Comet Corner features alumni who are experts in their fields to provide tips and insight on relevant topics.

Heather Shapan BS’99, owner of the Clutter Contessa

Organizing your space doesn’t have to be an overwhelming endeavor. Whether you’re looking to clear out your junk drawer or overhaul your entire closet, Heather Shapan BS’99, owner of Clutter Contessa, has the advice you need to get started. Shapan took an interest in organizing at a young age, often moving around furniture in her playroom as a child, then helping friends and family declutter as she got older. After she left her career in sales to be a stay-at-home mom, Shapan opened Clutter Contessa in September 2019. Here, she shares her top tips for getting and staying organized.

1. Start small. I don’t believe there’s one best place to start, but I do believe starting in a small space is best if this is a new skill, so it’s not overwhelming. Often people who have clutter in their lives have it in all areas of their home, including their office, car or other spaces. It’s always best to start by purging items that can be trashed and/or donated first. It doesn’t make sense to organize items that aren’t going to be staying in your home.

2. Use what you have. Professional organizing services are definitely a luxury service and require disposable income. If using a professional isn’t an option, one way to keep your costs down is to use bins and baskets that you already own that can be re-purposed. It helps to keep your costs down and still does the job. If you’re someone, like me, who’s also looking for the space to be aesthetically pleasing, then matching all your containers is important to give an overall seamless look.

3. Take your time. No one room is harder than another. They all take creativity to make them work efficiently. Some rooms take far longer because of the size or quantity of items. It’s so important to be in the proper mindset to tackle your organizing project because obstacles come up. Be patient, set aside time in your schedule, expect the obstacles and take breaks. Decluttering and organizing may take longer than anticipated, but enlist the help of a significant other or friend to make the process more efficient and enjoyable.

4. Keep the clutter at bay. Decluttering a space is only the start to getting organized — ­­you must properly sort the remaining items and then organize them from there. I always suggest opening your mail when you get it; don’t let the piles stack up, and trash the junk mail immediately. When your wash is finished, fold it and put it away. See everything through to completion. Even if you only take 15 minutes every day to tidy up around your home, you can get so much accomplished.

5. If you’re struggling, bring in an expert. If there’s room in your budget, and you don’t have the time, energy or patience to take on clutter yourself, a professional organizer can help. They’re going to have experience, resources, a wealth of ideas and sometimes discounts and the time to help you achieve your goals. Your life will be less chaotic and more peaceful in the long run, and can help implement systems to keep your space in tip-top shape.