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Stress-Free Move-In Unpacking Services

Flexible Unpacking Services

I offer pay-as-you-go unpacking services. Since I often don’t pack the items myself, the time needed for this can vary greatly.

Prioritize the Essentials

      • Make the Bed First: I unpack the bed and make it with fresh sheets right away.
      • Set Up the Bedroom: I ensure the bedroom is functional for immediate comfort.
      • Kitchen Comes Next: Unpacking kitchen essentials like the coffee maker and basic cookware helps restore a sense of normalcy.

Essential Box Strategy

Label boxes clearly for easy access to essentials.
Pack a designated “Open First” box with these items:

      • Bedding and pillows
      • Shower curtain and toiletries
      • Medications
      • Basic kitchenware (plate, bowl, utensils, skillet, and coffee maker)

Special Considerations

Consider your family’s needs:

      • Pets: Set up their feeding stations and sleeping areas.
      • Kids: Prioritize unpacking essentials based on their age.
      • Work: Ensure your home office is quickly functional if you work remotely.

Organizing on the Go

While unpacking, I take notes for storage solutions like drawer organizers or pantry bins. I keep a tape measure handy for accurate sizing.

Efficient Box Removal

Moving generates a lot of trash. I break down boxes and collect them for the movers. If materials pick up is not included, I can facilitate posting them on facebook marketplace for reuse by another person who is moving.

Finishing Touches

After unpacking, I return for final organization using bins and labels, if desired. I also provide home styling services — arranging towels, candles, framed photos, and decorative pieces for a polished look.

Timeline Expectation

With your busy life, we want to help you get upacked and enjoy your new home ASAP! While every move is unique, the timing is unique per job as well. For example, a typical  2,000 sq. ft. home typically takes 3–6 days to fully unpack and organize.

Experience You Can Trust

With over 25 personal moves and professionally helping clients since 2018, I focus on efficient, thoughtful service. My goal is to get your family from ‘boxes to beautiful’ and back to their routine as quickly as possible.

Need stress-free unpacking and home styling?
Contact me today to schedule your service!

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10 Benefits of Hiring A Professional Organizer

Working with a JOY Professional Organizer you will:

  1. Have a helping hand when needed
  2. Stay on track with accountability
  3. Having someone to do it with makes it more fun!
  4. Get a new set of eyes on your problems – and get them solved!
  5. Experience judgment-free guidance and encouragement
  6. Receive support during overwhelming moments
  7. Tap into expert knowledge and experience
  8. Gain impartial advice and constructive feedback
  9. Benefit from a keen eye for design
  10. Achieve project completion with consistent follow-through

I’d love to partner with you to organize your home, or help ease the stress of moving.  ready to get organized get help organizing pro organizer Minneapolis

 

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Calling JOY Home Organizing was the Best thing I did!

We love hearing from our clients! Here is what one recent homeowner had to say about their experience:

i recommend JOY Home Organizing Best home organizer in the Twin Cities


I had this big storage area that was driving me crazy! Even though the door was closed, it kept haunting me. You couldn’t even walk in there.

Julie came and helped me sort through it all, took away what I didn’t want, and organized what I wanted on the shelves.

She was on time, worked really hard, and was so helpful and friendly to talk to. I recommended her to anyone who needs help organizing.


~ Karen Q., St. Cloud

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MAY is Mental Health Awareness Month – Declutter to Feel Better. : )

Does your home feel like a hug, or a headache?

“If you rearrange the letters in depression, you get I pressed on.”

This client didn’t need a full overhaul—she just needed help getting past the overwhelmed feeling in her apartment. After I spent two hours decluttering, sorting things out, collecting donations and creating order, she smiled and said, “I’m done. You can go. I just needed a friend to help me start.”

We sat for a bit and talked about life, about how clutter can quietly weigh on your emotions, and how support—sometimes just someone being there—can make all the difference.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply unsure where to begin, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to offer gentle support, practical help, and a judgment-free space—so you can press on too.

Your mental health is not a luxury, it is a necessity; protect it, nurture it, and never feel guilty for choosing your peace over chaos.

