Happy birthday to HYD!

Thanks for celebrating our birthday week with us by participating in our daily giveaways on Instagram & Facebook. We’ve loved getting to share some of our favorite products from local companies with you. Thank you to our daily giveaway providers: Third Creek Coffee, Providence Road Pottery, Stanley’s Greenhouse, Pineapple Consignment, Back Porch Mercantile, and Origami Day.

As we celebrate our 5th birthday as a company, we’ve reflected a bit. Here’s a few things we’ve learned and milestones we’ve achieved…

• Expanded our team from 2 Co-Founders to 12 people.

  We are so much better together, than on our own.

• Written and shared over 260 blog posts.

  Enjoy a look back at our top 5 most viewed blog posts:

  • Personal Trainer turned Organizer

  • Social Worker turned Organizer

  • A look inside the home of downtown Knoxville’s “Elvis Artist”

  • The Prettiest Little Dish Shop You Ever Did See

  • Have you heard about Backroads Market?

• Grown our following to 3,600+ people on social media.

• Taken 600+ donation loads to local nonprofit organizations.

• Hosted 5 flea sales, re-homing our client’s furniture and decor.

• Assisted with 60+ moves, from packing and unpacking to estate transitions.

• Spoken at 18 community events and gatherings in the greater Knoxville area.

• Served 400+ clients in need of organizing services in their homes or workspaces.

• Worked with lovely clients near & far: Knoxville, Maryville, Farragut, Strawberry Plains, Oak Ridge, Powell, Asheville, and Atlanta.

• Helped 40+ clients on a monthly basis.

Thank you for celebrating with us! We cannot wait to see what the next 5 years hold. We’re committed to being your guide as you reclaim your home through our organization and move management services. It’s our hope to free you up, to do more of what you love.

Sharing some lovely updates

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Photo by Texture Photo.

We are excited to announce our fresh, new website design, featuring new home organizing packages, exclusive HYD memberships, and other services. Take a look around!

We’ve created a round up of our favorite local resources for donation spots, consignment locations, and service providers.

Did you know that HYD offers presentations and workshops? We can create a customized presentation for any specific group.

Looking for a last minute gift card for a loved one? We’ve got them!

Photo by Texture Photo.

Photo by Texture Photo.

Also, we wanted to remind you that our 5th birthday giveaway is still open! Don’t miss your chance to win - enter before next Thursday 2/21 at 11:59 PM. The lucky winner will be announced on Friday 2/22. Celebrate our birthday with us next week by participating in daily giveaways on Facebook & Instagram.

Explore our updated website here!

Why we love coming home…

My favorite thing about coming home is the people... whether it be my family, neighbors, or folks dropping by, it’s the place where we get to connect with our people, hopefully creating a space where everyone feels welcome.
- Taryn

Items from a guest, a child & the garden.

I love coming home because our house feels like a comfortable blend of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are going as individuals and as a family. I’m a sucker for anything unique and old and I love that our home feels like a giant patchwork quilt: pieces of memories, people, and inspiration sewn together in a way that somehow all works.
- Caroline

Bookshelf of collected treasures, photo by Texture Photo.

Coming home feels like a big exhale to me. Our home is comfortable and simple, a place where we feel free to rest & play. We hope it can be that for everyone who comes in & out of our door.
- Katie

Morning light through the dining room.

I enjoy coming home because I have such a cozy space! My house is small & the main room is used as an entryway, living room, dining room, game room, homework area/office, TV room, weekend sleepover area, etc. When I walk in the door, all the future plans & past memories are there to greet me. And Stella. She’s always there to give me a warm welcome home as well.
-Kathie

Main room, featuring Stella.

Some of my favorite things are LOTS of sunlight, real plants (now that I’ve learned to keep them alive), candles, and good coffee.  At the moment, my family is living in a temporary residence that really doesn’t feel like home to me.  But I’ve still got my plants and coffee and I’m eager to get back into a space I can make all mine again!
-Rheannon

Plants and good coffee.

What do you love about coming home?

What we're reading

We just finished a great read & wanted to share our thoughts with you. There are a lot of “organizing” books out there, and most of them are highly focused on the practical and tangible aspects of the process. New Minimalism: Decluttering and Design for Sustainable, Intentional Living has so much more to offer than just the “how to” organizing info. It feels like they speak our language, when it comes to listening and understanding a client’s specific needs before prescribing what to do and how to do it.

“The key to making the decluttering process feel easy and light is to exercise gratitude. We focus on gratitude because it helps root us and makes us feel calm as we enter this process. It is an antidote to anxiety, fear, and shame. Guilt dwells in the past. Gratitude grounds you in the present.”

- New Minimalism, Cary Fortin + Kyle Quilici

They offer a framework of 4 Archetypes that expound on how individuals personally relate to their possessions. The archetypes are used to help express why it’s hard for a particular person to declutter, while keeping the focus on the positive side of how we relate to our things. This framework can be such a helpful tool when learning your own archetype or the archetype of people you live with.

Here’s a real brief overview of the archetypes:

We love the way they offer a process and plan for helping folks declutter and organize, but they do it in a fluid and flexible way that is tailored to each specific client. In our five years of experience, we find this way of organizing is helpful for clients — there is no one right way for everyone to simplify their lives.

Here’s a few other excerpts we loved from the book:

“Here is the place where we can’t help but expound on one of our favorite philosophies: the myth of choice. Somewhere in our cultural evolution toward a consumer heavy lifestyle, some great advertising goddess came up with the brilliant idea that more is better. This idea has become so ingrained in our American ethos that we believe having more options liberates us and allows us to be our most fulfilled and most creative selves. Even that language - liberty and creativity - is at the very core of what we’ve always held to be the cornerstone of enlightened civilization. Yet it has been proven that having more choices does the exact opposite of giving us freedom. It leads us to feel overwhelmed, unsatisfied, and confused.”

