HYD Blog
thoughts on dwelling
Here we are again, students returning to class rooms and summertime behind us. As we adjust to the changing season and our weekly rhythms flipped upside down, we wanted to suggest a few ways to save your sanity. Getting ourselves out the door, kids to the bus stop, or everyone in gear for learning at home can be a challenge.
Learning at home, whether it is in a homeschool setting or just practicing skills and studying for tests, can often be a struggle for families. Children are busy with sports, friends, lessons, and more. They don’t always want to give you 100% when it comes to their studies. Often siblings, televisions, and neighbors ringing the doorbell can be a distraction. In our last blog we discussed some basics for creating a good learning environment. And in this blog, we’ve consulted the experts and loved the advice they gave, especially regarding homeschooling.
When setting up a learning/study space, it’s important to remember that it needs to be organized and easy for kids to navigate on their own. If a space is chaotic, it creates stress and frustration, and those are the last things any parent needs when trying to help their child learn and practice new skills. We’ve asked some friends who are homeschooling now, or have in the past, what tips they have for best managing a learning space. Here are some helpful tips and pictures they shared with us!
Rachel: Their family was a homeschool family in 2020 and then participated in a homeschool/co-op after that. Rachel was a teacher before working for Help You Dwell, so she already had a good understanding of how to teach concepts and lesson planning/pacing.
Tip: Switch it up. While they had a designated homeschool area in the dining room, they often went to other tables or areas in the house, and they got OUTSIDE as much as possible. They even sat on the roof a couple times! Rachel also mentioned the importance of taking field trips to help with learning and visiting the local library for reading time and to check out books. Learning doesn’t have to always take place at a desk. Younger kids do well with movement and change every 20-30 minutes.
Tip: Keep it simple. Too much visual noise on the walls and on desks/tables is overstimulating and too busy/distracting for little ones. It’s also easier to change things up as the year goes on as you are learning about various places and concepts.
Tip: Work for incentives! Kids are motivated by having goals and something to work toward. Make sure that you do things to keep them motivated and moving forward each day.
Heather: She has been homeschooling for 15 years. She has held homeschool in a dedicated room, but she’s also had to teach from the kitchen table when their family was between homes in an apartment. She doesn’t stick to a set schedule each day but does follow the same rhythms with her kids each day. Sometimes school is in the morning and sometimes it is at night. Heather also says she loves to travel and take trips with her kids to help with learning. She’s taken them to 48 states and says sometimes it’s those moments when you end up chasing a rabbit trail that the kids remember the most. If they are curious about something, Heather believes that you should let kids explore and go deeper. She feels there is immense value in going on field trips and getting out and learning from the real world.
Tip: Storage is important. When she had a dedicated room to teach in, she built in desks and used custom made cabinets for storage. She currently teaches in her home’s library and uses a bookshelf for storage. Each of her kids had a dedicated shelf for their workbooks and supplies, She also utilizes rolling carts for her teacher manuals and books she may be reading with her kids. She has a turn in basket on the wall where the kids know to place their work and she can easily grab it to grade. Heather loves magnetic whiteboards on her walls in their homeschool room AND in their kitchen. She says often they end up in the kitchen eating or snacking and it is nice to have a board in that room so that notes can be made, or concepts can be explained while everyone is sitting around the table.
Tip: Connect with others! The homeschooling network is HUGE. Heather emphasized the importance of connecting with other families during your homeschool journey. She said if you are a person who doesn’t love science experiments, reach out to others-there’s always someone in your network who would love to fill in the gaps where you might not feel confident. You can do the same in return!
Tip: Set expectations early. Heather likes to ease into learning at the start of the year. She staggers subjects and lets the kids get used to being back in “school mode” before diving in and trying to teach all subjects. But once they are in the groove she lays out their lessons and writes the to-do list for the day in the kids’ notebooks each morning. She has the semester planned on a calendar for reference so that she can pace herself in regards to teaching all standards.
