I’ve mentioned it a few times lately but you seriously don’t understand how talented my mom (and both her sisters are) at organizing anything and everything. It is a true gift. One that I aspire to but may not have inherited the patience to fully realize.

Once we had a closing date on our new home my mom agreed to come out for a few days after Christmas to help us unpack make sense of our unbelievable mess. The priority we identified was our kitchen. Because we moved just 10 blocks, everything non-breakable in our kitchen was essentially tossed into bags and thrown into the nearest drawer or cabinet upon arrival at the new house in order to make room for more boxes. I did okay on organizing our dishes and glassware, but the food, utensils and spices (we own about 1,000) were a disaster.

She arrived on a Thursday and within a matter of hours I found myself at The Container Store and Bed Bath and Beyond. Aisles I had never walked down were soon our “mecca” for whipping our kitchen into shape. Hours (and days) later I think it looks impeccable. Ironically (or maybe not) she left apologizing for “not getting to every drawer.” I am still scratching my head over what didn’t get done in the kitchen. It’s a miracle.

Place to put oddly shaped gadgets like mango slicers? Check! Neat way to lay out all of our serving spoons, cooking tools, tongs and other assorted goodies? Check! Spice rack that come out of the cabinet for easy access neat to the stove? Double check! Pantry with tiered display shelving for cans and easy-slide baskets for misc. dried goods that never look organized no matter how much of a Martha you are? Check check check!

I want my mom to start her own organizing company and have about 25 clients already lined up to hire her. The pictures above are only a few examples…one day I promise to show you our “junk” drawer. She organized our batteries!

Mom, Mike and I are oh-so-grateful for all of your help. Please come back soon…there is PLENTY more to do in all of the other rooms!

What is your organization philosophy?