And I get it. Most people expect that I’m going to come in with the answers, hand them a system, and show them the “right” way to do it.

But that’s not really how this works. Because organizing systems don’t get people organized. Trust does.

I’m not the expert on you. You are.

And no matter how much experience I have, I will never know you better than you know yourself.

So, the way I approach organizing is a little different than what most people expect. I’m not coming in to tell you what to do with your stuff, and I’m definitely not using some one-size-fits-all system.

I’m not trying to override your instincts. I’m here to work with them.

I’m here to help you see what’s already working, and build on it…even if it’s subtle or inconsistent or half-formed. I’m here to help you take the pieces that already exist in your space and build them into something more sustainable.

Every client I’ve worked with already had the start of a system, hiding in their clutter.

It’s always there. But unfortunately, people don’t always see it or trust it.

They’ll start organizing something, get a few steps in, and then hesitate. They pause, or rethink their plan. They start to wonder if there’s a better way to do it, or if they’re missing something. And then the momentum drops.

Not because they don’t have good instincts. But because they don’t fully trust them.

A big part of my job is helping you recognize that you already know what you’re doing.

You are the only person who has been with you your entire life. You know what you reach for without thinking. You know what you avoid. You know what feels easy, and what feels like a constant effort.

That’s the information we build from.

Organizing, at its core, isn’t really about the stuff. It’s not about making everything look a certain way or fitting your life into someone else’s system.

Organizing is learning how to work with yourself.

It’s about understanding how your brain operates and what kind of support it actually needs.

It’s about building systems that match your real life, not your fantasy life. It’s about developing skills you may never have been taught in the first place.

When you start to see it that way, organizing stops feeling like a project you’re just trying to “get through”. And it starts to be a transformational journey.

That’s why you won’t see before-and-after pics on my website. I’m not interested in that version of “after”. I care about something deeper than that.

I care about the moment when you trust your own decisions again.

When you stop looking for the “right” answer and start paying attention to what actually works for you.

That might look like a perfectly made bed. Or it might look like an unmade bed you genuinely don’t care about. It might look like a color-coded closet. Or a closet arranged by your mood.

That’s the work.

Not forcing yourself into someone else’s idea of being organized, but using your space as a way to understand (and honor) yourself more clearly.

Because in the end, this isn’t about the clutter.  It’s about building trust with yourself again.

And that’s the kind of change that actually lasts.

The post Organizing Doesn’t Start With A System (It Starts With Trusting Yourself) appeared first on Star Hansen.

It was the middle of summer, and the heat in her house was unbearable. She couldn’t sleep, couldn’t focus, and was sticking to her couch every time she sat down.

She needed to call the AC repair company. But she didn’t.

Not because she didn’t want to get it fixed.

Not because she didn’t have the money.

She was afraid to let them see her house.

I’ve seen this so many times…

🧹 You need a housekeeper, but won’t let them in because “It’s too messy.”

🛠 You put off repairs or important maintenance because you’re worried about what contractors will think (or say) about your home.

🍽 You live without something you need (like a new dishwasher) because the fear of being judged feels bigger than the inconvenience of living without it.

It all awakens the same fear…

“What if they see my clutter?”

“What if they judge me?”

I get it.

It’s normal to feel anxious about letting someone into your home.

Even if your home is organized, letting a stranger into your home is vulnerable. Your home is your sanctuary.

It’s where you rest, dream, and hide when you need to.

Letting someone in can stir up feelings of judgment, discomfort, and even old wounds from times you were criticized or violated.

You’re not alone in this. 💛

When I work with clients, I always say, “Please don’t clean for me, or you’ll destroy the evidence.”

Because seeing your space as it actually is helps me help you.

I’m here to help you with your clutter. Your clutter makes me love you more. It helps me understand you better. And it helps me to get you organized by seeing how your brain works in your day-to-day routines.

And in spite of my good intentions (and lack of judgment), I know it’s scary to let even me into your spaces.

So, when it comes to contractors, housekeepers, movers, or anyone else coming into your home, it makes sense you wouldn’t feel very comfortable with a (potentially not-so-clutter-friendly) stranger being in your house. And that you would want to prepare for their visit.

Too many times, preparing for other people to come over leads to chaos, exhaustion, and burnout. And that burnout makes us never want to let someone in again.

But there is a way to prepare for visitors that isn’t stressful or exhausting. A way to prepare so that it supports you…and isn’t draining or shaming.

Here are a few ideas for ideas to help you prepare for your next visitor in a way that won’t add to your stress…

✅ Step 1: Get clear on your goal.

Is this visit inspiring you to do a bigger organizing push? Or do you just need to triage a room so your home is walkable and safe? Both are valid.