Amber: Her family has been homeschooling for 8 years. She has 4 kids and has a dedicated room to teach in. Her kids participate in a co-op, so they are at school for 3 days and home for two. Amber loves the flexibility homeschooling gives her family. They don’t have a set start time each day but do follow the same routine on days when they are home. She loves that there is such a big homeschool community in our area and has a group chat with other homeschool families. She loves seeking guidance and help from others and says having that sense of community and knowing others are out there to help when you need it is a huge blessing.
Tip: Set a routine early. At the beginning of the week, she prints lesson plans and her kids put them in their binders. They also pull all the worksheets they will need for the week and are responsible for keeping their binders in order. They know how to use the printer and have a list of their passwords posted on the boards by their desks so that they can be more independent. The kids know that when their learning time is over, everything must be put back in its place and cleaned up.
Tip: Use the wall space. She has handwriting posters, maps, and magnetic whiteboards on the walls above the girls’ desks. She houses materials for teaching and learning in a set of bookshelves with supplies (dictionaries, flashcards, math manipulatives, art supplies, etc.) that are easily accessible. She also has shelving along the sides of the walls by the desks for extra storage for books, journals and work they need to complete. Amber uses bigger desks against the wall for her two older children and a smaller desk in the middle of the room for her younger. It is important to have appropriate seating for younger students who are still learning basic fine motor skills.
Tip: Keep a calm environment. Amber’s room has a large window with natural light that streams in the room all day. She diffuses oils and plays music at times to help with concentration and maintaining a calming environment for learning. Her kids often use noise cancelling headphones or ear buds when they are learning. This also helps minimize distractions.
All three of these lovely ladies mentioned the same thing when we were wrapping up our interviews: GIVE YOURSELF SOME GRACE. They all said that at first it seems difficult, and you want to try to do it all, but really, if you are instilling a love for learning then you are doing “school” the correct way. There are also several great resources in Knoxville that could supplement what you are doing at home. Knox Forest School, Corelli Art and Forest School, and The Muse are a few of the places that have weekly programs for kids of various ages. Remember, you can’t do it all, and it’s ok to have others supplement when possible. Homeschooling isn’t easy, but it is flexible and can be an incredible experience for your whole family.
Back to school ads have started to run and stores are stocking their shelves with shiny folders and brand-new backpacks. Pencil boxes and packages of perfect, unbroken crayons are being snatched up as school supply lists get posted on schools’ websites. Kids and teachers are beginning to anticipate the start of school within the next few weeks, and the dog days of summer are in full swing. But for some, back to school doesn’t mean what it used to.
There’s no denying that education has changed over the past few years. During 2020, millions of students learned from home via computers and virtual classrooms. Learning looked quite different. Many even discovered the joy of learning from home and realized the flexibility it allowed. Serval other reasons parents have chosen homeschooling are because they want to provide a safe learning environment, they are frustrated with the current academic system and expectations, and often, religion also plays a part in the decision to homeschool. Whatever the reasons, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of students who are homeschooled. According to the Census Bureau data, nearly 4.4 million school-age children in the US receive an education at home today.
Homeschooling looks quite different than it did years ago. There are co-ops, more opportunities for students to take classes for college credit, large networks for support, and more social interaction for students thanks to online clubs, classes, and even local field trips. If homeschool is something you are considering for your family or even something you’re already involved in but are overwhelmed by, we want to help! Even if you aren’t a part of a homeschool group and your child is in a traditional school setting, we have some great ideas to help every learner thrive at home.
Be Thoughtful About the Space: Setting up a space for learning can be done in a variety of ways. You don’t have to have a dedicated room-be flexible! You could use the corner of a room or even the dining room table if that is what works best for your family. It’s also important to know your child’s learning style. This will help in how you set up your learning space and plan your day. You learner will need a table or desk to do work, If your student is younger, you are also going to want to make sure they have appropriate seating options as that is crucial for proper posture for good handwriting and learning fine motor skills. Try to make sure there is some good natural light and access to wi-fi. If the space is near a busy part of your home, noise cancelling headphones may be good for students who are easily distracted.
