Space-Saving Tips from a Professional Organizer
Lemonaid Solutions founder Stephanie Treantos on prioritizing organization, style, and space
How did you become a professional organizer?
I grew up in a household that didn’t prioritize organization, so it wasn’t something that felt important until I moved out on my own; as I got older, I realized that my habits were causing me to feel stressed within my home. I slowly became more intentional with what I bought and made simple organizational systems to get through my day-to-day. I realized these new habits were something I could share with others, so I founded Lemonaid Solutions to help families across New England create intentional homes. Organization is so much more than clean, beautiful spaces—it’s about transforming the lives of the families I work with.
How do you blend professional organization with a client’s aesthetic and lifestyle?
We work with all types of clients and aesthetics, but we generally have our own organizing style due to the products and layouts we use. Potential clients can understand what a project will look like based on our portfolio. Of course, we’ll pivot to meet their needs—if we’re working in a farmhouse, we can tailor the products to meet that style, or if a client’s home is contemporary, we’ll keep our work clean and minimalist. Rather than reinventing the wheel, we want our design to blend seamlessly into our clients’ homes.
How can organization add style to a home?
When you have a new outfit you love, you walk and talk differently. Similarly, when a space looks its best, you’re much more inclined to continue with its maintenance and upkeep. It really comes down to confidence, and that’s what we give our clients: confidence in their space.
Do you approach visible spaces, such as the kitchen, differently than hidden spaces like a closet?
Our approach is the same no matter the space, but we typically use less expensive products under the sink, in storage closets, and in basements while saving investment pieces for closets and pantries. Anything front and center should highlight the client’s personality, so we keep that fluid throughout the spaces we organize.
What are some tips for maximizing limited storage space?
My best advice is to shop for the space you own, not the space you wish you had. Essentially, our habits need to be realistic—for example, if you don’t have a walk-in closet, don’t buy more clothes than you can fit into your space. Second, it’s important to continually edit out items so that you can maintain whatever organization you created in the first place. Our lives are constantly changing, and to keep up with that, we must keep up with our spaces.
If you’re feeling confident in your purchasing habits and declutter seasonally but find that space is still an issue, focusing on choosing the right products is key. Use containers that stack to maximize vertical space in a cabinet, use behind-the-door storage, and redesign closet systems to fit your needs (think shelves, hanging areas, or a mix of the two). It’s all about designing the space for you. Your home’s previous owner may have used your office as a bedroom, but if you’re there for the long term, think about updating the space to fit what you need.