Get Organized to Prepare for Your Home Renovation Project

Is it time to update your outdated kitchen cabinets? Maybe you are getting new flooring. Or a new, custom closet (from yours, truly wink, wink) finally! Any update to your home is an exciting time and a whole lot of work. Even if you are working with contractors, there is plenty of prep work to get done. The key to a successful renovation project with less stress is all in how you prepare before the project actually begins. It can feel overwhelming, but our professional organizing tips and strategies will help you plan, prepare and pack with ease.

Pre-Renovation Declutter

As with all things home organization, the process always begins with a decluttering session. Prepping for a home renovation project is no different. This is actually a perfect time to declutter as you empty drawers, shelves and cabinets. 

As you work through your items, have your donation and trash boxes or bins ready. Try to be as ruthless as possible when deciding what to keep and what to let go. Keep in mind that the less you keep, the less you have to pack away and put back later. Think of it as a fresh, clean start once your new space is ready.

how to organize for a home renovation project, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

Prepare to Pack

There are a couple of planning steps to complete before you begin the packing process. You will want to gather your needed supplies like boxes or plastic bins with lids, packing tape, markers, bubble wrap or packing paper and labels. Depending on the size and scope of your home renovation project, you may need to plan for covering your existing furnishings to keep everything construction dust free.

You will need to have a storage plan. Where will all the boxes and bins live while the project is underway? You may choose to use a spare bedroom, your garage or even a temporary storage pod depending on how much stuff you have and how much space you need. The more out of the way you can place these, the easier it will be for you to peacefully exist in your “under construction” zone during the project.

Pack & Label

Now it’s time to pack your items away. When packing, think in categories to keep like items that go together. Your future self will thank you for this when it’s time to unpack. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect your glass or fragile items. 

One of the most important steps in packing is to clearly label your bins and boxes. Use a method that works for you~ by room, item category, or a detailed inventory list of what’s inside. Just make sure you don’t skip this step as this makes the unpacking process so much easier. 

how to organize for a home renovation project, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

Temporary Living Zone

If your home renovation project is in your kitchen, bathroom, or a primary living space, you will need to plan for the in between time. Set up a temporary mini kitchen that you can use for meal prep and eating in a different area of your home with your coffee pot, microwave and crock pot. If your bathroom is on the remodel list, keep all of your daily essentials in a caddy you can carry to an alternate bathroom and easily put away when it’s not in use. Keep these temporary spaces simple. Your goal is functional, not elaborate or perfect.

Organized Unpacking

This is where all of your hard work prepping and organizing your packing pays off. Your labeled bins and boxes will be so easy to work through as you return all of your items back into your updated space. And you only have your favorite items that you actually use because you decluttered before you packed everything away. 

You will want to create an organized system as you unpack. This will help you keep your new space tidy and organized for the long term. Use organizing products like labeled baskets, drawer dividers, stackable bins and shelf dividers. This will help you not only organize your items, but also maximize and take advantage of every inch of your storage space. There are so many options to choose from. Make sure you measure before you buy so you don’t waste your time on returning products that don’t fit or work in your space.

how to organize for a home renovation project, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

And there you have it. Not only do you get to enjoy your updated space but you get the calm and clarity that comes from having an organized and highly functional space. Enjoy!

If you need a hand organizing for your home renovation project, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Help To Curb Your Clutter

I love contributing to a “how it all works” article for professional home organization.
Almost as much as I love helping my clients clear their clutter and finally get organized!
Get the answers to your organizing FAQ’s, from good questions to ask to how much it costs.
Perfect if you know you need the help, but feel unsure of how it all works.


“Home organizing is a little different than other service industry businesses in that, by the time someone has booked a consultation with you, they have generally already checked out your website, social media feeds, client reviews, and portfolio,” says Moore. “The most commonly asked questions that I hear from my new clients are ‘How long have you been organizing?’ and ‘Can you please make my closet look like this picture I saw on your Instagram?'”

It’s true that an organized home is visually appealing and most home organizers display their work on social media, but the following questions are invaluable to helping you choose the right professional for your project.

If you need a hand creating lasting organized system in your home, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Create an Organized and Functional Closet

Does your closet feel a little overstuffed? Do you find yourself searching for what you need a little too much? Your closet plays a big role in your daily routine. We get dressed everyday. We may help family members get dressed every day. We do laundry often. Those clean clothes have to go somewhere, right? Dealing with a disorganized, messy closet every single day is likely adding unnecessary stress and overwhelm to your day. The good news is an organized closet is something you can have. With a simple plan, a little focus and the right strategies, you can create a calm, functional closet you will love using. Even better news? We have the professional organizing strategies to help you achieve the closet of your dreams!

