TAKING CARE OF THE CLUTTER

QTAK IN G CAR E O F THE CLUTTER A&

A Q&A with Michelle Fre diani, a professional organizer base d in Batavia

By Kevin Druley | Photos provided by Precisely Practical

Can you find your things? Do you know what you have? These questions frequently occupy the top of Michelle Frediani’s mind in part because of her bustling background, but also because others may not always have time to keep things organized.

Make no mistake — Frediani has that aspect covered. The owner of Precisely Practical LLC in Batavia grew up the oldest of four children, and now, alongside her husband, James, has a blended family of five kids. They once called a 1,300-square-foot Texas house their home. With many households focused on simplifying and streamlining as fall revs into gear, KaneCountyMagazinespoke with Frediani about some principles of home organization. This interview has been edited slightly for length.

 KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: Where does the organizing process start?

MICHELLE FREDIANI: Sorting is going to be your first step. You have to sort everything to see what you have. Because you could have piles of things or boxes of things and they’re all mixed up without a real home in your home. So, if they don’t have a place to belong, then you might buy duplicates, or you won’t know that you have it, or things

like that. So, we start with that. I do the consultation to make sure that I’m going to tailor whatever my suggestions are to their lifestyle.

 KC: Is there a rule of thumb related to purging or casting something aside?

MF: It depends on the person, because everyone has a different type of an emotional attachment, and I always leave it up to them. So, if there is something that they just do not want to get rid of, I will figure out a place for it. And so that’s the main goal. Not everybody wants to get rid of stuff. Not everyone wants to be a minimalist. Some people like their stuff, and that’s OK. … As long as everything finds a home and it gets put back in that home every time it’s used, then I don’t make them get rid of anything they don’t want to. Even someone with a large amount of stuff can be organized and be able to find their things.

 KC: To what extent can

Furniture To Fit Your Lifestyle And Budget organizing be a family affair?

MF: So, that’s a really big step in organizing when you have children. If you make them accountable and give them little, small duties and make them responsible, then they feel like it’s their decision and they’ll do it. So instead of trying to force them or make them do something, if you give them the time and the effort to let them put in their decisions on what you’re doing with their stuff, then it helps them to feel proud about doing the things that need to be done to keep everything in an organized manner.

 KC: What might you tell someone reluctant to get assistance?

MF: My (business) tagline is “Organizing to connect the pieces of your life.” … I just want people to know that there’s no shame in asking for help. It doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It just means that you need that beginning “Where do I start?” And it’s totally judgment-free.

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