Transform your Home: Simple Ways to Make Every Space Functional and Beautiful

November 19, 2025CHRISTINA DITZEL Leave a comment

Are your spaces designed with both function and style in mind? Or do they simply… exist? Many homeowners unintentionally live in rooms that look nice but don’t actually work for their daily lives — or worse, they’ve stopped noticing the clutter altogether.

As a cleaning professional in Southwest Florida, I’ve walked through hundreds of homes — from tiny houses and RVs to million-dollar beachfront properties. Every home is unique, but one thing is always true:

Every space has a purpose.
Kitchens are meant for preparing meals. Dining rooms are for gathering. Bedrooms, playrooms, and pet areas each serve specific roles.

Yet I’ve noticed a repeated pattern over the years: many homes don’t function the way their owners need them to. Pinterest inspiration is great, but let’s be honest…

“Pinterest has ideas — but it can’t fix the challenges inside your home.”

That realization inspired me to create a professional cleaning and organization checklist to help homeowners build spaces that are functional, beautiful, and easy to maintain. Before we get into the tips, let’s talk about why purpose matters and how a clear vision can transform your home into a space you’re proud to come back to.

Keep Living with Intention

Cleaning, organizing, and maintaining your home isn’t a once-a-year project — it’s an ongoing system. Pinterest may spark inspiration, but your home needs more than pretty ideas. It needs structure, purpose, and a plan that fits your lifestyle, your family, and your current season of life.

Spring cleaning feels motivating because it symbolizes a fresh start. But with the right approach, you can create that same reset any time of year.

Here’s the real question:
What is the intention for each room, closet, drawer, and cabinet in your home?

Most people don’t know. They tidy, they shuffle things around, they declutter “when they have time,” but there’s no true system — and that’s why the home never stays organized.

If you’re unsure how to start deep cleaning, how to stay organized, or how to create function in every space, I’ve already done the hard part for you.

👉 Download my Free Deep Cleaning Checklist — the exact framework I use in client homes and in my own.

Once you have a plan, everything gets easier.
If you’d rather keep going right now, here are the cleaning and organizing principles you can start applying immediately…

Home Makeovers That Are Functional, Organized, and Sensory-Friendly

During busy seasons or holidays, maintaining a home that’s both organized and sensory-friendly can feel impossible — but it isn’t. The key is simple:

Begin with a clean slate.

A functional home doesn’t start with décor or storage bins. It starts with clarity. Spend a weekend reassessing and resetting the spaces you use every day. And yes — get the entire family involved. Your spouse, your kids, even the teenagers who “don’t care.”
They live there too, and their input matters.

When each person helps design or reorganize their space, something automatic happens:

People take better care of what they help create.

This is true for bedrooms, playrooms, home offices, pet areas — every space in your home.

To make it easier, I created a complete cleaning and organizing plan you can download.
This isn’t just a checklist; it’s the exact year-round system I use in my own home with kids, dogs, and cats, and the same system I bring into client homes.

It helps you:

declutter intentionally
organize in a way that actually lasts
maintain cleanliness without constant deep cleaning
create spaces every family member feels comfortable in

Your home should serve everyone, not just look good in photos.

Here are a few quick tips you can start using right now:

Home Makeovers That Are Functional, Organized, and Sensory-Friendly

During busy seasons or holidays, maintaining a home that’s both organized and sensory-friendly can feel impossible — but it isn’t. The key is simple:

Begin with a clean slate.

When each person helps design or reorganize their space, something automatic happens:

People take better care of what they help create.

This is true for bedrooms, playrooms, home offices, pet areas — every space in your home.

It helps you:

declutter intentionally
organize in a way that actually lasts
maintain cleanliness without constant deep cleaning
create spaces every family member feels comfortable in

Your home should serve everyone, not just look good in photos.

Here are a few quick tips you can start using right now:

Ready to Transform Your Home?

Take the first step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more organized home in SW Florida today. With my free cleaning checklist, you can begin creating a home that functions beautifully for every family member. Look for my full Cleaning Checklist and custom Planner that will be coming soon. In the meantime, you can contact me to ask me any questions about home organizing or home design ideas that are more functional.

At Christina’s Aromatherapy Cleaning and Home Watch Services, I help homeowners in Lee & Hendry County maintain homes that are not only spotless but purposeful, organized, and inviting. My approach goes beyond surface cleaning — it ensures that each space serves your family’s lifestyle and brings joy, calm, and efficiency into your daily life.

Imagine a home where:

Every room has a clear function
Cleaning is simpler and faster
Spaces are enjoyable for everyone, including kids and pets
The air smells fresh and welcoming, all year long

By using my cleaning checklist and schedule, you’ll have a system that keeps your home in shape without constant deep cleans. That means more time for the things you love — family, hobbies, and peace of mind — while your home stays functional, beautiful, and stress-free.

“Stop wasting time deep cleaning. Focus on what you love, while keeping your home fresh and organized with Christina’s Aromatherapy Cleaning and Home Watch Services.”

The Heart Behind a Clean, Organized Home

November 4, 2025November 4, 2025CHRISTINA DITZEL Leave a comment

A guide to creating a home that feels peaceful, purposeful, and beautifully lived in.

Does Your Home Truly Serve Its Purpose?

I’ve spent years caring for some of Southwest Florida’s most beautiful homes, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every home tells a story — but not all of them are being lived in with purpose.

Each home I step into is unique. Some are modern and minimal, others coastal and cozy — yet every space inside holds a distinct purpose.
The kitchen should make it easy to prepare meals. The dining room should invite connection. Bedrooms should restore your energy and peace.