Add Items to Serve Needs: It’s great if you have an entire room dedicated to homework or at home learning, but most people do not. If your child’s study space is also a space that is used by the rest of the family, you need to make sure you have a place for all their school “stuff.” Think outside the box. Maybe you have an empty drawer in your china hutch-use that for storing school supplies. Go to garage sales or thrift stores and look for furniture like old armoires you could repurpose. Clean out the hall closet and let that be where you store school items in storage bins. Being able to put items away and out of sight when you’re done with learning time is key. You want to make sure you have a dedicated drawer, bin, crate, etc. for each individual child’s workbooks/textbooks. Some homeschool mamas I’ve talked to even suggested assigning each child their own color to cut down on confusion.
Create a Command Center: Use some wall space or the inside of a cabinet door that can be opened to post a schedule and calendar with due dates and upcoming events. As a former teacher of 20 years, I always found it beneficial for students to know what the week was going to look like, and for older kids, seeing an outline of the month can be helpful. Make sure there is a clock in the room, and younger students will need some type of dry-erase board or even a chalkboard painted onto the wall for teaching/practicing certain skills. You’ll need a place for students to turn in completed work (if it isn’t digital) as well as a place for supplies. Students need to have things like markers, crayons, pencils, pens, paper, etc. all readily available and in clearly labeled spots with easy access. This could even be a cart! Make sure you have some dedicated space in that command center for electronics storage and charging as well.
Stay Organized: Establish routines and daily clean-up habits from the start. Yes, if you are homeschooling your schedule doesn’t have to be as rigid as a typical school, but your student needs a set routine so they know what to anticipate each day. You will also want to make sure your student knows where things go and how to clean up well at the end of their learning time. Practice this with them each day until it becomes a habit!
Get Creative: School and studying doesn’t always have to be at a desk. Take class outside on days that it is nice, bring bean bags or comfy chairs into the space to create a cozy corner for reading, or have history class at a museum! School should be FUN.
When working through the homeschooling journey it is important to be flexible. If this is new for your family, you will need to really pay attention to your family’s natural rhythms to see how you might need to adjust your schedule and routines. There’s no right or wrong way to do it; you certainly need to find what works best for your family. All children can thrive and succeed!
Margaret Page is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. She’s a Knoxville native, wife, and mother of two who found her way back home after many years away. If you were to ask what she does, I’d quickly answer and say that she’s one of the best listeners I’ve ever met. Recently we met over coffee and doughnuts so she could tell me more about what she’s been up to since being back in Knoxville. I knew immediately that I had to write about her, as her mission of helping others feel whole and satisfied in their lives goes hand in hand with what we hope for all our clients at Help You Dwell.
Margaret has made a living doing grief work and creative arts therapy. She’s a certified grief educator with a background in expressive therapy and mental health counseling. She is also a lecturer in the expressive therapies field and has been a state-certified therapist in New York and Pennsylvania since 2005. Over the past twenty years, she’s done group, family, and individual counseling in the areas of creative arts therapy, dance, and verbal therapy.
Margaret’s personal statement about therapy is as follows;
My work is grounded in the belief that loss, difficult life transitions and unexpected change can lead us towards transformation. If we find space to honor what’s been lost, we can move through life’s disappointments, find acceptance, and move into a chapter of life that feels deeply satisfying. My work often focuses on the perspective of someone in the middle of life. From parenting children to parenting aging parents, the middle of life often asks us to accept the half of life that is in the past, have faith in the half of life that is in the future, and find ways to be present in the now.
I believe in meeting each of my clients where they are on their personal and spiritual journey. My training and experience allow me to find the best way to work with individual clients–whether that’s talking, moving or making art. For me, helping clients is not about any particular diagnosis but about seeing the best in people and reflecting it back to them.
My personal experience caring for a mother with Alzheimer’s disease has taught me about the ambiguous nature of grief and how powerful it can be to consider what it means to be human. I have had to learn how to come to terms with loss as well as how to find connection in a world without words.
I believe that healing comes in relationships. When we prioritize relationships above work, titles and ego, we allow ourselves to be seen and mirrored in a way that only happens through sharing ourselves with others.