Declutter Your Closet

The thought and process of decluttering can truly feel overwhelming. You may feel like you don’t even know where to start. You can’t organize clutter. So the first step to organizing your closet is to remove anything you don’t wear, use or love.

  • Give Yourself Time – Decluttering is a process and you will need time to sort, categorize and make decisions on what items to keep and what items need to be donated or discarded.
  • Empty The Closet – We know, we know, but this is the best way to really see what you have and do a thorough job. Make sure you have a spot to place everything and take all of your items out of the closet. This allows you to make better decisions as you sort through all the things.
  • Quick Clean – This is a perfect time to remove cobwebs, wipe down shelves and clean the floor. It will feel really good to place your keep items back into a fresh, clean space!
  • Sort & Categorize – As you work through all of your things, separate by category like t-shirts, blouses, pants, jeans, work clothes, leisure wear and athletic wear. The categories will vary depending on your wardrobe.
  • Let It Go, Let It Go – Have your donate, sell and discard bins or bags ready as you begin to sort your items. This tends to be the challenging part of the process. As you sort your clothes, ask yourself these questions. Any no’s, let it go!
    • Have I worn this in the last year?
    • Do I like the way this fits?
    • How do I feel when I put this on?
    • Would I buy this again today?

Shall We Organize?

Decluttering is complete and you are left with only the clothing items that fit you well and make you feel fabulous when you put it on! Now the fun part begins. Let’s create an organized system that makes your closet work for you! This step will feel so much lighter and doable with less stuff to organize.

The goal here is to create an organized closet system that works for you, your lifestyle and the way you go about your daily routines. Start with those categories of like items you created when decluttering. Now we want to sort those categories by how often you use or wear the item. We want to keep more frequently used items front and center and use your higher or lower areas for those items you only use occasionally.

As you return items to your closet, create zones or sections in your closet for the categories like work, casual and activewear. You will love how quick and easy the process of putting laundry away becomes with this system in place!

Add Space and Structure

To help maximize your closet space, consider storing your off season items outside of your primary closet area. You can use a spare bedroom closet, space in your attic or garage or even utilize your under bed storage. If your closet is still too full, clutter will likely creep back in. Give your clothes and accessories space and room to breathe.

Closet organizing products are great tools to help you maintain your organized system and maximize your closet space. Matching hangers are a game changer for any closet. Slim, non-slip hangers save space and create a lovely, visually appealing look. Bins and dividers work well for folded items like sweaters and t-shirts, handbags and other items you store on your shelves. You will need a shoe system. Shoe shelves or cubbies can work well. Clear, stackable shoe boxes or an over-the-door shoe organizer are great options as well, especially if you are working with limited space. You can also find a lot of options to organize your belts, scarves, jewelry and other accessories.

And just like that you have a clutter free, highly functional organized closet! Plan to do routine closet resets. It can be once a week, once a month or whatever works with your schedule. This is important to maintain all of your hard work and organized closet bliss! Small maintenance sessions prevent major redos later.

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Organize your home – and your life!

Sitting down with the Winston Salem Journal for this interview felt so insightful as we explored the
heavy emotional impact of clutter and why decluttering and organizing can feel overwhelming.


“We declutter, organize and style,” Moore says. “Whatever the client needs – decluttering and organizing go hand-in-hand. It can be overwhelming, which is why they need our help. And, it is therapeutic. Physical clutter often contributes to mental clutter.”

After a day spent organizing for clients, most nights Moore can be found in front of her computer browsing local shops for inventory for clients and tools of her trade to uses in her business. Hours are spent poring over websites, double checking measurements and doing research (taking in account budget, style and space specifications to bring functionality and aesthetics to each project).

working with a professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

If you need a hand creating lasting organized system in your home, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Organized Jill in Winston-Salem Brings Calmness and Clarity to the Home

I really enjoyed sitting down for an interview with the American Society of Professional Organizers (ASPO)
to share insights into my world as a professional home organizer.
We talked about how I started my Home Organization business, as well as our approach we use to work with
our clients to declutter and organizer their spaces.


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What (or who)  inspired you to become an Organizer? 