But far too often, I find homes where that sense of purpose has been lost — buried under clutter, stress, and daily chaos.
And that’s where so many families feel stuck.

When Clutter Takes Over, Peace Slips Away

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a single person in a small condo or a large family in a mansion — I’ve seen the same story repeat. Clutter accumulates, rooms lose intention, and people forget what it feels like to actually enjoy being home. Clutter prevents us from enjoying the people we love.

And while Pinterest might be full of gorgeous organizing ideas, it’s not helping you live better in your home. And it doesn’t take away the chaos that might be lingering in one room or another.

That’s why I created a Professional Cleaning & Organizing Checklist — a practical, holistic guide designed to help you maintain a clean, functional home that truly works for your family’s rhythm.

Before you download it, though, I want you to understand something important:
Creating a calm, organized home isn’t about perfection. It’s about living with purpose.

Why Spring Cleaning Shouldn’t Be Seasonal

We often wait until spring to “start fresh,” as if that’s the only time we’re allowed to reset. But the truth is, you can refresh your home — and your energy — at any time of the year.

Spring simply reminds us what’s possible. It’s a season of renewal. But your home — and your family — deserve that sense of renewal year-round.

True order isn’t about a single, massive overhaul; it’s cultivated through small, intentional systems that maintain balance, harmony, and peace. Ask yourself: what truly brings you peace? And what brings it to your family?

Learning to “read the room” — understanding the energy of each space and the needs of those who inhabit it — is the key to lasting calm. Because even the most meticulously organized home can feel chaotic if it doesn’t reflect intention and care.

Remember: luxury isn’t defined by expensive taste alone. It’s the seamless combination of elegance, comfort, and functionality at its finest.

Home Makeovers That Work for Real Families

So how do you create spaces that feel luxurious yet livable — functional yet full of life?

Start with a clean canvas. Spend one weekend walking through your home, room by room, and reimagine how each space could better serve you and your family. Make it fun. Let everyone participate.

I know what you’re thinking: “My husband won’t care,” or “The kids won’t want to help.”
But you might be surprised. When people are invited to be part of the process, they naturally take pride in the result. When you give others a voice, you give them a little control of their own world that feel a little chaotic to them. So “read the room and give everyone voice”.

And once your family feels that sense of ownership, maintaining your home becomes effortless — no constant deep cleaning required.

Give Everyone a Voice, and Watch the Energy Shift

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years: when people feel a sense of ownership over their environment, they naturally value it more.

Children, in particular, become more engaged when they have a voice in organizing their own rooms. You can guide them, but let them make the decisions. When they feel responsible for their spaces, they develop respect, pride, and care — essential skills for life.

This approach works in my own home as well. My children maintain their rooms and our shared spaces with care, creating a home that feels balanced, harmonious, and beautifully maintained throughout the year. Establishing consistent boundaries around how your home is cared for is key — without them, even the most beautiful space can lose its sense of calm and order.

When your family feels connected to the home, they naturally take pride in keeping it beautiful. Guests may admire your living room, but every corner of the home should reflect the same level of care and attention. Every space tells a story — and your home should communicate beauty, comfort, and serenity from one room to the next.

A Home That Smells Like Peace

From the products you use to the way each space is arranged, your home should reflect comfort and well-being. That’s why I incorporate aromatherapy-based cleaning methods into my professional and personal routines.

The power of scent is incredible — it can transform how a space feels.
Lavender calms the mind, citrus energizes the morning, and eucalyptus refreshes the air after a long day. Choose aromas that infuse your senses with energy you want to feel. In your home, your office, or even in your car – every space should be intentionally created to elevate your moods back to a place of calm and centered peace of mind.

When all your spaces smell pure and natural, it instantly becomes a sanctuary — not just for you, but for everyone who enters into your life.

Time Is Precious — Spend It Living, Not Cleaning

Let’s be honest — life is busy. The last thing any of us want is to spend our free time deep cleaning week after week.

That’s why systems matter. A consistent rhythm keeps your home clean without consuming your schedule.
When your home is organized and maintained with care, you gain more time to live — to laugh, rest, create, and enjoy what truly matters.

I’ve watched clients experience complete lifestyle shifts from something as simple as an organized closet turned into a functional and beautiful dressing room. When your surroundings support you, your energy changes — and so does your outlook on life.

Because a clean, intentional home doesn’t just look beautiful. It helps you feel balanced, focused, and free.

Creating Calm and Security for Every Family Member

Every person in your home deserves a small corner of calm — even your kids.
Your version of peace may look different from theirs, and that’s okay. Just be mindful that we are all human, and each of us receives and gives energy in our own way.

When you allow individuality to shape how your home functions, you create a sense of safety and self-expression for everyone under your roof. That feeling — of peace, comfort, and security — is what truly makes a home.

So as you walk through your space, ask yourself:

Does my home reflect who I am and how I want to live?
Does it serve my family’s needs and rhythms?
Does it make me feel calm when I walk through the door?

Do this for all the places and spaces you spend a lot of time in. Your office, your car, your kitchen, your bedroom, etc. If the answer isn’t yes to all those questions yet, that’s your invitation to start.

Your Home, Your Sanctuary

You don’t have to wait for the perfect time or the next big cleaning day. You can begin now — one room, one surface, one scent at a time.

Download my FREE Professional Cleaning & Organizing Checklist to get started. It’s the same system I use in client homes and my own — designed to help you create order, peace, and beauty that lasts all year long.

And if you’d rather have a more personal and professional touch, explore my Aromatherapy Cleaning and Luxury Home Watch Services, available throughout Southwest Florida. Together, we can protect your home and refresh your life.

