Author name: Karen Coupal

Moving to a new home can be stressful! There are many things to deal with: finding a mover, packing, transferring utilities, settling in, and getting organized in your new space. 

One of the most overlooked but crucial aspects of moving is planning for the first 24–48 hours in your new home. While unpacking might take time, you’ll need certain items immediately to stay comfortable, fed, and organized. Enter the Moving Day Box—your essential lifeline as you settle in.

Think of this box as your “overnight bag” for the first night or two after your move.… Continue Reading

If space is tight in your home but you need a spot for DIY projects, crafts, or even a small desk setup, the laundry area might be the solution. With a few clever tweaks, this space can do double duty as a practical workspace. Whether you’re sewing, painting, working on household repairs, or need a spot to organize your hobbies, here’s how to transform your laundry area into a versatile, efficient workspace.

To make any workspace functional, declutter first and then organize what remains. Ensure essentials like detergents, fabric softeners, and laundry baskets have a designated spot, ideally out of the way of your new workspace.… Continue Reading

If you’re getting ready to downsize, it can feel like a daunting mountain of decisions, time, and energy. A professional organizer’s help can turn that mountain into a manageable, even enjoyable, process. Here’s how they can help make downsizing easier, more efficient, and less emotional.

If you’re getting ready to downsize, it can feel like a daunting mountain of decisions, time, and energy. A professional organizer’s help can turn that mountain into a manageable, even enjoyable, process. Here’s how they can help make downsizing easier, more efficient, and less emotional.

Downsizing isn’t one-size-fits-all. A professional organizer will sit down with you to understand what’s important and create a step-by-step plan tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and timeline.… Continue Reading

Moving can be a big adjustment for the whole family, especially for kids. The excitement of a new home is often mixed with uncertainty, as children leave behind familiar spaces, friends, and routines. The good news is that with planning and creativity, you can make the transition smoother and more positive for your kids and yourself! Here are some helpful tips to keep everyone engaged, calm, and even excited about the journey to a new home.

• Show them the new house before the move.
• Show them their new room(s) and discuss how to make it special for them.

When we think about donating clothes and household items, organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army often come to mind. These are important causes, but many lesser-known yet equally impactful places in your community are eager for donations. From hospitals and nursing homes to schools and scouting groups, there’s a wide range of organizations where your unused items could make a huge difference. Here are some ideas to remember throughout the year when you are decluttering or getting ready to downsize.

1. Hospitals and Nursing Homes
   Hospitals and nursing homes are wonderful places to donate clothing and other items.

What would you do if you lost your wallet? When preparing to travel, whether it’s a vacation or business travel, it’s easy to overlook the importance of what’s in your wallet. You need to know exactly what you’re carrying in case you lose your wallet. 

Resist the temptation to bring everything, instead take only the essentials. For most people this consists of your driver’s license or government-issued ID, credit and debit cards (bring one or two major credit cards), insurance cards (bring what is applicable), emergency contact information, and cash. Using cards for most transactions is safer, and you’ll have protection from fraud or loss.… Continue Reading

When most people think about getting organized, they often picture immaculate Pinterest-worthy spaces with matching bins, perfectly labeled jars, and clothes organized by color. While this can look impressive and might work for some, the truth is that being organized isn’t about how many bins you own or how sleek your storage looks. It’s much simpler and more practical than that.

Organization is about knowing where things are and having a system that works for your lifestyle. As a professional organizer, I work with you to learn how you use your space, work, and live. Organization isn’t the same for everyone, some people have specific preferences, mobility restrictions, or a condition such as ADHD to consider when creating a system.… Continue Reading

While many associate fall with cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and the countdown to the holidays, it’s also a perfect time for wellness and personal growth. The transition from the high energy of summer to the quieter, introspective days of fall provides a unique opportunity to reset, reflect, and cultivate habits that nurture both body and mind.

Fall’s gradual slowing down mirrors the natural rhythm of life, encouraging us to pause and reflect. As the year begins to wind down, it’s an ideal time to take stock of the past months. What goals have you achieved?… Continue Reading

Ever feel like your space is closing in on you, but you can’t quite figure out why? You might be experiencing something called “clutter blindness.” Let’s see if any of these scenarios sound familiar to you:

1. You can’t find a place to put something down. Every surface in your home seems covered with stuff, making it hard to find a spot to put things down.
2. You can never find what you’re looking for. You know you have that thing you need, but you can’t find it and often buy a new one.
3. You feel like you can’t relax at home.

As people age, their homes should adapt to their changing needs. Making thoughtful upgrades can significantly improve the safety and comfort in seniors’ homes. Here are some practical and often easy changes you can consider to make a home safer for older adults.

The bathroom is a place where accidents can easily happen. Stepping into a tub can be difficult for seniors or people with limited mobility. Installing a walk-in shower or a walk-in tub with a door can greatly reduce the risk of falls, making bathing safer and more comfortable. Adding grab bars and handrails near and in the shower provides extra stability.… Continue Reading