Studio Apartment Before & After Photos

Before & After photos of an entire studio apartment project in August 2025


Service TypeIn-Person Tidying Services

Home Organization Categories: Clothes, Books, Kitchen Komono, Linen Komono, Sentimental Display

Project Time: 16 hours


Clothes

Books

Bathroom Komono

Sentimental

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2 bed duplex home organization project in oakland ca

2 Bed Duplex Before & After Photos

Before & After photos of an entire 2 bed duplex project


Service Type1:1 Coaching Services

Home Organization Categories: Clothes, Books, Papers, Kitchen Komono, Komono, Sentimental

Custom Systems in Rooms Include:

  • Closet systems (3)
  • Book Display
  • Paper file system
  • Kitchen storage
  • Living & Office system
  • Sentimental display

Clothes

Books

Papers

Kitchen Komono

Komono

Before & After Sentimental

YOUR PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT! ALL PHOTOS IN THIS PORTFOLIO HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CLIENT!

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hallway closet organization project in san francisco ca

10 Hour Project Before & After Photos

What does a 10 hour organizing project look like?


Service Type:ย Organization for You

Home Organization Categories: Clothes, Linens, Shoes, Purses, Komono (Dog supplies, Travel, Toiletries, PPE, Bags, Medicine, Bulk supplies, Pending projects)

Custom Systems in Rooms Include: Toiletry closet, Entry way walk in closet


Before & After Entryway Walk in Closet
Before & After Living Room & Dining Nook
Before & After Toiletries

YOUR PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT! ALL PHOTOS IN THIS PORTFOLIO HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CLIENT!

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Gifts: How to Receive and Give Gifts

What is the purpose of a gift? Learn how to receive and give gifts of joy not guilt.


The purpose of gifts extends beyond the material value of the item itself. Gifts are powerful tools for communication, connection, and emotional expression.

  • Expression of love and affection: a common love language in American culture is gift giving
  • Celebration: holidays, birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions as a way to mark the significance of the event
  • Gratitude: giving gifts can be a way to express gratitude for someone’s help, support, or kindness
  • Custom and Tradition: gift-giving is deeply ingrained in customs and traditions. It’s a way to uphold social norms, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of community.
  • Surprise and Delight: giving and receiving gifts can bring joy and excitement, especially when the gift is unexpected or particularly thoughtful. It adds an element of surprise to relationships and occasions.

Let’s dive into how gifts impact our life, organization at home/work, and decluttering.

Receiving Gifts

The purpose of a gift as a receiver is to receive the gift. Once you have received the gift, you have fulfilled its purpose. Now that the gift is in your possession, it is up to you to decide what to do with it.

  1. Reflect on Your Values: Consider what’s important to you and your living space. Reflect on whether the gift you received align with your values, interests, and lifestyle. This reflection can help you prioritize which gifts to keep and which ones to let go of.
  2. Assess the Gift:
    • Do you love it?
    • Will you use it or enjoy looking at it if it is displayed?
    • Does it hold sentimental value or evoke positive memories?
    • Does it align with your current needs and lifestyle?
  3. Have the Courage to Donate it: The last thing the gift giver would want is for you to hold on to something the adds negatively to your life. Perhaps, he/she actually wants the opposite – for you to feel happy, content, and at your best, regardless if you keep the gift or not.
  4. Express Gratitude: Even if you choose to declutter a gift, take a moment to express gratitude for the thoughtfulness and generosity of the giver. You can thank them sincerely for the gesture while acknowledging that the gift may not fit your needs or preferences.

When you decide to keep a gift, fulfill its purpose by deciding if it is to be used (practical) or displayed (joy):

Practical

  • It makes life easier
  • It supports you in a specific way
  • It is useful
  • Place the item in a storage place with intention where it will be used and is easy to access

Display

  • Sparks positive feelings when you see the item
  • Adds aesthetics and visual appeal to your space
  • Triggers a memory and experience you want to remember
  • Remembering a person, animal, or loved one

The Desire to Gift when Decluttering

When we declutter, all of our energy and time should be focused on the decision of what to keep and discard.

One of the biggest signs that you don’t love and should not keep an item is when you want to gift it.

We love to distract ourselves in different ways and one of the main ways we procrastinate during the decluttering process is when we have the desire to gift or give items away to loved ones.