✅ Step 2: Clarify your resources.

What kind of time, energy, and support do you realistically have right now?

✅ Step 3: Make a plan.

If you’re triaging, focus on clearing pathways and containing chaos (it’s okay to use a “room of doom” or garage for now). If you’re organizing, break the project down into micro-steps.

✅ Step 4: Take action with compassion.

Give yourself double the time you think you’ll need. (Clutter often takes longer than we expect.) Have a backup plan if you need to reschedule your visitor or call in extra help.

✅ Step 5: Get an accountability buddy.

Decluttering can feel heavy, but you don’t have to do it alone. A supportive friend (even via text) can help you stay out of the shame-spiral and keep moving forward.

And please remember…

It is a privilege for someone to step foot in your home.

If anyone—contractor, housekeeper, family, or friend is critical, rude, or judgmental, you have every right to set boundaries or refuse to let them back in.

Your home is sacred. And it doesn’t have to look perfect to deserve respect.

You deserve to be a work in progress…without shame.

Is there something you’ve been putting off because you’re afraid of letting someone see your space?

Hit reply and let me know.

I’m so grateful to support you in your clutter journey. You are not alone in this, and I’m so glad you’re here.

With gratitude and zero judgment,

The post Is Clutter Keeping You From Letting People Into Your Home? appeared first on Star Hansen.

First, I realized that constant change can be exhausting. Being on the go non-stop was fun at first, but after a while, there’s something special about having a place to truly  call home—a place where you can plant your roots and finally stop living out of a suitcase. 🧳

Second, I discovered how much I need space—both physically and mentally. Being on the move all the time didn’t give me the mental room to focus on my work, my clients, or even myself. It wasn’t until I had a home base again that I really understood the importance of stillness and how much it fuels my creativity and focus. 🏡

Lastly, I realized that connection matters—whether it’s the people around you, a local coffee shop that knows your name, or just the sense of belonging to a community. That’s what I’d been craving all along.‍️

So, after landing in one very special city for a client project, it all clicked.

This city has the perfect mix of everything I love. The ocean, trees, vibrant energy, culture, and community  that makes me feel truly at home.

So, I packed up a U-Haul (yes, I drove it myself—felt pretty badass) and made my way back to my adorable new place in… (drumroll, please 🥁)

San Francisco! 🌉

It’s my first time living in San Francisco (I’ve lived in the Bay Area before), and it feels like the perfect fit for this next chapter. Since the moment I got here, everything has just clicked.

And now that I’ve settled in, I have more space to focus on the work I love—and that includes partnering with amazing people (like you) to tackle the clutter that’s been holding you back.

If you’re in the Bay Area and are ready to clear out the chaos and make room for what really matters, I’d love to help you get there. I have one last in-person client spot available in San Francisco.

If you live outside of the Bay Area and need help, I also offer virtual coaching/organizing and would be over the 🌙 to walk beside you in your clutter-clearing journey. I’m here and ready to jump in when you are.

So grateful to have you on this journey with me. More soon!

The post It’s Never too Late to Give Yourself a Fresh Start appeared first on Star Hansen.

You’re not alone.

Organizing your wardrobe isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about making your clothes work for you, so that getting dressed feels easy, fun, and effortless.

Most people start organizing their closet by trying to get rid of things…I do the opposite.

Often we keep too much stuff because we don’t have the right things in the first place. We need to make sure you have the clothes you actually need and that your closet represents who you are and the life you’re leading today (not the one from 20 years ago).

If I were organizing your closet with you today, here’s exactly where we’d start:

Step 1: Get the Right Basics & Undergarments

Having the right basics makes all the difference. If you don’t have a great pair of jeans that fit you well or a good T-shirt, it’s hard to feel like you have anything to wear. Your basics are your building blocks.

And ladies, let’s talk bras. If yours is digging, sliding, squeezing, or just plain uncomfortable, it might be time for a refresh. The right undergarments are the foundation of your wardrobe—they affect how everything else fits and feels! Start here, and you’ll notice an instant difference.

Step 2: Define Your Style

Before we start decluttering, let’s get clear on your unique style. What makes you feel confident and comfortable? What colors, fabrics, and silhouettes do you love? A great way to explore this is by gathering inspiration—try scrolling Pinterest, save a few outfit that feel fun to you, and look for patterns. Your wardrobe should reflect you.

Step 3: Focus on Your Essential 20%

Did you know we wear only about 20% of our clothes 80% of the time? That’s why it’s important to build a solid core wardrobe—pieces that fit well, feel great, and mix and match easily. And if you find the perfect item? Buy a backup! Nothing is worse than falling in love with a piece only to have it disappear from stores forever.

