Hey, possibility seekers! Today, we’re diving deep into something that can be life-changing yet often overlooked: organization as a form of self-care. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Lisa Harris, founder of Organize with Lisa, a business dedicated to helping people reclaim their spaces and, more importantly, their peace of mind. If you think organization is just about making things look pretty, think again. Lisa and I uncovered the powerful emotional and mental benefits of organization, and I’m here to share some of those golden nuggets with you.
Lisa dropped a truth bomb right off the bat: clutter is more than just “stuff” piled up around your home. It’s a physical manifestation of emotional baggage. If you’ve ever felt anxious, frustrated, or even a little ashamed when looking at a cluttered space, you’re not alone. Our environments play a huge role in how we feel. A cluttered kitchen might discourage you from cooking, and a messy bedroom could be affecting your sleep. Lisa explained that many of her clients feel at their wit’s end by the time they reach out, often embarrassed and overwhelmed. Her response? Zero judgment, just kindness and compassion. She reassures them (and us!) that the hardest step is asking for help and showing up to tackle the clutter.
Let’s get one thing clear: organizing isn’t just a chore. Lisa passionately argues that organization should be viewed as a form of self-care. Think about it. We spend time (and money!) on massages, spa days, and all the other self-care routines, but we rarely think of organizing our space as a way to care for ourselves. However, a well-organized space can bring mental clarity, reduce stress, and give you a sense of control. When your environment is in order, your mind has more room to breathe.
Lisa encourages us to approach organizing like a self-care ritual. Start small—maybe just a single drawer or closet. Focus on progress over perfection and give yourself a pat on the back for each win, no matter how small. This isn’t about creating a Pinterest-perfect home; it’s about creating a space that brings you peace.
Lisa’s approach is not one-size-fits-all, and that’s what I love about her. She doesn’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, she tailors her methods to each person’s unique needs, lifestyle, and personality. For example, while some people (like me!) love color-coding their closet down to every last hanger, that level of detail can be overwhelming for others. For clients with ADHD or neurodivergent tendencies, she keeps the systems simple and easy to follow, focusing on what’s practical over what’s “pretty.”
Her goal? Not just a tidy space, but one that you can actually maintain. After all, there’s no point in creating a beautifully organized closet if it’s going to fall apart within a week. Lisa’s tailored strategies empower her clients to sustain their newly organized spaces long after she leaves.
Here’s a fascinating part of our discussion that might surprise you: the connection between belief systems, organization, and clutter. Lisa has noticed that people with a “scarcity mindset” often hang on to things “just in case” they need them someday. This mindset, often rooted in fear or a sense of lack, leads to clutter that feels impossible to get rid of. Conversely, those with a growth mindset tend to see clutter as something they can overcome. They’re willing to let go, learn, and improve their organizational skills over time.
This doesn’t mean you need to overhaul your entire belief system overnight, but it does suggest that our relationship with “stuff” often runs deeper than we think. By recognizing these underlying beliefs, you can start to shift your mindset towards one that values experiences and memories over material items.
One of Lisa’s core values in her business is kindness. She shared that many clients feel embarrassed or ashamed about their cluttered spaces, but she approaches every project with compassion, no judgment. This resonates so much with me because, let’s face it, we can be our own worst critics. How many times have you looked at your messy closet and thought, “I’m so lazy” or “I’m such a mess”?
Lisa encourages clients to reframe that internal dialogue. Instead of criticizing yourself, try speaking in the third person, like, “You’ve got this, Monique!” or “Keep going, Lisa!” It sounds a little cheesy, but trust me—it works. Speaking kindly to yourself, just like you would to a friend, is key to making sustainable changes in your environment and in your life.
One of Lisa’s big takeaways was a reminder to value experiences over things. We live in a world where consumer culture constantly tells us to buy more, own more, and hoard more. But ultimately, it’s the experiences that enrich our lives, not the physical objects we accumulate. If you’re struggling with letting go of items, consider this: each item you release is an opportunity to make space for a new experience, a new memory, or just a little more mental clarity.
So, are you ready to treat yourself to some organizational self-care?
For more info go to Lisa’s Website : www.OrganizewithLisa.com
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