Kristi Walter’s eyes light up at the mention of color-coded tabs, label makers and plastic bins! These are tools of her trade! She is a home organizer who loves what she does.
She works with people to assess their needs, not just to get rid of things, but to streamline their spaces and find a place for everything that matters to them. “There is nothing better than seeing someone’s spirit lift. Just seeing the pressure come off them. My goal is to make their life better. We all deserve the best space. We don’t have to live with all that clutter.”
Researchers have found that clutter can impair quality of life by overwhelming the brain, limiting focus and productivity, creating anxiety, causing stress and disrupting sleep patterns, among other negative effects.
Kristi suggests these clutter busters:
1. Start small with the space in your home that gives you the most anxiety: your kitchen, office, laundry room, wherever it is.
2. Set a timer for 15 minutes and tackle a section; this makes a large project doable.
3. Ask yourself how you use that space, what the rhythm of the room is and start to set up systems that work with that life flow.
In your office, that can be a bin that contains all adhesives or a ‘sharps’ bin that contains all your scissors and other sharp items.
In your mudroom, put all your kids’ sports items in a bin by the door, ready to go.
In your kitchen, take bottles from your counter and arrange them on a pretty tray.
Create a ‘Go Bag’ you can take in the car to run errands between your day’s activities.
For homes with little ones, she recommends putting safe things at a level they can reach. Plastic cups in a low kitchen drawer. This teaches them independence and saves you time.
4. Everything has a place it belongs. Don’t just put something down, put it away.
Kristi buys bins with lids on Amazon and clear plastic boxes for $1.50 each. She believes that people don’t have to spend a lot of money to create order in their home.
“Your house should give you a hug when you walk in!” Kristi says with a satisfied smile.
Kristi and her husband, John, own JKW Home Services. For inquiries, call (303) 304-7244.
"We all deserve the best space and don't have to live with all that clutter!"