Step 4: Remove What You’re Not Using

If it’s out of season, doesn’t fit right now, or falls into a special category such as costumes, or memorabilia, move it out of your main space. When your closet only holds what you actually wear, getting dressed becomes so much easier.

Step 5: Create a Closet You Love
Imagine opening your closet and loving everything inside. When I watched The Minimalists documentary, Joshua Fields Millburn said that he loved everything he owned. He followed the philosophy of Project 333—where you pick 33 items to wear for three months. When you keep only things you love, getting dressed will be the easiest part of your morning.

Step 6: Upgrade Your Closet Setup

• Use matching hangers. No more tangled mess—your clothes will hang neatly and evenly.
• Make micro-categories. Instead of just “coats,” try breaking them down into snow coats, rain jackets, windbreakers, and fashion coats. It makes finding what you need so much easier.
• Add a little beauty. What would make your closet feel delightful? A small plant? A pretty light fixture? A cute area rug? Little touches can make your space feel like a boutique instead of a storage unit.

Ready to Fall in Love with Your Closet?

Here’s a quick video I made to walk you through organizing your closet in a new way:

You deserve a wardrobe that makes you feel amazing—no more stress, no more overwhelm.

Start with one small step today: swap out old hangers, go get fitted for a new pair of jeans, pull out a few things you don’t wear, or create a Pinterest board for style inspiration.

Every little change brings you closer to a closet you love.

💬 What’s one thing you’d love to change about your closet? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear!

The post Closet Makeover: Simple Steps to an Organized, Stress-Free Space appeared first on Star Hansen.

How in the world do I have so many clothes????

No matter how many times I’ve purged and organized, it feels like I always have more than I need.

I want to do a huge closet overhaul but if I’m honest, I’m just too tired to take on another big project after moving. It’s time to come up with a creative solution. 🤔

Enter the 20-Minute Closet Purge!

Instead of feeling like you need to create a Pinterest worthy closet, it’s ok to do a mini project to feel a sense of relief.

And as short as 20 minutes sounds, you really can make a big impact in just a few minutes. No stress. No all-day commitment. Just a quick, satisfying closet cleanse that will make your mornings (and your wardrobe) feel lighter.

Why 20 Minutes? Because 20 minutes is doable! You don’t need to overhaul your entire wardrobe in one go. In 20 minutes, you can clear out the obvious stuff—the things you don’t wear, don’t love or don’t even know why you own.

Here are a few things you can purge in your closet in 20 minutes or less:

1. Items that are Ripped, Stained, or Past Their Prime 🚫

Stained, ripped, stretched-out, or just plain tragic? If it’s past its prime, it’s time to let it go.

2. Clothes That Make You Cringe 🤢

If you try something on and immediately want to rip it off, it does not need to be in your closet. Say goodbye to itchy, stiff, or uncomfortable pieces.

3. Things That Don’t Fit 🔄

Too big, too small, or just not right? Keeping them “just in case” only clutters your space and adds stress. Your closet should serve you—not a fantasy version of you.

4. That One Item You Never Wear 🤔

You know the one. The jacket you thought you’d love. The dress that almost works but never quite does. If you’ve skipped over it for months, set it free!

5. Clothes with Bad Memories 😞

Breakup dress? Fired-from-that-job blazer? If it holds negative energy, it doesn’t belong in your happy, stress-free closet.

6. Shoes That Are Basically Torture Devices 👠

If you have to mentally prepare yourself before putting them on, let them go. Life’s too short for painful shoes!

7. That Gift You Never Wanted 🎁

Someone gave it to you, but you never wear it? You can appreciate their generosity and still let it go. Your closet should be filled with things you love, not guilt over things you don’t wear or enjoy.

Want to join me for your own clothing closet purge? Grab a donation bag (pro tip: keep one in your closet at all times), set a timer, and let’s go!

An organized clothing closet is closer than you think.

The Secret? Start small.

👉 What’s the first thing you’re purging? Tell me in the comments—I want to hear!

Remember, you don’t have to organize your whole closet. Just do 20 minutes and see what happens. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

And who knows? Once you get rolling, you might not even want to stop!

So, grab a bag for donations, set a timer, and give your closet a little breathing room. You (and your future self) will be so glad you did! 💖

So proud of you!

The post 20-Minute Closet Cleanup appeared first on Star Hansen.

I’ve heard so many people jumping on the No-Buy 2025 trend. This is where you try to rein in your spending by giving yourself parameters for how you spend your money.

Some people say they won’t be buying any new clothing this year. Others say they’ll only eat out once a month.