If this resonates, I’d love to help bring a little JOY into your life. 😊

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

#loseclutterfeelbetter

#OrganizingForWellbeing

#DeclutterYourMind

#JoyInOrder#joyhomeorg

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declutter for mental clarity
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7 Benefits of Working With a Professional Organizer in Minneapolis

Getting organized is a true game changer—and its impact reaches far beyond a tidy space. Investing in home organization in Minneapolis and professional decluttering services can transform your daily routine, reduce stress, and help you live with greater clarity and purpose.

Understanding the benefits of organizing your home can significantly enhance your quality of life.

A skilled professional organizer in Minneapolis doesn’t just help you tidy up—they create customized systems that make your home easier to manage and more enjoyable to live in.

1. Save Time Every Day

An organized home means everything has a place. You’ll spend less time searching for items and more time focusing on what matters most.

The benefits of organizing your home also extend to creating a peaceful environment that nurtures well-being.

2. Reduce Stress and Mental Clutter

Clutter isn’t just physical—it affects your mindset. Decluttering your home creates calm, giving your mind space to rest and reset.

3. Increase Productivity and Efficiency

With improved home organization systems, your daily routines become smoother. You’ll make decisions faster and accomplish more with less effort.

One of the key benefits of organizing your home is the ability to streamline your daily tasks.

4. Save Money

Working with a professional organizer helps you avoid duplicate purchases and unnecessary spending by keeping your belongings visible and accessible.

By understanding the benefits of organizing your home, you can make smarter purchasing decisions.

5. Enjoy Your Space Again

A clean, organized home makes it easier to relax, host guests, and feel proud of your environment.

Truly embracing the benefits of organizing your home will lead to a more fulfilling life.

6. Get Expert Guidance and Accountability

A professional organizer in Minneapolis provides structure, motivation, and a clear plan. You’ll stay on track and finally complete projects that have felt overwhelming.

7. Create Lasting, Functional Systems

Beyond quick fixes, professional organizing services deliver sustainable solutions tailored to your lifestyle—so your home stays organized long after the project is done.

Consider all the benefits of organizing your home when evaluating your living space.

Why Hire a Professional Organizer in Minneapolis?

Working with an expert—like JOY Home Organizing—means you don’t have to tackle clutter alone. You’ll gain a fresh perspective, practical strategies, and compassionate, judgment-free support every step of the way.

From decluttering and organizing to space planning and life transitions, professional home organization services help turn chaos into calm—efficiently and thoughtfully.

Ready to Get Organized?

If you’re ready to simplify your space and your life, investing in JOY’s professional home organizing services  is one of the most impactful steps you can take.

Remember, the benefits of organizing your home are just one decision away.

Lose clutter. Find JOY. Love your home again.

👉 Contact JOY Home Organizing today to schedule your session.

 

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From Chaos to Comfort: How Organizing Your Home Can Reduce Stress

 

does your home feel like a hug or a headache? get organized and feel better

You know that little twinge you get when you see something out of place? That’s me—every time. I notice the clutter, and I can’t help but want to fix it. Studies show that people feel more relaxed and productive when their homes are in order, and as a home organizer with almost a decade of experience, I unabashedly take that to heart.

Home organizing looks different for everyone. Some people need everything out in the open to feel calm, while I’m perfectly happy with things tucked away, clutter-free. What matters most is functionality, not perfection—it’s about creating a space that feels peaceful and works for you.

Many people hesitate to ask for help with organizing because they worry their home is too messy or chaotic. But we all have strengths and areas where we could use a hand. What you might see as the worst clutter? That could be the neatest house I’ve seen all week!

Create Outer Order to Find Inner Calm

When you work with JOY, we start by asking questions to understand what’s stressing you out—what’s working, what’s not, and where things feel overwhelming. The goal is to create an environment that supports peace and reduces stress. You can learn more about our process on the home organization services page

One helpful strategy is to set up a “drop zone”—a place for items you don’t have time to put away immediately. The key is to make time regularly to return things to their rightful place. If this zone is visible, it can actually motivate you to clear it out more often.

