How to Declutter and Organize Your Home Like a Pro (Even in a Small Chicago Apartment)

Let’s be real—life in a busy city like Chicago moves fast. Between work, family, and everything in between, keeping your space clean can feel like a full-time job. If you’ve ever walked into your home and felt that wave of chaos, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a reality TV makeover to reclaim your peace. With a few smart strategies—and a little help from the pros—you can transform your home into a calm, organized sanctuary. Here’s how to tackle the clutter and finally get your space cleaned without the stress.

Whether you live in a cozy Lincoln Park studio or a family-sized apartment in Wicker Park, clutter can creep up on anyone. The key isn’t perfection—it’s finding systems that actually work for your brain and your lifestyle. Here’s how to start.

Understand Your Organizing Style

Not everyone organizes the same way. Some people crave visual simplicity (let’s call them “crickets”), while others thrive on open bins and quick access (the “butterflies”). The trick is to set up a system that matches how you and your family actually live. If you’re a visual person who gets overwhelmed by clutter, consider solid bins with labels. If you’re more laid-back, open shelving might be your best friend. The goal is to make tidying up effortless, so you’re more likely to stick with it.

Why Knowing Your Tendency Matters

There’s also the “four tendencies” framework—understanding whether you meet outer expectations (like a deadline) or inner ones (like a personal goal). If you’re someone who struggles to keep promises to yourself, you might benefit from outer accountability. That could mean scheduling a regular home cleaning service to keep you on track. Knowing yourself is the first step to a cleaner home.

Start with a Declutter Sprint

You don’t need to spend weeks sorting through everything. Set a timer for 26 minutes and declutter one zone—like a toy bin or a crowded shelf. The trick is to let go of duplicates (yes, that means the extra umbrellas and stray markers). Studies show that fewer toys actually help kids play longer and more creatively. And for adults? Less stuff means less to clean, which is a win for everyone.

Give Everything a Home

Clutter happens when items don’t have a designated spot. Think about your “valuable real estate”—the spots at eye level or easy reach. Reserve those for things you use daily. Store rarely-used items (like holiday decor or bulky tools) up high or out of sight. And if you live in a small Chicago apartment, vertical space is your best friend. Use tall bookcases or wall-mounted shelves to maximize storage without taking up floor space.

When every item has a home, you can clean your apartment in half the time because there’s no more shuffling piles around.

Create Zones for Every Activity

In an open-concept space, it helps to treat each area like its own room. Designate a “toy zone” for the kids, a “command center” near the door for keys and mail, and a cozy adult corner for relaxing. Boundaries—even invisible ones—help keep things from “leaking” into other areas. If you’re feeling short on time, fast cleaning services can give you a fresh start so you can maintain those zones more easily.

Landing Zones Are a Lifesaver

That narrow hallway or entryway? It’s prime real estate for a landing zone. Add hooks for bags, a small tray for keys, and a basket for mail. This one change can stop the “dump everything on the dining table” habit for good. When you come home, you can put things away instantly—and that’s half the cleaning battle.

Don’t Forget the Deep Clean

Once you’ve decluttered and organized, it’s time to get into the corners you’ve been ignoring. Dust gathers on high shelves, grime builds up in the kitchen, and allergens hide in carpets. If that sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many Chicago families rely on deep cleaning help to tackle the tough stuff so they can focus on living. A professional deep clean sets a new baseline, making it easier to keep your home fresh week after week.

Maintain with Micro-Habits

After a big reset, the secret is tiny daily habits. Put away one item before you take out another. Wipe down the counter after cooking. Spend five minutes tidying before bed. These small actions add up—and they prevent the “avalanche” feeling of a messy home. If you fall behind (it happens!), you can always schedule a cleaning to get back on track without guilt.

Why Chicago Homes Need a Tailored Approach

Chicago apartments and homes come with their own challenges—limited square footage, older buildings, and harsh winters that trap dirt and salt indoors. That’s why it helps to work with a Chicago cleaning company that understands local living. From Lakeview to Logan Square, every neighborhood has its quirks, and the right cleaning service near me can make all the difference in keeping your space healthy and happy.