I was inspired to become a Professional Home Organizer when the world was introduced to Marie Kondo when her book and tv show hit the mainstream and created a frenzy of decluttering. After reading and re-reading her book several times, I implemented her systems in my own home over the course of the following weeks. A few years later when The Home Edit made their splash on television, I combined the concepts of Marie Kondo’s teachings brought to life with the pop of color and style of The Home Edit and decided it was time to launch my own Home Organization company. After earning my Advanced International Organizing Professional certification from QC Design School, I opened my business and never looked back. 

If you need a hand creating lasting organized system in your home, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

How Two Professional Organizers Got Their Start

It was such a pleasure to be interviewed by Business Insider in September 2022
to share my thoughts and expertise on the growing home organization industry.


“Like so many people during the pandemic, I decided that a traditional workforce job was no longer right for me,” she said, adding that one of the things that had always brought her peace of mind during chaotic times was organization. In her first 12 months in business, Moore and her team of four — which she started hiring three months into her business — helped 80 clients and organized 237 spaces. Because the business is service-based, she said, she’s able to keep overhead low, with 97% of revenue going toward paying herself and her team members. 

Today, Moore works six or even seven days a week and is booked with clients four to six weeks out. As more awareness of the industry grows, she thinks demand will continue to increase.

If you need a hand creating lasting organized system in your home, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Organized and Joyful Holiday Decorating

Decorating your home for the holiday season may be one of the most exciting parts of your holiday preparation. Of course, once you are elbow deep in tangled lights and the glitter begins to make its rather lasting appearance, frustration and overwhelm can take the joy out of this process. If you feel lost in a sea of storage containers and really not sure how you accumulated so much stuff, we can help! Our organizing strategies will help you deck the halls with organized ease. Let’s dig in!

Declutter Before Decorating

Before you begin pulling the totes out of storage, start by assessing the areas of your home you plan to add a festive touch. Declutter these spaces with the intention of creating room for your decorative set up. Have your handy donation and trash bins ready for any items that need to go. You will also need storage solutions for items that you will temporarily put away for the holiday season. These may be family photos on the mantel or books on a shelf. Creating an open, clean space allows your holiday decorations to really shine!

holiday decorating tips, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

Unpack The Bins

The primary purpose of this step is to unpack your holiday storage bins with intention. Keep those same donation and trash bins handy for this step too. Holiday decorations often have wonderful memories attached to them. There are likely handmade ornaments from your kids or special treasures collected from different adventures you’ve enjoyed along the way. But there may also be some that you’ve accumulated that you haven’t used in years or may not work properly. Sort those out as you unpack your bins, leaving only the decorations you regularly use and enjoy displaying in your home.

Craft Your Plan

Now that you only have the items you love using, you can plan a layout for your decorations. You know what you have, now you can choose where everything goes. Focus on the areas most used by you, your family and your guests. This is also a good time to see if you need to purchase anything to add to your decor. Maybe a favorite piece was broken last year, or that set of lights you use for the snow scene burnt out. Having a plan before you start will help you avoid buying duplicates and stuff you don’t need. It can also help you avoid that “over decorated” look.

holiday decorating tips, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

Let’s Decorate

And now the fun begins! Start and complete one room or space before moving on to stay focused and motivated. Try to blend your holiday decorations with pieces that can extend past the new year. Winter themed and neutral candles, vases and throws can give your home a festive, cozy feeling without having to completely redecorate after the holidays. Keep it simple to create a calm, balanced look. As you decorate, consider your storage needs when it’s time to take everything down. Plan ahead for this and have your clear containers and labels ready. You will love this when the time comes to put everything away until next year!

holiday decorating tips, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

If you need a hand prepping your home for holiday season, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Mid-Year Home and Life Reset

July is in full swing and that means half the year is behind us and the busy fall season is just around the corner. While we are soaking up the summer rays of sunshine, we can also be slowly and deliberately prepping for the busy season ahead. We will be sliding back into school schedules, pumpkin spice everything and the holidays before we know it. This is a great time to tackle a few small home projects that will give you a jump start and make a big impact to set your home up for a smooth transition to the fall season. This is a perfect time to revisit and reset your goals and routines too! Find what’s working and shift what’s not. And no, you don’t need to set aside an entire weekend or schedule vacation time for these small, manageable tasks.

How are your spaces looking?

Take a look around your home, particularly your most used spaces. Think about how the space is working for you. Is clutter starting to creep back in? A reset can make all the difference in keeping things tidy and manageable. Try these quick wins.