- New Minimalism, Cary Fortin + Kyle Quilici

Cary + Kyle

The gals who wrote this book have a deep appreciation for being conscious consumers, as well as kind to our environment. They even venture to say “ the choices we make in the kitchen, just like the choices we make about our wardrobes, echo through our day and our communities”. We couldn’t agree more with the idea that our choices effect much more than just our own lives and well being.

In regards to mail, they preach the same message we’ve been empowering clients with for a long time… “Make sure that as soon as you get your mail from your box or front door, you open all important pieces, then shred & recycle them once they are no longer needed. If you don’t have time to open your mail, we would recommend leaving it in the mailbox until you do have time, rather than bringing it in and not sorting it. Otherwise piles start to grow”.

We really appreciate the way these women highlight and credit other professionals in the organizing realm, like Marie Kondo & Karen Kingston. This collaborative posture is one we can totally support.

At their best, our homes are a reflection of our hopes, our current values and our history. While having meaningful objects from our pasts can be beautiful, we need to achieve a fine balance, lest we become rooted in our history and unable to move forward into our future.

- New Minimalism, Cary Fortin + Kyle Quilici

This read is chock full of wisdom about making thoughtful decisions and shifting your perspective. We found ourselves nodding our heads and underlining so many pages. If you want to be encouraged and equipped to live more simply and intentionally, we highly recommend grabbing a copy.

We are cheering Cary and Kyle on as they continue to serve clients in the San Fransisco area. Follow them on Instagram to see glimpses of what they do! Grab a copy of their book and stay tuned for their second book, New Minimalism Guided Journal, set to come out in early 2020. They also have a wonderful blog.

meet our friends: brooke & lara

HYD recently moved into a new office space. The space is made up of an old craftsman home with a church attached to it, right off of Lyons View Pike. We are slowly but surely making it our own. We are lucky enough to share our new workspace with two other talented small business owners. These gals happen to also create beautiful art and spaces. Meet Brooke, of Brooke Phillips Designs and Lara, of Studio L. We did a little Q+A, so that you can get to know them… so settle in and enjoy hearing their stories.

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We’ll start with Brooke…

Q- Where did the inspiration for your company come from?

A- My husband always told me I had a gift for creating spaces that people love to be in, way before I was paid for it. And my creativity was born out of what I lacked. I studied because of a passion that I just couldn’t get enough of.  What I learned is that I was able to have a beautiful space by understanding what materials were good, what was real. Woods, metals, leathers, textiles that were natural and timeless are staples in a well thought out space. I had a few homes growing up that modeled that timelessness and were a big source of inspiration for me. But over the years, I realized how healing a home can be to a soul. And that is largely the reason I decided to be brave enough to start my company. And we needed to. I was pushed in my spirit to the point that I couldn’t say “no” anymore. 

Q- What are your favorite projects to work on?

A- I am a stylist. I love helping folks use things that have meaning to them in new and un-heard of ways. I want the spaces I style to tell a story about who lives and breathes in them. We can do that with sounds, sights, textures, smells and beautiful things. When everything is new, it just doesn’t seem as authentic to me. Coco Chanel said, “fashion fades, but style endures.” I agree with that. And my favorite projects are those that evolve over time and ones that give me an opportunity to curate a space. 

Q- What is one job/piece you are most proud of?

A- I am most proud of the restoration of our 1930’s colonial home and guest cottage in South Knoxville. It wasn’t perfect, and we didn’t have the opportunity to fully finish the project, but it had this wonderful feeling and made you want to sit a while and tell stories in it. It felt like home. 

Q- What does "home" mean to you?

A- To me, “Home” is a sacred space where the ones you love feel safe. It doesn’t revolve around “decorations” as much as it revolves around “intentionality”. Do your sofas invite you to sit? Your tables? Does the kitchen island invite you to gather around it? To share? 

Q- What is one book / podcast / song / piece of art that has moved you recently? 

A- I was recently by a piece of art my husband brought back from Israel. It was a photo of graffiti on an ancient exterior wall in Jerusalem. The wall is cracked down the center. And on the cracked wall, was a symbol and painting of “AHAVA”, the Hebrew word for Love backwards forwards, formed in a circle. It is the symbol for perfect love. I think the artist wanted to communicate that perfect love is only possible by loving the imperfections of others. I was inspired because it is on the backdrop of our cracked walls and imperfections that we can love well. 

Q- Favorite thing about living in East TN?

A- I love the seasons of East TN the most. It’s such a beautiful backdrop for rhythms of life. And I love that it’s so full of opportunity and talent and creativity. We lived in Florida for 13 years, and moved back about 5 years ago. I can truly say I’ve met the most talented, creative people here in Knoxville.

Q- What's one thing you'd encourage other small business owners to do? 

A- Collaborate with other like minded businesses! Owning a small business is gruesome work. And I felt like I was on an island for so long, especially as a mother operating a small business. We are expected to work as if we don’t have kids, while being a mother as if we don’t work. That is a hard balance to strike and one that I fail at often. But my saving grace has been like minded women in business who are kindred spirits to walk alongside. We can do anything together. I believe with my whole heart that we are meant for community for each other and with each other. Personally, and in business. 

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Now, we gladly introduce you to Lara…

Q- Where did the inspiration for your company come from?

