CLOUZ HOUZ DESIGN GUIDES - What’s your style?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Lifestyle

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
Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
What started as a “simple” fireplace update quickly turned into one of those classic renovation plot twists.😅 
Here’s how it actually unfolded:
1. Planned to install tile over the existing fireplace tile — that was the original vision.
2. Began demo and discovered some serious structural damage to chimney. Immediate pivot.
3. Tore in further and uncovered the original brick hiding underneath.
4. Brought in the mason to re-mortar and clean everything up.
5. The brick went from dusty and rustic to bright red and very classic — and yes... I freaked out a little.
6. Lived with it for a bit to see if I could make peace with the new look.
7. Ultimately we applied a watered down lime grout (what was used by mason) to give it that old-world imperfect feel again.
8. Polished/stained the original stone hearth to refresh it without replacing it.
9. Stripped down the fussy details from the wood mantle and surround.
10. Painted the mantle and reinstalled it — and finally, it all felt right.
Renovations rarely go exactly as planned, but sometimes uncovering what’s underneath leads to something better than you imagined in the first place.
Omg this kitchen is so close I can feel it😭
The brick floors are in, the character is there, and the countdown to actually cooking in here (aka retiring the air fryer + constant takeout era) is officially on.
This one detail alone is making everything feel real and lived-in already... And I can’t wait to see it all come together.
If you’re into kitchens with soul + old-house energy, save this for later!
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about how I run my business… so whether you are a prospective client or a new designer here’s something I wanted to share…
After 15+ years, I can tell you this: running a design studio is about so much more than creating something beautiful.
Most days, it feels like 80% of my job is understanding people—how they live, what they need, what matters to them and only 20% is the actual design. And honestly, that might surprise you.
A lot of how I operate comes from my early career as an Executive Assistant at Nike, where I learned the value of being organized, anticipate needs, and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. That foundation shapes everything we do.
Because in the end, it’s not just about pretty homes… it’s about creating spaces that truly support the people living in them. And the process in getting there can completely change the entire experience. 
So if you are questioning if you have what it takes to do this, or maybe you are considering working with us- know this: if you think designers are just “creatives” you are wrong- it’s also all the unsexy stuff - the process in which we create a beautiful space.
If you want your home to feel more custom, look up.
One pet peeve is when electricians “swiss cheese” your ceiling with a bunch of recessed can lights. By strategically placing them you can get a beautiful and seamless look. Standard recessed lights have a visible trim that creates a subtle shadow line on the ceiling.
These 3” mud-in recessed lights are installed and finished directly into the drywall, so there’s no trim, no harsh edge, no visual interruption. Seamless.
A subtle ceiling detail I have never done before but I’m soooo glad we did!
It’s quieter. Cleaner. More intentional.
Save this and bring it up early in your planning phase. This is a detail WORTH considering! Also, If you want the exact lights we used comment ‘ME’ and we will DM you the link.