What we don’t realize is that this reaction is an excuse to not let go. Instead of giving a gift of joy, we are giving a gift of guilt. The guilt that we feel about an item is then transferred to the person we give it to. Ultimately creating a vicious cycle of gifting and guilt. Common items we have the urge to gift:

  • Items we never used
  • Perceived high value: expensive, rare, unique
  • Sentimental value: association with specific memories, experiences, or relationships.
  • Gifts we have received and kept out of guilt or obligation
  • Fear of offending the gift giver
  • Attachment to material possessions: attached value to physical objects that give a sense of security or identity

Have the courage to let go. When we let go we are are also streamlining the entire organizing process by simplifying it to two piles: what to keep and what to discard.

Please see this list of donation centers and the causes they support. Pick a cause you truly care about. It will be easier to let go and give you peace of mind when you know your precious items will help those who are truly in need.

Giving Gifts

When we look back on our life when we are old, what will we remember? Will we remember the designer pants or fancy kitchen appliance? Probably not. We will think fondly of the memories, experiences, hobbies, pets, and people who made a mark on our lives.

When it comes to giving gifts, give the gift of experience. An experience or excuse, to spend quality time with your loved ones. Time is our most precious asset in life. Life goes by so quickly and it is even more important to schedule intentional time with those we care about.

Have the courage to let go and embrace the most important thing we have in life: each other!


Business Partner Highlights

Do you own artful portraits of yourself and your loved ones that you absolutely LOVE?

Brady Thomas, owner of โ€‹Brady Thomas Photographyโ€‹, creates legacy images that you and your loved ones will cherish every day on your walls right now, and for years and years to come.

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Are you ready to lose weight and keep it off for a lifetime?

Linda Witnov has a masters degree in clinical psychology and is the owner of โ€‹Rise Up, Slim downโ€‹.

Linda coaches clients by crafting a plan that fits your life: your schedule, your food preferences, your health needs, your activity level, your commitments, and your overall lifestyle with a gradual habit-change method.

Ready to Tidy Up with a Certified KonMari Consultantยฎ?

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    nicole sachiko family history sentimental photos to keep for home organizing

    Declutter Sentimental Family History

    How do you let go & declutter sentimental items related to family history?


    Guess where I am in my family photo? Yes, that is me on the far left in light blue!



    Today we will talk about how to declutter sentimental items specifically related to family history. First let’s dive into what sentimental family history really means.

    Family history and sentimental values often intertwine to create a rich tapestry of personal identity and heritage. Each family carries its own unique story, shaped by the experiences, traditions, and values passed down through generations.

    We as humans preserve this family history and memories by keeping:

    • heirlooms
    • photographs
    • letters
    • antiques
    • recipes
    • other artifacts

    These items hold material significance and emotional weight, connecting individuals to our past and to those who came before us. These tangible reminders serve as bridges between generations, allowing stories to be shared and cherished.

    Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting or devaluing memories, experiences, or individuals. Instead, it can be a liberating act that frees up physical and emotional space for new experiences and connections.

    So how do we declutter family history?

    1. Set yourself up for success: Letting go is a gradual process. I recommend organizing in category order from easy to difficult (clothing, books, papers, komono, sentimental) so that when you get to the hardest category, you are that much more confident about who you are and what you value (or don’t value.) This also allows for time to process your emotions.
    2. Declutter by category, start with the easiest: subcategory examples of sentimental – photos, antiques, paper, furniture, etc.
    3. Acknowledge feelings: Recognize and honor the emotions attached to the sentimental items. It’s okay to feel sadness, nostalgia, or even guilt when considering letting go of something meaningful.
    4. Evaluate the significance: Assess the true importance of each item. Consider whether it aligns with your current values, lifestyle, and space constraints. Some items may hold more sentimental value than others, making them worth preserving.
    5. Preserve memories, not things: Remind yourself that memories are not tied to physical objects. Take time to reminisce and reflect on the experiences associated with the items before parting with them.
    6. Donate or repurpose: Find new homes for sentimental items by donating them to charity or repurposing them into something practical or decorative. Knowing that these items will be appreciated and used by others can make the process of letting go easier.
    7. Create a legacy: Rather than keeping all sentimental items for yourself, consider selecting a few key pieces to represent your family’s history and values. Be sure to display these items to be enjoyed! This curated collection that can be passed down to future generations, preserving the essence of your family’s story.

    Have the courage to let go, celebrate, and move forward. Every step our ancestors took represents an opportunity for us to live our best and most fulfilled life today.



    Business Partner Highlights

    What if you could read a letter from the perspective of a loved one you wish to remember?

    Aviva Black, owner of โ€‹Family Love Lettersโ€‹, writes letters that offer the opportunity to celebrate and honor our loved ones, creating lasting connections between generations.

