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JUNE 2023
Happy summer, organizing clients and friends!
Summer is a great time for decluttering and organizing so that you feel free and light in your home. I take a carload per session of clients' specialized recycling and donations, so I'm always looking for great recycling resources. Here are my top 10:

$12 per month for twice-monthly pick-ups from your front porch:
Ridwell - this excellent Seattle-based service recycles items that city recycling does not, like plastic film, batteries, light bulbs, fabrics, styrofoam, etc.

Free mail-in programs:
Terracycle - for specific packaging including toothpaste tubes, Brita filters, etc.

Free Seattle-area drop-off programs:
Household hazardous waste - including pressurized cans, chemicals, oil paints
Mattresses - $30 fee
Home office before & after
This client wanted to convert a storage nook into a home office.

First, we sorted and moved out items that did not belong in her office: workout equipment, art supplies, keepsakes, and books all went to specific storage spots. We also identified and consolidated items related to tasks, including furniture to consign and packages to send.

Next, we moved a desk, chair, and filing cabinet from other rooms into the new office. We tried different desk configurations for optimal functionality and comfortable body mechanics.

Finally, we stocked the desk drawers with items that the client needs at hand such as cards, stamps, pens, sticky notes, scissors, extra charging cords, etc.
Living room before & after
This second client wanted a cozy gathering space for playing board games, watching television, and reading.

First, we returned family members' personal items to their own rooms, then decluttered and cleaned the space.

Next, we rearranged the furniture to create a space conducive to conversation and connection. We moved an armchair from across the room to next to the couch, and an area rug from the middle of the room to under the couch and coffee table in order to visually anchor the space.

Finally, I suggested adding large pieces of wall art to be proportional to the large size of the room and pieces of furniture, plus upgrading the standing lamps for ambiance and warm task lighting.
Kitchen before & after
This third client wanted open counter space plus clearly assigned, clearly visible 'homes' for each category of items in her kitchen.

First, we rearranged the layout, cleaning and decluttering as we went. We moved everyday pantry items and everyday dishes from hard-to-reach corner cabinets and high shelves instead to easily-accessible lower shelves. We used awkward and high spaces for storing infrequently used items like big serving bowls, vases, and baking supplies.

Next, we labeled every category of items on every shelf, drawer, and cupboard. This way, everyone can easily find, then return, items to their specific homes.

Finally, I sent links to products that will improve the kitchen's efficacy: a folding stepstool so the client can easily reach high shelves, an in-sink dish drainer to free up counter space, bamboo risers to keep spices visible in a cupboard in order to free up drawer space for cooking utensils instead, and a bamboo in-drawer knife block to store knives safely and out of sight.
Ready to schedule an organizing session?


I'm currently booking for July, but keep a waitlist if you need an earlier date.

Returning clients text 206-932-2939 or email lisajoholtby@gmail.com.

New clients, please schedule a (free) consult call via my online scheduler.

More 'before & after' photos, FAQs, how-to videos, and podcast interviews are on my website lisaholtby.com.

Read what clients say about my work: I'm so proud to have 85 five-star reviews.

It is a privilege to be welcomed into your homes. Thank you for inviting me!
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