Fresh Ideas from a Real Home Reset

Dec 15

Earlier this month, I spent a few days in Atlanta working 1:1 with a client as part of a VIP in-home organizing series. With her permission, I’m sharing a few of the strategies and space makeovers we created together — in case they inspire a fresh take on your own home.

As a Seattle-based professional organizer and certified KonMari Consultant, I love tailoring organizing solutions to real people with real lives. These ideas are proof that small tweaks can lead to big transformations.

1. Let Your Hobbies Have the Spotlight

This family loves game night, but their board games were scattered in multiple places. The ones tucked away in a closet rarely got used because they were tough to access.

What we did: We gathered the full collection and created a dedicated spot on the bookshelf for everything. Now it’s all visible and within reach, so game nights happen more often (and no games get forgotten).

Organizing tip: Store hobby-related items in accessible, inviting locations so they get used and enjoyed more often.

2. Make Your Closet Feel Like Your Favorite Store

Her closet had become a space she avoided. So we turned it into a feel-good zone she actually wanted to step into each morning.

What we did: We decluttered down to what she loves and feels great in, then reorganized her wardrobe visually so it’s easy to find outfits that energize her.

Organizing tip: Point your shoes with the toes facing you for more of a "boutique" feel.

3. Move Seasonal Items Out of Prime Real Estate

Holiday decor and wrapping supplies were taking up space in her everyday closet — even when they weren’t in use.

What we did: After paring everything down to what she actually enjoys using, we relocated the items to a guest room closet. We also repurposed a decorative trunk to store holiday items in a way that felt special and functional.

Organizing tip: Storing wrapping paper in a tall box? Try trimming the sides a few inches to make it easier to see and grab your supplies (no more paper avalanches).

4. Simplify Deep Storage with Smaller, Lighter Bins

Her laundry room had deep shelving — a great asset, but the large, heavy bins weren’t practical.

What we did: We swapped them for smaller, lighter bins organized by category, each with a secure locking lid. Now she can grab exactly what she needs, without digging or lifting heavy containers.

Organizing tip: Deep shelves work best with light, easy-to-lift bins organized by clear sub-categories.

Sometimes the biggest shifts come from the smallest tweaks. If your home has a few "I'll deal with that later" zones, maybe one of these strategies will help you look at them with fresh eyes.

And if you're in the Seattle area and want personalized support to reimagine your space, I’d love to help. Contact me here, and we’ll make a plan that works for your real life.

Kari Lonczak
Professional Organizer | Certified KonMari Consultant
Based in Seattle, WA

Want more tips like this, plus behind-the-scenes looks at how I organize real homes (and real lives)?

Kari Lonczak