A- “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…” I, Lara Periut, was a college art student searching for a job. I served at two restaurants until I stumbled into custom framing and have been involved in it ever since. After raising two children until their time was mostly managed by themselves and I found myself with little to occupy mine, an aunt was looking to give her little frame shop to someone in the family. I took that location over two and a half years ago, changed absolutely everything to suit my needs and met many amazing locals in between. I need to point out that about 2 years ago I met Brooke Phillips while on my first child-free-non-framing creative venture on a grand scale: a week long floral and event prep for an elaborate birthday party held at Blackberry Farms. Being grunt workers we didn’t earn much, but sometimes money isn’t the most valuable gift God provides. I learned that I didn’t need to limit my creativity to framing and Brooke’s talents were so inspiring that we absolutely needed to be in each other’s lives. Since then, she has pushed me outside my comfort zone to learn many new things. I have painted, plastered, built and created under her direction and I feel like I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without God planting her firmly in my path. Brooke recently convinced me to uproot my little shop – formerly named Karns Frame & Art but now Studio L - and I am now looking forward to sharing space and inspiration with her and the Help You Dwell crew.

Q- What are your favorite projects to work on?

A- I adore a challenge so my favorite frames to assemble are shadow boxes that require attention to detail, dedication to the process and design so they are visually interesting. Over the years I’ve framed necklaces, antique Victorian purses, full sized Kimono’s, military medals, Roman artifacts, Civil war artifacts, curling tongs from the 1920’s, drum heads, mechanical instruments…so many things can be preserved through custom framing and it intrigues me to figure out how to do just that.

Q- What does "home" mean to you?

A- Anyone can own a house to showcase the newest and finest money can buy, but a home reflects the comforts, creativity, warmth and hospitality of the inhabitants. A home is a safe zone where one can unwind from a busy day and surround themselves with things that they love. Mine is currently a mess, but then dogs and teens aren’t super helpful when it comes to cleaning up!

Q- What is one book / podcast / song / piece of art that has moved you recently? 

A- At a friend’s suggestion, I have been listening to Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged while I work. As an avid reader (or listener as the case may be), the details and literary nuances used to exemplify the authors ideals absolutely boggles my mind! It is easy to empathize with the characters because the values explored by Ayn are parallel to today yet was observed close to a century ago. It proves that there is nothing new in the world today, it’s simply a matter of how we view it. Out of 63 hours of audio, I’m only about 10 hours in so I don’t feel knowledgeable enough to hold an in-depth conversation about the morals of her story, but I will admit that I am in awe of Ayn Rand.

Q- Favorite thing about living in East TN?

A- I was born and raised here in Knoxville, TN and our family Bible documents generations back born within or nearby its boundaries. Where I don’t enjoy the allergies intrinsic to being snuggled in the valley of the mountains, I can’t even imagine living anywhere without those strong arms wrapped around me. The flat places of the world I visit and with McGhee Tyson airport expanding with an international terminal what more could one ask for? In a nutshell, for me Knoxville is where my Dad tills up a huge garden in the spring that feeds way more than our family could ever hope to eat, we live minutes from hikes in Big South Fork that my dog can join us on with breathtaking views at every turn, we have 4 seasons that are mild compared to most, and there are what I call “Twilight Zones” (like Karns where my home is) small enough that everyone knows when their neighbor sneezes yet it’s large enough that I can still find a back road I have never driven on before.

Q- What's one thing you'd encourage other small business owners to do? 

A- Since the industrial age the production of goods have been mechanized and businesses are required only to sell those items in a cold and corporate manner. That’s perfectly fine and I’m not knocking that, but after more than 100 years people are rediscovering the values and imperfections of hand made items with a loop missed here or a chink along the edge of products made in someone’s home. If I am to offer any sort of business advice it would be, “If there is a need, fill it!” Go out and begin to do what you do best, what makes you happy might just be the balm for another in need. The simplest things don’t even require a loan to begin! God has gifted you everything you need and it’s inside you, so take baby steps and the rest will fall into place over time.

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We are so thankful to call these two incredible women our friends.
They are also incredible resources and talent we hope our HYD clients take advantage of!

Say Hello to Kellye

Having watched Help You Dwell grow for the past five years, and now as part of this team, I can tell you that there’s a heartbeat to what we do. Yes, we may pack boxes and organize pantries, but the core of who we are is relational. We know each homeowner has a unique story, and we seek to empower them to navigate seasons of transition well and to organize and order their spaces in a way that reflects who they are.

It’s this beat that brought me to Help You Dwell — it speaks to the core of who I am as a person. If you and I were to look back on the jobs I’ve had since my first at 12-years-old, we would find that there are two distinct attributes that vividly mark my work life:

One, I will always make my work relational.

Whether I’ve been crafting hot lattes, ghost writing a book, speaking to hundreds of high school students, or managing social media accounts, I’ve always asked the question: How can I connect with people here? There is something beautiful about taking a thing that could be very transactional and making it relational. It surprises people. It blesses them. It ushers light and color into a moment that would be dull and grey otherwise. There’s nothing better than that!

I come by this honestly as the fourth born (of seven!) to the single-most relational people I know. My sweet parents, Joe and Mary, daily model what it looks like to really see people, to listen to their stories, and to encourage them. And that’s more important to me in my work life than any particular task I may complete.

My not-so-little family at Thanksgiving this year - My parents, their seven kids and four spouses, and four little grandkids. Family is incredibly important to me.

It’s important in all other areas of my life as well - when hosting women in my home, spending time with my family, writing, and serving my little church family here in Knoxville.

And two, I thrive when I am supporting those around me.

Perhaps it’s because I’m a middle child or it’s just the way God made me, but I’ve found I am aware of and quick to notice others’ needs. That comes in handy when you’re in a supportive role like mine.

As the office manager / jill-of-all-trades at Help You Dwell, my goal is to both support our team in a way that allows them to do their jobs well, and to care for you, our clients, as you work with us.

I may rarely set foot in one of your home’s, but I am caring for you in my own unique ways: creating systems and processes that provide you with a seamless experience, serving as a point of contact as you navigate the work we are doing in your home, caring for our team so the team can, in turn, care for you.