When to Call in the Pros

You can do a lot on your own, but sometimes you just need a hand—especially after a big declutter or during a busy season. Whether you need a one-time refresh or recurring help, professional home cleaning services are designed to fit your schedule. It’s not about giving up control; it’s about giving yourself permission to breathe. When you book an appointment, you’re investing in your peace of mind.

The Lasting Transformation

Remember, a clean home isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space that supports your life, your family, and your well-being. When you reduce the visual noise, you reduce stress. When you have systems that work, you save time. And when you have a plan—and maybe a little backup—you can finally enjoy coming home.

If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling proud of your space, you don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is to have someone to clean my apartment so you can focus on what matters most.

I’m in New York for the coolest project ever. Let’s go. I am here with the incredible Gretch and Ruben and we are making over this crazy messy space. And to do that, we are doing something we’ve never done before. We are stacking our frameworks. We’re going to unlock creating order and maintaining order. Yeah. Lasting change. Are you ready for this incredible transformation not only of the home, but of their lives? >> That’s right. It’s going to be explosive. >> Explosive. My name is Chloe and I live in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. And I live with my two young kids and my husband Nate. We moved here in April of 2020 in the prime of the pandemic. I don’t want to come home anymore to feeling like I have this massive project that I’m pushing to the side every day and it’s really embarrassing right now. >> Are you overwhelmed? >> Yeah, >> you are. Totally. When you walk in the door, like how do you feel? What’s your first feeling? >> Chaos. I feel like there’s 15 children living here and two adults. >> There’s a lot of kids. >> Not a lot of adult. >> Adult. >> Yeah. So, I also was feeling like there was a lot of kid and originally this was supposed to be the dining room. Kids stuff like vomits everywhere. >> Do you find that your kids take the toys they want and take them to this area? Do you know why that is? >> No. Tell me. >> I know why that is. >> Tell me. Do you know why that is? >> Because that’s a clear wide open space. >> Right. Kids always take the toys to the least cluttered area because children also are overwhelmed by clutter. So like you created this space like oh I’m going to fill it with all their fun things and they don’t want to be in here because it’s excess. >> One of the things about understanding you is understanding like why you’re holding on to things and like what the significance of it is. >> I make a lot of decisions during the day and I’m the type of person that’s like if I’m going to take this on, I want to take on the entire room. >> Yes. >> Yes. I feel bad, but I want to call you out for just a little second because as I’m glancing around, I see things like the markers over there sorted by color. You are taking time that you don’t have to really zone in on these little micro solutions. So, are you a bit of a perfectionist? >> I am. >> You are. >> Okay. >> And you’re living with little kids who are the opposite. So, this space is causing you a lot of stress and anxiety. You are what I call a cricket. So a very detailed, very meticulous who prefers visual simplicity and you’re feeling overstimulated because there’s too much to look at >> 100%. So we’ve got the clutterbug system which is an amazing framework and then there’s a completely different way of looking at things but that it stacks with it very well which is your tendency. This has to do with how you meet or resist outer and inner expectations. So I’m going to ask you a couple questions because I’m going to try to tell you your Okay. How do you feel about New Year’s resolutions? >> I typically don’t make them. I think that it’s kind of like the way that people think about like diets, that’s like a fad. Like you should it should really just be like a lifestyle change. >> Let’s say there was a class that you wanted to take and somebody said it’s going to it be kind of a pain for me if you take it. How would you feel about that? >> So, I would want to take it, but I would probably put everybody else’s needs first. So, I’m getting a strong vibe that you’re probably an obliger, which means that you readily meet other people’s expectations, but you might struggle to meet your expectations for yourself. >> It’s helpful to know that she’s an obliger because when I look at all these kids toys, even though this is stressing her out, she’s keeping it for her kids because her kids happiness is the most important