Korinne, please tell us a little about yourself. Where are you originally from?
Hi, I’m the founder of Urban Simplicity, a full service, luxury professional organizing company with operations in New York City and Palm Beach.
I’m originally from a small town in Texas. I moved to New York City in 2003 (via Washington, DC) to work in politics. Fun fact: I’ve flown on Air Force One multiple times!
In 2017, my husband’s job moved us to Palm Beach. I now spend time between both cities now, which is the best of both worlds.
When did you start Urban Simplicity? How long have you been a professional organizer?
I’m proud to say we’re celebrating ten years in business!
How did you get into this profession?
Prior to starting Urban Simplicity in New York City, I spent a decade in politics, organizing campaigns and operations for former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, as well as elected officials from Congress to The White House.
At the end of the last campaign I worked on in 2009, I was completely burned out. It had been a long, stressful ten years, and my passion for politics had faded. I learned how to organize from working years in politics, and I knew I could somehow use those skills to help people. I really had an inherent aptitude for organizing before I knew I could make it into the business it is today.
Do you have a team?
Urban Simplicity wouldn’t be the business it is today without a total team effort. Our organizing teams primarily help clients in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida.
What is your organizing style?
Our organizing style is rooted in simplicity. The best organizing solutions are usually the simplest ones. So, be realistic. Any system that involves more than one or two steps from start to finish is not likely to happen. My goal as an organizer is to understand how you can best live in and use your space. The first step to understanding and creating those simple systems is editing so that you surround yourself with items that you use and love. Your home should reflect how you want to live.
What are the different services do you offer?
Our services include everything from closet design and organizing to paperwork to garages and everything in between. After ten years in business, there isn’t an area of the home that we haven’t organized!
Home
Systems for every space in the home from single closets to kids toys to kitchens to whole homes
- Organizing any room in the home
- Systems planning for busy households
- Organization of paperwork and setting up family files or home offices
- Organization of memorabilia and photos
Work
Systems for efficient desk set-up, paperwork management, including work from home spaces
- Paper management
- Help for start-up small businesses or businesses experiencing growth to establish procedures for efficient operation
- Time management for busy professionals and business owners
- Organization and layout of the physical space
Life
Clients have lots going on, now they’re moving or expecting a baby.
Stressful times are when organizational systems break down. We help during those times, like the arrival of a new baby to marriage to divorce to home renovations or moves. We’re there when life happens to handle all the details and keep clients organized. For more on the full range of services, click here.
How do you approach a new organizing project?
Organizing is not a one size fits all project, and the systems we put in place are unique and custom to each client. So we have to first understand a client’s lifestyle and priorities so we can execute that vision through the organizational plan we put in place. This involves asking a lot of questions and listening as they tell us what’s working and what’s not working. Getting to really know the client and then developing a plan of action is always the first step.
When working with clients, what do you think are the biggest hindrances that keep people from being/staying organized?
Kids and husbands! 😀 But seriously, the biggest problem is that there are no organizing systems in place in most homes. Every item in your home should have a place. As a practice, you’re always returning items to their home, so that things never get too out of control.
What is your approach with a client who resists decluttering?
For many, the hardest part of getting organized is making tough decisions about what to keep and what to let go. There are two reasons. Many people have the “I’ll use that someday” excuse, which means they keep things in their home that they never use. For others, the sentimental attachment to items can be strong, but those items may no longer serve a purpose. To get over this, focus on giving back and a sense of gratitude. You have so much and others have so little. Could someone else use or love this item?
What is the most common question you are asked?
People always ask: “What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever found in someone’s home?” The answer may surprise you!
What are your top three tips for staying organized?
1. Think of organizing as a practice, not a project. If you consider organizing a practice, it’s something that you’re always doing in small increments so that organizing is not just another overwhelming project to put off until next month.
2. Be selective when bringing items into your home. Avoid buying things because you found them at a great price. Before you purchase an item, envision where it will live in your home. If something hasn’t been on your radar, chances are you don’t need it and won’t use it. Focus on things you know you will use and treasure.
3. To maintain your organization, use the one in, one out rule. For each new item you buy, make a decision to let one item go. It will prevent you from overstuffing your space.
What are some of your favorite products that help you stay organized?
1. iDesign Linus Divided Lazy Susan: I use a divided lazy susan in my laundry room, guest linen closet, and pantry. Name a spot and I’ll find a way to incorporate it!
2. Premium Acrylic Collator: Tech devices and cords drive me crazy because it’s so hard to keep them neat on countertops. I use this acrylic paper sorter to “file” devices.
3. Whitewash Rattan Storage Bins: I’d be embarrassed for you to count the number of rattan baskets in my home. I love to pick them up on my travels, but The Container Store has great options, too.
What is the favorite part of your job?
As much as my OCD brain is incredibly satisfied by a beautifully finished and completely organized space, the real joy in the work comes from my clients. The best moments are usually after the organizing is completed, and they have lived in the space for a few days. That’s when I’ll get a call or a text telling me how their lives have changed for the better, and they just can’t believe it. Making a home a happy place and building lasting relationships with clients is the best reward.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
New York City has my heart, now more than ever, but my true happy place is on a beach. When I’m not organizing, you’ll find me exploring the Caribbean and living the island life with my husband.
What is the best way to reach you?
Send me a DM on Instagram or text me directly at 646-942-8676. You can find more organizing tips and lots of photos of our projects on Urban Simplicity’s website. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates.
Thank you!
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