Because when your home feels calm, clean, and cared for — everything else begins to fall into place.

The Luxury Home Difference

Peace isn’t found in perfection. It’s created in the quiet details — a fresh scent, an organized drawer, a space that feels alive again.
That’s the heart behind what I do.

HOME MAKOVER

July 21, 2023October 2, 2025CHRISTINA DITZEL 1 Comment

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A HOME MAKOVER?

“Are your spaces designed for functionality and style? Or just style? Or do you just live in your spaces without any thought at all?”

Does your home really serve its purpose? I enter many different homes year-round as a cleaning lady in SW Florida. From experience, I can tell you that there are hundreds of styles out there! Each home unique and different but each has spaces that play a particular role. For example, a Kitchen serves the purpose of preparing food. Dining room serves the purpose of eating and enjoying food with family and friend. Then we have master bedrooms, kid’s rooms, pet rooms and well, you get the picture! Each space has a purpose.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that most people live with tons of unnecessary clutter, and they don’t use their spaces with purpose! I don’t care if it’s a single person living in a large home, a family of 3 in a small apartment, or a family of 8 in a mansion, there is a right and wrong way to live in our spaces.

“And although Pinterest has some great ideas for home organizing, it’s not helping you with yours!”

I created a professional cleaning check list that you can grab. It will help you stay clean, organized, and manage your home like a pro, but first hear me out!

We can all always do better when it comes to cleaning, organizing, and managing our home lives. We can browse all the design ideas and get tons of organizing tips online, but we will always have to adjust our life, based on the season, our circumstances, and our surroundings to get the result we want.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is pexels-photo-10557080.jpeg — Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

That is why we all love spring! Right? So we can do our yearly “SPRING CLEANING”! Spring is a time where we get to regroup! Which is literally ridiculous! Since Easter is just around the corner! We can clean up and start from scratch at any time in our life, but Spring is always the time of year people look for cleaning tips! Spring is an opportunity to get ready for a clean slate! Not sure why we waited until April, but okay, sure let’s role with that!

HOME MAKEOVER’S THAT ARE ORGANIZED, FUNCTIONAL & ALLOW YOU TO STILL INDULGE YOUR SENSES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASONS

So how can we indulge our senses during the holiday seasons, and still, keep our homes functional and organized? Well, we can start with a clean canvas! Spending one weekend with each member of the family redesigning your spaces can be fun and will also get the family doing things together! I know what you’re thinking, “the kids and my husband won’t want to do this”!

Seriously, I know the kids can sometimes be difficult to get started, and even men can be difficult with all their “un-organized chaos”. Especially with more kids today being homeschooled and more and more people working at home. Upkeeping our homes can be so much more demanding. But I promise there is a way to keep your sanity, while also maintaining a clean and organized home. What if I told you I knew a way you could get the entire family to not only participate, but also maintain your home without having too deep clean again? EVER!

I know you think I am insane! But if I can do it, so can you. Did you know, if you include your kids and allow them to have a say in how their spaces function best for them, they will be so much more engaged? Yes, they get to choose how they organize their spaces. You can help, but you don’t get to make the decisions.

GIVE YOUR CHILDREN A VOICE & THEY WILL MANAGE THEIR ENVIRONMENTS

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is pexels-photo-5693005.jpeg — Photo by Alex Green on Pexels.com

See, when people feel like they have a voice, they feel like they have control, and when people feel they have control of their own life/environment, they work diligently to manage the things in their life/environment. Children are no different! People don’t like resistance. And every time you fight your family or children, and implant your own ideas, they get turned away. I promise, your family just might surprise you! I have created a complete cleaning and home organizing checklist that you can download here. I use this method in my home and my kids keep their rooms, and all the spaces in our home tidy, clean, and organized. The best part is that it stays this way all year round.

So, if you want your home tidy, clean, organized, and smelling amazing year-round. HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS.

From the products you use, to how you create each space, it MUST work for everyone in the home, including your fur babies. I have done all the hard work for you and created a plan and a schedule that will keep everyone in your family get organized and live cleaner healthier lives. With a proverb a day to keep you focused, you will find everyone working together to maintain the home with happier attitudes.

Let’s face it, “happy people in a beautifully clean house, makes a very happy family”. I promise your life will not only be easier, happier, and healthier, but you will never have to deep clean your home again!! You will finally have time to laugh more, play often, and enjoy the things in life you and your family truly desire. You will even have time to write that book you’ve been thinking about all these years. You can start that project or join that group or sports club you’ve been wanting to get involved with. Whatever it is you haven’t had the time to do, I have created a plan that leaves breathing room for everyone in the family. Time is precious and time is money. So, don’t waste any more time deep cleaning your house! It is time wasted not doing the things you love, and you’re missing out on living the life you were born to embrace.

Everyone and I mean EVERYONE living in your home should have their own space for prayer and “Zen”! Remember this one rule, “your idea of calm is not equal to your kid’s idea of calm and relaxed”. Every single one of us give and receive energy differently. Just like we give and receive love differently. I believe kids today have a lot more pressure (due to social media), to figure out what they want in life and who they are as individuals. Everyone wants a success story, with love, financial freedom, and yes, a beautiful home that is organized, clean, and a place we can feel safe. But what we all desire more than anything in this world, is a sense of security. That security looks different for each one of us! Remember that!

Sometimes it can be more difficult for kids to find and define themselves when they don’t have an example of what it looks like to be different, independent, or unique. As a parent we must give them security to explore the different stages of their life. Ask yourself, “Am I being a good example of these qualities?” and “Do I allow my children to feel safe in their choices?” Okay so let’s get started, shall we?

