Carol Appelbaum Featured in Martha Stewart: Decluttering Done With Intention
Between work, school, family commitments, and everyday life, clutter has a way of quietly accumulating. By the time you’re ready to address it, the volume alone can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to begin or what truly deserves to stay.
That’s why I was honored to be featured as a professional organizing expert in Martha Stewart’s article, “11 Ways to Keep Your Home Clutter-Free, According to Professional Organizers.” The piece explores why decluttering feels challenging for so many homeowners and how thoughtful, strategic decisions can make the process far more manageable.
Why Decluttering Works Best When It’s Strategic
One of the key takeaways from the article is that decluttering doesn’t require tackling your entire home at once. In fact, focusing on the spaces that impact daily life the most creates immediate relief and momentum.
In my work with clients, I often recommend starting with areas like:
the kitchen, where organization supports smoother meal preparation
the home office, where clarity directly affects productivity
When high-traffic spaces function well, the entire home begins to feel lighter and more controlled.
Evaluate Before You Eliminate
Decluttering isn’t about discarding for the sake of discarding. It’s about evaluation.
The article highlights the importance of reviewing what you already own, checking expiration dates in kitchens and medicine cabinets, reassessing items stored for years without use, and making informed decisions about what still serves your current lifestyle.
Closets are another common challenge. Clothing often accumulates faster than we realize, yet much of it no longer supports how we live or how we want to feel.
As I shared in the article, clothing should be assessed for fit, condition, comfort, and confidence. If an item doesn’t support those elements, it likely doesn’t belong in a wardrobe designed to make daily dressing effortless.
Group Like Items to Gain Clarity
One of the most effective decluttering tools is visibility.
When similar items are stored together, whether kitchen tools, cleaning supplies, or office materials, you gain a clear understanding of what you own. This clarity makes decision-making easier and prevents unnecessary duplication.
Grouping like items also saves time and reduces frustration, allowing your home to function more smoothly without constant searching or reshuffling.
Use What You Already Own Before Buying More
It’s tempting to purchase new organizing products at the start of a decluttering project, but restraint often leads to better results.
Before investing in new containers, I encourage clients to look at what they already have: decorative boxes, jars, vases, cake stands or dishes. Repurposing existing items can be just as effective, while keeping the space visually cohesive and avoiding unnecessary spending.
Thoughtful organization isn’t about filling your home with products; it’s about using what supports your space and lifestyle best.
Read the Full Feature
If you’d like to explore all eleven decluttering strategies shared by professional organizers:
Visit the LPO Press Page to read the Martha Stewart feature
Continue Creating a Clutter-Free Home
If this approach resonates with you, you may also enjoy:
Reading additional posts on the LPO Blog
Viewing our Gallery of refined, organized spaces
Contacting Luxury Pro Organizer to discuss your home
Decluttering With Intention Creates Lasting Calm
A clutter-free home isn’t achieved through urgency—it’s built through thoughtful systems, clear decision-making, and spaces designed to support daily living with ease.
If you’re ready for an elevated approach to organization that feels calm, refined, and sustainable, Luxury Pro Organizer is here to guide the process.
Get in touch with Luxury Pro Organizer
Exclusive
10 Smart Ways to Save Money Before Hiring a Luxury Professional Organizer
Hiring a luxury organizer is a big leap, but we’re here to make it easier. Our free guide, "10 Smart Ways to Save Money Before Hiring a Luxury Professional Organizer," is packed with practical tips to help you:
Prepare your space to reduce costs.
Declutter and purge efficiently.
Maximize your budget before your session begins.
Even if you’re busy or overwhelmed, we’re ready to meet you wherever you are and create a stress-free, customized experience.
