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From Overwhelmed to Organized: How Sort & Simple Helped One Client Reclaim Her Space

Writer: Kaytlyn Beakhouse Kaytlyn Beakhouse

Sort & Simple employee completing the organization of a tidy bookshelf wearing a branded orange t-shirt

Feeling Stuck in Clutter? You’re Not Alone.

Life is busy, and clutter has a way of piling up before you even realize it. One of our long-time clients, a working professional managing a household of three, found herself in this exact situation.

Despite having tackled other areas of her home with us over the past two years, she was struggling with one more room, a space that had become a catch-all for items inherited from her late parents, seasonal belongings, and things she simply hadn’t had time to sort through.

She was ready to let go but felt stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to start. The room had no clear purpose, and she couldn’t even walk through it, let alone access the closet.

That’s where we stepped in.


The Challenge: A Room Without Function or Flow

Our client’s space had become a source of stress rather than a useful part of her home. The biggest hurdles she faced included:

  • An overwhelming amount of stuff—years of accumulated items, many with emotional ties.

  • No clear purpose for the space—it had simply become storage for “I’ll deal with this later” items.

  • No time to tackle it alone—as a busy professional, decluttering always fell to the bottom of her list.

  • Feeling paralyzed by decision fatigue—she wanted to declutter, but where would everything go?

These are common struggles we hear from clients: Decluttering isn’t just about physical space. It’s about mental energy, decision-making, and creating a space that supports your lifestyle.

Step 1: A Simple, Stress-Free Plan

Instead of tackling everything at once and risking overwhelm, we simplified the process:

  • Two professional organizers came in to sort, declutter, and create systems.

  • One organizer worked with our client outside the room to make decisions in a less overwhelming space.

  • The second organizer sorted items into categories, removed garbage, and kept the process moving.

  • We used a simple “keep or go” system, minimizing decision fatigue.

Pro Tip: Making decluttering decisions in a separate space can help remove emotional attachment and make it easier to let go!

Step 2: Removing the Mental Load

large bags full of a clients belongings after they were organized by the staff at Sort & Simple in Edmonton

One of the biggest barriers to decluttering is not knowing where things should go—so we handled it for her.

  • Two carloads of donations and recycling were immediately taken to local charities and Edmonton’s Eco Station.

  • We ensured items were rehomed responsibly, reducing waste and supporting sustainability.

  • All waste and non-recyclable items were removed the same day, so nothing lingered.

Pro Tip: Not sure where to donate, recycle, or dispose of your items? Check out our Rehome Hub for our go-to recommendations!

Step 3: Creating a Functional, Organized Space

Once the clutter was gone, it was time to create order and function. Instead of rushing to buy bins or storage solutions, we worked with what she already had to create a space that made sense for her needs.

  • Closet restored for off-season coats—now accessible!

  • Sewing supplies and table organized—ready for creativity!

  • Exercise equipment given a designated space—making workouts easier.

  • Furniture repositioned to improve accessibility—goodbye, blocked closet door!

By focusing on simple, easy-to-maintain systems, we transformed the room into a functional space she could actually use and enjoy.

Three thumbnail photos of the same room after being organized by Sort & Simple

The Results: A Space Reclaimed, A Stress Relieved

Before and After shot of an organized space, the before showing a cluttered space and the after displaying the same space but clean and organized

The impact was immediate.

  • A space she can finally use—no more wasted room in her home.

  • Full access to her closet and sewing table—items she once loved but couldn’t reach.

  • A sense of peace and relief—no more stress every time she walked past the door.

  • Two full carloads of items removed—without her having to handle any of it.

“I couldn’t have done this without your help! Thank you so much for everything!”

By the end of the session, we could see the weight lift from her shoulders. She even gave us a big hug, relieved and excited to walk into her newly reclaimed space.

The Fear of Letting Someone See Your Space

Let’s be honest, one of the biggest barriers to asking for help is the fear of judgment. Many of our clients worry about what we’ll think when we see their space.

Here’s what we want you to know: We NEVER see a mess. We see potential.

  • Your home should work for you. Not overwhelm you.

  • You don’t have to do it alone.

  • You’re not “bad at organizing” or “lazy.” Life happens.


We believe in a judgment-free, empowering approach to organizing. Whether you need help with one room or your entire home, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Takeaways & Decluttering Tips


  • Simplify your decisions. Instead of overthinking, ask yourself “Keep or go?”. Then let us handle the rest.

  • Decluttering is easier when you’re ready. This client’s success was due in part to her willingness to let go. When you’re truly ready, the process is smoother!

  • Organization doesn’t always mean buying more bins. Use what you have first! Moving a bookshelf or repurposing storage can make a huge difference.

  • You don’t need to do it alone. Professional organizers can simplify the process and remove the stress. We’ll guide you through every step.

Ready to Reclaim Your Space? Let’s Do It Together!

If you’re tired of clutter, feeling stuck, or unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Whether you need full-home organization, decluttering support, or downsizing assistance, our professional organizers in Edmonton are ready to guide you through the process.


About the Author

Headshot of Kaytlyn Beakhouse, the owner of Sort & Simple and the author of this blog post

Kaytlyn Beakhouse is the Lead Organizer at Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. With a passion for simplicity and efficiency, her team brings flow and function to any space.


Contact Sort & Simple today!

 
 

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