Our Decluttering Process: Here's What You Can Expect

We understand that working with a professional organizer is an investment, so today, we wanted to walk you through our process, discussing what exactly you can expect.

I'm Anna Beth Eskridge, the interior designer and professional organizer behind Making Room for Peace. My love for design and organization is something that has been ingrained inside of me for as long as I can remember. With a background in art and a degree in interior design; it has always been my heart to bring peace and order into spaces.

Through our decluttering services we work alongside our clients to let go of what is no longer used, loved or needed. Our goal is to simplify our client’s lives, leaving them with a system that is catered to their lifestyle and needs.

In a world that values speed and efficiency, we embrace a slower pace of living. Our calming presence brings peace into the spaces that we work in, as we take the time to listen and to get to know our clients. Through our attention to detail, we are able to create spaces that not only reflect our client’s style but how they live.

We believe in using every part of our client’s story while simultaneously encouraging them to let go of the things that are no longer serving them. We want their space to be one that reflects not only where they’ve been but where they are and where they are headed next. We do this by helping them to reflect on their core values, and by being intentional about what they have in their home.

DISCOVERY CALL – Before we schedule a Consultation, we like to have a 5-15 minute “discovery call” with our clients to learn a little bit more about them and their project.  Following our call, we will go ahead and email you our client questionnaire.

DECLUTTERING CONSULTATION – During this 1 hour meeting, we walk through your home (or commercial space) while discussing your dreams and goals, as well as details about how you live in and use the space.  We take some time to review the client questionnaire and inspiration images that you have, to get a better understanding of your style and organizational needs.

DECLUTTERING SESSIONS – During our Consultation, we will come up with a game-plan for how to best tackle your space.  We generally like to work room by room, working alongside our clients to let go of what is no longer used, loved or needed.  Our goal is for your space to be not only functional but beautiful in the end!

How long are the decluttering sessions?

Depending on the scale of the project, we tend to work in 3 – 6 hour sessions.  During our Consultation we will come up with a concrete game plan for tackling your space and addressing your individual needs; and share how many sessions we think your project might require.

Should I go ahead and purchase bins, tubs, and containers before you get here?

We kindly ask that you don’t.  During our Consultation we’ll get a feel of what materials might need to be purchased as well as what we can use that you already own.

How hands-on will I be in the decluttering sessions?

We ask that our client’s be actively involved in the first part of our decluttering sessions, as we go through and decide what is no longer loved, used or needed, as well as what we would like to keep. We find that when our client’s participate in the process it helps to ensure long-term success in maintaining a decluttered home (or space).

Do you remove the pieces that are to be donated?

We are happy to remove small to medium sized pieces and drop them off at the local thrift store.  Depending on the needs, we can arrange for Salvation Army to come and pick things up.

How do I know that this is going to work?

It is our intention that at the end of our full service decluttering projects, we leave our clients feeling empowered to maintain their space and to carry out what they learned during our session.  Each client is different and so, the systems that we set in place are geared specifically towards them to ensure their success.

The result? Our calming presence brings peace into the spaces that we work in, as we take the time to listen and to get to know our clients. Through our attention to detail, we are able to create spaces that not only reflect our client’s style but how they live.

We believe in using every part of our client’s story but also encourage them to let go of the things that are no longer serving them. We want their space to be one that reflects not only where they’ve been, but where they are and where they are headed next. We do this by helping them to reflect on their core values, and by being intentional about what they have in their home.

“I am so grateful that I made the investment to have Anna Beth style my office. She brought such a peaceful spirit to the process and really took the time to understand my business and my vision. Clients and colleagues consistently comment on how much they love the office. Flexible and detail-oriented, Anna Beth really has an amazing eye for design. I highly recommend her and Making Room for Peace for any styling and decluttering projects.”

Meghan Freeman

“I really wish I took a ‘before’ picture of our sun-room, because it was out of control! It had become our storage room and was filled with boxes and random things we don’t use anymore. I’ve been wanting to clean out this room and do some decluttering but every time I thought about it, I would get overwhelmed. I hired Making Room for Peace to come and help me and I cannot thank her enough for her help and expertise! We cleared out the sun-room in one morning and I feel so much calmer being in this space now, instead of stressed and anxious like before. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your house and the amount of stuff piling up, please do yourself a favor and reach out to Making Room for Peace, you will not regret it!”

Andrea Guzman

“For those who haven’t met Anna Beth, her presence is calming, her ideas simplistic enough not to be overwhelmed by the task at hand but most of all, she is genuine and kindhearted!”

Renea Suttle

“I was at a point in my life when my house was hopelessly disorganized. When I saw the card for Making Room for Peace on a message board at the Coffee House, I immediately took one. A lovely young lady, Anna Beth demonstrated knowledge and experience throughout our sessions. She explained what she planned to do and the costs associated with it. She offered affordable prices for her work. So, I knew where we would start and what we would do each day. I worked with her so I that I knew what to toss and what to save. She magically turned my kitchen around, using her decluttering tricks to save space. She taught me that I really don’t need everything that I have. As bag after bag was carried out of the house there was more and more space. It was incredible.”

Ann Varacallo

“Dear Anna,

I was doing my weekly cleaning in the main part of the house for the first time since you finished the space. I just wanted to reach out and say thank you. As I cleaned, I had the feeling I was looking for. Everything had it’s place and I knew what belonged and what didn’t. It eased my mind and calmed my soul.”

(text from a past decluttering/design client)

*This post is an updated version from this, posted in 2019.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Jenna Miller Photography