You Must Get Clarity To Create Spaces That have Purpose of your Home? (Subscribe today and get all my home cleaning tips, tricks, and newest updates)

Subscribe to get access my personal cleaning checklist & planner today!

Stop spring cleaning just to have your house a mess a week later! I have a better way.

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HOW YOUR HOME CONTROLS YOURSTRESS LEVELS?

June 2, 2023October 2, 2025CHRISTINA DITZEL Leave a comment

Your home can either bring peace and harmony to you, or it
can bring chaos, overwhelm, and stress. When I left my kids dad, I realized two
things:

1. After being with the same person for 14 years, I
lost myself & I didn’t know who I was without him.

2. I was not only being forced to start my life
over in that season, but I had to change my entire life as I knew it.

If I am completely honest, it
didn’t take me long to realize that “home” was not just the place I depended on
to eat, sleep, and gather with family and friends, it was my safe haven. What
do I mean by safe haven? Well, I covered all the details of what a safe haven
is, in a complete chapter in my first book, “Hot Mess to Totally blessed”. It
became important to me that my home was the place my daughters and I could run
to when life outside felt overwhelming or out of control. Our home is the only
place where we can have total control without influence or pressure from the
outside world. The problem is, when we live with other people, we can be
influenced by them and their lifestyle as well. And when that lifestyle is not
in alignment with the lifestyle we desire, stress creeps in!

This is why your home is stressing you out!

If you don’t realize that your home is an environment that reflects
your character, you can become controlled by other people and the environments
you see on social media. The people you surround yourself with affect you the
most. We no longer must give control of
other people and things in our life! We just have to learn how to react to our them,
by creating our ZEN PLACES & SPACES!

Let me go a little deeper into mindset and awareness for a
brief second. Being aware that you want less stress in your life is becoming
more conscious of yourself and your environment. To be conscious is to be in a
state of awareness, or another word I like to use is to be “perceptive”. First
let me say that I believe we were all born with the holy spirit who guides us.
You can call this intuition or discernment, but we are all capable of it. However,
many of us get clouded by society. To be self-aware is to not allow our minds
to float away into never ever land. It is easy to allow ourselves to get lost
in the flow of certain environments, with certain people, while doing certain
things. But being aware of that and avoiding the things that can take control
of our thoughts and actions, is part of being self-aware and having self-control
in the process. I also believe that becoming self-aware can only happen by
getting into the Word and learning how to be present with thyself and God. To
be conscious is to discern and to discern is to be intuitive of your
environment.

When you become aware of your environment, you’ll realize
how important it is for you to pay closer attention to the things you bring in
and out of your home. To bring attention the life lens you look through is to
bring attention to everything you think about and everything your body does and
how you react to everything and everyone around you. When we want less stress,
we have to become very aware of what stresses us out and eliminate it from our
life completely. I am about to get very specific right now, so I am going to
ask to lean in and pay close attention to what I am about to say. To lean in
will bring attention to all the things that are actually stressing you out that
you may not be aware of.

“What do you have in your home that could be potentially causing you stress?”

Most people don’t realize this but there could be negative
energy in pictures, trinkets, furniture, and things in your home. Ask yourself,
this question about the items you put in your home.

1. Where does the item come from?

2. What memories do they trigger?

3. Do the things in your home make you happy?
Stressed? Or overwhelmed?

4. What is attached to each object in your home?

When we think of adding furniture or accessories to our
home, we have to ask ourselves, “where does the item come from”? Does it come
from an old relationship, a divorce, a deceased relative, a family member, or friend
that you no longer speak to? Where do all the items in your space come from? By
recognizing that the items you place in your home could trigger a negative
memory or tramatic time, we are acknowledging that and are able to eliminate
it. I like to call this a season of “Letting go of the old and allowing the new
to come in!” It is better to bring new pieces in that haven’t been tainted with
passed trauma or drama. We also need to
ask ourselves “what memories do the items in your home trigger”? “Do the things
in your home make you happy, or do they give you a feeling of stress or
overwhelmed?” These questions may not be
at the surface of your thoughts when you are decorating your home. But let me
just be blunt, if that picture on the shelf reminds you of a bad day or a day
of drama, take it down! In other words, who is in those pictures you put up,
and what do they really represent?

Listen, I remember leaving my kids dad, and when I moved
into my new home, I wanted to fill it with experiences and family/childhood
memories. But if I am completely honest, the pictures I put up did the exact
opposite for me. Yes, we smiled! And yes, we looked happy and beautiful in the
pictures. But I realized quickly that many of those pictures just brought back
negative memories for me of the days fighting with their dad. Those pictures had
memories attached to them that reminded me of all the pain and hurt I went
through in that relationship. You know what I am talking about don’t you? Those
pictures when your like “That was such a great trip, but I wish ‘person x’
wasn’t there because they ruined that whole day!” You know you have those
pictures that remind you of family/friend/relational drama. I am here to tell
you that keeping those pictures up, or those little trinkets from that trip,
only reminds your subconscious mind of stress, anxiety, and drama. Which means
your home will always have a sense of overwhelm and anxiety from past trauma
attached to it.

So, lose the things that are not adding value to your future!
Stop carrying things from your past that have no place in your future.

LET’S TALK CLUTTER!

Okay so I think there may be a misconception that clutter
could be caused by trauma. But that is not always the case. Clutter happens for
many reasons. Let’s dive into a few reasons clutter is created and find out how
our home controls our stress levels.

