Do you ever get so caught up in the excitement of a home project that you forget to take “before” photos? Yes me too.
That’s exactly what happened during the biggest—and emotional—change I’ve ever made. There was no one else outside Jessica McCabe from “How to Diagnose ADHD.” While I shared the great story, (you can see it here) – I realized I didn’t walk you through it step by step.
So today, I did just that. And I’m sharing some planning tips with you that I’ve shared elsewhere.
This is not just a nice change—a blueprint you can use to transform your home into a functional space for you, even on your worst days.
Step 1: Know the Purpose of Your Space
When I first walked into Jessica’s main floor, I didn’t focus on the clutter. Instead, I asked: What should this space be?
Sure, it’s a living room. But what else?
After talking with Jessica and her partner Raphael, I learned that they love music, board games, and spending time together offline. However, none of this was visible from space. The ukulele, the Chinese checkerboard, even their favorite games were put aside or forgotten.
When evaluating your space – your room should remind you of what you have love to do. Use references—such as game tables, display cabinets, or hobby bins—to set the identity of your space.
We even turned a thoughtful keepsake (an antique Chinese checkerboard from Jessica’s mom) into a centerpiece using a beautiful nesting table. Now, it invitations that they play together.
Step 2: Check the Authenticity of Your Storage
Once you know what the room is forlook How you save things. Are your storage solutions really serving the purpose of the room?
Jessica had what I lovingly call “disaster closets”—huge pieces of furniture filled with random things. We needed storage similar to how they live in nature.
Jessica is not an “anchor”. So instead of putting a coat on, we used 3M hooks on the doors of bags and outerwear. Troubles? 90% gone. Done and dusted with a few strips of glue.
We didn’t remove their tendency towards the disaster cabinet—we did honored see. I replaced the previous mesh IKEA cabinets with labeled baskets by looking find out what goes there. I even left one bin empty to overflow—because let’s be honest, things happen.
And here’s the key: put up storage where clutter naturally resides. This one trick makes the organization last longer.
Step 3: Organize Your Mind
This can be the most important step: know your editing style as well set your scene to catch you on your worst day.
Everyone can plan their best day. But what if you’re tired, late, or juggling too many things? This is where your system needs to work the hardest.
Jessica is a natural designer. So we created visual areas with labeled baskets and reset hot spots.
One trick? Set a timer for 5–15 minutes every day to reset the dirty area. You will build muscle memoryand before long, you’ll start putting things away away just instead down.
What About the Whole House?
We didn’t stop at the main floor. Upstairs, we were renovating the kitchen and her daughter’s play area.
For toys: We ditched the toy box clutter and used vertical storage—tall bookcases and bins labeled for each category (Barbies, clothes, cars, etc.). It looks better, works better, and keeps cleaning easier.
In the kitchen: If you have little time, start where your hands move the most. In their house, that was Raphael’s coffee station. We’ve designed the cups and accessories closely, so everything is minimal. Then we made the dishes, plates, and baby things easier to take and return.
The goal? Encourage laziness. I’m right. If planning is the easy option, you will definitely do it.
3-Step Framework (Brief)
Here’s how you can recreate this in your home:
1. Define the Purpose of Each Space
Ask yourself: What do I want to do? in the middle this room? What is important to me and my family? Let that guide your design.
2. Create Realistic Storage
Don’t fight your habits—work on them with see. Be aware of where clutter collects and give those places a home (hooks, baskets, bins, drawers). Small changes make a big difference.
3. Plan Your Style
Are you seen? Details? Someone with a big picture? Your editing system should support you you on your worst day. Design your home to hold you, not to please others.
Jessica’s transformation wasn’t just about falling apart—it was about regaining joy, purpose, and to be free. So should your home.
If you are overwhelmed and not sure where to start, choose one the room. Ask what the room is forLook at your clutter patterns, and adjust your storage space to suit you. You will be surprised how quickly the transformation begins.
Watch Jessica’s Workout Video Here: https://youtu.be/o5pWTuI-qvc?si=AY1NxeqP8bOJpHXR
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