Home Space Organizing Can Help Clear Emotional Clutter

Jody Casden looks at clutter in a different way than most people. As a professional organizer with a background as an artist and masseuse, she encourages people to use their space in a creative and healthy way. In 2012, she opened Home Space Organizing so she could help others live peacefully and efficiently within their own surroundings.

“Problems are great opportunities for creative problem solving. I see clutter and spatial issues as an opportunity to heal and be creative,” she says.

Casden got into organizing after completing a training program for creative entrepreneurs. “I realized it was something I enjoyed, was good at and had infinite energy to do. I also like the instant gratification of seeing a space transform,” she says. Casden found her first clients by putting up flyers in her synagogue just before the Passover seder, which is traditionally a time for cleaning and purging personal belongings.

In a society that puts so much emphasis on material possessions, Casden informs her clients that they have everything they need already and suggests that instead of buying new pieces, they experiment with what they already have. “People have both positive and negative emotional attachments to their stuff, which can creative clutter. There are underlying reasons why spaces are how they are, and discovering the reason can open up some treasures, both physically and emotionally,” she says. For example, perhaps someone hasn’t finished unpacking boxes from a move two years ago because they feel they don’t fully belong where they are. Casden teaches her clients to play with their space, manipulate what they have and experiment until everything feels right.

Mindfulness is key to creating an environment that is comfortable. “I ask people what their patterns and habits are communicating. If you come home every night and drop your bags on the floor, what is that saying about how you value your possessions? Giving things a designated space allows you to feel more grounded,” says Casden.

During a complimentary initial consultation, Casden asks new clients which areas of their space are most overwhelming, which areas they’re excited about, what they keep putting off and what their goals are. Some people want her to come in and clean out a closet by herself while they leave. Other people need her to sit with them and go over projects together. She tries to give everyone tools and ideas so they can maintain a sense of organization and command.

“Overall, I want my clients to not feel trapped or overpowered by their stuff, but instead to be creative and excited about their environment,” says Casden. “Employ feng shui, experiment with fun storage techniques or maybe move one piece of furniture at a time until you feel right. Be as intentional as possible and you will naturally want to take better care of the things that belong to you.”

For more information, call 847-209-0083 or visit HomeSpaceOrganizing.com. 

Carrie Jackson is an Evanston-based writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.