thing. Really feel like I’ve got tools now to help make the process easier and I know it’s going to be easier to maintain. >> Well, you get an insight into the family dynamic. >> Yes. I hate to do this, Gretchen, because I adore you and you are my hero. But get that get the heck out of here. >> Go to it. Go to it. >> Get the heck out of here. >> Are you ready for >> I’m ready. Let’s go. >> Okay. I’m going to grab some bags. Let’s do this. >> Okay. You like that one? >> Look at you. Look how easy this is. Stop procrastinating decluttering. Those of you watching at home, no. Let me just say this one thing. Would you let your kids eat chocolate cake for breakfast? >> No. >> No. Why? >> Cuz it’s not healthy. >> Cuz it’s not healthy. Do you know what else isn’t healthy? >> Clutter. >> Clutter. And keeping everything. Because if you are not teaching your kids that it’s important that they let go, they’re going to grow up with hoarding tendencies. Just like eating chocolate cake is bad, keeping everything is bad, too. So, you’re actually a good mother by letting go. Yeah, >> this is so important. The chocolate cake for breakfast analogy, especially for Chloe being an obliger. This is going to help her because she now sees that decluttering is for the good of her children. We’re not really taught how negative clutter can be for small minds. It’s so overwhelming even for children. And now that Chloe like has this chocolate cake, I’m doing it for my kids zest. She is making so much progress. And we’re moving on. Can you find one Barbie that can go? >> Awesome. >> I’m so proud. I just feel emotional. You’re so good at this. And also, what took you so long? >> Here’s the thing, mama. Listen, let’s have a talk. I see a lot of meticulous organization going on and the color coordinating. Is that your ideal organization? I just want things to be easy to be to be found and easy to be put away. >> Okay? >> Doesn’t have to be like perfect cuz kids are not perfect. >> You’re a cricket, which we’ve learned, and you live with three butterflies. >> And the golden clutterbug rule is that visual and nondetailed always win. This awesome feels like it’d be more functional. It’s very schoolesque. But a better solution is just a marker bin. Now, every cricket watching wants to cry right now. How do you feel? >> Yeah. >> I don’t love it. >> Right. You would rather take time to put something away properly because you want to be like yellow’s right here. >> Yeah. >> This is too many steps. This is like I’m done with the marker. I have to find the right compartment. That’s why you’re like, I’ve set it up. Why aren’t they keeping it tidy? It’s because you’ve created an additional step that their brain is not processing. We’ve got to not have it for your brain. We’re going to do it for theirs. >> I don’t want to make it perfect and make it feel like it like kids don’t live here, but I get that it just helps organize mine. >> To you, this makes so much sense and will make their life so much easier because it makes your life easier, but this is actually easier for them. I love that Chloe had this real light bulb moment when seeing the difference between the two detailed and non-detailed approaches with the markers. This is such a perfect example of the entire clutterbug system. Now she really gets it and I know going forward she’ll be able to set up other systems that will work for everyone’s brain. Your son is only seven and I feel like his car identity clutter may be a little bit unreasonable. So, can we dump out and make a pile? I would like you to see the excess. >> Is this our car park? Chloe, first thought about the horde of vehicles. It’s too many. It’s too many for him to actually enjoy. It’s like I’m having decision fatigue. He’s only seven. So, like, what are his favorite? How could you possibly know? And also, he might not want to play with them. Like, studies have shown the more toys, the less long a child actually engages with the toy. Do you feel like your son should have a say in this? >> Yes, but he will be he will want to keep them all. We’ll put all the ones you think that he can let go of into here and then you’re going to present this like these are all the ones we are going to share with other boys and girls that don’t have a lot of toys, but I want to make sure you feel like you’re in charge. Are there any in here that are your most favorite? and he’s going to shop and get to pick some out that he loves. He feels like this was a really positive experience because he got new cars as opposed to mom took away all my cars. >> Yeah, >> Chloe has a tape factory. That’s a lot of tape. >> You live in New York, so you don’t have like a garage. >> So, this is like utility where it should be toys. Where in an ideal world would these type of you like this go? >> Somewhere where they can’t get access to it. >> What if I gave you that