1. We have an addiction to “things”.

Meaning we love to buy new stuff or
maybe we binge shop to relieve stress. There are also those of us who grew up in
a family where we weren’t spoon fed! So, we may feel like we have to buy
everything now. Then there’s those individuals who just love buying the best of
everything or those who have to change their curtains or future around every
few months because they have to have control of their environment. I fall into
this category. So, I get it. There are so many scenarios I could go through,
but at some point, all of us have held on to things we really didn’t need. Controlling your addiction to buying more
things that clutter your home can regulate your stress levels when you are
home.

2. Overwhelmed with a busy schedule.

Okay so some of us are overworked
and underpaid and when we have a day off, we definitely don’t want to clean out
clutter. On the other hand, many of us fill our calendars up with things that
don’t add value to our life. Clutter accumulates over time when we’re not paying
attention to our actions or out environment. Ignoring or putting off chores
clutters our spaces and creates an unorganized environment. How we schedule our
life is so important to our stress levels

3. Depression

Okay so I have to mention this one because
it is huge in millennials and gen Z generation. If I’m completely honest, I
don’t ever remember being depressed or having so much difficulty in my
childhood years. And let me just add that I was sexually molested as a child, and
as a teenager I was physically and sexually abused. Did I go through trauma in a
season or two? Absolutely! Did I need counseling? Yes! Did I get over it and
live my life? Well, of course that is why I am here today speaking about it
with you. But, I had some decisions to make to get out of my depression, and
this is obviously a topic for another day. However, depression is a huge cause
of clutter today. In fact, depression is one of the main culprits for clutter.
Which brings me to the next reason clutter happens…

4. Laziness

Laziness causes clutter! I could
have added laziness to scheduling but I really wanted to differentiate between
the two. This should be common sense for most of us. Being lazy can be
temporary, just like depression or any other emotion we feel in any down season
of our life. However, if we can get ourselves to just start doing one thing, we
can usually crawl right out of that lazy spell, fairly quickly and become more
productive. The hardest part really, is starting. To stop doing one thing you
have to start doing something else. What that something else is, depends on you
and your capabilities. I think with the law of attraction and churchy people it
is easy to pray for something or “meditate” about something we desire. It’s
easy to let our imaginations run wild. But when you let your ideas go above
your capabilities you set yourself up for failure, and eventually it just
causes laziness. To think of manifesting something into reality and not knowing
how to achieve that leaves you wishing, hoping, and never achieving. The struggle
alone leaves you overwhelmed, depressed, and yes, lazy! “Believe, receive,
achieve” only happens when you’re taking actions that you forward. You can’t be
lazy and achieve goals.

5. Unrealistic expectations and obligations

Creating unrealistic expectations
for ourselves creates unwanted obligations. Let me explain! When we see
beautiful things that entice our eyes it cultivates our desires, and we end up
feeling obligated to do things that hurt us later. The bible gives us an
example of this behavior in Genesis 3:6 (When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was
good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining
wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who
was with her, and he ate it…) It shows us that even in the beginning,
before technology, there were and are things in life that will be pleasing to
our eyes. But most of the time, even if it looks good, feels good, and taste
good it is only temporary. It tickles our fancy for a while but later causes a
mess and gets us off track. We can use this analogy for every area of life, but
today we are talking about the clutter in our homes. So, every time you’re
enticed by a pretty aesthetic on social media you feel obligated to click the
link and make that purchase. Only to find out later, your home never looks like
the picture presented online! Try not to have expectations that don’t come from
your own reality. Because these unrealistic expectations leads to obligations
which lead to exhaustion, overwhelm, and
eventually laziness.

6. People pleasing and guilty trips

Okay this must be said, because most of us live
life based on the opinions and actions of other people in our lives. Many of us
have messy and cluttered lifestyles because people guilt trip us into people
pleasing. First, you must stop taking things that you don’t like, nor need! I
know this is a common thing to do! I have fallen victim to taking gift or hand-me-downs
that I don’t need or want. Being a cleaning lady, clients often offer me stuff for
my home or for my kids, and I always felt bad saying “NO”. So, I am here to
encourage you…Don’t do that! If you don’t need it, just say “Thank you so much
for thinking of me! Currently, I am trying to declutter my home and I really
don’t have space for that”. Be thankful for their generosity but be honest. It is also common to buy things and live a
certain way to give off this persona that we are “doing better, than we
actually are”. This is common in Influencers
who flash their jets, cars, houses, and toys in your face, just to convince you
to buy what they’re selling. It’s a sales tactic! Everyone knows this! Don’t do
this and don’t fall prey to it! It’s fake and ingenuine. Stop people pleasing
to fit in! And stop allowing others to guilt trip you into buying more things
you don’t need to or want. This only causes you to be unhappy and have more
stress in your life.

I could talk for hours on all the reasons we find our homes cluttered
and messy, but the truth is, we all make bad decisions, and we all avoid taking
actions that benefit our lives and lifestyle. If you could do one small thing
today, to get yourself closer to a cleaner, healthier, happier home tomorrow,
what would it be? Just pick one thing to do TODAY! One room, one closet, or one
project. Don’t worry about tomorrow, or next week, and don’t worry about next
month or next year. Just focus on TODAY!

When we realize our regrets from yesterday came from not
doing something today, we prioritize our days and forget about Tomorrow.
Tomorrow is not here and all we have is today. In the book of Mathew 6:34 it says
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Isn’t that so true? Doesn’t tomorrow have enough stress? Let’s not focus on
tomorrow since it’s not even here yet. Today will one day be your past but for
now Today is all you have. So do your best to make the best of your day today!

