Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession focused on helping individuals develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living. It emphasizes holistic well-being, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of a person's life to support their independence and quality of life. OT is a regulated health profession and we are trained in subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, psychology, biomechanics, environmental adaptations, and complex health conditions. A quote from a respected Australian OT, Rhiannon Crispe, captures what OT is beautifully: "Occupational therapy is both a complex science and a compassionate art, where knowledge and care converge to create meaningful change". Occupational therapy is a perfect fit with professional organizing because both fields aim to enhance functionality and well-being in daily life. Occupational therapists have a deep understanding of how environment and routines impact mental and physical health. By integrating this expertise with organizing services, clients receive personalized solutions that not only declutter their spaces but also promote a more supportive, stress-free environment tailored to their unique needs and abilities.

My services do not have to involve decluttering the physical environment. We can focus on improving skills for functioning well in daily life, coping, and staying organized in our sessions. Please reach out via the Contact form to inquire about whether my services would be a good fit for you. Please note that I do not offer services for the following: - Mobility/wheelchair/ADP assessments - Pediatric services - Orthopedic injuries and hand therapy - Hospital discharge planning - Assessment and treatment within Ontario's motor vehicle accident benefits insurance system

My services are for anyone experiencing overwhelm in their space and who are seeking guidance with managing belongings. Typically, I work with individuals with the following situations and challenges: Retirees: individuals downsizing or needing help to manage belongings for easier living. Heir generation: adult children who may need help with how to manage their parents belongings. Collectors: those with extensive collections who need help to manage and display their items without clutter. Minimalists-in-training: individuals aiming to live more simply but struggle to let go of belongings.

Home & Life Organizing services are for anyone seeking a more organized and stress-free life, but typically, I work with individuals with the following situations and challenges: Busy professionals: those with demanding careers or workloads who lack time. People facing life transitions: those who are going through divorce, loss, grief, or dealing with chronic health challenges or injuries, where reorganizing their space can aid in the adjustment. Individuals with mental health challenges: those who struggle with energy, focus, and motivation and need support to create a calming environment. Individuals with brain-based difficulties, i.e. ADHD, ADD, mild concussion, executive dysfunction, neurodivergence: those who struggle with focus, planning, prioritizing, managing time, and multi-tasking.

Yes, my services fall under the scope of occupational therapy, which is a type of therapy that focuses on improving daily functioning. Clutter and disorganization can affect a person's ability to function optimally in their life and can impact their stress levels, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Decluttering and organizing spaces, and developing organizational solutions for better time and stress management are the treatment modalities through which we address these functional challenges. Even though the interventions we use may be practical, hands on, and focus on the home environment, we may also explore and work towards shifting behaviour patterns and addressing emotional and cognitive barriers. If I find that your mental health or cognitive challenges are more severe and may require additional support, I will recommend seeking treatment from other qualified professionals. I am happy to assist in connecting you with the appropriate resources to ensure you receive the comprehensive care you need.

As a professional organizer and licensed occupational therapist in Ontario, I take confidentiality very seriously. I adhere to strict privacy standards and ethical guidelines, ensuring that all information shared during our sessions remains confidential. Your trust and privacy are my top priorities. Before starting our work together, you’ll review my Intake Form, where you will read more about my commitment to confidentiality.

The main difference between the two services is that Home & Life Organizing provides treatment as part of a structured therapy process, while Clutter Coaching offers practical, time-limited assistance with specific, goal-oriented tasks. Home & Life Organizing may explore root causes of clutter and disorganization and underlying emotional issues, such as grief, anxiety, or trauma related to attachment to possessions or life transitions. As well, the emphasis is on developing new skills and long-term behaviour change. For example, someone struggling with paperwork and administrative tasks due to reduced focus related to their PTSD may engage in Home & Life Organizing services to declutter papers and create organizational tools, systems, and habits. Clutter Coaching, while still therapeutic, it does not focus on treating mental health or brain related challenges, and emphasizes help with the practical aspects of how to manage and make decisions about belongings. For example, someone who is preparing to downsize to a smaller home may need support with the practical and emotional challenges of reducing their possessions. If you are not sure which service you require, please reach out via the Contact page.