I also believe in the healing power of nature. I encourage my clients to explore healing and growth through outdoor experiences. I find walking, hiking, plunging and biking to be personally beneficial to me, and encourage clients to explore these or other outdoor activities.
Margaret’s practice focuses on helping clients navigate various life experiences and transitions by considering overall mental well-being. She wants her clients to know that she’s there, walking along beside them on their journey.
Helping others find peace after loss, a move, or during different phases in life is something we love doing here at Help You Dwell, and forming good relationships and bonds with clients is critical. Many of our clients are not only struggling with clutter in their homes, but with clutter in their lives as well. While Help You Dwell can help organize and guide you through a move or transition, Margaret can help if you are struggling with loss, grief, or finding your way through a difficult time.
If you think you or someone you love would benefit from a listening ear with years of experience, she’d love for you to reach out. You can call her (347) 834-7351, or head to her website: margaretpagema.com to schedule a session with her.
Warmer days are upon us here in East Tennessee and it’s time to break out the sundresses and tank tops! For many of us, this may mean a shift in our dresser drawers or closets. As with any transition in our lives, this is a great opportunity to take the extra time to ensure you store the clothing that feels good and fits, serves your current season of life, and you actually like it.
Here are some tips from one of our favorite resources, The Spruce, for how to make the decisions about what stays and what goes.
Once you’ve made the decisions on what to keep and what someone else can now enjoy, it’s time to decide how to store the keepers and how to share items that no longer serve you.
Clean all seasonal clothing before packing.
Use the right storage. HYD recommends a weather-proof bin such as this labeled “Off-Season Clothes” so that you store one bin of clothing per member of your household.
Hang the proper items. HYD recommends hanging dress coats, winter dresses, and slacks or skirts properly with a breathable garment bag to reduce the risk of mold or mildew. Add a cedar block or sachet to deter visitors. Make sure to fold knit items and sweaters into a box to prevent stretching them on a hanger.
Sell gently used clothing in a consignment sale.
Here are some local options here in Knoxville:
Statemint Consignment
Planet Xchange
Taylored by Maria
Repeat Boutique
Clothes Mentor
Donate professional clothing to Smokey’s Closet at UTK or Dress for Success.
Give clothing to local rummage sale. Check with churches, women’s shelters, or children’s groups to see who may be having a sale soon.
Contact local homeless shelters directly. Call first to ask what items they are taking and how best to pack them so your donation is helpful and can go directly to those in need.
Give away hand-me-downs to neighbors, friends, or family members. It’s fun to see your kids’ clothes or a dress that never fit you well on others who love it.
Let the experts at Help You Dwell work alongside you to expedite the process so that you can spend these lovely days doing the things you love, not stuck in a closet!
Click below to get started and mention this blog to get 15% off your next session!
Summertime is near and we are so excited about the change of pace that comes with it. There is so much to see and do in and around Knoxville and we wanted to share these 5 things with you!
Photo Credit: Paris Woodull
Paris Woodhull: Even if you don’t know her name, you have probably seen her art around town. Paris Woodhull has made a career out of creating illustrations that celebrate Knoxville, mental health, and all things colorful. She has a brick-and-mortar shop in Market Square and does custom artwork as well. Learn more about her art and products here!
Riverview Family Farm: This farm (and fellow Scout Guide member) has been a working farm since 1801. The 7th generation of the family now runs the farm and solely produces Black Angus beef. Their market also sells locally made honey, cheeses, and more! They have a 6,000 sq. ft barn you can rent for weddings and events. In the summer they also have delicious ice cream at the market to enjoy. If you've never been to an event or sale there, go visit and enjoy the beauty and peace farm life can bring.
Rhinestone Fest: Dolly Parton is an icon. Knoxville will celebrate her June 2-4 during this festival in the Old City. This celebration (formerly known as Dolly Fest) is a family-friendly event that will celebrate all things Dolly, and it’s FREE to attend. Put on those cowboy boots and dress up in your Dolly-best for a weekend of art, music, history, food and fun celebrating Dolly!
