When we first met Kathy, she was feeling overwhelmed — standing at the edge of several big life transitions at once. But when Team Peace organizers Julie L. and Summer arrived for our first working session, it was immediately clear that something had shifted.
Before
After
Before
After
Kathy was in a much better headspace than during her consultation. She’d just had a job interview that went extremely well, and there was a sense of momentum in the air. With a likely job offer on the horizon — and a potential out-of-state move not far behind — she was finally ready to get started.
Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
Starting Where It Matters Most: The Kitchen
For this session, we focused entirely on the kitchen — a space that often carries an outsized amount of stress when life feels unsettled.
We began by clearing all countertops and visible surfaces, creating immediate visual calm and giving us room to work. From there, Julie L. worked closely with Kathy to sort and edit cabinets and drawers, gently guiding decisions while keeping the pace manageable. Along the way, dishes were washed, the dishwasher was run, and everything was put away properly — restoring function as well as order.
Meanwhile, Summer tackled the heavy lifting:
A large food cabinet filled with expired items
The pantry closet
Two additional cabinets that needed a full reset
There was a lot of expired food — very common in situations like this — and clearing it made a noticeable difference almost immediately.
Letting Go (With Support)
One of the biggest wins of the session was Kathy’s willingness to let things go.
Having access to an on-site dumpster for the building made a huge difference. Kathy took several trips herself, using a cart to handle trash and recycling. This wasn’t just practical — it gave her a sense of agency and kept her actively involved while Julie L. and Summer focused on organizing.
With a few gentle nudges, Kathy did a surprisingly good job releasing items that no longer served her. Even more encouraging? She began making decisions on her own in another room — a clear sign that confidence was building.
Storage That Grows With the Process
Kathy asked us to start by using the small boxes she already had in her cabinets, with the idea of possibly switching to bins in a future session. We began implementing them in the bathroom and plan to revisit storage upgrades later — ideally extending the system into the kitchen once she’s lived with it a bit.
At Peaceful Place, we often say: the best organizing systems evolve. There’s no need to force perfection on day one.
Ending the Session on a High Note
By the time we wrapped up, Kathy was exhausted — but in the best possible way. She seemed lighter, calmer, and genuinely pleased with what had been accomplished.
She mentioned wanting to do more on her own before our next session, but we gently encouraged her not to stress. For now, the priority is simply maintaining the kitchen and letting that sense of order support her as she navigates everything else going on.
Sometimes, doing less — but doing it well — is exactly what’s needed.
Thinking About Getting Started?
If you’re facing a move, a career change, or any major life transition — and your home feels like it’s amplifying the stress — you don’t have to do it alone.
Peaceful Place Home Organizing & Transitions provides compassionate, judgment-free support to help you move forward, one space at a time.