NEW YORK (WABC) — You can’t talk about spring without spring cleaning.
For many people, that task seems impossible.
So, Dani Beckstrom and Joelle Garguilo got some tips and help from the experts at Most Organized Space.
A shared goal, and a little motivation from a friend, can make even the most overwhelming mess feel manageable.
That anxiety around clutter is common, organizers say. Many people feel paralyzed before they even start, overwhelmed by how much they own and unsure of what to let go. That feeling is exactly why professional organizing exists in the first place.
Elissa Mostransky, the founder of Most Organized Space, said her path into the work was deeply personal. After the birth of her fourth child, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and found herself turning to organization as a way to regain control during an uncertain time. What started as a coping mechanism became a career dedicated to helping others find clarity and calm in their own spaces.
Hiring a professional isn’t always realistic, though, and organizers say that’s OK. The same principles can be used at home. The first step is setting an intention for the space – understanding how it feels now and how you want it to feel when you walk into it. For many people, the current feeling is simple: overwhelmed.
Closets are often packed with clothing yet still leave people feeling as though they have nothing to wear. Organizers say that’s usually because there’s too much of everything – duplicates, outdated pieces and items that no longer fit a person’s lifestyle. The goal isn’t to keep everything, but to curate favorite pieces that actually get worn and feel good.
The process starts by taking everything out, either all at once or by category. It can look worse before it looks better, and organizers warn people to expect that. Once items are out in the open and grouped – pants with pants, dresses with dresses – it’s much easier to see how much there really is and make more confident decisions.
Seeing clear piles helps people realize what they don’t need. A stack of similar items that once felt invisible inside a crowded closet suddenly becomes obvious. Once everything is categorized, decisions become clearer about what to keep, what to donate and what to toss.
Working with a friend can make the process easier. A second opinion offers emotional distance and can help answer the hard questions about whether an item will ever actually be worn again. Organizers say it’s often less stressful to make decisions when someone else is there to keep things moving.
For those tackling the process solo, a timer can help. Setting aside just 10 minutes to focus on one category – like sweatshirts or jeans – keeps the task from feeling endless. Organizers also recommend starting with the area that will have the biggest impact on daily life, whether that’s a work wardrobe, a bedroom closet or an entryway.
As items go back into the closet, organization matters. Putting everything away by category first, then refining by sleeve length or color, creates visual consistency. Using matching hangers also helps create a calmer, cleaner look. Bins and containers can be added intentionally for accessories like belts, bags and seasonal items.
By the end of the process, even small changes can dramatically shift how a space feels. Clothes are no longer dragging on the floor, items are grouped clearly and the closet becomes functional instead of stressful.
Organizers say that letting go can be emotional, and that’s normal. Taking a break during the process can help. But once it’s done, people often describe a sense of clarity and peace that extends beyond the closet.
The takeaway, organizers say, is that a calm home is possible – even without professional help – by setting intentions, breaking the process into manageable steps and being honest about what truly serves your life. Happy spring cleaning.
THE MOST ORGANIZED SPACE METHOD
A simple, elevated approach to a calm, functional closet
1. Set the Intention
Before you begin, define how you want this space to feel and function.
Effortless mornings. Clear visibility. Only what you love and wear.
2. Edit with Clarity
Work in sections, not all at once.
Remove everything from one category at a time to avoid overwhelm.
3. Categorize Thoughtfully
Group like with like.
Tops, dresses, pants, outerwear.
This is where patterns and excess become obvious.
4. Refine with Purpose
Decide with intention.
Keep what fits, feels good, and supports your current life.
Release what no longer serves you, without guilt.
5. Rebuild by Category
Return items to the closet in clear, defined zones.
Every category should have a home.
6. Elevate the Details
Within each category, organize for ease and visual calm.
Example, tops: by sleeve length, then by color.
This creates flow and simplifies getting dressed.
7. Create Visual Consistency
Use uniform hangers for a clean, cohesive look.
Small details make the space feel finished and elevated.
8. Contain with Intention
Only after editing, measure and introduce bins or organizers.
Everything should fit your space, not the other way around.
———-
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More local news
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
