Meet Your Organizer
A Seed Is Planted
In grade school, my dear friend Beth invited me and another friend, Becky to “camp” in her yard, a first for me. I woke up in the middle of the night to what I perceived as the sounds of a wild animal outside. Appalled that the girls were still sound asleep, I stayed as still as possible in my sleeping bag, thinking even breathing would draw too much attention to me. I eventually gathered the courage to bolt towards the house, which seemed like a safer place to be. Much to my dismay, no one would be awake for several more hours, so I organized Beth’s room because it seemed fun. Much of my childhood and young adult years would be spent organizing for others and myself as a leisurely activity and a response to stress. The calm after creating order motivated me to continue organizing as self-care.
Bud to Blossom
In 2013, a working professional couple hired me as a nanny. Their busy schedules left little time to tend to their home so I began to clear the clutter while the kids were in activities. This act, born out of a selfish desire to make my job easier, created more function in the space. I would soon meet many other families facing similar challenges and work to ease their overwhelming and crowded homes. Three years later, I transitioned into caregiving and had the honor of working for the founder of a well-known company. Her tidy home allowed her to navigate safely and maintain much of her independence at 97, inspiring me to help future clients retain theirs as much as possible. I helped my palliative and hospice clients navigate change, grief, and loss and supported them in creating more peace at home to aid in recovery and ease their transitions to the end of life. Over a decade of working closely with clients has shown me that organization enhances well-being.
Spreading Seeds
My passion for tidiness and curiosity about simplicity grew. I devoured books, podcasts, shows, and courses and was especially drawn to minimalism, Swedish Death Cleaning, and the KonMari method. When my partner and I relocated for his new contract, I sought more hands-on experience but found that the few organizers in the area were solopreneurs. Expanding my search, I connected with Lisa, the owner of a successful home-organizing business sixty miles away. Our first in-person conversation marked the start of many commuting hours and the opportunity to work with a supportive mentor and team. My exposure to diverse clients cultivated an ever-evolving approach to organizing. Encouraged by Lisa, I founded Farewell Clutter Co., with the belief that everyone can become more organized with proper guidance.
My Philosophy
Our homes significantly influence how we feel and approach our lives. They are mirrors that reflect our internal states. My holistic process is inspired by the Japanese Danshari philosophy, which consists of three main principles:
断 Dan — refuse unnecessary items from entering our lives to prevent clutter.
捨 Sha — dispose of what already exists by assessing the true value of items and parting with those that no longer serve a purpose.
離 Ri — separate from the desire for material goods.
The essence of decluttering and organizing is not just about tidying up and getting rid of the physical stuff. It is about helping us get to know ourselves better and more deeply by carefully observing our relationship with the things to which we cling. Once we gain clarity in our thoughts and feelings, we can let go of unhelpful attachments and shift our habits. Clearing out the excess can lead to less stress, anxiety, and overwhelm and more time, energy, and bandwidth for greater priorities.
Going through this process alone can be intimidating, which is why I created Farewell Clutter Co.— to help you build a better relationship between yourself, your belongings, and your home.