I prefer to organize spreadsheets, invoices, and schedules, but I’ll confess: I do love a good gallery wall in at least one space in my home!

I am pretty lucky. I’ve joined a team that values the two things that are at the core of my work life: relationships and care. I prefer to organize spreadsheets, invoices, and schedules, and I get to do so while nurturing connections and supporting those around me.

As we start a fresh year, I’m thankful to be a fresh face here. I hope to “meet” you over the phone soon, as you schedule your next organizing session or big move. To serve you will be my pleasure!

Holiday Gift Guide 2018

Experiences

Tickets to The Unusual Tale of Mary & Joseph’s Baby

Rock climbing @ River Sports

Photo Session with Carrie Jo Savage, of Texture Photo

Yoga passes @ Glowing Body 

Rhythm & Blooms Tickets

Blue Apron Meal Subscription

Ice Skating on market square

Pottery Class @ Mighty Mud

Bullet Journaling Workshop

Knox Brew Tour

Progressive dinner- visit 4 different downtown restaurants and walk between courses

Cooking classes and a 4 course meal with Chef Cedric. See this article for more info.

HYD Jump Start to the Ordered Home

Image from The Hive

Image from Knoxville Holidays on Ice

Image from River & Rail Theater Co.

Goods

Coffee from 41 & Change Coffee Co.

Dwell candle

New Minimalism: Decluttering and design for Sustainable, Intentional Living

Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave

Origami Day 2019 Planner

Brass Easel Photo Desk Calendar

A set of hand made glasses from Pretentious Glass Co.

A best seller from Union Ave Books

A plant from Stanleys Greenhous

Image by Artifact Uprising

Image by Pretentious Glass

Join us @ Consign to Design tonight!

We’re so excited to gather at Knoxville’s very own Consign to Design this Thursday night at 6:30 pm. We will be presenting “The Ordered Home”. Kristi and her team have graciously invited us to come some organizing know-how in their beautiful shop of high end consignment furniture & decor pieces. We love their shop and their mission to give quality furniture & decor new life in new spaces. Whether you are already organized or overwhelmed by the thought of organizing, this is for you. We’ve come up with some practical and inspiring tips and tricks to share with you. You’ll leave refreshed and empowered, we promise. We are excited to meet you & share our evening with you. We will be taking questions & discussing all things related to home and dwelling. Invite your friends!

There may even be a giveaway….

See you tonight!

6:30 pm @ Consign to Design
9329 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37922

why we gather around the table

Last week, our HYD team (14 of our 15 amazing women) gathered around the table to enjoy a potluck feast. To be honest, not a ton of planning went into this evening. We had a few hopes for the night: we would each bring something to contribute to the meal, and we would each show up with our own story. It was a really simple & at the same time, meaningful evening together.

Photo by Texture Photo.

Photo by Texture Photo.

Photo by Texture Photo.

“They broke bread in their homes & ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”

Home made cooking & enticing smells made their way through the door while we poured wine into glasses, as everyone showed up one by one. The dishes were varied and unique, like the gals that brought them. When everyone is responsible for bringing “something” - it takes the burden off of the host to provide everything. This was also a fun way to get to enjoy a variety of foods without too much work for anyone. It was like the “Greatest Hits of Thanksgiving” from 15 different family traditions.

Photo by Texture Photo.

Photo by Texture Photo.

When the meal began, we started sharing conversation around our experiences as organizers. It wasn’t a forced discussion about “work”, rather, it was one of the rare instances where we are all gathered together in the same room to share stories. Our team is made up of some women who have been organizing for Help You Dwell for over 4 years and others that have only been with us a month or so. We heard stories about surprising connections with clients, vulnerable moments, and light hearted, funny encounters. While HYD is a team, we often function individually as we work with clients to help them pack for a move, get organized, or settle in after a transition. It was so rich to share stories & what we’ve learned about ourselves in the field. We also each bring our own “flavor” of personality to the table, which adds a fun social dynamic as we connected and laughed and listened.

Photo by Texture Photo.

Our desire in sharing about our evening with you is to encourage you to gather. A shared meal doesn’t need to be fancy or stressful. Don’t put all of the pressure on yourself, but invite your guests to participate and spread out the responsibility. Use what you have & get creative. Whether it’s with family members, neighbors, friends or strangers, we are so much better together than we are on our own. If we don’t make time to connect and listen to those around us, we limit ourselves from the beauty, story and depth that others have to share.

5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Organizer

Texture Photo.

1 - You are likely a busy person

When you hear the word “busy”, you might quickly assume that this is a negative word… not necessarily. Depending on the family members you have, social groups you are a part of, church you attend, or organizations you support, there are so many events, demands, projects and opportunities you could participate in. This is a wonderful dilemma! To fill our lives and schedules with meaningful encounters and engagements is a luxury. Instead of blocking off a whole day or week of your time to get your home in order, allow us to come help you with the task. We can free you up to be able to participate in all of the things you love, without the weight of a disordered or cluttered home. If “getting organized” is merely an item on a long to-do list, it’s probably going to get overlooked and pushed down the list week after week. However, if you have a scheduled appointment, you are much more likely to make it happen. We are ready to help, and we can hold you accountable to your goals. We can even work on your space while you aren’t home if that works best for your schedule. Fill your time with the things that bring you life, and let us handle the rest!

2 - You have too much stuff

Over time, the items in your closet, dresser, cabinets, pantry, basement, garage and attic have accumulated and expanded. That’s a lot of places for excess to pile up. At some point you may have had “just” what you needed to live well and enjoy your space, but chances are, you have more than enough now. This “more than enough” is taking up precious real estate in your space. It might even be causing you to waste time and energy, while also costing you more money and stress than you intended. You might have to climb over excess to find specific items in storage areas. You probably spend too much time filing through hanging clothes to find that one top you are looking for. Before a system of order and simplicity can be implemented, there must always be a purge. This is sort of like taking inventory of all of your belongings, touching them and making an intentional decision on whether or not each item stays or goes. We do our very best to inform our clients about where to donate specific items that will be put to good use. Purging is not for the faint of heart. You often need a second pair of eyes to make decisions— we highly advise you to not do this alone.