place that wasn’t here >> and I put it up high >> and I took it out of this valuable real estate because this is like this should be something way cooler. One of the most important things when you’re organizing is to look at your valuable real estate. That’s the spots in your home that are waste to eye level. That is really easy to access your main storage. And Chloe in this small New York apartment doesn’t have a lot of storage. And the one unit she did have was filled with things she rarely used, like tools and tape and other things that probably should have been in a junk drawer. She doesn’t have a junk drawer. So, I’m going to create a little space that’s high up out of the way for those things to go so we can free up the valuable storage for things that are used every single day. You know what might be fun? Since you’ve been decluttering, decluttering, and that’s boring and no fun for your little Cricut brain, what if we I got you these like little tiny bins that are really good because they’re just see-through enough that you know what’s inside, but opaque enough to not stress your little brain out. I was hoping you were a cricket. I was guessing before I even So, it’s all working out for me. You are actually more organized than I am, truthfully. I know I’m a professional organizer, but I’m a ladybug. My brain doesn’t do details. I’m like, “Chuck it in a utility bin. That would make you cry.” So, what I want you to do is do it your way. Do you think this is a reasonable amount of tape? >> Cool. Let’s put the tape in. >> And then when it’s full, we’ll re-evaluate. This is called the container concept. Means the container is your limit. We can only keep what fits in here. So, duct tape. >> Yes. >> Quick, it’s an emergency. Grab the flashlight that has no batteries. Can the flashlight go? >> Sure. >> Cuz it’s useless. You’re like, unless I put batteries in it. Do you want me to put batteries in it? >> Yeah. And then put it in like the like dress up section or something. >> Dress up? >> I don’t know. Because you can like play. >> New York’s a weird place, man. >> I’m just going to say this. Do you think your way of organizing is superior to your husband’s way of organizing? >> Yes. Yeah. All right. Cool. Cool. Cool. So people think that people think like perfection is better. But I would argue that both of you are organizing in the way that actually really works. I think if you look at him, he’s not messy or lazy or incompetent or using weaponized incompetence. His brain literally works different. It might make you a little bit more understanding, but it’ll make him feel more respected. And when he feels more respected, he’s probably going to take on more responsibility. He probably feels now if he tries, he’ll just do it wrong. And then so he wouldn’t at all. So when we can set up a system where everything he does is right and everything you do is right, then there’s no more like, yeah, yeah, I’m excited. My goal for this space is less less stuff obviously, but like less stimulation for Chloe because she’s feeling overwhelmed. Everywhere you look, it’s like Toys R Us vomited, but it’s also looking like work. And I want it to instead inspire play. I want the whole family to come in and want to do games at the table and want to do arts and crafts and want to watch a movie together. I want this space to also feel grown up so that Chloe and Nate at the end of the day when the kids go to bed can actually have couple time. It’s really hard to connect as adults when you’re sitting in the middle of a playroom also surrounded by laundry. You know what I’m saying? It’s time for a fresh start. Today is so exciting. Joe is at Khloe’s apartment putting together all the additional storage that we got and I get to go to Gretchen’s house to really talk in depth about the four tendencies. Her four tendencies framework changed my life. It improved so many different areas. So I am thrilled to talk to her about this to teach you a little bit more and I get to snoop around her house to discover her organizing style. I think all will be revealed in my category when you when you look. This makes me so happy. >> Our conversation was so good. I am saving it for an upcoming video and I’ll show you what I found when peeking around Gretchen’s house and how I diagnosed her organizing style. But now I have to get back to Chloe’s house and start organizing. I’ve got to go. >> This was amazing though. This was so much fun. >> I’m going to see you tomorrow and I cannot wait. I love a before and after more than anything. And I know it’s going to be >> I hope so. >> I know >> there’s a lot of pressure. It’s going to be great. No, I’m excited. We’ll see you tomorrow. >> Okay, let’s reveal the space. >> Okay, get to it. Hello. That looks so good. Woo! Oh, it blends. It does not feel intrusive. Hey, high five up top. I’m just over here