Organizing Inspiration from my Recent Travels

Travel is a fantastic catalyst for growth. Spending significant time outside your comfort zone and away from daily responsibilities provides an opportunity to reflect on your priorities. I've recently returned from a trip with my sister to Tanzania and Paris. These two very different destinations combined into a single trip provided tons of inspiration for my daily life and my professional organizing business as well.

Travel Inspiration #1: Streamlined bedroom and bathroom storage

The first leg of our trip was spent on board a ship docked at the port of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Our living quarters were small, but had plenty of well-organized storage space for our clothing and toiletries. Getting ready each morning was hassle-free because I didn't have too many decisions to make and all my options were right there ready to go. Same with bedtime. I followed an abbreviated version of my skincare routine, and then read for awhile in bed before turning out the lights. I'm newly inspired to keep my bedroom and bathroom neat and organized to bring more peace to my mornings and evenings at home!

Travel Inspiration #2: Capsule travel wardrobe

One of my favorite parts of planning for a trip is the challenge of putting together a mix-and-match wardrobe that suits the climate and activities ahead. This trip was a unique challenge because we went from hot and humid to potentially cold and rainy weather. Thankfully, Paris was kind to us and we had mostly sun, but temps were definitely lower! My solution was to pack several dresses and a pair of flowy pants which could be worn with sandals in Tanzania and tights/boots in Paris. It worked pretty well, and I felt comfortable in activities ranging from touring the engine room of a ship off the coast of Africa to a dining at a lovely restaurant in Paris. I'm inspired to prioritize versatile wardrobe purchases so I can keep an organized closet without sacrificing comfort or style.

Travel Inspiration #3: Schedule with flexibility

Travel involves a lot of variables, but you'll miss out if you don't have a plan. We went into our time in Paris with 1-2 timed entry reservations per day. Without those advance tickets, we would not have made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower and into a special Van Gogh exhibit at the Musee D'Orsay. But if we had jammed every minute with scheduled activities, we'd also have missed the opportunity to sit with a coffee at the Tuileries Garden or linger over breakfast at a sidewalk cafe. I'm inspired to leave margin in my schedule at home by setting aside plenty of time for the must-do's and accepting (or even enjoying!) the unexpected opportunities that pop up along the way.

After returning from this trip, I feel refreshed and encouraged as I reconnect with existing clients about their projects. I'm also ready to help new clients make space in their homes for what matters most to them. It's my joy to bring relief and hope into each home and family I serve.

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Cheers,

Karina