When we clear clutter—whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional—it has a profound impact on our inner sense of peace. It’s not just about tidying up a space; it’s about freeing up mental and emotional energy, so you can focus on what truly matters and live a more peaceful, stress-free life. It’s all about creating a space that allows you to breathe, feel calm, and thrive. And that will spark JOY in everyone!

Book a Free Consultation to get started > 

 

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10 Tips for an Organized Holiday-Ready Pantry

An organized holiday-ready pantry makes baking and cooking so much smoother. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get your pantry ready for effortless holiday entertaining:

Holiday-Ready Pantry: 10 Simple Steps to Get Organized

  1. Empty the Entire Pantry
    Take everything out so you can see what you’re working with.
  2. Check Expiration Dates
    Toss expired food, stale snacks, and anything you know you won’t use.
  3. Remove Empty or Excess Packaging
    Tip: If you have a few snacks left in a box, place them in a cute basket for easy grab-and-go access.
  4. Sort into Categories
    Group like items together (baking, snacks, canned goods, pasta, etc.).
  5. Wipe Down All Surfaces
    Clean shelves and sweep or vacuum the floor before anything goes back.
  6. Create a System That Makes Sense for You
    Store everyday items at eye level and lesser-used items up high or down low.
  7. Use Containers You Already Have
    Matching bins can come later—use what you have now to keep it functional.
  8. Label, Label, Label
    Clear labels help everyone know where things go (and stay).
  9. Stock Smartly
    Place items with the oldest expiration dates at the front to reduce waste.
  10. Maintain With Mini Resets
    A 5-minute weekly tidy keeps your pantry looking and functioning beautifully.

Enjoy a pantry that makes the holidays—and everyday life—feel easier and more joyful.

Be thankful that your pantry is full. Gratitude is the source of joy!
Save and print this handy reminder.

 

Professional home organizer in Minneapolis pantry

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Journeys of Women – Highlighting JOY

 

pictures of julie schmolke professional organizer MNCelebrate YOU

This spring, I met my friend Taru Chhaya at a women’s business networking event — EmpowHER — through the Wayzata West Metro Chamber of Commerce.

She creates beautiful portraits of women and families, but it was her way with words that truly drew me in and inspired me to book a session. At first, I hesitated over the cost—stuck in my ‘survival-mode’ mindset—but Taru gently reminded me that I am worth the investment. I am so grateful I listened and went through with the photo shoot.

The experience allowed me to truly celebrate myself—something I rarely do, yet deeply deserve, even while grieving.

 See my story here.

 

 

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Printable Spring Decluttering Checklist

Tired of spending countless hours on spring cleaning? Start by decluttering!

By removing unnecessary items, you’ll cut down on cleaning time and create a more organized, stress-free space. Focus on one room at a time and sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles. Once you’ve cleared the clutter, cleaning becomes a breeze.

Need a little guidance? Download my simple spring decluttering checklist to make the process quick and easy. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter your home feels!

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Sharing Downsizing Tips on the Red Hot Real Estate Radio Show

JOY Home Organizing Joins the Home Selling Prep Conversation

Last Sunday morning, I had the opportunity to tune into the Red Hot Real Estate Radio Show, where they were discussing real estate and the best strategies for preparing a home for sale. The timing couldn’t have been better! Just a week before, I had presented my Downsizing Simplified workshop at a senior community, offering practical advice on how to declutter, organize, and make moving more manageable.

Feeling inspired, I called into the show to share some insights. What followed was a lively and valuable seven-minute conversation packed with actionable tips on downsizing, home organization, and how to tackle the overwhelming task of sorting through belongings when it’s time to move. From deciding what to keep, donate, or sell to strategies for staging a home to maximize its appeal, we covered it all.

Give it a listen! I start at 32:42.

LISTEN HERE: https://www.mytalk1071.com/…/2-23-25-upgrading-your…/

Whether you’re a senior looking to downsize, a family preparing to sell a loved one’s home, or simply interested in making your next move stress-free, these tips are for you! Stay tuned for more insights and resources to help you through your downsizing journey.

Have any questions about decluttering or need personalized advice? Feel free to reach out — I’d love to help!