Williamsburg VA Professional Organizer Helps Older Adults & Their Families Downsize Their Homes
Lisa Youngers, Certified Home Organizer® and owner of Downsize Simply in Williamsburg VA supports older adults and their families as they transition to smaller homes or seek to clear an entire estate.
We recently interviewed Lisa to learn more about her and what you can expect from a typical organizing session.
What (or who) inspired you to become an Organizer?
The idea came to me when clearing out my father’s home. Despite everything being in order, it was still a lifetime of accumulation. As difficult as the process was, I was drawn to the challenge—the problem-solving, the decision-making, and the sense of closure it brought. More than once, I thought, Is there a way I can help others through this process—downsizing, clearing out an estate, making sense of a lifetime of belongings? At the same time, I realized how free it felt to let go of items.
How has becoming an Organizer impacted your life?
No more spontaneous purchases! Before buying anything I ask myself if I need it and where it will live in my house. Now I sincerely believe that less is
more, having less does more than clear up space, it frees the clutter in my mind.
How has your past career or education tied into becoming an Organizer?
I never would have guessed I'd become a professional organizer—especially since I was a pretty messy kid! But looking back,
everything in my life has led me here. I have a BA in anthropology and an MAT in museum education, both of which explore how people relate
to their belongings. From the sentimental treasures we keep to the items, we struggle to part with, our stuff tells a story. Listening to those stories is
at the heart of what I do as an organizer.
Who are your ideal clients (or what is your niche)?
I love helping older adults and their children tackle downsizing or finding safe and easy ways to age in place.
What drives your clients to hire a professional organizer?
Many of my clients feel completely overwhelmed and frustrated. Previous attempts have fizzled out, leaving a bigger mess. Others reach out because they are trying to help a family member, usually long distance.
Is there a popular season or off-season for professional organizing in Willamsburg?
I haven’t recognized any strong trends but there is a little rush at the beginning of every season.
Tell me a little bit about how you approach organizing--or your philosophy?
Listening to clients so I can help them make decisions they feel comfortable about. My specialty is finding ways to use what they have
and get sentimental items out of storage. I can make just about anything into an ornament!
What sorts of challenges can you help with? What opportunities are individuals likely to miss if they try to complete the organization work themselves?
I do everything from closets to move management. The one common hurdle is making decisions; figuring out what you truly need and
how to use your space. I listen and ask questions that lead to making calm and comfortable decisions. Too often decluttering happens in
moments of panic; something is lost or guests are coming over. Which often leads to rushed decisions and regret.
In addition to keeping you focused and motivated a professional organizer works with you to create a home that works for you.
Is there anything you wish your clients knew before contacting you?
They don’t need to do it alone and there is no judgment on the condition of their home.
Are there any current projects or services that you'd like to highlight?
A recent client had been renting a storage unit for three years after returning from living overseas. They weren’t quite sure what was in it—just that they hadn’t needed anything in a while. When we went through the unit together, we uncovered a surprising find: a brand-new rowing machine, still in the box, mislabeled as a "rocking chair!"
You can reach Lisa at
https://www.facebook.com/downsizesimply
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisayoungers/
757.206.3350
lisa.youngers@downsizesimply.com
