Saipan Simplified

I had such a fun time organizing Melanie’s space! She provided me with a few photos and measurements, and then gave me the freedom to take it from there. I really enjoyed analyzing the layout, thinking through her storage needs, and coming up with a practical and sustainable system. Seeing the transformation come together was incredibly satisfying!

Major spice storage upgrade, inspired by ! 🌶️✨ My old mason jars were cute, but they didn’t survive the Saipan humidity. These containers are by far the most functional setup for storing a million spices! 🙌

I love working on move-in projects because it’s a totally clean slate. Starting from scratch is so much fun—choosing containers that fit the new space and organizing everything in a way that makes sense for how my client lives. It’s such a fun puzzle to figure out what they use daily and making sure those essentials are front and center and easy to grab 🙌

I just reread New Minimalism, and it was such a good reminder of how I want to live! I love how they explain that simplicity doesn’t mean giving things up or feeling uncomfortable—it’s really about making space for what truly matters. The focus is on decluttering over organizing, which I honestly believe is the first real step to organization. Such a motivating read to kick off the New Year! 📚

I meal plan every week and grocery shop accordingly, yet somehow still find the occasional wilted surprise hiding in the back of the fridge... My condiment shelf also hadn’t been inventoried in a while, so a declutter was definitely overdue—goodbye to the miso paste that expired last year 👀 Clearing everything out and wiping down each drawer and shelf is always so satisfying!

My freezer was desperately overdue for a full cleanout and inventory update 🥶 I pulled everything out, wiped down each shelf, and said goodbye to the sad-looking items. With a fresh inventory list, I now know what I have, how much I have, and can plan meals based on it. No more frozen tumbles when I try to grab that one thing in the back! 📝🙌

I love a blank canvas to organize! Kassandra already had baskets to work with, and using them to create functional spaces in her new apartment was a fun, rewarding challenge. Getting her settled and unpacked quickly meant she could dive right into making her home feel nice and cozy!

Throwback to my last apartment right after I moved in! I’ve always had tiny closets, so most of my clothes end up folded in drawers. Whatever does fit on hangers gets organized from short sleeves to long sleeves to coats, and then by color. Tell me why I apparently only own black, white, and one random fluorescent yellow piece 😂 One day I’ll have a walk-in closet… manifesting those future goals! 🖤🤍💛

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by is one of the most well-known organizing books out there, and it was also the first one I read back in 2015. I remember that year clearly because I was getting over a long-term relationship, and the section on sentimental items hit me hard.

“By handling each sentimental item and deciding what to discard, you process your past. If you are keeping them because you can’t forget a former boyfriend, better to discard or donate them. Hanging on to them makes it more likely that you will miss opportunities for new relationships.” I had a pile of letters and gifts from my ex, and that chapter gave me the push I needed to let go and move forward (and I met my husband the next year!). I did keep the lululemon clothes and french press though (bc duh 😂).

This book is a great intro to organizing as it covers all the basics, like how to fold clothes and sort papers, in a simple, approachable way. It’s short, easy to read, and I highly recommend for anyone just starting their organizing journey!