All we can do is focus on the NOW and allow the unknown
experiences of life to stir a fire inside us. That fire and desire should get
us to move into action so we can make a difference today, learn to have a better
tomorrow, and live without regrets of yesterday! Do what you can today and reap
the rewards for your hard work tomorrow. We reap what we sow but if we don’t
sow anything, how can we reap much of anything? Similarly, what we do sow, we
get back 10 folds. So, if you’re lazy you get back, lack. If you’re depressed,
you lose hope. But if you work hard, you will see the fruits of your labor in
the masterpiece you create.

DECLUTTER YOUR HOME PIECE BY PIECE

I get it, decluttering and cleaning our home is exhausting! But
what if I told you that there was a way to stay organized year-round? What if I
told you that you will never have to waste time deep cleaning or organizing on
your days off? What if I told you I could show you how to bring less stress and
more Zen into your home? Would you be willing to do a few little things today for
a better, happier, healthier life tomorrow? Well, if you said yes, I have just
the thing for you. What if I told you all those things you have tried didn’t work
because they weren’t created for your particular family and home?

One thing I can tell you for certain, each family and every
home requires a different cleaning and organizing regimen. I have been cleaning
homes since 2004 professionally. During this time, I have met many different families
from all walks of life, and I’ve realized that there are no two homes alike!
Each family is different. We all have different schedules and different lifestyles.
From the way people decorate, to the number of kids/animals in the home, I
never treat my clients or their homes the same. Instead, I treat them according
to their needs and requests while also helping them maintain a routine that’s
keeps each home clean and refreshed year-round. However, I also have a
foundation of how I manage each home, which never changes. I have a cleaning
regimen which includes a cleaning schedule, a routine maintenance program, and products
that keep the home smelling and feeling rejuvenated while also eliminating dust
and clutter.

CONTROL YOUR STRESS LEVELS

If you want your stress levels to stay under control, you have to
learn to keep your home tidy, clean, organized, and smelling amazing
year-round. Without clutter from things that distract you or don’t benefit you.
HERE IS
MY CLEANING CHECKLIST WITH A PLANNER AND SCHEDULER.
If you stick to this, it will keep you on track and your home will not only stay
organized year round but you will be more focused and feel better overall with
yourself. Your home is your sanctuary and it’s a representation of your
character. So how do you want to be characterized? Are you a HOT MESS? Or are
you capable, happy, and blessed every day?

Controlling your stress levels is getting a handle of the things
that stress you out in the first place. Remember if you’re not the only one
living in the home you have to plan for everyone in the home. Be mindful of the
other people in your house that bring
stuff in and out. They also have moods, responsibilities and also play a role
in this. From the products you use, to how you create each space, MUST work for
everyone, including your fur babies. I have done all the hard work for you and
created this plan
and a schedule so that you can keep your home maintained and organized while
keeping everyone in your home happy. Let’s face it, “happy people stress less
in a beautifully clean and put together house”.

When your home is put together, the people in it are put together!
You will even have time to write that book you’ve been thinking about all these
years. You can start that project or join that group or sports club you’ve been
wanting to get involved with. Whatever it is you haven’t had the time to
do, my checklist will surely leave breathing room for everyone in the family.
Time is precious and time is money. So, don’t waste any more of it

It is time wasted not doing the things you love.
and you’re missing out on living the life you deserve!

DOES YOUR HOME LIFE NEED A MAKE OVER THIS FALL?

September 19, 2022October 5, 2025CHRISTINA DITZEL Leave a comment

Fall is finally here! I think this may be my favorite time of year hands down! With pumpkin spice, cinnamon brooms, and all the holiday decorations on the shelves; our homes will be completely transformed yet again for the next few months. As a cleaning lady I know firsthand how important it is to not only keep a tidy home, but to create spaces that feel organized, clean, and rejuvenated, while also staying functional for family needs. But when the holiday’s come around, it can be so difficult to keep our homes both stylish and organized, when too many holiday trinkets clutter our spaces!

“Are your spaces designed for functionality and style? Or just style? Or do you just live in your spaces without any thought at all?”

Does your home serve its purpose? I enter many different homes year-round and from my experience, there are hundreds of styles, and each space plays a different role. Most people live with tons of unnecessary clutter and don’t use their spaces with purpose! I don’t care if it’s a single person living in a large home, a family of 3 in a small apartment, or a family of 8 in a mansion, there is a right and wrong way to live in our spaces. And most people are clueless when it comes to home design and organization! Although Pinterest has some great ideas on how to stay organized, it usually never helps for long-term organizing in our own homes! I would say I live a pretty organic, organized, healthy, and Zen life because I do all things with purpose. Could I do better? Abso-freaking-lootly!!! We can always do better when it comes to organizing and managing our lives. That is why I love fall! Fall is a time where we get to regroup! We pull all of our holiday decorations out, create new spaces, and we can even get reorganized and prepared for the new year. Which is literally just around the corner! We can clean up and start from scratch at any time in our life, and Fall is always my favorite time of year to do this! Fall is an opportunity to get ready for those NEW YEAR GOALS to be set in place!

‘Your Home is Your Safe Haven”

Truth be told, I’ve never been the type of person who liked to move around a lot. Although I know some people who move once a year. My daughters will tell you the reason they’ve always felt so safe growing up, was because they knew they had a “safe haven” to come home to no matter how horrible their day was. Most people have a desire to move once a year for whatever reason. Maybe it’s a desire for that “new house feel”. I don’t know, but I prefer to stay put and offer my kids and myself stability. Therefore, instead I opt to “Clean Our Spaces and Create New Zen Places”!