3 - You are emotionally attached to your stuff

Texture Photo.

We’ve all lived through painful experiences and losses. Sometimes belongings are are passed down from a loved one that we aren’t sure what to do with. Not knowing the monetary value of items can also cause confusion in the decision making process around what to keep and what to let go of. We all grieve and process transitional life experiences differently. Give yourself grace here. There is no “right” way to do this. Gifts can carry such heavy sentimental value, while at the same time serving no real functional purpose. We are able to impart this foundational truth to many clients while sifting through emotionally difficult items - letting go of an object does not erase or eliminate the memory associated with said item or the person who gave it to you. Think 50 years down the road - do you want your friends & family to feel weighed down by any gifts you have given them that they simply keep because they feel guilty getting rid of them? Or, do you want them to feel the freedom to cherish memories without holding onto every single gift or trinket?

4 - You aren’t sure where to start

When it’s your own clutter you’re trying to tackle, it can be personally overwhelming and debilitating. (This is even true for us, the professionals). We oftentimes start small, because the sense of success and accomplishment from one organized area, is what will fuel you through the larger more labor-some areas of your home. When getting to know our clients, we always listen first - this allows us to make a prioritized plan of what spaces should be organized first and in a way that serves you best. We ask questions to find out what matters most to you, what is valuable to the people in your home, and what you hope the overall outcome of organization in your home will look and feel like. We are mindful of the fact that each space affects other rooms in your home and take that into account when coming up with a plan. This allows us to be more efficient with your time, energy, and resources. Although you live day to day in your home, we enter in with a fresh perspective because it’s all new to us. Most importantly, your clutter doesn’t scare us - we see the potential from the get go! Once we’ve hit the “reset” button on your home, you’ll be more able to keep up with the rhythms and routines of organization.

Texture Photo.

5 - You’re facing a life transition

Life is always shifting and changing. Just when we settle into one season, the next one is creeping up on us. Sometimes sudden life altering events come crashing in with no warning. From small changes to sudden or tragic ones, all changes leave us needing to re-settle and reinstate order so that we can press on and adjust. Sometimes an urgent move or job shift creates a pressurized demand for changes to happen quickly in your home. We often are just the compassionate helpers and additional hands you need to finish a looming project. Welcoming new people into your home such as a baby, an aging parent, a foster child, or a relative for a temporary or extended stay, can create a list of to-do’s that can feel impossible. If you’re facing complex or challenging life transitions like divorce or death of a loved one, we are able to help you find a path forward. We make it our mission to help make practical and manageable plans to help our clients through these difficult situations. In such chaotic and painful times, we strive to bring a spirit of hope and peace of mind all the while, getting tasks accomplished.

It’s been a privilege to work with our clients over the past 4.5 years. Everyone has a unique situation and it’s our greatest joy to listen and learn how we can best serve you.

The Best Boxes for your Next Move

It's a busy time of year for moving and Knoxville's housing market is fast and furious these days with lots of folks relocating within and moving to our fabulous city.  HYD has had the privilege of assisting lots of folks with their move, be it the pre-pack purge, packing, coordinating the day of the move, or setting up clients in their new homes. In our experience, the one challenge that is consistent throughout this process is figuring out the most protected, cost efficient, and environmentally conscience way to contain all our client's belongings.

Just recently, we had the great pleasure of meeting the owner of a new company here in Knoxville that may help us answer that very question...

Meet Frank Ramey, owner, operator, and "Chief Officer of Customer Happiness" of RPM Boxes, a plastic moving box rental company located in the heart of Knoxville.

Frank has an extensive background in logistics which has set him up perfectly for running this new business here in Knoxville. As packers (and unpackers), HYD really appreciated all he had to say about his research to find the best-sized boxes for fitting the most commonly packed items and how easy he's made it for people to get those boxes delivered to and picked up from their doorstep!

RPM Boxes' user friendly website will answer your questions and help clarify the facts about saving money and time renting plastic boxes instead of purchasing cardboard boxes and tape. Also, as organizers we love how well these pack then stack, allowing for movers to easily access them, load them on dollies, and get them to the truck, cutting down on the time and cost of moving items. Lastly, we can all appreciate the small environmental impact involved by choosing reusable boxes.

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We're also excited to share that anytime you use the code HYD10, you will receive 10% off your rental fee! AND... for a limited time only, RPM Boxes is offering 50% off any rentals so if you book for an upcoming move now, you'll get a GREAT deal!!

Call (865) 269-6797 to secure your boxes today!

What is "Stitch Fix"?

What is Stitch Fix?

The simplest answer is: an online subscription and personal shopping service in the United States. They put in the work of styling an outfit for you behind the scenes. Then it ends up on your door step. Pretty clever and convenient, right? We wanted to try it out because we are dedicated to bringing simplicity and intention to even your wardrobe. 

How does it work?

3 easy steps: 1- Fill Out a Style Profile, 2- Request a Fix Delivery, 3- Keep What You Want.

The process was in depth without feeling endless. They gather the information once, to be able to meet your needs over and over again. Their hope is to save their customers time and money. They have developed a system that streamlines the shopping process and provides you with a few fresh clothing pieces that you might not have found on your own. 

The Cost:

You pay $20 stylist fee, but this payment goes toward any items of clothing that you decide to keep & purchase. It's a minimal investment to get a feel for their process and see if it is a good fit for you. 

