At Heartwork, we’ve always believed that a well-designed space should inspire both creativity and calm — but even the best systems can get messy. With multiple brand partners sharing our studio and using the space in their own ways, we found ourselves surrounded by the kind of beautiful chaos that comes with collaboration.
That’s when we called in Kelsey Valencia a professional organizer with a gift for bringing clarity to complex spaces. Kelsey helped us rethink how we use — and share — our environment. Her approach reminded us that organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating systems that support how people really work, think, and create together.
In this conversation, Kelsey shares what she’s learned about the emotional side of decluttering, how simple systems can spark focus and calm, and why thoughtful organization can be a quiet act of design in itself.
At Heartwork, we’ve always believed that a well-designed space should inspire both creativity and calm — but even the best systems can get messy. With multiple brand partners sharing our studio and using the space in their own ways, we found ourselves surrounded by the kind of beautiful chaos that comes with collaboration.
That’s when we called in Kelsey Valencia a professional organizer with a gift for bringing clarity to complex spaces. Kelsey helped us rethink how we use — and share — our environment. Her approach reminded us that organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating systems that support how people really work, think, and create together.
In this conversation, Kelsey shares what she’s learned about the emotional side of decluttering, how simple systems can spark focus and calm, and why thoughtful organization can be a quiet act of design in itself.
The first space I organized was an old barn filled to the brim with odds and ends. The client wanted to clear it out for her alpacas, which already made the job memorable. I was struck by the mix of rusted junk, antiques, and forgotten keepsakes — a glimpse into her life.
Helping her sort through it all toward a goal was deeply satisfying, but what stood out most was her energy afterwards. Facing what she’d long avoided left her recharged.
The first space I organized was an old barn filled to the brim with odds and ends. The client wanted to clear it out for her alpacas, which already made the job memorable. I was struck by the mix of rusted junk, antiques, and forgotten keepsakes — a glimpse into her life.
Helping her sort through it all toward a goal was deeply satisfying, but what stood out most was her energy afterwards. Facing what she’d long avoided left her recharged.
Clutter drains energy and focus.When I read Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston, I learned that piles of stuff literally hold energy.
As you organize, you reclaim it. Giving everything a home reduces mental load and frees attention for more meaningful work.
Clear systems lift mood, boost productivity, and bring that small, satisfying click of order — like fitting a puzzle piece into place.
Clutter drains energy and focus.When I read Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston, I learned that piles of stuff literally hold energy.
As you organize, you reclaim it. Giving everything a home reduces mental load and frees attention for more meaningful work.
Clear systems lift mood, boost productivity, and bring that small, satisfying click of order — like fitting a puzzle piece into place.
The emotional side of organizing fascinates me. Every space tells a story through what people keep. Many clients think they need “reorganization,” but what they really want is support in letting go.
Decluttering is liberating — it reveals what you own, what you value, and how much space it occupies in your life.
When everything’s jumbled together, it quietly weighs you down.
The emotional side of organizing fascinates me. Every space tells a story through what people keep. Many clients think they need “reorganization,” but what they really want is support in letting go.
Decluttering is liberating — it reveals what you own, what you value, and how much space it occupies in your life.
When everything’s jumbled together, it quietly weighs you down.
The biggest challenge is deciding what’s essential and creating simple systems everyone understands.
Clear, visual cues — labels, color-coding, consistent layouts — make it easy to see what belongs where. Simplicity always wins.
The biggest challenge is deciding what’s essential and creating simple systems everyone understands.
Clear, visual cues — labels, color-coding, consistent layouts — make it easy to see what belongs where. Simplicity always wins.
The best storage fits how you actually live or work. Containers should suit the items — not the other way around. Small things need small homes; large bins just collect clutter.
Vertical space is invaluable: wall shelves, pegboards, and stacking systems expand capacity without using more floor area.
Keep everyday items within reach and store the rest higher or lower.
The best storage fits how you actually live or work. Containers should suit the items — not the other way around. Small things need small homes; large bins just collect clutter.
Vertical space is invaluable: wall shelves, pegboards, and stacking systems expand capacity without using more floor area.
Keep everyday items within reach and store the rest higher or lower.
Color is the sidekick. It helps the brain see patterns and spot what’s out of place, while also shaping mood.
Harmonious color palettes make systems feel intentional — and a little joy never hurts when tidying up.
Color is the sidekick. It helps the brain see patterns and spot what’s out of place, while also shaping mood.
Harmonious color palettes make systems feel intentional — and a little joy never hurts when tidying up.
Noticing the mess is half the battle. Set a five-minute timer and return things to their place — small resets prevent overwhelm.
Organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness.When life gets busy, keep restoring balance.
Noticing the mess is half the battle. Set a five-minute timer and return things to their place — small resets prevent overwhelm.
Organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness.When life gets busy, keep restoring balance.
As Kelsey reminds us, organization isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention, awareness and balance. How we arrange our spaces reflects how we move through the world: what we value, how we prioritize, and how we create room for what matters most.
Thoughtful storage doesn’t just hold our things — it supports how we live, think, and thrive.
As Kelsey reminds us, organization isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention, awareness and balance. How we arrange our spaces reflects how we move through the world: what we value, how we prioritize, and how we create room for what matters most.
Thoughtful storage doesn’t just hold our things — it supports how we live, think, and thrive.