When you decorate for Fall or any other season, you enjoy bringing those new pieces into your home each year, right? Of course you do! We all do! Because every time we head to any store there will always be new items on the shelf that intrigues us, or tempts our holiday (or every-day) addictions. These new pieces may not even serve any real purpose, but somehow make us feel good. For a few moments anyway! You know, like all those cups falling out of the cabinet that you have no more room for! (SMH)

It’s like the pumpkin spice sign some of us just can’t resist!!! It’s everywhere and in everything! The temptation for new decorative pillows, blankets, floral arrangements, table toppers, and designer placemat’s we just can’t do without! Did I mention all those cute mugs with quotes that clutter our shelves at home? Oh yes, I did! (Rolling my eyes scratching my head) We also have our lovely TikTok, and Pinterest posts that plant seeds to “buy more”! “Design with more”! There will always be a new idea someone will come up with that triggers an idea in our own mind. Did you ever notice, when you try these things in your own home it never actually looks like you pictured it? It definitely is not functional in our own spaces! It takes one idea to drive us on a journey down a very long road that leads to a tragically, cluttered, over stocked garage, and our home is filled with shit we don’t need, nor do we use!

How about that black Christmas tree? Oh, oouu I have an idea!!! Why don’t we start early and decorate that tree with Halloween decorations? Some cinnamon brooms would look so cute with some witch hats, and it would smell so delightful! NOOO STOP! Some ideas sound fun! But some are just unnecessary! So, how can we still indulge in all our pumpkin spice goodness and not be overwhelmed with clutter year-round? Well, I am about to tell you.

HOME MAKEOVER’S THAT ARE ORGANIZED, FUNCTIONAL & STILL INDULGE YOUR SEASONAL SENSES

So how can we indulge our senses during the holiday seasons, and still, keep our homes functional and organized? Well, we can start with a clean canvas! Spending one weekend a year with each member of the family redesigning your spaces can be fun and will also get the family doing things together! I used to tell my daughters that if they don’t get rid of old stuff they no longer use, they won’t be getting anything new for Christmas! “Santa doesn’t bring new toys to spoiled brats!” I know that sounds mean but it’s true! Com ‘on! You know I’m right! I know what you’re thinking, “the kids and my husband won’t want to do help clean and organize the house”! WELL, TOO FREAKING BAD! HAHAHA!! That is what I say! Just kidding! No really, I’m not! Everyone lives in the home; everyone has a part to play in cleaning and organizing the home! IF YOU MESS IT UP, YOU CLEAN IT UP!!!

Seriously, I know the kids can sometimes be difficult, and even men can be stressful with all their “organized chaos”. Especially with kids being homeschooled and more and more people working at home. Upkeep can be so much more demanding. But I promise there is a way to keep your own sanity, while also maintaining a clean and organized, happy home. If you include your kids and allow them to have a say in how their spaces function best for them, they will be so much more engaged. And they just may surprise you in the process! They may even keep their rooms tidy and organized year-round. If done correctly!!

Everyone and I mean EVERYONE living in your home should have their own space to just “Zen”! Remember this one rule, “your idea of calm and relaxed, is not equal to your kid’s idea of calm and relaxed”. Every single one of us give and receive energy differently. I believe kids today have a lot more pressure (due to social media pushing ideas at them), to figure out what they want in life and who they are as individuals. Everyone wants a success story, with love, financial freedom, and yes, a beautiful home that is organized, clean, and a place we can feel safe. But what we all desire more than anything in this world, is a sense of security. That security looks different for everyone! Remember that! Sometimes it can be more difficult for kids to find and define themselves when they don’t have an example of what it looks like to be different, independent, or unique. As a parent we must give them security by allowing them to explore the different stages of their own life without planting our own desires and seeds. Ask yourself, “am I being a good example for my family? And do I allow my children to feel safe in their choices”? Okay enough of the heavy! Back to your fall makeover!!!

What is the Purpose of your Home?

First things first, ask yourself “do you know the purpose of your home and does your space foster to the needs of everyone in the home?” How are you utilizing your spaces? Do you ever wonder how interior designers do such amazing transformations on those shows like HGTV? It is simple! First, because they have a trained eye for lines, shapes, lighting, spaces, etc. But mostly, designers look at each space with a lens of “space purpose”. They start with asking questions. What is your favorite piece? Colors? What do you want this space to symbolize? What is the sole purpose of this space? They even go as far as asking the kids and everyone in the home. Considering handy cap, disabilities, etc. So, are you looking at each space through a lens of purpose? You must ask yourself, questions about your spaces and be very clear on the ‘purpose’ of each space. A space can serve its purpose but still appear cluttered and unorganized. Or it can serve its purpose and appear minimal, clean, and welcoming. My favorite way to add holiday spirit to each room is by using diffusers. You can keep these year-round and change the aroma for each season. I believe essential oils are safer and better for our health then candles, incents and burners that expose chemicals into the air. I’m aware that some people will disagree, I know! I’ve read many articles! But as a cleaning lady, I can tell you, it is doing more harm than good. Even some essential oils can be harmful. This is why when I clean a home, I keep each individual in mind. No matter what aroma you’re using in your spaces, you need to be mindful of allergies and other health risks for each person living or entering that space!

If you walk into your home after a hard day and feel overwhelmed, you’re doing something wrong!

You should come home and feel a huge sense of comfort and relief. When you walk in the door, you should feel a sense of Zen as all your senses indulge in the look, feel, and smell of your home. Your home should serve a purpose and feel inviting. If your home doesn’t attract you and your guests, you will indulge in unnecessary spending and constantly feel overwhelmed with your home decor. Purchasing more shit is not the answer!

Getting into a system is key

Getting into a system is always the most difficult part of any project, but once we get started planning, redesigning, organizing, and cleaning our home; it can be so rewarding and life changing. A home needs a system. Some may say it takes and army to run a home! But I say, you only need an army big enough to defeat the mission you’re on! And you should only take on one mission at a time! So, start with one room.