  • Pantry ~ Toss expired or stale food items and reset the space to make room for school lunch staples and fall cooking and baking supplies. If you have kids, add a labeled basket with their name to keep their favorite snack and lunch items in.
  • Bathroom ~ Use drawer or countertop organizers to create a system for items you use everyday, and add under the sink or closet organizers to keep everything else out of the way but available when needed.
  • Entryway ~ Set up bins, hooks or shelves for those daily items like bookbags, shoes and jackets. Labels work great here too so everyone knows where their items go.
reset for fall season, tips to organize home and schedules for fall, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC
reset for fall season, tips to organize home and schedules for fall, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

That One Room

Is there a room in your home you avoid because dealing with it feels overwhelming? Has it become a drop zone this summer? This feels like (and is!) a big job so we will tackle it one area at a time, chipping away at the clutter. Choose one area like a single shelf or the closet floor. Use the questions below to quickly declutter this room. When you have the time, return and tackle another area in the room. Before you know it your “junk room” will be decluttered, organized and ready to be used as a guest room, workout space, craft room or anything you desire!

Set a 20 minutes timer and ask yourself:

  1. Do I need this?
  2. Do I use this?
  3. Do I love this?

Any “no’s” go to the donate or trash box!

Simplify Your Everyday

The routines of summer do feel simpler, so this is a great time to leisurely begin to adjust for the changes that are coming soon. Make a brain dump list of everything you know needs to be done, maybe while you are enjoying your quiet morning coffee. Carefully review your calendar and commitments and ask yourself what you can say no to this fall to help you keep your schedule manageable. Reset, or create, your family command center. This is your hub for all things calendars, activity schedules, events and school paperwork. This is a great spot for your weekly meal plan too! Having a designated spot for the most important things will be so helpful in keeping you and the family on track and on time!

reset for fall season, tips to organize home and schedules for fall, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

Pro-tip ~ Quick declutter the kids’ closets before heading out for back to school shopping. Have them help and donate any items in good condition. This can be a fun rainy afternoon project.

Celebrate Your Progress

It can be easy to get caught up in finishing all of the projects or checking everything off your list, but it is important to reflect on your wins along the way, big or small. There will always be one more thing to do, right? Noticing and appreciating what you have accomplished will give you the momentum boost you need to keep going.

  • Can you now see the floor of your basement?
  • Is the laundry system you started actually working?
  • Is the snack shelf you organized in the pantry still organized?
reset for fall season, tips to organize home and schedules for fall, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem NC

All wins matter and it’s ok to say not today. Prepping and being prepared is great, but so is simply living in the moment. Step away from all the things to do and have lunch with a friend, spend the afternoon at the pool with the kids or take an evening walk at the park.

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina & surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Prepping for a Lighter, Brighter Season

Oh, sweet summertime; I can feel you coming this way! The season that gives us the freedom to live a little lighter. As we excitedly shed our sweaters for tank tops and boots for flip flops, it’s important to help your spaces feel a little lighter too. The seasonal shift is a natural time to reset and refresh your home. This is also a perfect time to prepare for the influx of traffic in your spaces (hello pantry) with the kids home from school. So let’s dive into simple decluttering and organizing projects that will have your home feeling breezy and ready for sunshine and fun!

Seasonal Switch Out

Now is the time to pack away your bulky winter wear. You likely won’t be needing those heavy coats and snow boots anytime soon. Remove them from your closets and store them away to open up your closet space and make room for your summer clothing. Use labeled bins or vacuum bags to store your items in. Place those bins or bags on a high shelf or use the space under the guest bed for storage. This helps free up your main closet space.

Pro-tip ~ Have a donate bag or box ready as you switch out your wardrobes. If you haven’t worn an item all winter, it’s time to let it go!

tips to declutter and organize home for summer season, professional home organizer Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

Eating Lighter

Summer seems to bring with it a menu filled with lighter dishes. Simple and fresh are the themes and you may enjoy more outdoor cooking. Do a quick sweep of your kitchen, fridge and pantry to declutter and make room for summer favorites. Toss any expired items or anything that is opened and won’t be used. Bring the picnic and grilling items front and center for easy access. Create a summer snack station in your pantry for the kids to easily grab and go while they are home during the day.

Pro-tip ~ Don’t forget to check those easily overlooked, often forgotten about shelf condiments in the fridge!

tips to declutter and organize home for summer season, professional home organizer Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

Tame the Catch All

Your garage likely serves many purposes outside of simply parking your car. The summer season tends to bring with it more outdoor equipment that finds itself hanging out on your garage floor. First things first – declutter and remove anything broken or no longer useful. The best way to maximize this space is to sort everything by category and create zones. Think gardening, sports equipment, outdoor toys and lawn care. Vertical storage is the best friend of a garage. Use organizing products like hooks, shelves and labeled bins to maximize your storage space and clear your floors.