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    Do you need help putting together your family history? Dawn Kosmakos is a genetic genealogist and owner of โ€‹Sunrise DNAโ€‹. She helps individuals:

    • Build their family tree
    • Solve their DNA mysteries (who is my grandfather?)
    • Scan, upload & and validate paper records, photos, etc. to tree and connect to correct ancestor.
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      Indoor Plants & Home Organization

      We explore the powerful connection between indoor plants and home organization, highlighting how integrating plants into your living space can enhance both its aesthetic appeal and organizational functionality.


      How do indoor plants help with organization?
      • Routine Maintenance: Caring for plants often requires a regular schedule of watering, pruning, and cleaning. Incorporating plant care tasks into your routine can help you develop good habits and a sense of responsibility.
      • Time Management: You need to allocate time for watering, fertilizing, repotting, and other tasks based on the needs of each plant. This practice can help you prioritize tasks and manage your time more efficiently, improving overall organization.
      • Space Utilization: Organizing indoor plants involves determining the best locations for them based on factors like sunlight, humidity, and available space. Arranging plants in an organized manner can maximize space utilization and create an aesthetically pleasing environment, similar to organizing other items in your space.
      • Attention to Detail: Caring for plants involves paying attention to small details such as leaf discoloration, pest infestations, or soil moisture levels. This attention to detail can translate into other areas of your life, fostering a more organized and observant mindset.
      • Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully caring for plants and watching them thrive can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This sense of achievement can boost motivation and confidence, leading to increased productivity and better organizational skills in other areas of your life.
      • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engaging in plant care activities, such as watering, pruning, or repotting, can promote mindfulness and relaxation. Taking the time to focus on these tasks can help reduce stress and clear your mind, leading to a greater sense of calmness and mental clarity. This mental state can enhance your ability to stay organized and focused on other tasks.

      Incorporating plant care into your life can contribute to a more organized and harmonious living environment.



      What kind of plants are aesthetically appealing AND low maintenance?
      • Snake Plant
      • African Violet
      • Monsterra
      • Elephant Ears
      • Pothos

      snake plant is low maintenance and easy aesthetic choice for after home organizing
      Snake Plant

      Caring for a snake plant (Sansevieria) is relatively easy, making it a popular choice for both experienced and novice plant enthusiasts.

      • Light: thrives in indirect and low light conditions
      • Watering: once a month
      • Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
      • Maintenance: Repot every 2-3 years

      african violet plant adds a pop of color to any room, perfect for feng shui and minimalism
      African Violet

      African violets (Saintpaulia) are popular houseplants known for their colorful, delicate flowers and attractive foliage. Add a pop of color to any room, as they come in a variety of colors – purple, white, pink, and red.

      • Light: bright, indirect light near a window with plenty of filtered sunlight
      • Watering: water from the bottom, fill a saucer or tray with water to allow the plant to absorb water through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot
      • Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes
      • Maintenance: Repot every 6-12 months

      monstera plant is low maintenance and beautiful in your san francisco bay area home
      Monstera

      Known as Swiss cheese plants or split-leaf philodendrons, are popular for their large, glossy leaves and unique foliage.

      • Light: bright, indirect light near a window with plenty of filtered sunlight
      • Watering: water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain away
      • Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes
      • Maintenance: for young monstera repot 1-2 years

      elephant ears plant recommended by professional organizer nicole in lafayette california
      Elephant Ears

      Elephant ear plants, also known as Colocasia or Alocasia, are tropical plants known for their large, heart-shaped leaves

      • Light: bright, indirect light near a window with plenty of filtered sunlight
      • Watering: consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain away
      • Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes
      • Maintenance: for young monstera repot 1-2 years

      Pothos

      Pothos plants, also known as Devil’s Ivy or Epipremnum aureum, are popular houseplants known for their easy care and trailing foliage.

      • Light: thrives in wide range of lighting conditions, from low to bright, indirect light
      • Watering: allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Water thoroughly, saturating the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot
      • Soil & Pot: well draining soil and pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
      • Maintenance: Repot every 1-2 years