building a puzzle, Joe, if you need me. Do >> Do >> you need us to find a three-year-old? >> I think I might need a three-year-old. >> There is one singular piece from this puzzle missing. Do you think that that puzzle piece is somewhere in this house? And do you think it is worth tearing everything apart for it? >> Cass? >> Yep. I need your expertise, please. >> Yes, my my Joe. >> Tada. That was the easy part. >> So good. >> So what? >> Hey, this doesn’t actually take out No, we can still walk. Here’s my plan for the space. I really want to treat this open concept room as two separate rooms with multi-purposes. The living room, we installed Billy bookcases and put doors on them. This is an inexpensive way to take advantage of all the vertical space, but the doors hide away the things to give that sense of calm for Chloe. Everything will be labeled inside though, so it’s still super butterfly friendly. And on the other side of the space, I want it to feel a little brighter and more fun. And I’m getting that call out of the middle of the room. Instead, I’m relocating it to where an old cabinet used to be, dedicating it just for toys. And the whole space is going to feel bigger and more open and have more potential seating for guests and entertaining or just hanging out as a family. I personally think the biggest impact is going to be using this hallway for what it’s meant for and that’s a landing zone. We’re creating a command center and a landing zone for keys, wallets. So, it’s no longer in the living room. Instead, we’re taking advantage of this amazing hallway. Not having a spot for all the things that you have when you come home is such an obvious pain point. Where do you put that stuff? Like, homes are not designed for the way we live sometimes. So, just having even a narrow hallway is enough to create an actual landing zone. Anything that’s really narrow that’s not going to be bumped as you walk down can take advantage of all this vertical space. They have a closet, but it is basically the only storage in this entire apartment, and it is jammed full. And plus, you have butterflies living here. They’re not going to open the door. They need to be able to just walk in, drop their stuff, and go. This is the messy middle. This is where everything’s a disaster, and we all just run around screaming, and it seems like we’re getting nothing done, and then magically it comes together. I’m feeling a little stressed. We’re uh behind. At first, like this was no problem. I’m feeling like it might be a problem. You don’t have much more time. Not one area is done yet. It’s fine. It’s all fine. It’s going to be fine. It is the end of day two and I have some regrets. Why? because I only ever give myself 2 days for these makeovers in the first place. And I spent half of today hanging out with Gretch and Ruben, which was cool, but I feel like I need another day, as you can see by the empty shelves behind me. Nothing’s really done. We have a few hours tomorrow morning, which is supposed to be like finishing touches and making the filming, but it will actually be last minute shrieking while I organize, but it always works out. So, I’m optimistic. Plus, my hero Gretch and Ruben will be here at exactly 1:00. So, let’s do this. I feel like that’s an obliger. I’m I’m being held accountable to her, so it’s going to work out. Disclaimer, if you’re feeling stressed like you have to completely overhaul and organize and declutter your house in 2 days, you can take all the time you need, but also know that you could do it in one weekend. It is possible, as I’m showing you now. So, I hope you’re feeling motivated. It is reveal day. We’re going to be putting all of the toy storage together. This is a call unit that they already had, but it was floating in the middle of the room. And we are just adding really inexpensive bins and sorting the toys. I wanted it to have like Cricut feel even though butterflies always win. This is also mom and dad’s living space and mom gets stressed out by clutter. going with just a simple solid bin and then adding a label. And I drew a little picture on it so it’s really obvious for Simone who’s only three and can’t read. This gives visual organization while also supporting the cricket’s need to not see everything. Yes, butterflies win, but there’s always room for compromise. And I think what I love most about a system like this is knowing your organizing style doesn’t mean you need to buy all new things. And reorganizing a space literally means you can use what you have. It’s about adapting it. It’s about small subtle changes like having solid containers but adding a label. If you have open shelving but you are over stimulated by seeing everything, just color blocking your books can give that visual simplicity. If you’re really visual, take the doors off your closet. It’s about knowing yourself. That’s