The following are ways to get the makeover you want by adding touches of fall to each space so you can indulge in the season too! Ask yourself some questions for each space in your room.

For example: The kitchen –

How many people do you have in your family eating food?
What kind of food does each person like?
Does everyone eat dinner together? (This should be a requirement in each home for raising children with proper family moral values. But this is just my opinion! This will help everyone stay connected, teaches our youth communication skills, and make everyone feel included, engaged, and loved.) Don’t have signs that say “We gather together” when you don’t actually do that! Have purpose in your decorative pieces.
Is everyone on the same diet or is everyone’s eating habits different? (The best way to run a home is to discover foods everyone can eat and likes while also being considerate of those who may require special diets. Don’t rub bad eating habits in the faces of those who must eat healthier choices. It is rude, disrespectful, and causes stress and anxiety while also causing division in the home)
Pantry and fridge – are they organized and labeled? (If everyone must eat separate keep labels and name tags. Don’t fall short here! “Think less stress” when organizing and designing your spaces)
Promote good eating with good food. Persuasion works best when you’re fridge and pantry are organized with containers. (Always think of the space with purpose creating a place for every item to be easily accessible.)
Clean food and keep dry with paper towels before putting it away for less waste (The easier the access the more it will get eaten and less food will go to waste)
Keep It simple and less complicated (Kitchen is for food. The fuller everyone is the less snacking goes on and the less mess you’ll have. Think of your kitchen with purpose considering each person in your family)
Design happens in planning phase. When you plan the purpose of your kitchen your makeover will include items that keep it functional and organized.

I can really go deep into more detail, but the point for each room is this, “you must really get clear on your purpose” for the space. Including the things, you put in each space. I would even go as far as saying add your dining room area when planning your kitchen design. Dining should be included because it is where everyone in the family SHOULD BE eating together. I am not here to tell you how to live, but if you’re looking for more relaxation and peace in your life you should create systems that promote healthy habits. Eating in rooms, home office, or bedrooms, should not be a habit anyone gets into. Movie and dinner nights are fine, on occasion! My girls and I do this occasionally. But set it up with sofa tables or gathering around the coffee table on the floor with pillows and make it purposeful. Having a designated purpose for each space keeps your home clean, decluttered and of course, free of pests and bugs from those spills and crumbs.

Everything in your home needs to have a place to go, but it needs to also be easily accessible. When it is too hard to take out it won’t get used and honestly, it just collects dust! Like those extra holiday trinkets, you’re adding into your already cluttered spaces! DON’T DO THAT!!! Remember, when things are too hard to put away, it won’t get put back and will clutter our beautiful spaces.

See, the problem with those Pinterest pictures and all those gorgeous ideas online is that they don’t work for functionality! Those design ideas look great online! But when we try them at home, we end up having to “move shit to do shit”. Hell, Pinterest designs may look great when you try it in your own space! Until one day you decide to live in that space! How do “YOU” and your family use that space? You must have a purpose for each space, and there must be a purpose to every single piece you put in each space. Bottom line! When you go to the store next time, ask yourself “Do I really need another mug?” Or “Do I need this or just want this?” Don’t make purchases that don’t add purpose to your spaces and don’t make purchases that clutter your spaces!

DECLUTTER BEFORE YOU PURCHASE MORE CLUTTER!

I get it fall always gives us this holiday spirit that is dying to redecorate! With cool ideas you’ve been seeing all over the internet and in stores, you’ll surely be inspired! I get it! But if I may be blunt, your cleaning lady might consider raising her prices on you unexpectedly if you continue adding a little (or a lot) more work to her routine. When you begin to put more things in your home, your cleaning crew must do more work. Whether that cleaning crew is you, your kids, or some professional who comes in and out of your spaces. Someone must clean all those pieces in all your spaces. And coming from a cleaning lady who does this for a living, this shit collects more dust and it’s time consuming! By purchasing those new decorations, you’re about to cause a whole lotta’ stress on your cleaning crew and yourself! So, you better freaking LOVE WHATEVER YOU PURCHASE!

Do you need it? Probably not. But You want it. You want something new. You think it will make you feel better! I know, I feel you! I love redecorating my house for the holidays and bringing new pieces in. Especially since I have been renting the same home for over 7 years. It does bring a sense of newness to my spaces! But before you clutter your home with another trinket you really don’t need, consider decluttering first! Think of it like this… “OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW!” You must get rid of old stuff before you purchase new stuff. Make room for new items by getting rid of some items that no longer serve their purpose. This can be hard I know. Some things have sentiment. I totally get it! But listen, you can donate or sell your personal items to someone who really needs it. I like to imagine that my old items which no longer serve me, keep their sentiment when they serve someone who is in need. When I separated from my kid’s dad after 14 years, I took nothing from our home when I left. Leaving me to start over from scratch! It was a struggle to say the least! But every new piece I purchased, was from a thrift store or craigslist. I also received many pieces that were handed down from relatives, friends, and clients. And I can tell you this, I appreciated those pieces so much more, because of the story behind each item. It added sentiment, culture and purpose to my new space.

So, consider giving stuff away, donating, and decluttering your spaces before you bring in new pieces. Look at each space with purpose and remember every item you bring into your spaces should have purpose. Create spaces that cultivate your creativity and promote good energy by thinking of each room with purpose. This will bring clarity to your mind and help you enjoy all the seasons starting with a new FALL MAKEOVER! Add those new fall pieces after you have made some space! I promise you will have less stress when you design your home with purpose!