My fees reflect the specialized training and expertise I bring as a licensed occupational therapist. With a comprehensive understanding of mental health, clutter psychology, cognitive functioning, and organizational strategies, I offer a unique, holistic approach that addresses the root causes of disorganization. This ensures not only practical solutions, but also long-term improvements in well-being, quality of life, and daily functioning. The investment in these services supports personalized, evidence-based care designed to create lasting change in your home and life. My fees also factor in my time spent travelling to you for in home sessions, supporting you in between sessions for accountability, and removing items for donation after sessions (restrictions apply). Notes: I offer a variety of service options for you at different price points and I offer a sliding scale for a limited number of clients. My services may be covered by some insurance plans; please check with your insurance provider. I am a Blue Cross provider, which offers coverage to RCMP and Canadian Forces Veterans. I provide detailed invoices for you to submit to your insurance.

Definitely not! You will remain in charge of the decluttering process at all times and I do not impose expectations or decisions about your valuables. My role is to guide and support you in making choices that align with your goals and vision for yourself and your home. I can help you decide what home aesthetic you are going for! Some people want spaces are minimalistic and pared back, while others want to display some of their personal items and collections. So long as your space allows you to function well and creates a sense of calm and harmony for you, that is what matters.

For our decluttering sessions, you’ll need: cardboard boxes, garbage bags, recycling bins, pens or markers, and labels (optional). When it’s time to organize and store the items you’re keeping, we’ll prioritize using containers and storage that you already have. I may suggest products to enhance your home’s organization and aesthetics, but any purchases are entirely up to you. I will let you know ahead of time how to prepare for our sessions and which supplies you'll need.

My not so helpful answer is, "it takes how long it takes"! In reality, many people underestimate how long decluttering and organizing a home actually takes, especially when it has become very cluttered. The length of time depends on many factors, such as the size of space (i.e. one closet vs. the whole home), the amount of items you have to sort through, and the complexity of the storage solutions needed. How long it will take also depends on your comfort level and readiness to let go of items. When items have emotional ties (which is valid and common!), this can slow down the process. If we are working together for Home & Life Organizing therapy sessions, we may explore underlying emotional issues related to attachment to possessions or life transitions, and this work can take time. As we begin organizing your home, it’s important to understand that things may look messier before they get tidier. This happens because organizing often involves unpacking, sorting, and addressing connections between spaces (e.g., the laundry room and linen closet). Additionally, we may not always complete a project in one session. Rest assured, we’ll follow the organization plan we developed during your initial consultation and work steadily toward an end goal that works for you.

TV often glamorizes home organization, making it look effortless and quick, but there’s so much more to it! Regardless of which of my services you choose, my approach emphasizes pacing ourselves, working on tasks in manageable chunks, and making intentional decisions about belongings. This isn’t about tossing everything into bins, clearing space for the sake of it, or making a home look like a magazine all in one day. My hope is that a gentler, more gradual approach to organizing will help you adjust to your new environment more easily and will yield longer-lasting results.

Virtual organizing sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions, offering the same personalized guidance. With video calls and step-by-step plans tailored to your needs, we can work on your living spaces and organizational skills no matter where you are located in Ontario. It is most helpful if you use a laptop or tablet with a built-in camera for mobility (e.g. showing different spaces). Full instructions will be provided to you before we get started to help you prepare for virtual organizing sessions.

Everyone deserves the help that best fits their needs. I specialize in providing decluttering and organizing services for busy professionals, retirees, and those with mental health and brain-based challenges. However, I’m not equipped to work with extreme hoarding situations where there is a high risk to safety. If this applies to you or someone you know, I can recommend professionals who specialize in providing the support needed for such cases. I am also unable to offer services for move management (packing, moving and unpacking), "junk" removal, or estate cleanouts and sales. Again, I can recommend professionals who can can help with these services!

Honestly, no, my home isn’t always perfectly organized, and that’s okay! Life can get busy, and things can get out of place. I find that when items have a permanent place that they return to, it makes tidying up easier. The key is having systems in place that make it easier to reset and get back on track. That’s what I focus on when working with clients—creating solutions that work for real life, not perfection.

While it’s definitely possible to learn how to organize on your own, working with a professional organizer and occupational therapist offers several key benefits. Organizing can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you’ve been struggling with clutter for a while. I bring expertise, a fresh perspective, and tailored strategies that are designed to work with your unique needs and goals. During therapy sessions, I can help you identify and address any emotional or behavioral challenges that might be contributing to the clutter, which can make a big difference in creating lasting change. It’s not just about organizing your space—it’s about helping you develop sustainable habits that improve your overall quality of life. Sometimes, investing in professional support can save you time, energy, and frustration in the long run.