what really matters. Anytime I can add a window bench, I do. Who doesn’t want a window bench? But also storage. And I knew that I wanted to have all of the crafts that the kids really shouldn’t access all the time in here. So, the mess makers for the kids in one side, but mom also had a lot of crafts she likes to do. So, she face paints, she does adult coloring, all that now has a home on this side. But my favorite reason for adding a window bench is extra storage. Especially in a small space when the grandparents come over or friends, they can pull the table up and have three additional seats. So, it’s storage, it’s organization, it’s window reading nook, and it’s more seating allin-one. If you have a small space, you have to take advantage of the wall space. And these bookcases, inexpensive, really narrow, and they go almost to the ceiling, which creates storage, but it kind of just blends in with the wall. And now we have a spot for all the memories, which were everywhere. Every family member has a memory bin and a spot for her to put the school papers. She has like a crickety way to do it. But in the meantime, life is busy. She has a spot to put it until she can organize it perfectly. Also, all the things that were kind of piled like mittens and extra outerw wear also has a place to go and it’s all behind closed doors. And on the other side, we have a combination of toy rotation and like home stuff. Since they don’t have a garage or a shed, it has a place to go and it’s hidden away for Chloe’s Cricut brain. I think the most important thing of organization is zoning. So, I wanted all the craft supplies to go in one area. And also, Miles is getting older and he’s going to need a spot to do his homework. What I really noticed was an issue was how small the little kid table they had. They have a three and seven-year-old and kids grow fast. So, I upgraded the table to an adjustable one, but that way it can grow as the kids grow. And I also really like that if they want to have a dinner party, they want to use this as more than just a playroom. The kids can have a spot to eat and the grown-ups can have their own table, too. So, again, just adding storage, which is so important in a small space. And I made sure to definitely organize this like a butterfly. Remember all the tape? We have so much tape. It’s also a problem because everything was taped to the walls. I’m not judging, but I’m judging because grown-ups live here. And when you have a space with just tape on the walls, it feels very dorm room. Instead, we’re going with these amazing frames. I love these so much. These are art frames. So, you just open and change the art. You can keep adding to it. And we’re adding a little gallery wall with all my favorite pieces, but also stocking it up. This is something that’s way better than tape, but it also is going to feel better for mom because it’s not going to feel as overstimulating as everywhere you look it looks like mess. It’s going to be beautiful kids artwork looking clean and cricketified. Is that a word? I made it a word. Gretchen is here. I’m going to do a mini reveal just for Gretchen. And then we’re going to bring Chloe in in a minute and surprise her. Hi. >> Oh my gosh. I cannot wait. Take a look. Oh my go Oh my gosh, they are going to love it. I cannot wait to see their faces. Want to bring her in right now? >> Oh my gosh. Absolutely. >> Okay, let’s do it. And I’m going to lead you so you don’t trip. I want you before you open to remember what this looked like 3 days ago. >> Yeah, it’s all I can picture. >> How did it make you feel when you came in and saw what it was like every day? >> Stressed. >> Stressed. Are you ready to see your new >> beautiful home? >> Yes. One, two, three. Open your eyes. Wow. The level of organization is so settling to me. Like I feel so comforted. >> So I upgraded your table. And this is actually adjustable. >> Oh. >> So as they grow it goes. And you >> you brought that back >> for me. >> Just for you. >> Just for me. >> But I’ve also made one for the kids. No pressure. They’re just like >> everyone’s brains are happy. >> Yes. Okay. What is actually so cool, you had this and it was kind of a TV unit, but now it is a craft and homework zone >> and everything stays here, including your >> tape collection for the listen lady with the tape. The tape lady. All the coloring books, everything is organized here. And I think this is what you were really lacking before was zones. >> Yeah. >> So boundaries are important. Those invisible limits. This is where it stays. >> This is the toy zone. >> Okay. >> And that will stop like the leaking cuz you had like this leaking and layering happening of like everything was kind of organized, but then stuff was getting piled on top of your organization. So boundaries and limits are super important. I color blocked because as a cricket I