Dixie Lee Fireworks: Light up the sky this summer with fireworks from this family-owned fireworks stand. This year they celebrate 75 YEARS of business when they open NEXT WEEK, which makes them pretty legendary, too.
Take a Selfie! Did you know Knoxville has over 40 murals? Take a walking tour downtown and see some of the amazing creations done by local artists. The Top 5 are listed here and they are a good place to start. Don’t forget to tag #knoxrocks if you post them on Instagram!
When I think of a “kitchen renovation” my mind immediately goes to the fun finishing details like cabinet hardware, decor, and the blissful feeling of a “new” kitchen. We’ve saved funds for it, so let’s do it! Admittedly… embarking upon a full-scale kitchen renovation brought about a lot more to decisions and considerations than I was prepared for. If you’re about to begin a project at home, here are a few things I’d encourage you to think through before beginning.
How can you prepare yourself (and whoever you share your home with) to live “well” during the transformation?
Kitchen- Ask your contractor up front and direct questions regarding how long you’ll be without cooking appliances or functionality. Get creative and consider alternative cooking methods - gas or charcoal grill, camping stove, a neighbors airbnb (we have the most generous neighbors in all the land), microwave set up in a different room, your basement, etc. You don’t have to eat out every meal to survive this, although a few takeout meals are entirely allowed.
Bathroom- Can you and your family members agree to share 1 bathroom for a period of time? Create a rhythm or rough schedule of shower times and who will need the space for what time each day. Create a makeshift “get ready” spot in another room of the house with a mirror, outlets, and natural light. Remember- this is not forever!
What are the MOST important features of your project that you aren’t willing to budge on?
There are so many ideals when we consider a home project - gaining more space, adding storage, increasing functionality, improve hosting capabilities, etc. My husband and I narrowed down to 2 main priorities for our kitchen which provided good guardrails when making small and large decisions. We wanted to increase functionality and create a kitchen we could host in. Everything else was second-tier. This prevents everything from feeling like the most important thing when prioritizing budget and choices. If we were stuck on a specific detail or question- we could ask ourselves “Does it add functionality or improve our ability to host?” and if the answer wasn’t an obvious yes, we decided that was a low priority and cost decision to make which helped bring a little simplicity.
Who can you trust to help you make decisions?
I personally found it tempting to want to google or create a poll for the whole world to chime in on some decisions, however, I’m so glad I didn’t. Do we really need the ideas and opinions of strangers guiding the decisions we make about our very own sacred home? No thanks. What I am glad I did, was invite a few close friends to speak into the project. I first shared my vision, the pain points, and our plans then asked if they see any gaps or have any suggestions. Select a very few trusted folks to do this with… too many voices can cause mental clutter and indecision. If you have a favorite designer or brand that you follow, stick with that for inspiration - not every influencer, trendsetter, or mom blog will be your vibe and that’s ok. Think of actual real places you’ve been and what you loved about those homes and consider what concepts you can take from them. Ask a friend in a season of life ahead of you what they wish they would’ve done differently in their own home.
How will you adapt as timelines, budgets, or plans change?
Inevitably things change… due to supply chain issues, weather, product availability, etc. When things change there is often a cost (involving literally money and also time). Be prepared for this. Your contractors and designers cannot anticipate EVERYTHING. Especially if your home is older, there may be unexpected plumbing or electrical issues that need to be resolved. One thing you could consider is to aim to schedule the demo portion of your home project while your family (or even just children) will be out of town. Do you have friends or family you could “house sit” for while they are away? Get creative (if your budget allows) with where you spend your days and nights during renovations.
What do you hope to feel/experience in your new space?
Start with the end in mind. What memories do you hope to make in your new space? How will the space be used day in and day out? Build from that vision. If warmth, coziness, and comfort is important to you- carry that through your color choices. If simplicity, clean lines, and minimalism is your style- let that guide your decisions around new items that will fill your space. If character and story are vital, then take your time to collect and hunt for the right pieces to fit your new space. Take your time and remember that things that are worthwhile, can take time.
