taking time to tackle that CLUTTER

by Julie Brown Patton

Interior design experts suggest that clutter isn’t just the stuff on the floors of homes — it’s anything that stands between people and the life they want to live.

However, knowing how and where to start a decluttering process can seem daunting. Enter the local team at Saint Louis Closet Co., which creates structural systems for master bedroom closets, kids’ closets, linen and coat closets, mudrooms, drop zones, laundry rooms, basements, garages, pantries, Murphy beds, bookcases, entertainment centers and wardrobe units.

Saint Louis Closet Co. also handles home offices and commercial spaces such as mail rooms, supply closets and file spaces. The female-owned company has served the area since 1991.

“For people who are feeling lost about messy closets and spaces, we always recommend starting small and working your way through your home, one space at a time, so you don’t get overwhelmed,” said Jennifer Quinn Williams, president of Saint Louis Closet Co. and lifetime Kirkwood resident. “Sometimes even starting with one drawer can spark the organization bug in you, and you’ll be surprised how awesome it feels to organize and declutter your spaces.”

Williams said many people purchase lots of smaller bins, organizers, hooks and products hoping that each of those small items will help them get organized, when in turn, they end up adding to the existing clutter.

Some interior designers recommend that people first organize the room or space they spend the most time in so progress can be truly noticed. Others specifically suggest starting with bathrooms. Yet other designers stand by starting with one drawer, shelf or spot to get inspired.

Williams has her own ideas. To begin an organizational journey, she said people should first select the location where the most organization is needed.

“Sometimes directing your attention to a space that multiple family members use is the best place to start. Think mudroom, laundry room or pantry,” she said. “Once the family starts to get organized as a whole, it will be easier to organize each individual’s rooms and closets.”

To help jump-start the process, Saint Louis Closet Co. offers free in-home design consultations to analyze, measure and inventory the spaces and items that