EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

Beautifully decorated homes with exquisite art collections are wonderful, but without proper organization, it’s impossible for even the most picture-perfect abode to truly be the haven one needs. “I hear it all the time. Families build new homes with lots of storage and gorgeous spaces, and somehow, they’re still having trouble getting out the door in the morning or finding shin guards in time for soccer practice, says Megan Flynn, owner of Live Simply with Meg. As a wife and mother with a busy family and a professional background at the highest levels of non-profit, Megan knows how to get things done.

She swoops in to help families at various points in their home journey. She might be there to unpack and organize after move-in, to sort and stage before listing, or anytime clutter gets in the way of truly enjoying a home. She, like other professional organizers, works in any area of the home, from the kitchen and closets to the office, homework center, playroom, garage, and laundry room.

She puts things where they belong, not just where they happen to fit. Organizers create lasting system to prevent clutter from reappearing. Instead, with the pantry prepped and the mudroom methodical, each family becomes invested in keeping spaces tidy.

It’s a gift, the ability to gently discard what isn’t working and arrange what’s left in a way that’s not only pleasing, but also functional. This skill set goes beyond purchasing baskets and clear containers. “That’s often where people go wrong. The containers are so tempting, it’s easy to grab a bunch at the beginning of the year or order online after scrolling by a beautiful social post. The wrong organizing tools will leave you more frustrated than before,” says Flynn.

Megan is the genius behind many of the area’s most beautiful homes. “It’s been incredibly rewarding serving the Hinsdale community, and I have been so grateful for the many word-of-mouth referrals.”

Possibly because of shows like The Home Edit or too many mesmerizing Instagram Reels, organizing is a task many families don’t think about outsourcing. Instead, they put it off. It’s easy to shrug off decluttering and not make it a priority when it is on your own to do list. Or worse, a well-meaning relative tries their hand at setting up a system that never quite clicks.

It’s also very personal to allow such close access. On the surface, professional organizing is about your belongings, but it is really about so much more. Like how you interact with those belongings, what they mean to you and how you wish to exist in your space. For this reason, trust is paramount. If you are motivated but overwhelmed, hiring a professional organizer can be very helpful. A professional organizer acts as a coach who is helping you get on track.

“We hire experts to handle lots of things that need attention in our homes. This is something that many people feel they should do themselves. It can cause a great deal of stress or feelings of guilt,” says Flynn. She adds, “There’s no need to add that pressure to yourself. Just as you would call a painter because they’re fast and efficient, call an organizer, I’ll take care of it.”

The next time a friend glides in looking serene with everything she and her crew need for the day, discreetly ask if she’s ever thought about hiring a home organizer. She just might tell you that the reason she’s feeling so blissful these days is a few strategic sessions with Live Simply by Meg.