Army wife Katherine Picott has always been organized. But now as a professional home organizer, a certified KonMari consultant and the TidyMilso, Picott helps others stay organized, too.
“In February 2017, my now-husband was away at basic training. During this time, I read ‘Live More, Want Less,’ by Mary Carlomagno,” Picott said, with this book and the determination to stay busy, she reorganized and decluttered their home.
“My mindset was that this would not only occupy my time as I waited for his homecoming but would be beneficial if we had to relocate. Through several phone chats and video calls, we got rid of 20+ bags of clothing and miscellaneous items. I can still remember the freeing feeling of keeping only the things we each desired.”
Three years later, her business was born.
Her goal as a professional organizer is to help people organize where they live, regardless of size. Organizing shouldn’t be based on aesthetics either, she points out. Picott says aesthetics are chosen by her clients, not the latest organizing trends.
Declutter first
As to where to start? Picott believes in the power of decluttering.
“If you don’t declutter before organizing, you aren’t organizing with intention,” she said. “Through decluttering, I assist my clients in gaining clarity and empower them to make decisions.”
Picott says that the first thing to do before decluttering is to prepare your mindset. She recommends decluttering before organizing. However, she suggests if both overwhelm you, start small. This builds momentum for tackling bigger categories.
“If you are overwhelmed by both decluttering and organizing, start with something small like a junk drawer to boost your confidence,” Picott added.
When asked about the biggest mistake people make when organizing or decluttering their homes, Picott says people start before they are ready. Most people tend to jump headfirst into organizing their homes. But she says many aren’t ready mentally, physically or emotionally.
When they are ready to begin their journey together, Picott starts with categories, not spaces.
“As a certified KonMari consultant, I tidy by category, not space. In each category, you may find sentimental items. When a sentimental item is identified, we put them to the side and reserve them to the end,” she said.
Picott adds that, while difficult, it’s also not impossible to declutter and organize with children.
“My top tip is to get them involved. Tell them why they are decluttering and take them to the donation center. Let them help decide where things should go.”
Navigating sentimental items
“It’s not possible for everything to be sentimental,” Picott said. “Often when I hear general statements like these, they are rooted in fear. Fear of the past or fear of the future. Go through your sentimental items one at a time.”
Establishing boundaries is important when organizing your home. Picott encourages clients to create and enforce boundaries in their space to avoid being overwhelmed. Clear communication is crucial for maintaining healthy boundaries, she says. It’s important to be consistent.
When we asked her favorite space to organize, Picott said, “To be honest, I can’t pick a favorite. I simply enjoy helping others transform their lives … the look on my client’s face at the end of a session is avocado on toast for me!”
Follow TidyMilso on Instagram to get tips