      What are the benefits of having indoor plants?
      1. Improved Air Quality: Indoor plants help to purify the air by absorbing harmful gases like carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while releasing oxygen. This can lead to cleaner and fresher indoor air.
      2. Stress Reduction: Research suggests that spending time around plants can reduce stress levels and promote feelings of calmness and well-being. Indoor plants can create a more relaxed and pleasant environment.
      3. Enhanced Mood: Indoor plants have been shown to have a positive effect on mood, helping to lift spirits and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Their presence can contribute to a more cheerful and uplifting atmosphere.
      4. Boosted Productivity: Having plants in the workplace or at home can increase productivity and concentration levels. Studies have found that being around greenery can enhance cognitive function and improve focus.
      5. Better Indoor Climate Control: Plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, which can increase humidity levels indoors. This natural humidifying effect can help to create a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment, particularly during dry seasons.
      6. Noise Reduction: Certain indoor plants can help to absorb sound waves and reduce noise levels, making them ideal for use in busy or noisy environments.
      7. Visual Appeal: Indoor plants add beauty and visual interest to indoor spaces, enhancing aesthetics and creating a more inviting atmosphere.
      8. Connection with Nature: Bringing a piece of nature indoors can foster a greater sense of connection with the natural world, even in urban or indoor environments. Taking care of plants can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
      9. Improved Sleep: Some indoor plants, such as lavender and jasmine, emit soothing fragrances that can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Placing these plants in bedrooms can create a more conducive environment for restful sleep.
      10. Health Benefits: Reducing the incidence of headaches, allergies, and fatigue. They can also help to speed up recovery times from illnesses and surgeries.

      Overall, incorporating indoor plants into your living or working space can offer numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being, as well as contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing environment.


      Please Note: All of the plants mentioned in this post were recommended by Collin, owner of Culiver Cultivations. Culiver Cultivations offers garden design, consulting, and education business in the San Francisco area.

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        atomic habits by james clear 4 laws for building and breaking habits

        Organization & Habits

        What’s the secret to developing healthy habits and maintaining organization?


        Small habits can make big changes.

        “It doesnโ€™t matter how successful or unsuccessful you are right now. What matters is whether your habits are putting you on the path toward success.” – James Clear

        Get 1% better everyday


        Forget goals and focus on the system.

        Goals = Results

        Systems = Processes that lead to results

        If you’ve tried changing your habits but haven’t changed, perhaps the issue isn’t you. The issue is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves.

        “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear



        Build an identity-based habit

        “The key to building lasting habits is focusing on creating a new identity first. Your current behaviors are simply a reflection of your current identity. What you do now is a mirror image of the type of person you believe that you are (either consciously or subconsciously).

        To change your behavior for good, you need to start believing new things about yourself. You need to build identity-based habits.

        Changing your beliefs isnโ€™t nearly as hard as you might think. There are two steps.

        1. Decide the type of person you want to be.
          • “I am an organized and tidy person.”
        2. Prove it to yourself with small wins.
          • Actions speak louder than words

        Your identity emerges out of your habits.” – James Clear

        Every action you take contributes to the type of person you want to be.


        How to grow a good habit

        Make it Obvious

        1. Be specific with your actions
          • “I will [BEHAVIOR][LOCATION] when [TIME] every [DAY].
          • I will organize my home when I wake up every Sunday morning.
        2. Use Habit Stacking
          • “After [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT]
          • “After drinking my coffee, I will declutter paper mail.
        3. Design your space around your routine. Make cues of positive habits visible and obvious
          • Place a hook near the front door for your keys to hang.

        Make it Attractive

        • Pair an action that you want to do with an action you need to do
          • “Before I hangout with friends, I will tidy up my room.”
          • “When I get food delivered, I will wash the dishes.”
        • Join a culture where your desired behavior is the norm.
        • Create a positive ritual. Do something you love immediately before a unfavorable habit
          • “Before I tidy up, I will treat myself to my favorite coffee.”

        Make it Easy

        • Reduce friction. Decrease steps for good habits
          • For example: I always set out my outfit, purse and shoes the night before a work day. Then I get to enjoy my morning drinking coffee and preparing for work.
        • Prime environment. Design your space to make future actions easy
          • Strategic storage spots. In the closet closest to the main door, store your coats, shoes, and most used accessories. When you walk out the door, you can grab everything with ease
        • Master the moment. Optimize the small choices with the biggest rewards
          • Physical checklists are extremely helpful to keep productivity up and feels rewarding.
          • A simple walk during your day allows you to clear your mind and appreciate the moment. This small action can cascade into your state of mind at work and your interactions with others.
        • Use the 2 minute rule
          • Any habit can be condensed into 2 minutes. The key is to begin incorporating the habit slowly and then eventually 2 minutes becomes 3, then 4, etc.
          • Example: Fold one piece of clothing right after you take a load out of the dryer.
        • Automate your habits to lock in future behavior
          • Practice putting your keys and wallet in the same place each day
          • Tidy up every Sunday
          • Set a deadline of one month for all sale items. If you don’t sell it, have the courage to let go and let it be used/loved.

