What Does Being Organized Mean?

To me, being organized is so much more than just knowing what you have and where to find it. It's not about bins, boxes, labels, or neat piles. It's the act of simplifying to better use and enjoy the things you decide to take into your life; to make the experience of everyday routines like getting dressed and making your morning coffee that much easier and more enjoyable.

For example, with clothes storage you should be able to see everything you need to make an outfit at a glance, which is why I generally insist people separate out the seasons (in NYC it's really a no-brainer). Whenever possible I (re-)designate dresser drawers to house undergarments, pajamas, and work-out clothes. Sweaters, t-shirts, and pants (what most people have in their drawers) go into the closet like in the above pic. For that client, there's no more running around to get dressed in the morning which her husband appreciates as much as she does.

As for the kitchen, I love to designate an entire cabinet shelf for all coffee/tea items; mugs, teas, coffees, french press, sugar, honey and whatever else someone uses for the occasion. Since most clients think it's a crazy idea when they hear it, I usually just do it without telling them. When they see it they generally love it too! I've also cleared out the kitchen junk drawer for tea bags which works nicely too. Such a better purpose for a drawer than to hold 'junk'...

The pics show progress shots so forgive the unfinished looks :)