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Organizational Hacks: Purge, Declutter and Conquer!

Purge, Declutter and Conquer: organizational hacks that will help you

Hi everyone! I thought it would be helpful to share some game-changing organizational hacks that are an absolute must before you begin your next big move. Coming from a family who has moved many times due to our jobs, we consider ourselves experts in the field and thought we could offer some insight. My rule is to purge, declutter and conquer! As a designer and busy mom, I’ve learned firsthand how crucial it is to have a clean, organized space from which to start preparing. We’re going to be revisiting these tips shortly ourselves as we prepare to put our current house on the market. We’re excited to begin our move into the Tumalo Ranch project!

Moving into a new home is an exciting chapter in life, but it can become very chaotic if you’re not prepared. That’s why I can’t stress enough the importance of cleaning everything out before the big day. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you can find what you need effortlessly and don’t have to deal with all the unnecessary items you’ve had stored in the attic for years. 

Let’s start with the garage

The haven of miscellaneous belongings, seasonal items, and forgotten treasures. It’s the perfect place to start to declutter! One of my absolute favorite discoveries has been big, durable stackable bins that we incorporated into our garage makeover last summer. These versatile containers are a godsend for storing all types of goods, like camping equipment, decorations or sports gear. 

Investing in these stackable bins will give you a streamlined, organized system that fits perfectly on racks and shelves. Label each bin with a clear, concise description, allowing you to locate your items with ease. 

Clouz Houz Tip: Utilize labels, tags, or even color-coded systems to ensure easy access!

Remember, a well-organized space is not only visually pleasing, but also contributes to your overall well-being. Going through this process will create a sense of tranquility in your new home as soon as you walk through the door. Happy organizing and happy moving! 

Closets can be challenging to declutter

When it comes to purging, take a moment to ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” If you haven’t worn it in the past 6 months, then consider getting rid of it. It’s amazing how much we accumulate over time. Don’t be afraid to part ways with things that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Once you declutter your closets, you will feel incredibly rewarded … and closer to the finish line!

We understand how hard it can be to let go of sentimental objects, but remember, it’s about creating a fresh start in your new home. Think about donating to local charities, or organizing a yard sale to pass clothes on to others who may find joy in them.

The Pantry 

Thanks to the discovery of the best airtight storage containers for snacks, my tiny pantry has been completely transformed. These incredible containers have revolutionized my storage game, allowing me to fit an impressive amount of snacks into a limited space. With their efficient design, I can neatly stack and organize various treats without worrying about freshness or spillovers. 

But it doesn’t stop there! Creating distinct zones within my pantry has taken organization to a whole new level. By allocating specific areas for grains, canned goods, spices and baking supplies, finding the right ingredients has become an absolute breeze. No longer do I need to rummage through cluttered shelves, as everything now has its designated place.

 

Last step of the process: Enjoy and ice cold beverage and kick your feet up. You did it!

I hope these tips and tricks work for you like they have worked for us! It’s not easy work, but it is necessary and rewarding.

1

Storage Bins

These sleek, black storage bins, crafted with durability, are ideal for taming the chaos.
Storage Bins
2

Shelf Dividers

Maximize the functionality of your closet with these clear shelf dividers. Effortlessly organize your purses or cosmetic bags and be amazed how clearly you can see everything you have stored!
Shelf Dividers
3

Food Storage Jars

With their airtight seals, these stylish jars are designed to preserve your food while getting rid of the need for unnecessary packages that take up too much space.
Food Storage Jars
4

Shoe Storage Boxes

These durable and transparent containers allow you to declutter. You can conveniently store and protect your favorite shoes while maximizing space with these containers' stackable feature.
Shoes Storage Box
5

Hangers

Upgrade your closet aesthetic while keeping your clothes neatly displayed with these gold hangers.
Hangers
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20k. Wow. Feeling a little surreal over here (and right before Christmas!). Emma surprised me with this cake today and it honestly made me pause and take it all in. This journey has been nothing without you all (this community) showing up, supporting, growing with me. I’m so grateful for every message, interaction, and tiny bit of love along the way.
And I’ll be honest... it’s not always easy showing up here every day and sharing so many pieces of our lives. You don’t see everything, and that’s okay. But what’s real is this connection and the people on the other side of the screen.
Here’s to all of you. Thank you for being here, for cheering us on, and for making this space feel like something worth building.❤️
After designing and remodeling so many bathrooms, here are 5 mistakes I’ll never make again:
1. Stopping tile too low on the wall.
Tiling only part way up can make a bathroom feel choppy and visually shorter. Taking tile higher (or all the way up in key areas) instantly feels more custom and elevates even the smallest space.
2. Choosing form over storage.
A pretty pedestal sink with nowhere to hide anything... I’ve learned my lesson. Vanities with drawers, medicine cabinets, and smart niches keep your counters clear and make your bathroom actually livable. For example, pretty pedestal sinks have my heart — but they have zero secrets. If you truly love the look, add a tailored sink skirt to hide essentials, or do what we’re doing in our own project: bringing in an entire wall of IKEA PAX built-ins for overflow storage. Desianers think hard about lifestyle... because a beautiful bathroom that doesn’t actually work never stays beautiful.
3. Using the wrong grout color.
Bright white grout on a busy floor or in a shower is a cleaning nightmare. A softer, mid-tone grout is more forgiving, ages better, and lets the tile shine instead of the lines.
4. Cheap, overly shiny hardware and fixtures.
Nothing dates a bathroom faster than ultra-shiny, lightweight hardware. A tip I give clients: always look for weight and finish depth. Polished nickel with a warm undertone, unlacquered brass that patinas beautifully, or even aged bronze instantly elevates a space. Spend once and avoid upgrading again in two years.
5. Relying only on overhead lighting.
One can light = harsh, flat, unflattering. Layered lighting changes everything. Add sconces at face level (ladies... this is a game changer for getting ready), plus a decorative fixture or even a candle for a softer, moodier feel.
If you’re planning a remodel or want help avoiding these mistakes in your own home, send me a DM — we’d love to help you design a bathroom you’ll love for years🤍
“Designers are expensive.” That’s the public opinion... and sometimes, it’s true. But it’s also the reason we exist. 
A designer’s fee is almost always less than the cost of redoing things that weren’t done right the first time.
We see it all the time. Clients come to us after plans are finalized, materials are ordered, and the space is already under construction. By then, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to course-correct. Details like lighting placement, ceiling heights, tile layout, and even outlet locations all impact the final design. And when we’re part of the process early, those decisions work together instead of against each other.
Working with a designer isn’t just about how your home looks.. It’s about how it feels and functions. Our role is to bridge the gap between vision and execution, to make sure every decision supports the next one.
If you’re in the early stages of building or renovating, this is your sign to bring design in from the start. It’s an investment in doing it once, and doing it beautifully.
Inquire through our site (link in bio) to start your project!
Headed back to Oregon today and scrolling through old Christmas clips like the nostalgic, obsessed person that I am.😂 It truly never fails to be the coziest place during the holidays.
We chose the PNW this year partly for the peaceful vibes... partly because our renovation is unhinged right now. And MOSTLY because I wanted to put up a tree. 
Luckily we have a fake one in storage. No ornaments, just twinkle lights and vibes. I’ve got a few simple tricks to make it feel special for our family.
Where are you celebrating this year? Traveling? Staying home? I love hearing what this season looks like for everyone.
Until then, I’ll just be on the Tennessee backroads with my coffee, gathering design inspo from every pretty home I drive past!