Image via Stitch Fix.

Our Review:

Stitch Fix has really fine tuned their process to be as painless and simple as possible. It was convenient and fun! Enjoying items that were specifically picked for you, can be such a treat. Shopping can feel overwhelming and burdensome as far as time, money and energy go. Another perk is that they put together an entirely new outfit for you, even if you don't choose to keep each piece - they've provided a fresh look from top to bottom. We can all so easily get in a style rut with the clothing we have. Their packaging was pretty and simple, everything was delivered in great condition and their instructions are very easy to follow. Overall, even if you don't keep any of the items in your Fix, it is a fun experience. We really enjoyed getting to see new brands, and items we don't typically see in most department stores. The downside: if you are a bargain shopper and love to search for the best deal - this might not feel as satisfying to you. If you also love to browse endless aisles and racks of different options - this could feel limiting to you. 

What are your experiences with online clothing/style subscriptions? 

Meet our friends, The Roggeman Group

This week we are so excited to introduce you to a local business that shares our same value of excellent service and compassion for clients. Here's a little Q+A we did with Robin from the Roggeman Group. 

Husband and wife team: Brent and Robin Roggeman

Q.  Who makes up the "Roggeman Group"? 
A.  We are Brent and Robin Roggeman- a husband and wife team with an affinity for people and Knoxville. Brent, is a Powell native, Realtor, and real estate appraiser, who offers over 14 years of experience in the Knoxville  and surrounding markets. I am a Realtor and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) I have a strong background and understanding of  the senior and aging population, along with a foundation in marketing. I was previously a nurse with a focus on geriatrics and then transitioned into marketing where I spent the majority of my time in senior living communities. Brent brings much of the traditional real estate knowledge and experience, while I bring the senior focus. We live with our 2 labs and teenage daughter in North Knoxville.

Q.  What sets you apart from other realtors?
A.  We view real estate as an experience, not a transaction. We offer our clients a unique perspective. The combination of both of our backgrounds allows us to view the market in a multidimensional way. Aside from the Realtor perspective, Brent sees things with an appraiser’s eye and from that of a native Knoxvillian. I relate much back to my experience with the senior population and the transitions that come with aging. Whether downsizing, moving in with a family member, or joining a senior community, I understand the challenges that are involved. Along with sensitivity, knowledge and experience- we provide our clients with a network of trusted resources to help simplify the process every step of the way. This includes everything from movers, to organizers such as HYD, to contractors and lenders. We found that it takes a lot of the guess work out of things and allows for  peace of mind and a smooth experience- especially for those folks that are from out of town or who already have a lot on their plate. Real estate is a big deal and a big decision. We have been there and want buying or selling a home to be the easy part. From the nervous excitement of first time home buyers to the upsizing of the growing family, to investment, commercial, senior transitions and everything in between, we are committed to making it a great experience. 

National Association of Realtors Official designation and Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation. 

Follow @roggemangroup on Instagram. 

Q.  Who are your ideal clients?
A.  We serve all of the community and try to connect with  buyers, sellers, and family members in all stages of real estate. Because of my SRES training and background, I gravitate to the senior community, while Brent serves our more traditional clients. I have a genuine love for the older population and realize that it requires a specific type of conversation, process, and level of support. I have seen the worried daughter, responsible for selling her mom’s house but lives hours away with a full time job and a family of her own, who doesn’t even know how to begin the process. I have seen the couple who celebrates their 50th anniversary in the home they bought when they first got married but recognize that it’s a lot to maintain and it is time to downsize. We also have celebrated the joy of first time home ownership with the newly engaged couple who are excited about beginning to build their lives together. It all comes back to creating an experience and serving as a resource. 

Q.  What do you love about Knoxville? 
A.  The small town feel of a big city. Everything is accessible here. There is a great culture and sense of community that is palpable. We love biking downtown, boating, exploring local restaurants, seeking out live music. There is always something fun and unique to do for families and adults alike. We love the support Knoxville offers to small and local businesses, the arts, and visitors. It is a welcoming place to live and be and we are constantly growing!

Q.  What is your favorite part of your job?
A. Meeting new people and becoming part of their experience. We are so fortunate that we are able to live and work in a place that we love and have the opportunity to introduce it to new people. We especially enjoy helping folks make their visions and dreams a reality while also helping to make the process easier when circumstances are difficult or emotional. 

Like their page on Facebook to keep up with them! 

Q. What is something you wish everyone knew about the population you serve?
A.  Each segment of the population that we serve has its unique characteristics. The approach we take with first time home buyers is very different than the approach we take with investors. The conversations and methods of communication differ, as well. For example because my passion lies with our senior population, I recognize that it may have been sometime since their last real estate transaction or maybe they would prefer more face to face communication rather than emails or phone calls. I also find that family members who are handling estates, often shoulder a lot of the work. There can be a lot of emotion involved and I want to do all that I can to help lighten that load for them and their loved one. The take away is that we treat each segment with the same great service and attention, but we tailor it specifically to their needs and expectations.

Q. What is a little known fact about you guys?
A.  Brent and I are very different. Our personalities are almost completely opposite as he is the quiet observer and I’m the social butterfly. He is the analyzer and I am the implementer. It truly serves as a counter balance and equalizer for us both and allows complimentary viewpoints in every situation. It works very well for us personally and professionally. It also means that we laugh a lot and have a really great time together. We take a lot of pride in being partners in every sense of the word. On a personal note it means that I love 90’s music and he loves country. 

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We so enjoyed getting to know Robin and hear about her compassionate heart for her clients. We can't wait to partner together in the future to serve Knoxville with excellence. 

