Creating Order from Chaos: How I Helped a Long-Time Friend Prepare to Sell Her Home
When a dear friend of over 50 years reached out because she needed help to prepare her home for sale and felt overwhelmed because of clutter, I was eager and excited to help. She had followed my work with Chaos Organizing and felt inspired by the transformations I had achieved for others and within my own home. Balancing work and family life, she felt paralyzed by the daunting prospect of such a big project. Her initial concern was, "Don't judge." My heartfelt response was, "Are you kidding me?" My focus was solely on supporting her and applying my organizational expertise to bring order to her home as I would for any client.
An added bonus, I couldn’t get back to Baton Rouge because of the snow! We ended up having 3 additional days of organizing (I tackled the closet under her stairs!) and playing in the snow!
The Plan: Targeting Key Spaces
We approached her home using my signature CHAOS Organizing Method:
Categorize
Helpful or Hurtful (Evaluating emotions vs. goals while purging)
Action (Keep, Toss, Donate)
Organize in Bins
Simplify with Labeling
This straightforward yet effective system empowers families to maintain order long after the initial organization. You can explore this method further in a book I co-wrote, Southern Chaos: Organizing the Southern Home. Learn more at www.organizingsouthernchaos.com.
Our primary focus areas were the pantry, kitchen, and master bathroom. We incorporated drawer organizers and labeled, durable organizing bins so that order was maintainable and streamline her upcoming move.
Step 1: The Pantry
We started with the pantry—an easy win since expired food is a no-brainer to toss. Like most busy moms, her pantry had become a catch-all for random items that belonged in other parts of the house. We grouped similar things, tossed outdated ones, and created a designated "Breakfast Food" zone to make her early mornings simpler.
Clear bins made it easy to sort snacks, baking supplies, and more. If you're shopping for bins, look for durable, stackable options with handles for easy access. Labeling them ensures order is easy to maintain.
As we sorted, we laughed over some long-forgotten snack packs and joked about how kids seem to stash random items in the most unexpected places. Moments like these made the process enjoyable and reminded her that organizing doesn't have to be overwhelming.
Step 2: The Kitchen
Next, we tackled the kitchen. By zoning it for prep, cooking, and serving, we made it easier for her to know where everything belongs—a system that makes cleanup a breeze. We decluttered drawers packed with toys, tools, and gift cards her kids had stashed. Out went unused gadgets, making space for things she loves, like her cherished fondue pot and a new set of matching silverware. (Where do all the spoons go?)
We also created a beverage zone where she could easily find coffee, tea, and everything needed to mix a cocktail. Drawer organizers gave every item a home, making the kitchen more functional and easier to maintain.
One particularly fun find? A stash of photos tucked away in a junk drawer that included snapshots of our children together when they were young. It brought back a flood of cherished memories, and we couldn't help but laugh and reminisce about those special times.
Step 3: The Master Bathroom
Finally, we turned her bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary. We tossed old makeup, consolidated medicines, and labeled purchase dates with a wet-erase marker. Clearing the counters by organizing drawer space and making better use of under-the-sink space made the bathroom look more spacious and inviting.
With organizing bins for toiletries and drawer inserts for smaller items, the space transformed into a peaceful place to relax. By moving everyday essentials into drawers, we left her counters clear, instantly creating a more polished and clean look.
She shared how much easier her mornings were now, with everything at her fingertips and no clutter to sift through. It was a small change that made a big impact.
Results: A Sanctuary for Now and a Showpiece for the Future
Helping my friend prepare her home for sale was a labor of love. Together, we created a space that felt calm for her family to enjoy during the selling process and inviting for potential buyers. Clearing counters, zoning spaces, and decluttering unused items made the home feel spacious and organized.
The process wasn't just about decluttering—it was about rediscovering joy and creating a fresh start. My friend told me she felt a weight lifted off her shoulders and couldn't wait to replicate these systems in her new home.
If you're overwhelmed by clutter, whether preparing to sell or simply creating calm at home, I'd love to help. As a professional organizer—and a busy mom—I understand the struggle. Let me help you turn chaos into order with personalized solutions that make your space functional and beautiful.
Let's tackle the overwhelm together—because every mom deserves a home she loves.