think you were over stimulated. It’s not that you don’t love color and love looking at things, but it felt chaotic to your brain. >> Oh, this makes me really happy. >> I’m so glad. So, I want you to be totally real with me. >> Is there something you hate? Because I maybe like I want to make sure I’ll fix it. All I want to do is oblige you and make you so happy cuz I was like, is it too empty? Is she going to be like, oh, it’s not a >> No. So, I’m I think I’m in shock. And I I’m so obsessed with the colors. I love the shelves. I love that you can just like you get a feel for who we are, but it’s also just like it feels so calming. I’m picturing us coming home from work and putting our stuff away and then just like sitting on the couch and like I have never thought of that before. So, I’m just taking in all the details and I’m just like overwhelmed cuz I’m processing. This is how I’m like I I process everything. I’m like, “Oh, you remembered literally everything that we’ve talked about.” I’m just >> I’m so glad. Really great. >> And I love that you love the colors because I love the colors. >> I snooped. These are your >> brought those from my mom. >> Really? >> Oh, it looks good. The kids are important. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> But this is the story for you, too. This is like Nate and Chloe reclaiming their power and their sense of like I’m a priority in my own life because I think >> like all the stuff got layered. You also got layered. >> Mhm. >> Wait, you got to talk about the hallway. You got to show her the hallway. >> The hallway is amazing. >> I forgot about the hallway. >> This, my friend, is your landing zone. >> It doesn’t take up a lot of the hallway. But also there was money and change and paying station and all your little gift cards. Like all the things that were so important and everywhere >> are in one zone. I call this your command center. This is also a good place maybe to put your calendar in here. This is >> the the landing zone and the launch pad of your life. Yeah. >> So now Gretchen’s going to get you >> and you do your thing. >> We’re maintaining. >> Now, as you were talking, you’re an obliger. You want to harness that outer accountability. Some things that you might say to yourself are, “It’s going to be better for my children, for their creativity, to have space to play, for their autonomy because they can find what they need and put it back.” Entertaining, right? You’re going to feel good about having people over because you have your adult space and your adult like sitting space. And also, don’t you think that for you and Nate, having that adult space will help you be more harmonious together? >> Yeah. Yeah. I think there will be less friction, right, between like >> Cuz what was was it causing friction? >> Yeah. Just like who’s going to how how can we tidy? How who’s going to tidy? Like who’s causing more chaos, >> right? I know the Yeah. Everybody points a finger. But this way, it’s like it’s very easy to see where things go. If you’re feeling calmer and more energetic, you’ll be more patient. You’ll be more light-hearted. >> Yeah. >> And how much time did you spend looking for stuff? >> I don’t even know. So much. >> Right. And now it’s all organized, so you know exactly where to find things. >> Well, it’d be much easier to have expectations for them to actually put their things away. >> And that’s really good for them to be trained up in that kind of thing, which is if you get something out, you put it away, >> which they’re used to at school. So just bring it here. >> Yeah. So that’s really good to reinforce it at home because that’s, you know, that’s a really useful life skill that you want your kids to have. So what are a few rules? Ablazer. >> Uhhuh. >> Okay. For the good of your family. >> You’re not going to put things down. You’re going to put them away. >> Yeah. >> You’re not going to let kid creep onto like these beautiful shelves or onto the bookcase because the bookcase is for the books or the board games. Art supplies go in the art supply. A beautiful surface is so calming. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Because you are gonna come in and say like, “Why did I just put all these bags right on this empty surface?” >> No, it’s right there. >> That’s right. Right. You can think of the spirit of Cass hovering over here holding you to the >> I am going to look I’m going to picture you, >> Chloe. As an obliger, it’s really important to like really think about who you’re doing this for because that outer accountability is what is really crucial for an obliger. So, how would you think of how you’re doing this for others? >> I really want our kids to be in a home that they feel excited and happy and comfortable coming to. And I want them to have good habits and learn strategies on >> how to put things away and know when