What are some ways you can save your sanity amidst the chaos?
The biggest secret I’ll let you in on is this - HIRE THE EXPERTS. Seriously, most anyone “can” pack up their kitchen and unpack after completion… but what if there’s a better way? I’m talking about getting fresh eyes, extra hands, and thoughtful organizational experts to make suggestions on how to best utilize your newly improved space. On my own, I would likely just put everything back as close to the way I had it previously. However, when the HYD gals stepped in I was given fresh perspective and new ideas about how to best set up my space in a way that improves functionality and eliminates wasted space. We talked through how our space is used, what items I grab most, and the flow of our kitchen throughout the day. With minimal expense of new “organizing supplies” - we were able to give everything a spot, create zones, and implement systems that I can utilize every day.
A few other ways to save sanity- adjusting your regular routine from nightly baths for your kiddos to every other night - everyone will survive. Pick up pizza or Chick-fil-a more than normal, that’s ok too. Remember this is a season and it will end. Making some adjustments to our normal day-to-day can save a little time, sanity, and effort. I can personally say I don’t recommend (your husband) trying out a new diet (Whole30) while trying to expand your infant’s exposure to new foods in the middle of a kitchen renovation- but, we survived. Shamelessly, we used a lot of paper plates (apologies to the environment, we promise to be better as soon as we have a working sink).
We are nearing the completion of our kitchen renovation and we are already LOVING our new space (literally we gained square footage). So even though everything isn’t quite “finished”- we have functional appliances and beautiful cabinets and floors… aka we are finally cooking! Seeing the vision that lived in your head, come to life is a pretty rewarding experience. I’m so glad we lived in our home for a year prior to making any major changes like this. And it feels pretty darn good to know that we are utilizing our space well, thanks to the help of the experts. Everything in the kitchen has a “home” and the best part is, everything is accessible and functional.
Image by: Texture Photo
A new place to call home can be such an exciting time as you dream of how you want your new space to look and feel.
It can also be a bit overwhelming when you think of packing up and toting it all to your new home, especially when you have items you really don’t want to bring.
This is why moving is such a great time to take inventory and consider your current season of life and pack only those items that honor this season and/or inspire you as you look to the future.
Have you started a new job and need to update your wardrobe?
Do you have a new creative outlet or hobby?
Have your kids outgrown their toys, clothes, or room decor?
Is it time to let go of handed-down furniture and decor that is no longer serving me well?
These questions are a great place to start when you begin planning for life in your new home. Once you’ve taken a moment to do so, you’re now ready to get started! Check out our helpful moving guide below and feel free to share with others preparing to move.
There’s a song by the Band Perry called, “If the World Had a Mother Like Mine,” and every single time I hear it, I find myself in a puddle of tears. My mother is simply the most amazing person I’ve ever known. I could list accolades for pages and pages. Anytime I had to write about who my hero was during my years in school, it was always my mother. I truly believe that the world can learn so much from them.
I recently read a book called The Eternal Mark of a Mom (by Linda Weber) and it really resonated with me. As mothers, the work we do is impactful and important, and that work will leave a mark on the next generation forever. Being a mother is also a very tough job. It seems with every passing year, there is some new phase to navigate with our children, and there’s no rule book for us to follow. And if we’re being honest, we are all just doing the very best we can in hopes that we get it right most of the time. If we lived in a perfect world, we could protect our kids from being hurt and disappointed, we’d always know the right thing to say when they are fearful or nervous, and we’d never fight.
Mother’s Day is a day set aside for us to celebrate mom, or any other woman who has been a mother figure in our lives. When we sit down and think about those women, there are probably countless lessons they’ve taught us and many things we probably catch ourselves doing or saying that we learned from these amazing women. I am grateful for the lessons and advice my mother shared with me, and I’m blessed that she’s still here with me, giving advice or a listening ear when I need it.
As Mother’s Day approaches, I hope you will reflect and share with the women who helped shape you just how grateful you are. I also love the idea of giving clutter-free gifts that would allow those special women to have some pampering or an experience you can share with them. Here are some great ideas for that special lady in your life:
If you’re lucky enough to still have your mom, we hope you celebrate Mother’s Day with her in a big way this year.
