For me, July means summer. Although the summer solstice has already passed and technically the days are getting shorter again, the days in July remain quite long and I enjoy the extra sunshine. With that extra sunshine and brightness, I’m so pleased to be sending my first official monthly newsletter (after a few false starts). I consider myself incredibly lucky that you’ve signed up to receive it, and I sincerely hope you enjoy it.
Each month, I plan on providing a quick update about my business, Honeybee & Chickadee, and what organizing is going on in my life. I'll also be sharing how I'm helping clients in their home, and of course, tips that will help you to organize your own home. I welcome any feedback you might have, so don't hesitate to reach out!
Now that we’re in July, half of the year is officially over. This makes me pause and think about what I wanted to make sure to do this year—both what I’ve already accomplished and what I still want to make sure to do. Earlier in the year, I created a “23 in 2023” List (23 things to accomplish in 2023), inspired by author Gretchen Rubin. In reviewing my list, I’m more pleased with my progress than I was expecting. There’s one item on my list that I’ve been itching to do for the past few months that I will be completing in July: organizing our pots and pans.
Some pots and pans are hanging from a pot rack, but others are in a lower cabinet that is rather awkward due to it being the corner cabinet. There are items we just don’t use anymore, and still other items we do use that are difficult to access. Luckily, I have a clear process for completing this work, as shown below. First, I evaluate what is and is not working for us. Then I’ll declutter, donating usable items we no longer use, and throwing away anything damaged. After I pare down our pots and pans to the essentials, I will sort through everything we’re keeping, so I can organize everything in a way that works for us. Over time, I’ll make some adjustments, to optimize the organization of our pots and pans.
Even though this organizing in my kitchen may not be the most exciting “to do” on my list, I am excited to shed unwanted items that are cluttering my life and experience the bliss I feel when a space is well-organized, and items easily accessed and used.
I helped some clients recently with their hall closet. Not only was this closet small, it was serving multiple purposes. The homeowners were frustrated. This space stored bulky paper products, a step ladder, dog food and extra dog toys and supplies, humidifiers, umbrellas, an upright vacuum, a handheld vacuum, a mop and broom, and other miscellaneous items. With so much going on in that closet, even just opening the door led to being overwhelmed. Yet, they weren't sure such a small space was worthy of the services of a professional organizer. On the contrary, everyone deserves to have their spaces organized in a way that works for them!
As I explained to them, the smaller the space, the more important organization becomes. And, this is compounded whenever a space serves multiple purposes. After an evaluation session, I understood how they were using this closet, what was and wasn't working, and how they wanted to be able to use this closet. I asked them to work on decluttering and sorting while I designed shelving that would fit the small space and meet their needs.
Once the shelves were installed, we organized everything in a way that would work for them. They were so pleased with how it looked, and ecstatic at how it has been functioning for them in the weeks since. They shared with me that they were opening the closet door now and then just to marvel at the organized space that had eluded them for years. A follow-up session revealed they optimized on their own by adding lights! Hearing about how much they appreciate the final outcome is incredibly rewarding for me.
Take a moment, and think about your own home and what is working for you, and what needs some TLC. Perhaps your unruly kitchen makes meal times more stressful than necessary. Or, perhaps the entry way is the disaster that greets you when you walk through the front door and sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Maybe you have a garage full of things that you're not sure what they are and why you're holding on to them. Whatever your pain point, I can help.
A tool that helps me, and I am sure will help you in your evaluation stage is my workbook, Begin with the End in Mind, which you can download from my homepage (link is about halfway down), free for a limited time only.
Using this tool, you can drill down and better understand what areas of your home are working for you and what areas are not. By digging deeper and imagining what the ideal space looks like and how it functions, you can then work backwards from that ideal to start making real changes. If you're struggling with this, I can help. Simply reply to this email, or schedule a free 15-minute Introductory Call with me. My goal is to help busy people like you get your space functionally organized so that it works better for you and you love living in your home!
Let's strive to "bee" more organized, together!
Sincerely,
Founder, Honeybee & Chickadee
I'm Melissa! I am a professional organizer, vacation rental manager, and writer. I am an ISFJ and Obliger trying to figure out my Enneagram Type. I enjoy crafting, documenting memories, and observing nature. Whenever possible, I am enjoying the beauty of the Hudson River Valley in New York, the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, or the mountains in and around Glacier National Park in Montana with my husband and partner in life, Will.
Looking for additional customized help? I specialize in functional home organizing customized for you. My method boasts an actionable plan and targeted coaching, guiding you through all the steps of organizing a space. To get started, simply schedule a 15-minute Introductory Call below.