How to get in touch with The Roggeman Group:
Call - 865-315-7477
Email - rroggeman@kw.com

Home (away from home) Tour

This month, Katie and her husband went on a trip to Hawaii. With the wonderful convenience of Airbnb, she and her husband found a dreamy (and affordable) island escape that we are excited to share with you! Imagine natural beauty, fresh warm air, and wild frogs croaking as you fall asleep. 

The east side of the Big Island of Hawaii is lush and full of tropical vegetation. The rain forest and jungle vibes are the perfect backdrop for this Balinese Style eco-hut. It's clear that the owners and designers put so much intention and thought into the design. The name of this eco-hut: "Lemongrass". The home is minimal yet eclectic and extremely comfortable. From the materials they used to the layout of the space, you can see clearly that this was a labor of love and that they use the space efficiently. 

Enjoy these snapshots of the "Lemongrass"!

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Why we love this tropical getaway? 

The Kitchen

Simple design, gas stove, water filter, french press coffee, prep area, vertical wall storage for pots and pans, local spices, just enough space for two! 

No Wasted Space

Every corner had a function, but it didn't feel cluttered. They managed to incorporate a kitchen, dining space (with an unobstructed jungle view), queen bed, and a bathroom sink & toilet in a 20x12 structure while managing to create an open and airy feel. 

Limited Wifi 

They offered wifi on a schedule of 8 am - 8 pm. This is crucial for guests as they may still need to research and plan aspects of their trip while there. But the schedule also provided unplugged time that allowed us to truly disconnect from the internet and really be present. 

Sights & Sounds

Falling asleep to the chorus of local frogs croaking and the intermittent breaking of ocean waves was like having your own custom noise machine. Birds start singing their songs as early as warm sunlight started to color the sky.

Where are your favorite vacation spots?
Have you used Airbnb for your travels?
What do you look for in vacation rentals? 

We'd love to hear about your travel experiences.

Reflecting on 2017

2017: a few highlights from this past year

1 BABY BORN
Hank, to co-founder Caroline & husband Andrew

1 WEDDING CELEBRATED
Katie, Office Admin & Project Manager to Andy Martin

1 PARTNERSHIP WITH MOVING TIME
local moving company we trust and highly recommend

4 NEW TEAM MEMBERS
Erin, Bekah, Allie, Katoya

4 HOME TOURS
Tiny Home, Historic Home, Downtown Home, Parkridge Home

5 GIVEAWAYS
We collaborated with other local businesses and gave away some awesome goods

6 EVENTS HOSTED/CO-HOSTED
First Friday @ Nest, Intro to the Art of Design, Interior Design Workshop, Pottery Barn Workshop, DIY Workshop @ Fountain City United Methodist Church, Spring Flea, Fall flea

7 INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS COMPLETED
Cassandra worked on one of a kind design plans and installs

12 NEWSLETTERS
Sign up to receive the HYD monthly newsletter and announcements here! 

17 MONTHLY CLIENTS
Month by month, one project at a time we served these clients all year long

24 MOVES MANAGED
Ranging from partial/packing and unpacking to full scale move management

52 BLOG POSTS
Check out our weekly posts here 

200+ ORGANIZING PROJECTS COMPLETED
Pantries, garages, basements, closets, bathrooms, linen closets, etc.

Merry Christmas

The team at Help You Dwell wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We are mixing it up this week and sharing a few of our favorite Christmas links from around the web. Enjoy!

1. A Hosting Checklist to get your ready for the Holidays

2. Paying it forward this Holiday season

3. The ultimate Holiday dinner guide

4. A fun holiday craft.

5. We know the Holidays are not easy for everyone. For when it's hard.

Holiday gift guide: Give the gift of experience rather than goods

Christmas is less than two weeks away and we have a great list of gift ideas that won't clutter up the homes of the ones you love. We have compiled ideas for all age groups, budgets, and interests. We've even managed to think of ways to support local businesses without having to purchase tangible items. Whether you're shopping for "the person that already has everything", someone who is working toward a minimal lifestyle, or for someone that you wish would get rid of some clutter, we've got you covered. 

Experiences:

Knox Mason

• A Weekend away. Knoxville is conveniently located in driving distance from Nashville, Atlanta, Louisville, Chattanooga, and the Smokey Mountains. Try out an air bnb property rather than a hotel for a more personalized experience.
• Dinner out. A few of our local favorites are A dopo, Knox Mason, Emelia, and J.C. Holdway
• Manicure, pedicure, massage, spa treatment etc. Support a local salon like Wild Lavender or Pure Lux

Give the gift of classes or offer to teach someone a skill that you have:

Image source

• Teach a loved one to knit, crochet, embroider, or sew. Loopville offers lots of classes for all levels of learning
• Teach someone how to bake your "signature" treat or cook your favorite meal or give the gift of cooking classes at The Cutting Edge Classroom
• Music/instrument lessons. Bill Jones Music offers many options.
• Art or pottery classes. Check out Mighty Mud or ask a local artist if they offer private lessons.
• Yoga membership or class package. The Glowing Body is one of our favorite locally owned studios.
• Photography classes. Light Finds offers classes and private lessons as well!

