's a sentimental item that you love to use?

24/09/2020

Exhibit A: "My husband loves me in this for some reason" she says, with eyes squinting followed by pursed lips.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Exhibit B: "My mom gave me that" she says with raised eyebrows and a smirk.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Exhibit C: "I don't know why I have that. I've just always had it," said with flat intonation.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Do you see what's going on here? Do you keep things because you are afraid to hurt someone's feelings by being honest? Or because it's been a default setting in your life?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The truth about A is your husband loves you, not the dress on you. You can find one that you BOTH love and everyone will be happy. One that fits you in all the right places and makes you feel gorgeous. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The truth about B is your mom's gift-giving is an act of love. It's not about the gift itself but about sending you a message. When the gift is received, the message is received. You don't have to keep the gift out of obligation if you don't love it or you won't use it. If there is a gift-giver in your life, have an open conversation about what's bringing you joy lately, whether that's living with less or focusing on experiences.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The truth about C is default settings are boring. It's time to be intentional about your life, including what surrounds you. Keep the things you use and love, and let the rest go.

23/09/2020

Fall is my favorite season.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It reminds us that change is natural, inevitable, and can be beautiful. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Nature teaches us to let go like the leaves from the trees. Resistance is futile. It's the natural order of things. Each change a small death, which makes fertile ground for new life.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Letting go is the way of KonMari. By letting go of belongings that served us in the past, we make space for new opportunities, new relationships, and a new, more authentic way of being to emerge.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This season I am letting go of expectations and certainty. I cast my vision for my heart's desire for the future but I let it go. I don't grasp too tightly to outcomes and I follow the way of nature.