like, oh, I really want to build something. How where do I go to do that? I want them to know how to do that and I want them to then eventually do that to their home when they get older. Right. Right. I want to be, you know, excited to have people come over. >> Yeah. >> And I’m already super excited for that. I’m like I’m like but then I’m also like don’t touch anything, but we’ll get there. I’ll get past that. >> This is a perfect articulation for an obliger. It’s that outer accountability. It’s for my children. It’s for their future. It’s for our life as a family. It’s for our marriage getting along harmoniously. It’s for your own. You’re going to show up as a mother better if you’re calm. You’re not scrambling. You’re not exhausted just visually. If you are having trouble meeting expectations, I really urge you to take the four tendencies quiz because once you know whether you meet or resist outer and inner expectations, that’s going to unlock so much for you in terms of how to achieve your aims for yourself and how to communicate more effectively with other people. >> Cass heard all of it. She didn’t just see this apartment as like a messy place. She saw it as like our home. We want to really honor our family and the history behind, you know, people in our family and also the things that we’ve done. She heard all of it, even just in passing. And so, I really appreciate that. It’s always good to feel seen. As an obliger, I think I thought that having all the toys around and giving the kids all the space that they I thought they needed was best for them. What I think I learned is that actually they need a space that’s also, you know, organized and and simple and clean and put away so that they know the the norms and the routines and that they can then also be happy with the toys that they currently have and also know that it’s when it’s time to get rid of some things, we can do that together and give them strategies to learn and use that with them. This has been the most exciting project I’ve ever done because of Gretch and Ruben. I have been an uber super fan for so long. of the four tendencies absolutely changed my life. I think she’s a genius and I got to go to her house and I tried not to fan girl on her because she’s very smart and sophisticated and I didn’t even swear. I’m pretty proud of myself for that. This was amazing. I hope we can do this again in the future because not only did we get to help Chloe and Nate and their family, but we also got to really hopefully help you too together. So, if you want to learn more about the four tendencies, you can take the quiz. I’ll put a link in the description below. And if you don’t know your clutterbug style yet, for sure check out that. I’ll put a link to that as well. And if you haven’t already done the move 26 in 26 declutter challenge, we did this together, Gretch and Ruben and I, cuz we’re best buds now. And you can download a free copy of the 26 things to declutter today. I’ll put a link to that in the description, too. Thank you so much. I hope you’re feeling inspired. You can do insane things in just two days. Thanks so much, and I’ll see you guys next time. Thank you guys so much. For those of you who have stayed to the end, I’m gonna throw Chloe and her family under the bus for just a second. Don’t worry, we’re friends. She won’t mind. Um, I was shocked when organizing her space because walking in I’m like, “This isn’t that bad, right? It’s a relatively average amount of clutter.” And then I started pulling things out and like a clown car. It was bonkers. that small New York apartment because nothing had a home. Nothing had like a dedicated place to go. She was just tucking and cricket organizing and all the hidden spots. There were hundreds of tote bags. Hundreds. Hundreds and hundreds. It was bonkers. There were thousands of little dinky cars. Bonkers. But we found like 20 umbrellas. I found over a dozen pairs of shoes that didn’t have the match. There was books on books on books. It was actually a huge amount of clutter. But because Chloe isn’t a visual organizer, it was all neatly kind of hidden. And what you saw was the tip of the iceberg. That apartment was like the Titanic. It was sinking, but you couldn’t really tell till you hit the breaking point. Know what I’m saying? I’m sharing this with you because duplicates. That’s what I noticed. It wasn’t that they were like over buying expensive things or even wasteful things. They couldn’t find what they needed, so they kept buying more. Whether it was an umbrella, a tote bag, or a dinky car. Do you have duplicates? This is me calling you out. Let me know in the comments below if this is also something you struggle with. When you can’t find something and it’s useful, you go and you just buy another one and next thing you know, your ship is sunk. Not like in a death way. That sounded ominous.