I started a cleaning business when I was 10 years old.

While learning how to clean, I discovered that some families had a lot of stuff, piles of clothes, chaotic closets, old bottles of moldy sauces, extra unused things in small spaces.

I was there to clean but that became impossible. What could I do? At ten, you can’t really ask them to organize their home so I could do my cleaning job.

With a career in fashion merchandising, my passion has always been about good design. Putting outfits together is building a good wardrobe of the right fabrics, colors, shapes, sizes, and accessories. You are building a system that works well on each individual woman. I try and translate that sense of proportion and design to each space that I create.

The following trends have contributed to my organizing style:

1). overconsumption-we love to buy, buy, buy. We are a nation of buyers. We buy and keep thinking we will use it some day without thinking about where it has been, how it will be used, and where it will end up. Consider the life cycle of each item you buy.

2). minimalism -I have always felt calmer in a relaxing, comfortable, less crowded space. Clutter feels like a big job that I need to tackle. I can wind down and relax in a clutter free home.

3). balance of light and dark - it is always good to balance your organizing containers. Light container, dark label or a dark basket with a white liner. A bright contemporary closet needs sophisticated neutral containers balanced with black hangers.

4). mix of textures- I like to play with plastic, bamboo, ceramics, straw, rope, glass, aluminum, steel, pine wood, and a dark wood.

5). use of neutral and accent colors- some homes require more sophisticated organizing tools, some home require fun colors and bright labels.

6). good products- sometimes using organizing things already in your house is a good product. Sometimes, the house requires a bit of TLC and organizing products.

7). reducing waste and reusing -I always prefer to donate to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, Churches, Synagogues, Schools, Libraries, than take it to the landfill. So many gently used items in a home can be new for someone else.

8). comfort -a well organized home is also comfortable. Homes are your sanctuary, your place to unwind, rest, sleep, cook, have a glass of wine, play with the kids or grandkids, craft, watch a film.

9) ease of movement -the point is to make it easier to move around - to enjoy your home- to relax in side it, to cherish moments with your loved ones. Clutter can dampen these times and remind you of what needs to be done.

10) mindfulness - spaces that are well-organized lead to a lighter load on your brain and your spirits.

11) practical good housekeeping -what would your grandmother do? Common sense is the answer to many organized homes.