For those struggling with home organization, Kathy Boyd, owner of Tailored Tasks LLC, offers practical advice on creating and maintaining an orderly space.
Boyd, who runs a lifestyle concierge and home organizing business, has spent years helping clients declutter, downsize and manage household tasks. She launched her Camas-based business in 2018 under the name Declutterfly Professional Organizing, focusing on organization and senior downsizing.
As her services expanded to include broader household management, she rebranded as Tailored Tasks in 2024.
Practical tips for home organization
Boyd emphasizes that the biggest challenge for many people is simply knowing where to start. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, she suggests beginning with a small, non-sentimental area and setting a timer for 15 to 30 minutes to make the process more manageable.
“The biggest tip I always give is to start with a very small space … I would say start with something small like a drawer in your kitchen or a non-sentimental area like a fill-in closet. The sentimental stuff is what takes the longest,” Boyd explained.
Kitchens, she notes, are a common problem area, particularly when it comes to storing kitchenware and utensils. She often recommends wooden organizers that fit inside drawers to help designate spaces for silverware. Cooking utensils should be stored in a separate drawer near the oven, while kitchen knives should be kept in a designated knife organizer or block.
“I think having things contained is good rather than having it just all (out) in the drawer. You can't find anything (when) people have three or four drawers full of utensils,” Boyd said. “Having them in places that make sense, that works for their flow in the kitchen. You wanna have your cooking utensils, your knives where you're gonna be doing your food prep.”
Closets are another frequent trouble spot. Boyd advises homeowners to assign a specific purpose to each closet to prevent them from becoming cluttered catch-all spaces.
“Hall closets and linen closets are particularly prone to clutter,” Boyd said. “People just kind of shove things in there because they don’t know where to put them. I always tell clients to have a designated purpose for each closet.”
Clear labels on storage bins and pantry containers help ensure everything has a designated place, reducing clutter and confusion. She also cautions against buying organizing products before decluttering.
“People buy all these organizing products — baskets and bins — thinking everything has to look pretty. But then they get overwhelmed because they don’t know what to do with all this organizing stuff. I always tell them, we don’t have to buy any products, we can just use what you have and make it simple.”
Boyd acknowledges that while decluttering and organizing can be relatively easy, maintaining the system is often the greatest hurdle. She emphasizes that the key to long-term organization is consistently returning items to their designated spots.
"Decluttering and organizing are the easy parts," she said. "The hardest part is maintaining the system. It’s really about discipline and retraining yourself to put things away. We have to develop a habit of putting things away."
Boyd recommends organizing cleaning supplies, from vacuums to window cleaners, based on how often they are used.
"If you have a multi-story home, keep basic cleaning supplies in each bathroom rather than making trips up and down the stairs. Store lesser-used items, like extra detergent or bulk supplies, in the garage or a storage closet."
For those struggling to stay organized or who lack the time, Tailored Tasks offers ongoing support. Boyd encourages potential clients to reach out through her website, tailoredtasksforyou.com, or contact her directly at 360-836-4389.
“I love helping people create and maintain a functional, stress-free home,” she said. “Sometimes, all they need is a little guidance to get started.”