Events:

The Mill & Mine: Image Source

• Tickets to a concert. Check out the websites of these local or neighboring city venues to see whose coming to town soon. The Bijou Theater, The Tennessee Theater, The Mill & Mine, The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and The Orange Peel in Asheville. 
• Tickets to a play or musical. These local theaters and theater company's won't disappoint. River and Rail, Clarence Brown Theater, The Carpet Bag Theater
• Tickets to a sporting event like a UT basketball game or an ice bears game
• Tickets to a workshop at The Hive (upcoming workshops include embodied season, understanding the enneagram , and make your own perfume) or Central Collective (upcoming workshops include good sport night, sushi making, and an introduction course to indigo and shibori dyeing)

Gift ideas for Kids:

The Basement community art studio. Image Source

• Climbing passes to Onsight Rock Gym or The Climbing Center at River Sports
• Classes at or passes to The Basement Community Arts Studio
• Navitat at Ijams is a tree based adventure course that kiddos would LOVE getting passes for
• A trip to Paint your own pottery at Liza moz
• Ice Chalet passes or lessons

Miscellaneous:

CSA share. Image source

• A Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Membership. Check out this website for local options.
• A fishing license (and a gift certificate to a bait shop) or hunting license (with ammunition)
• Ancestry/DNA testing is all the rage. Give a friend or family member a kit so that they can learn more about their heritage. These two services come highly recommended--Ancestry DNA and 23&Me.
• A trial run of a meal service. Our favorites are Hello Fresh and Peach Dish
• Know someone that could use some organizing help, packing help for an upcoming move, or interior design assistance? Help You Dwell gift cards are the way to go  :)
• Give a donation to a charity in honor of a loved one. Some of our favorite non profits in town are Beardsley Farm, The Knoxville Museum of Art, The Knox County Library, Compassion Coalition, Interfaith Health Clinic, The Change Center and The Volunteer Ministry Center

Think outside of the box this year and give those you love something that they will remember forever!

Introducing Origami Day!

I am so excited to introduce HYD's new friend, Samantha Lane, founder of Origami Day, to you. HYD is so thrilled to learn about her new company and how she's helping folks with time management and personal productivity!

Samantha came up with the idea after a health scare a few years back that led her to rethink how she was spending her own time.  Soon thereafter, she attended a time management class where the lightbulb came on and Origami Day was born.  Samantha's been applying Origami Day practices in her own life for some time now.  After walking alongside friends and colleagues assisting them with their calendars and how to use their time more wisely, she realized she had lots to offer our busy culture.  

So what is Origami Day? We'll start with the fabulous, simple, and very functional products:

The 2018 Origami Planner Notebook
This planner/notebook is so lovely and brilliant as it allows you to see the month as a whole, helping you keep track of the bigger picture with a year view as well. But that's not all, the journal has space for note taking, big ideas, and other important scribbles. These features  allow you to only grab one item instead of a planner and a journal and a notepad.  Available locally at Rala and online.

The Origami Day Planner Sheet
These sheets are designed with a unique grid that allows you to plan your week thoroughly. The next step is to fold your sheet along the provided lines allowing you to see your present day and the following day encouraging you to stay present and not be overwhelmed by the entire week. Available online.

Time Management Presentation
Samantha leads dynamic sessions that will inspire any audience to get excited about Time Management or Personal Productivity. Whether you are looking for a workshop, a conference speaker, or another special event, Origami Day is a great choice.

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Origami Day is more than just the products though. It's also a new way of thinking. Samantha is dedicated to creating a culture shift, even if it's just on a small scale. She's come to realize that...

“... how we spend our day is how we spend our life.”

Samantha Lane, Founder

Just as HYD has seen the freedom and renewal that comes from decluttering the stuff in our homes, Samantha is now experiencing the great power that comes from decluttering one's schedule to create space and time for the things in life that truly matter.

And be on the lookout for some exciting collaborations between Origami Day and Help You Dwell this Spring!!

-- You can subscribe to Origami Day's newsletter here for Time Management tips and for upcoming events --

happy thanksgiving

We hope your homes and tables are full today. Make joyous memories with grateful hearts. 

Photo by Texture Photo.

We are incredibly grateful for our family + friends, clients, and this lovely city that we call home. Happy Thanksgiving, Knoxville! 

Ideas for an Organized + Meaningful Thanksgiving

Before you get overwhelmed or let another list of ideas make you feel like you aren't doing "enough"... we're sharing these tips to bring just a little additional function or fun to your Thanksgiving, but it doesn't have to be complicated. There is something very sacred and special about welcoming guests, family and friends into your home with as minimal fuss as possible. The hospitable act of opening your door, your table, your kitchen, your heart and your family is not to be taken lightly. Give yourself some grace. And if you are the one visiting someone else's home, go with gratitude. What if you chose not to get caught up in the expensive decor, fancy fixings, or newest trends this year? We challenge you to make a little commitment to yourself and whoever you are gathering with - that you will simply be grateful to gather, and the rest is all secondary. 

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Our ideas to bring functionality + fun to your Thanksgiving:

Image from The Pretty Blog.

• Turn up the tunes. Make a family mix playlist on Spotify, so that everyone gets to hear a few of their current favorite songs. Or you can pick a genre or artist that everyone will love and have it playing in the background all day.

• No Phone Zone. What if you and your guests all put your phones away (silenced and in another room) during your meal? Consider how this could eliminate distractions and foster togetherness at your table.

• Take your feast outside. If the weather allows, shift your Thanksgiving meal outside - embrace the crisp fall air and a change of scenery. Ask your guests to bring camping chairs and set up a fire to enjoy after the feast. This will allow time to linger and savor the day a little longer. This blog post is an incredible inspiration for your outdoor Thanksgiving.

• If you have help, take it. Don't try to be a superhero - let your people pitch in and give you a hand.

• Walk it out. If you can find just 20 minutes, grab a neighbor or loved one in town and step away from the kitchen and enjoy fresh air and company for a brief break. If you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal for lunch, this is a great idea for the whole gang after the meal. Get your body moving for just a bit, you might even enjoy that pumpkin pie a little more if you do.

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Links we're loving: 

Image from The Pretty Blog.

• Printable Thanksgiving worksheet - beautifully simple design and thought-provoking questions. This is a great way to include everyone at the table in conversation. Spend time sharing your answers!

• Leftover Labels from The House that Lars Built blog.

• Kraft to-go food boxes on Amazon.

• Get real fancy with this Pie take home box printable. Print it on a fun color card stock paper.