by Deborah Mesher, Architectural Designer and Heather Shute of Moving On Organizing
Deborah: What are the most common space challenges in small urban houses?
Heather: There are two things we see over and over: inadequate closet space, and/or inadequate shelving and cupboards. Often, clients have added shelving to their homes, but failed to match that shelving to what they are trying to store, and it's a missed opportunity in terms of maximizing the usefulness of a space. Our lives are busy and messy and we have things. We need easy to use, thoughtful storage that aligns to what we're trying to store. Skis need a very different space than tools or seasonal decor, and there are ideal solutions for all three categories.
Deborah: Why is home organization important?
Heather: So many people breeze past the storage spaces during design. Don't fall into this trap! The quality of the storage space is directly proportional to how closely you will achieve that photo worthy beautiful home. If your design team doesn't carefully consider the reality of your lifestyle and your particular belongings, your beautiful new interior will fail you. Cabinet layouts and storage areas deserve equally thoughtful attention if you want to achieve that lofty goal of 'a place for everything'. A sparse entry quickly becomes cluttered if you haven't planned out where you will keep your shoes, coats and backpacks.
Deborah: How should a homeowner prepare for an upcoming renovation to their house?
Heather: PURGE! Even if you think you're on top of things, even if you're up-sizing your home, take this opportunity to remove a layer of unnecessary belongings. I'm sure you can find some things you no longer need. And consider all the areas trades will need access to. Only renovating your kitchen? Trades need an entry point to bring in tools, will need regular access to your electrical panel, and a bathroom to use. Make sure they have a clear, safe path of access.
Deborah: What are the service options you provide for organizing before a home renovation?
Heather: We have a really unique service offering in our field -- with an interior design background, we can offer consulting on design plans from an organizational perspective. We also offer the hands-on coaching and muscle power to help our clients perpare, ascertain what's needed for your temporary setup, and pack and prep your home for a renovation. We have a dozen years of experience on the logistical side of how to make your temporary move as easy and smooth as possible.
Deborah: And after?
Heather: After the reno is our favourite part: setting up the beautiful new space, and ensuring you have all the right organizational tools in place, so you can feel like you really won the renovation lottery. We'll take your space from 90% awesome to 99%! And if you missed anything in the planning (it'll happen), we will find a solution that doesn't leave you cursing that one forgotten thing. Unless you forgot to build-in a dog house in a sneaky nook, so you're still stuck with the crate in the middle of your bedroom. We did that, and the dog loved her new room!
Deborah: What do you wish people knew about home organization?
Heather: Help is available! And it's worthwhile! Our industry isn't well known, but anyone who has invested in our services tends to be thrilled with the results. We're problem solvers and doers. We help get those annoying lingering to-do list items done. And you know what else? Purging is a lot more successful and fun with someone on your team at your side.
Deborah: What are you most excited about that’s emerging in your field?
Heather: I hate 'The Home Edit', it's totally unrealistic. Who has only 12 items in their fridge, or room for a candy drawer in their Toronto semi-detached kitchen?! This is not real life. I love that people are thinking about organization. It takes a particular client, designer, architect, and/or professional organizer, usually working together as a team, to fully address this question.
Learn more about Moving On Organizing here.