The most common No-Spend trend I’ve heard this year is people saying they won’t buy new makeup or toiletries until they’ve used up the items they have around the house. 💄

For example, if they run out of shampoo, they have to use up all the half-empty bottles (and travel sizes) of shampoo they’ve got hiding in their cabinets before buying anything new. 🧴

Doing a No-Buy year can be a great way to reduce the clutter in your life and home.

It will help you:

• reduce waste
• get the most out of things you already have
• save money, and
• have a perspective shift around what you truly need (and what is just excess)

Even if you don’t intentionally declutter once this year, doing a No-Buy year will help you eliminate excess stuff from coming into your home. Plus you’ll be naturally decluttering by using what you already have.

Now, I know it can be tricky not to purchase things. We live in a world where anything we desire is dropped off on our doorsteps in a few days (or hours, depending on where you live).

Our devices make shopping way too easy. I once received packages from Amazon that I had ordered in my sleep!!! 😳

Now, I can’t help with nocturnal purchases, but one trick that helps me when I’m trying to be more intentional with my spending is to create wish lists in the Notes app on my phone. Then, anytime I feel the impulse to purchase something (or even add it to my cart so I don’t forget about it), I add it to my notes.

I have one list for general purchases and one for books. 📚

I often find that after I finish my No-Buy chapter (whether it’s only a day, week, or year), many of the things I would have purchased on impulse are no longer interesting to me.

What do you think?

Does the No-Buy 2025 Trend sound like something you want to try?

What are the 3-5 No-Buy rules you might want to put in place to be more mindful about your spending this year? Comment below and share them with me. I would love to cheer you on.

The post Declutter Your Life with a No-Buy Year: Simplify, Organize, and Focus on What Truly Matters appeared first on Star Hansen.

I just couldn’t find my throughline. I knew I had something to say, but it wasn’t materializing.

In June of 2021, I felt like I had been hit with a bolt of inspiration. 🌩️

I knew it was time to write my book, so I jumped in and got to work. Six months later, ‘Why the F*#@ Am I Still Not Organized?’ was born. 📚

I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since its release date. I still get emails every week sharing how the book has helped people understand the deeper meaning of their clutter.

If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, it’s not too late to grab a copy for yourself (or gift it for the holidays). You can download a digital copy here, buy the paperback on Amazon, or listen to the audiobook (narrated by yours truly) on Audible or Spotify

No time to read it? I hear you! Here are a few of reader’s favorite tips from the book:

Organizing is Emotional

Recognize that organizing isn’t just about tidying up – it’s a process that can help you address and heal from emotional clutter. 🙈

Lazy Day Systems

Set up systems that are easy to maintain even on your busiest or toughest days. This helps ensure that your organizing efforts stick over time. 🏝️

Think Inside the Box

Keep your containers 80% full so you can easily find what you need without taking everything out of the box and creating a new mess. 📦

Choose Curiosity Over Judgment

Approach your clutter with curiosity instead of judgment to understand and address it effectively. If shame worked, the world would be organized already. Try compassion instead. 💕

Stop Doing it Alone

Reach out for support and join a community to share the journey and lessen the burden of organizing. 👯‍♀️

Have you already read it? Hit reply and let me know which part of the book made the biggest impact on you.

Thanks for being a part of this journey. I’m so grateful to celebrate with you!

The post 2 Years of ‘Why the F*#! Am I Still Not Organized?’ appeared first on Star Hansen.

But what if you’re limited on space? Or if you’re missing whole rooms in your house? You still need to get organized, even if you don’t have a ton of space. So, what can you do? 🤷🏻‍♀️

I hear this a lot…especially when it comes to the Linen Closet.

For many people they don’t have a Linen Closet…myself included. And this isn’t a size thing. I’ve worked in tiny houses, as well as huge mansions that have no linen closet to be found.

Now, I could list off the countless challenges of not having a designated space for linens, towels, and utility items, but let’s be honest, it has been done before and it’s really not that helpful. It’s only going to make you feel more frustrated and annoyed. 🤬

Instead, I want to talk about the gifts of NOT having a Linen Closet. Yes, there are gifts to not having a linen closet. And these gifts will apply to any space that is missing or “too small” in your home.

Here are the gifts of NOT having a Linen Closet:

1-You keep less stuff because you don’t have room to store extra stuff for some future “just in case” moment. (we tend to fill the spaces we have, so not having spaces gives you less room to store random stuff you don’t need)

2-You actually use what you have, rather than having stores of items you don’t even remember that you own.

3-You spend less time cleaning and maintaining items that you never use.

