' "Organizing is not about shuffling things around; it’s taking an honest look at what you have, keeping what you need, letting go of the rest, and organizing what’s left."
Laura Leist, Eliminate Chaos

Simplified Living at Work:


After inheriting all items from my grandmother's house and my mother's house within twelve months, my house was packed with boxes and piles of "stuff." Most rooms looked like the opening scenes from an episode on HGTV. Cleaning was disappointing, because I couldn't tell where the stuff and dirt lines began and ended. I'm still not certain what was in the pantry! Finally, I called Amy. With Amy's help, my home is now livable; rooms have function and beauty! Even my husband, Mr. Skeptic, is thrilled with the outcome; we look around and realize how much space we really have and love it! We didn't need a bigger house, we needed an organized home! Bottom line: I should have called Amy a year earlier.
- Abie Tremblay

When I called Amy Volk from Simplified Living to ask for information about her organizing business, I liked her immediately. I like that during our phone conversation, she offered suggestions and a book and no pressure whatsoever to hire her. I liked that she is a mom herself and used to be an Intensive Care Unit nurse, a smart and caring person. Still, thinking I should be able to organize the house on my own, I put the idea of hiring a professional organizer on a back burner; however, I found myself overwhelmed, lacking the know-how to get my house truly organized.

A month later, I called her back to set up an appointment to come and work on the kitchen and the kids' rooms. I decided to start with the children's rooms because I want them to learn the skills to create a peaceful space for themselves, skills that I'm learning now as an adult. She and another gifted organizer, Princess, came and worked their magic over three half-days at my house. My daughter's and son's rooms went from overstuffed, cluttered storehouses for old toys, books, and clothes to fun, neatly organized rooms that reflect their individual personalities. They love their rooms now and take such pride in them. When they need to clean up, they know the home for every item in their room.

Amy and Princess next organized my kitchen, including the pantry and "The Pile." That would be the pile of mail, school projects, and bills that constantly occupied a space on my counter. Fast forward two half-days: We have established systems for each member of the family to take care of assignments and paperwork, my counters are cleared, and cooking is more efficient and fun with my newly arranged pantry and cabinets.

As I look around my house now, I find I'm still surprised sometimes by the calm and peace. Having my house organized has freed me up to enjoy my life more fully, without the distraction of clutter waiting to be handled. For me, Simplified Living has been a gift that I'm glad I finally gave to myself.
- Melissa Deutsch