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Tips and Tricks
Tips, Tricks, and Insights
These are some insights that I've gained when dealing with several organizing issues and hotspots. If you can take away a tip or two, you're on the right track, there is no fit for all! You've got this (and if you need help, you're in the right place!).
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What to Expect When Hiring a Professional Organizer
If inviting a stranger into your home and sharing sensitive details about clutter, habits, and stress sounds like a breeze, you can stop reading here. Otherwise, this post is for you. Hiring a professional organizer can feel vulnerable, to say the least. Many people worry they’ll be judged, overwhelmed, or pressured into unrealistic systems. This post walks you through what actually happens during an organizing consultation and hopefully remove a little anxiety so you can dec

Shannon McKinney
2 days ago2 min read


A Gentle Reset for the New Year: How Professional Organizing Supports Realistic Goals
January often comes with pressure… to declutter everything, reorganize the entire house, and to feel “caught up.” But for many people, that approach leads to burnout before the month is even over. A gentle reset is different, it’s not about perfection or dramatic before-and-after moments, it’s about creating a home that supports your real life, your energy, and your goals one step at a time. This is where professional organizing can help in a way that feels supportive, not o

Shannon McKinney
Dec 25, 20252 min read


Holiday Clutter Isn’t Failure, It’s a Season
During the holidays, many households notice an increase in clutter and assume something has gone wrong. Systems that usually work feel less effective, surfaces fill faster, and staying “caught up” feels harder than usual. This isn’t a personal failure, it’s a predictable, seasonal shift. Understanding why clutter increases during the holidays can ease unrealistic expectations without adding unnecessary pressure. Why Holiday Clutter Is So Common Holiday clutter isn’t random.

Shannon McKinney
Dec 13, 20252 min read


Reset Your Pantry Before the Holiday Rush Begins
With the holiday season comes with a whirlwind of hosting, cooking, baking, and last-minute grocery runs. One of the easiest ways to set yourself up for a calmer, more enjoyable season is to start in a place most people overlook: your pantry . A simple reset now can save you time, stress, and duplicate shopping later, especially once the holiday chaos begins. At Holman Hope Home Organizing, I always tell clients that an organized pantry doesn’t have to be perfect, it just nee

Shannon McKinney
Nov 17, 20252 min read


Five Areas to Declutter Before the Holiday Rush Begins
As the holidays approach, life gets busier and our to-do lists get longer. Before the decorations come out and guests start arriving, take a little time to clear the clutter that’s quietly adding stress to your space. These five areas are small but mighty and a quick reset now will make your home feel lighter, calmer, and ready for the busy season ahead. The Entryway or Drop Zone This is the first place you see when you walk in and often the first area that can spiral out of

Shannon McKinney
Oct 28, 20253 min read


Houston Consignment and Thrift Shop Faves: From Upscale Scores to Funky Finds
The Little Bird in Uptown Park This is a superb upscale consignment and retail store in Uptown Park; think Hermes, Chanel, Valentino, among others. They have a curated collection of separates, jackets, dresses, denim, shoes, and ahhh-mazing handbags. Their pieces are on trend and sophisticated at a fraction of retail so if you’re looking for a luxury item at a great price, run, don’t walk. Crossroads Trading in the Rice Village Definitely for a trendier and younger client

Shannon McKinney
Oct 15, 20252 min read


Seamless Seasonal Switch: How to Transition Your Closet from Summer to Fall
Well, the temps here in Texas aren’t quite crisp yet but it’s time to ditch the linen and softer hues to a more fall-like palette now...

Shannon McKinney
Oct 5, 20253 min read


Outsourcing and Letting Go of Guilt
Have you ever looked around your home and thought, I should be able to handle this —only to feel a wave of guilt at the idea of hiring...

Shannon McKinney
Aug 28, 20253 min read


Help Your Teen Build Better Habits: A Guide to Staying Organized
I originally wrote a post on this topic in Spring '22 and have since taught more classes for National Charity League, private group...

Shannon McKinney
Jul 24, 20252 min read


Bookcase Styling Tips: Five Years Later
I absolutely love charming bookcases and built-ins and what they add to a room. Disclaimer: I am not a minimalist but I think these tips can work for any decor, just subtract items if it gets too busy for you. When in doubt, a little less is more when starting out. A little general info: I group books in order of subject or genre I then think about height and balance. I don’t group books by color but if it happens to work out with the height of the spines, I try to make the c

Shannon McKinney
Jun 18, 20252 min read


Four Things to Let Go of Now...
How about a quick and easy decluttering list to kick off your summer break? You won't miss these items (promise) and it will help with impromtu packing for the beach or the pool... You may have already started assessing your pool and beach towel situation , if you haven't, now is the time! While you're at it, go ahead and take a look at all of your towels. Those that are frayed, dingy, and have seen better days? Time to let them go! A note, save a few for utility purposes: a

Shannon McKinney
Jun 14, 20252 min read


Dealing With End of School Year Paperwork
Ninth Grade Locker Set Up Well, this week is officially the last week of 10th grade for Caroline. There is a LOT less paperwork that...

Shannon McKinney
May 20, 20252 min read


Decluttering Myths That Might be Holding You Back...
I thought I would share six decluttering myths that might be holding you back before you even get started; I hope this is helpful in reframing this task overall and you can get some beneficial tips... “You have to do it all at once.” Reality: Decluttering is more sustainable and less overwhelming when done in small, manageable steps. You don’t need to dedicate a full weekend to see progress. Often times I’ll work with a client for a few sessions over the course of a few wee

Shannon McKinney
May 6, 20252 min read


Overwhelmed With Paperwork?
It's almost April and we're knee-deep in tax season so I've had paperwork on the brain. I work with clients on this often and know that...

Shannon McKinney
Mar 30, 20252 min read


Consignment vs Resale: Which is the Best Choice for You?
Crossroads Trading, Houston, TX It's almost Spring, right? Please!? Yes, before we know it we'll be Spring cleaning our homes and our closets! Luckily for me (and now you), I often help clients let go of clothes that no longer suit them for whatever reason and we discuss how they want to deal with the items they’re getting rid of. If the clothes were monetarily valuable or sentimental, therefore harder to part with (for some clients), consigning or reselling and therefore re

Shannon McKinney
Feb 17, 20253 min read


Simple Organizing Tips for Your New Year's Goals
2025, Let's Do This! If you’re looking for some tips to get started on your New Year’s organizing projects, you’ve come to the right...

Shannon McKinney
Dec 30, 20242 min read


Gifting Outside of the Box
Fun with Houston Zoo's own Callie the Sea Lion Gifting Outside of the Box I really try to be intentional about my gift-giving and I truly...

Shannon McKinney
Dec 9, 20242 min read


Working With an Organizer on a Budget...
Are you looking to get a particular space (or two) organized and you’ve gotten stuck trying to figure it out alone? Hiring a professional...

Shannon McKinney
Oct 19, 20242 min read


Donate or Discard? Thoughts and Options...
Whether you’re doing a weekly or monthly refresh in your home or you’re taking on a larger decluttering session, you’ll obviously have to...

Shannon McKinney
Aug 5, 20242 min read


What is "Spaving"?
I recently heard this term and went on a deep dive into it then I noticed it this morning while checking my emails and fell victim to it...

Shannon McKinney
May 9, 20242 min read
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