4-It offers a unique opportunity to “invent” storage solutions in creative ways that meet your needs better than some generic built-in system. (often your creative solutions are better than anything some stranger could have come up with)

5-Items can be stored closer to where you’ll be using them (rather than in one centralized location that may not be convenient for easy access to your stuff)

6-Things are easier to put away (because they’ll be stored closer to where you use them)

I’m so passionate about this concept that I made a whole video about what to do if you don’t have a linen closet in your home. Check it out:

I hope this reframe helps you re-imagine the spaces in your home that need a little TLC.

Comment below and let me know one of the benefits you’ve noticed when it comes to having limited storage spaces.

Want a little help getting creative as you invent storage in your home? Come join us in the Chaos to Calm Community as we organize our Linen Closets this month. 🧺

Happy Organizing!

The post No Linen Closet? How to Organize Your Linens if You Have No Space appeared first on Star Hansen.

It’s easy to think that school breaks are a great time to accomplish things around the house, but every parent knows that when kids are home, it can be even more difficult to be productive. Kids need lots of time, care, and attention.

I sat down with Home & Garden , as well as News 5 Cleveland, to strategize a few solutions for this very common challenge.

Here are a few tips from our conversations about getting through school holiday breaks stress-free. Even if you don’t have kids at home, these tips may help you have a little bit more grace for your own organizing journey during these hot summer months.

Focus on Upkeep

Instead of working on big projects when kids are home, focus your energy on maintaining common-use areas such as the kitchen counter, car, or bathroom. Save the big projects for when kids head back to school. Choose projects that are short, allow you to easily return to them if you get interrupted by the kiddos, and help to remove barriers to your functional activities such as cleaning, bath time, etc.

Involve the Kids

It’s easy to want to do everything ourselves. You know how you like it and can do it quickly. It can be exhausting to have the kids help, but you deserve support in managing all of the home care activities. Plus, it’s been found that kids who help with chores around the house develop better self-esteem than kids who don’t. And, you set them up for success later in life by teaching them how to manage basic household activities. Set a timer for one hour each day and do chores together. Play music, and try to make it fun. Reward the effort, not the outcome.

Lower the Bar

We all want a beautiful home that is organized, clean, and Pinterest-worthy. But when kids are home, this can be difficult to achieve or maintain. The truth is that at the end of your life, you won’t care how clean your house is. You’ll care about the memories you made with your family and the way you felt when you were together. Lower the bar for how clean or organized your home needs to be during school vacations. Instead, shift your measuring stick to be based on happy memories and fun times together.

I hope these tips help you to maintain your sanity over the next few weeks of school break. Hit reply and let me know what gets you through your holiday breaks.

Sending you so much positive energy as you try to balance loved ones, work, and your home-organizing projects.

Need a little extra support to keep you on track this summer? Come join us in the Chaos to Calm Community (link to www.starhansen.community ). Use the code GETORGANIZED to get a deep discount on your first month. ☀️

The post How to Keep Your Home Organized When Kids are Home on Summer Break appeared first on Star Hansen.

I LOVE the entryway. 🚪 

I think this is one of the most powerful and underappreciated rooms in the house.  The entryway is whatever door you enter and leave your home.  It may be your front door or your garage.  It might even be your skylight (if you’re into Mission Impossible).   

The entryway is our launching pad out into the world. In the best-case scenario, it helps us have everything we need to launch into the world prepared and ready for anything life hands us.   

It’s also the landing pad that welcomes us in at the end of the day.  It’s the space that can make or break our homecoming every night.  If your entryway feels organized and uplifting, coming home can feel like a breath of fresh air. But if it’s in a state of chaos, it’s easy to dread walking in the door.   

Here is a short video I made you about your entryway: 

Ready to take action in your entryway today?   

This often-forgotten space is so powerful and doesn’t take much to make a big difference.   

Here are two quick (10 minute or less) actions you can take right now to help you transform your entryway into a welcoming and functional space: 

1-Add one beautiful thing 

Beautifying your entryway will help you feel a sense of peace, joy, and uplift when you walk in.  You may want to buy that statue you’ve been eyeing at your local farmer’s market.  Or hang a painting that has been gathering dust in the basement.  Maybe frame a photo of your kids doing silly faces.  Add one item that makes you smile when you see it. 

2-Add one thing that makes this space more functional for you.   

Is there something missing here?  Do you need a box cutter for opening packages?  A trash can for junk mail?  How about a hook for your keys?  Take one action that will help you feel more functional and productive in this space.   

Comment below and let me know what you added to your entryway to make it feel more beautiful and functional.  I love to cheer you on! 

The post Upgrade Your Entryway: Simple Steps for a Stylish and Organized Space appeared first on Star Hansen.