 Every year, as the days get longer and the air turns crisp with that first hint of spring, I feel the urge to fling open the windows and let the fresh breeze in. Without fail, that beautiful sunlight starts revealing the layers of dust that have quietly settled in over the winter. Cue: Spring Cleaning! But here’s the thing—sometimes once you start dusting or sweeping, you inevitably stumble across all the little projects that have been put on the back burner. That board game in the closet that may or may not be missing pieces. The pile of clothes you keep meaning to donate. Seasonal décor that’s still lurking in corners. Pretty soon, motivation to clean gets steamrolled by the overwhelm of all the organizing that needs to be addressed. That’s exactly why we suggest breaking up spring cleaning into two phases: first, decluttering, then the actual cleaning. We always suggest a room-by-room approach for the decluttering phase. Start small—build momentum. Maybe it’s your kitchen: toss expired spices, donate those “what even is this?” gadgets, and finally give your junk drawer some love (you know the one or two or three). Or head to your closet and do a quick scan. Haven’t worn it in the past year? Flip the hanger around or set it aside. Little visual cues like that make a big difference. And remember—decluttering isn’t just about stuff. It's often emotional. We hold on to things for “someday” or for sentimental reasons, and that’s completely normal. Try asking yourself: “Would I buy this again today?” or “Does this still reflect who I am now?” That mindset shift creates real space for a fresh start. Also give yourself grace when you notice that you purchased something and haven’t used it or haven’t worn it. Sometimes that happens and it’s ok. Also remember that just because you paid money for something doesn’t mean you need to keep it, if it isn’t serving you it is costing you space and energy. Once the clutter is gone, your home should already feel lighter. Take a moment to celebrate—you’ve done the hardest part! Then ride that wave of accomplishment into the cleaning phase. I love using a checklist to stay focused and track progress (because who doesn’t love checking boxes?). You can grab my printable spring cleaning checklist here: Spring Cleaning Checklist.  Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home—and your mindset. If you’re feeling inspired but not quite sure where to begin, let’s chat. Sometimes a few hours with a professional is all it takes to jumpstart the process and bring your space (and energy!) back to life. The Serene Team would love to help you sort, declutter, and create organizing systems that make maintenance feel manageable (and much easier to clean!). Reach out for a consultation and let’s make this your most refreshing spring yet!
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 Now that the winter holidays are in the rearview mirror, January can feel a bit bleak at times. Some areas of our country are in a deep freeze and even in Northeast Florida we’ve been experiencing a chill not seen in years! Many of us are spending more time indoors. So as you look around your homes, are you embracing the concept of hygge? Pronounced “hoo-ga,” this term doesn’t have a direct translation into English, but it refers to a cozy, comfortable, and contented state of being. Hygge is a way of life that invites us to slow down, savor the small moments, and appreciate the simple pleasures. While the weather in Denmark may be a bit different than ours on the First Coast, I think the Danes may be onto something! At its core, hygge is about creating warmth and happiness in your everyday surroundings. Hygge isn’t just for winter—it’s about making the most of every season. In the colder months, it might involve enjoying hot drinks, baking, and staying cozy inside. In the warmer months, hygge can mean having a picnic outdoors, enjoying a slow summer evening with friends, or simply basking in the sunlight. By aligning your activities with the natural rhythms of the seasons, you can foster a sense of connection with both the environment and your inner peace. So can we “Hygge-fy” our spaces? Let's start in a family room or great room where our homes see the most action. As you look around, what is some visual chaos you notice? Is it the stack of mail or papers to go through? A pile of toys that the kids overlook? Magazines that have long since been read and ready to be recycled? Those are quick areas to focus on to reclaim peace in your home and cost you almost nothing to overhaul. In a time when burnout and stress are at an all-time high, embracing hygge can be a powerful tool for cultivating well-being. It encourages mindfulness, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Hygge isn’t about stuff, but a feeling. Tackle small projects to create more peace and order and over time, you’ll see those small changes add up. Ready for some instant hygge? We’d be happy to help you this winter. Our team of trained organizers can design an organizational system customized to you and your family’s needs that will not only look beautiful, but is sustainable for ongoing peace in your home. Wishing you comfort in this cooler season, Cassie and the Serene Team
 Can I be real for a minute? I love the winter holidays. I love the traditions, the music, the decorations, the food, the drinks, the games…I am here for it all. But as I get older, my relationship with the holidays is getting a bit complicated. What used to be a season of joy and magic is slowly evolving into one of stress. I mean, I used to worry about being on the nice list, but now it's all about my ever-growing holiday “to-do list.” While making holiday magic happen within my four walls and for my extended family, my husband and I are still both working full time, raising two active kids, and managing a household just like every other month of the year. Adding cookie exchanges, Secret Santa, and the plethora of awkward obligatory gift giving events this season leaves me feeling depleted and frantic. I want a slower December this year. I want to linger with family and friends and enjoy their company. I want my gift giving and receiving to be intentional and not just about stuff. I want to normalize regifting unwanted gifts at white elephant exchanges post holidays! I want an ugly sweater party in February, because hey, it’s still cold in February. As an organizer I’m always looking for ways to wear those cute holiday shirts more than once a year! I want a cookie exchange in March when I’ve forgotten my New Year’s Resolution to eat less sweets. Holidays I love you, but I’m changing the game this year. Less consumerism and more connection. Less obligation and more celebration. To my clients and followers, I invite you to try the same.
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