Pro-tip ~ If your garage serves double duty as the main entrance into your house, create a drop zone with labeled bins for each family member to place all their summer essentials.

tips to declutter and organize home for summer season, professional home organizer Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

Hello Outside

The warm air and sunshine beckon us outside to play, relax or entertain. Check your outdoor living spaces for anything that is broken or simply not used. Last year’s toys may not hold the same excitement for your kids. Those planters you got from the clearance shelf in the winter may not work well for your space after all. Donate anything you can, and repurpose or discard the rest. Use storage solutions made for outdoor weather to keep all of your items dry and in good condition. If you have children, invest in an outdoor toy box they can toss everything in when they are finished playing. You will love this when it’s time to cut the grass!

Check out our Guide to Patio Design for even more outdoor space tips!

tips to declutter and organize home for summer season, professional home organizer Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

Remember decluttering and organizing your home is not about perfection. It’s about creating room and space for you and your family to enjoy all of the fun of summer and beyond. When your space is clear, your mind is too and you are able to fully immerse yourself in all the special moments!

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing your home, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina &
surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.

Organizing Life’s Big Changes

One constant thing we can count on in this game of life is change. It may be a happy change that brings joy to your life like welcoming a new baby. It can also be an unexpected change filled with heavy emotional weight like a breakup or the loss of a loved one. No matter the type of change, it’s almost guaranteed to bring forth a little chaos and upheaval into your life, routine and physical space. One powerful way to offset the chaos and reclaim a sense of control is to declutter and organize for the change. Let’s explore strategies to help you stay organized through life’s big changes.

Craft a Plan

When life feels out of control, you may feel the need to attempt to tackle everything at once. This will likely cause you more stress and overwhelm. Take a step back, a few deep breaths and create a plan of attack. Create a checklist and set deadlines as needed to stay on track. Whether it’s packing to move, making space in your home for a blended household, adjusting to an empty nest or downsizing after a loss, creating a plan first will help you stay organized through the process.

tips to stay organized through life's changes, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

Sort & Declutter

Whether you are prepping for more people and stuff in your home or working to have less of all the things, decluttering is always the best place to start. You will feel the Power of Decluttering as it lightens your physical and mental load by letting go of all the things you don’t need or want. Start small and sort with a purpose. Ask yourself if the item is something that you will need in the next phase of your life. Are you keeping it out of guilt, habit or genuine need? Be honest with yourself and make your decisions to keep or let go quickly. Try not to second guess your decisions.

Organize What’s Next

Now that you have crafted your transition plan and decluttered all the things, you are ready to move forward into your new chapter. We have a few tips for some of the major life changes you may experience. 

tips to stay organized through life's changes, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

New Baby – One sure thing about bringing a baby into your home is their stuff will end up everywhere. Create mini baby zones in the areas you use most, like a changing basket in the living room with the essentials for a quick diaper or outfit change. 

Downsizing – Measure your furniture to make sure it will fit into your new space before the movers take it. Assess your clothing as you may not have the same amount of closet space. The same concept applies to your kitchen items as well as you will likely have less cabinet space.

Blending Households – Ensure each family member has space for their personal belongings. Shared spaces, like the kitchen and bathroom, may require implementing a system. Have everyone join in to create a system with boundaries. This keeps everyone on the same page and working together. 

Moving – If a move is involved in your transition, we have our Tips for a Smooth Move, to help you with the packing and unpacking process. If your move is due to a loss in your life, it’s important to allow yourself to feel all the feelings and grant yourself grace during this process. Have a bin ready to hold any sentimental items you are not ready to let go of. Plan to revisit and reassess the bin when you are ready.

Embrace the New

Change is hard, whether it’s a happy change or maybe a little sad. The process can leave you feeling mentally and physically exhausted. Start fresh and begin establishing new routines that align with your new normal. Be flexible as you get settled in and tweak as you go. Be kind to yourself and remember the goal is not instant perfection, but simply creating a space that supports your new lifestyle and gives you peace of mind.

tips to stay organized through life's changes, professional home organizer, Organized Jill, Winston Salem, NC

If you need a hand decluttering and organizing for a big life change, we’re here to help! 
Are you local to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and surrounding areas?
Contact Organized Jill for a complimentary consultation.