        Make it Satisfying

        • Make the habit enjoyable
          • Turn on music, put on a tv show, dance a little, sing!
        • Reinforce good habits. Reward yourself immediately after a positive habit
          • After I tidy up, I will take myself out to my favorite lunch spot! Yey!
        • When doing a difficult habit, remind yourself of the benefits
          • When I fold laundry it is easier for me to pick out outfits, feel less guilt of it sitting in a basket, and frees up floor space.
        • Track your habits
          • Write a list of all of your habits both good and bad. Reflect on this list and make more mindful choices.
        • Never miss twice. When you miss a habit, jump right back in
          • Don’t get discouraged because you haven’t organized your home for a week. It’s never too late to get back on track!


        How to break a bad habit

        Make it invisible

        • Reduce exposure. Out of sight, out of mind
        • Hide the TV remote, keep snacks on a high shelf in a cabinet, place cigarettes in a box in a hard to reach spot

        Make it unattractive

        • Reframe. What are the benefits of avoiding bad habits?
        • I feel more productive, present, healthier, lighter, motivated when I don’t watch tv.

        Make it difficult

        • Increase friction. Increase the number of steps for bad habits
          • In order to get a bag of chips I have to get a step latter, reach up to the highest shelf, take down the bag before eating
        • Use a commitment device. Limit future choices to only the ones that help
          • Higher a professional organizer and commit to the process
          • Buy a gym membership and commit to a better physical and mental state

        Make it unsastifying

        • Team up with an accountability buddy. Support each other and hold yourselves accountable.
        • Make the costs of your bad habits public

        “Whenever you want to change your behavior, you can simply ask yourself: How can I make it obvious? How can I make it attractive? How can I make it easy? How can I make it satisfying?”

        – James Clear


        Dive Deeper and Read Atomic Habits!

        Everything in this blog post is from James Clear author of Atomic Habits.

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          The information from this blog post is sourced from the book Atomic Habits by James Clear and his website.

          before visual clutter kitchen cooking oils

          How to Reduce Visual Clutter

          Visual clutter is the presence of excessive and distracting visual elements typically in the form of advertisements and branding on products. It can negatively impact the aesthetics, functionality, and focus within a space.


          Before & After Bathroom Clutter Example:

          What is Visual Clutter?

          Visual clutter occurs when there is an overload of elements that cause distraction and scattered thinking. Vibrant colors, giant words, and pictures make it difficult to focus and function in a space.


          Why is it in my home?

          Imagine yourself walking through the isle of a store. Every product on the shelf has to stand out against its competitor. Companies thrive off of the excessive elements because customers become familiar with the brands color and design.



          Before & After Kitchen Clutter Example:

          How does it effect me?

          When we bring products into our home, these labels scream and shout on our shelves. Our eyes are naturally drawn to the product which causes:

          • distraction
          • cognitive overload
          • reduced comprehension
          • slower decision making
          • scattered thinking
          • decreased aesthetic appeal

          Before & After Bathroom Clutter Example:

          Simplicity is Key

          A clutter free environment and design allows individuals to:

          • process and absorb information more efficiently
          • appreciate aesthetics
          • experience a greater sense of focus and clarity


          How can I reduce it?
          • Take labels off of products
          • Take products out of plastic
          • Toss boxes that items come in
          • Store all disposable bags together and out of sight
          • Use reusable glass spray bottles and hand soap containers: these look nice and reduce visual clutter

          Before & After Komono Hobby Clutter Example:
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          3 Bed 2 Bath ADU In-Law Move In Organization

          Project Type: Move In Organization

          Service Type:ย Organization for You

          Home Organization Categories: Clothes, Books, Papers, Komono, Kitchen Komono, Sentimental

          Custom Systems in Rooms Include: Master closet, offices, bathroom, kitchen, pet supply closet

          Joyful Places Around the Home

          YOUR PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT! ALL PHOTOS IN THIS PORTFOLIO HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CLIENT!

          Ready to Start Your Project?

          Clients recieve discounts of up to 20% OFF on products and installations!

          One Bed Apartment Organization Before & After

          Service Type:ย 1:1 Coaching Services

          Home Organization Categories: Clothes, Books, Papers, Komono, Kitchen Komono, Sentimental

          Custom Systems in Rooms Include: Master bedroom, master closet, living room, kitchen

          YOUR PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT! ALL PHOTOS IN THIS PORTFOLIO HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CLIENT!

          Ready to Start Your Project?

          Clients recieve discounts of up to 20% OFF on products and installations!