Estate Transitions are not easy. The loss of a loved one or helping aging parents move to a new living situation can be overwhelming. Often, you are facing decades worth of memories and items that have accumulated, and the thought of downsizing and packing everything up becomes a monumental task with many hurdles. A parent's home filled with memories, trinkets, collections, photographs, furniture (both valuable and not), and years’ worth of things that are so overwhelming to go through.
Those of us at Help You Dwell understand that estate transitions are no small task. Our team is not only equipped with knowledge and experience, but with kindness and consideration. Every transition is personal, and we love getting to know our clients and their specific needs so we can serve them in the best way possible.
If you hire us to help with an estate transition, here are some things it will include:
inventory of belongings/packing and labeling of items
assisting with the decision-making process of which items would be most conducive to a new space
recommendation of service providers (moving company, real estate agent, handyman, etc.)
estate sale planning
consultation with family regarding disbursement of excess items to other family members, donation centers, or others in need
When we come in to help, we go through every cabinet, dresser drawer, bookshelf, box, closet, trunk, and room to categorize, label, box up, and create order so that when the time comes, you can easily decide what to keep, what to sell, and what to donate. HYD feels honored to be trusted with such an important job which is why we take such care with each object we touch, paper we read, photo we categorize, and memory we help to preserve. It all stays confidential, and our clients can feel safe knowing that we will find the right home(s) for any items they choose not to hold on to.
If you have any questions or interest in learning how we might help you or a loved one with transitioning into a new home, please don't ever hesitate to call or email us at 865.245.9080 or info@helpyoudwell.com.
We've also updated our website in a few places to describe in more detail how and what HYD can assist with, especially related to estate transitions and organized moving and unpacking.
We would love to get to know you and your specific needs so we can serve you in the best way possible.
Spring is here and at Help You Dwell we say that it is also the beginning of moving season! There’s no question that moving can be one of the most stressful things in our lives because moving usually means change is happening in other areas of life, too. Change is hard, but change can be good.
Maybe you just got a new job or are moving in with your new spouse. Perhaps you are moving to accommodate a new little one or you are beginning a remodel so that your current house better suits your needs. Whatever the situation, even if it’s for exciting new adventures, moving can be very stressful. While we can’t promise a completely stress-free move, we can recommend ways to keep the stress from becoming overwhelming.
One service we offer at Help You Dwell is Move Management. We can help you through the process in a variety of ways. We offer several services that are helpful when you find yourself planning for a move. We offer pre-move services like decluttering and packing. We think it is best to declutter and purge before moving. There is no reason to move junk you haven’t used in years, or worse, things you still haven’t unboxed from your last move. We can come in and help you declutter and purge so that none of those things move with you. We can even take your donations and see that the appropriate organization gets them!
Once your home is decluttered and is ready to be put on the market, we can help with staging to sell. We can come in and help you use the decor items you already have to create an inviting space that is free of clutter and ready to show. We have interior designers on staff who are experts in this area!
Help You Dwell does packing, too. We can bring boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and paper to your home. Our team can pack boxes so you are free to do other things that keep you busy when moving. We have a Move Management Coordinator who is an expert in all things moving related.
We also offer moving-day coordination. We can be present to help coordinate service providers and serve as a point person during the day of your move. Moving day is usually the most stressful day of the move, so why not allow us to help ease that stress?
One of our most popular services is post-move unpacking and organizing. Once you’ve moved into your new home, you are left with rooms full of boxes and new spaces you’ve never lived in before. Let us come in, unpack, and organize so that your new home serves you well.
Here are a few more tips that will make your move easier:
Create To-Do Lists: Make a list of everyone you need to contact and places you will need to notify about your change of address (utilities, schools, banks, driver’s license, USPS, etc.) so that you will not be caught off guard or fall behind with bills.
Make Space for You: Designate one spot for trash and boxes that are broken down after you’ve moved so that every room doesn’t feel chaotic.
Schedule Childcare: Make sure if you have little ones, they have a place to go on moving day. Finding a friend or grandparent who can help watch them will free you up to focus on the move.
If you are preparing for a move or even a new phase of life, we would love to help! Reach out for a move management consultation today.
Help You Dwell was established nine years ago because we love helping others. Every week our team members have the pleasure of meeting new faces and hearing new stories, which brings us lots of joy. But often, when we walk into a new client's home, the first thing we hear is "sorry." We want you to know that you never need to apologize for your home! Your home is part of your story, and we all have a story, too. We never judge you and want you to know that we are always compassionate, professional, and respectful
So, what does an organizing session with us look like? Well, it begins with understanding that together, we are a team. As we walk through our plans to help you find order and peace in your home, we want to hear the story that brought you to where you are. Our organizing sessions are really a four-part process: listen, plan, declutter, and organize.
At Help You Dwell we begin every organizing session by listening to your needs. After we have learned more about you and your home, we will begin walking through a plan for your space. There is no “one size fits all” approach for us. Our company understands that being organized means different things to different people, and we hope you never feel pressured by trends on social media and television, friends, or family to become a version of "organized" that doesn’t work for you.
When we are ready to spring into action, the first thing we do is help you declutter. You must declutter before you can organize. Decluttering means sorting and purging items. If we don’t declutter first, we are simply moving items around and spinning our wheels. When we declutter, we make space. When we make space, we can easily organize.
So how do we declutter? We like to put items into 4 categories: keep, donate, trash, and relocate. Remember, we are a team! We are there to help you make tough decisions about things you may be holding onto for varied reasons. Often when you have a teammate beside you, decisions are easier to make, and you feel “lighter” when you can be free from some of the clutter in your life. There are several organizations here in town that we love to send donations to. We can also take your donations if you don’t have time, or the task seems overwhelming.
Once we have decluttered, we can begin organizing! We will create systems that keep you organized, as well as discuss routines that work for you specifically. Doing this will free you up to spend more time being with the people you love doing the things you love.
We want you to be yourself, just with less stuff and more you. You are worth the effort.
As the saying goes, "You can't judge a book by it's cover", and that is exactly the sentiment behind today’s home tour. When you pull up to SK and Kevin's south Knoxville apartment building, it doesn't look much different than any other apartment you may find in Knoxville--- however, when the door to their unit opens it feels like you've been transported into the mid-century flat of your dreams.
Full of character, well picked vintage furniture and decor, and with an all-encompassing sense of coziness, SK and Kevin have transformed a cookie cutter apartment into a magical home. They've somehow managed to create a cozy, sultry, low key party vibe in the sense that it's easy to imagine that it's often filled with friends, fancy cocktails, and jazz music. Everything feels thought out and intentional.
There's a love story involved- and you can feel that in the house. SK and Kevin met at the beginning of the pandemic and fell fast. It's apparent that SK and Kevin think the world of each other and inhabit their space in a way that honors the desires and preferences of each of them. They make a great team, and while SK is the mastermind behind the decor, Kevin certainly has an eye for flair as well.
With a desire for everyone that enters to feel welcomed and invited, they've styled the space with a nod towards comfort and moveability. There is a natural flow between rooms in part due to paint colors and blips of black and white spread throughout the colorful prints and patterns.
SK, originally from Asheville, grew up treasure hunting with her mom. She's quick to point out that her style is pretty different than the style of the home she grew up in but that she's always had an appreciation for beautiful spaces. While her childhood home was more formal and antique heavy, she’s always gravitated towards more modern, minimal, vintage pieces and decor.
Painting by Cindy Walton
One of the first things I noticed in their home was all of the incredible art. SK is a big proponent for supporting collegiate artists- (if you’ve never been to one of the UT College of Art and Design sales, you are missing out) and noted that she bought several pieces from friends in her former undergraduate art program. As I continued to ask about art, I found out that SK is quite the artist herself! With paintings, sketches, and photographs of her own adorning the walls as well, SK brings creativity and beauty wherever she goes.
Aside from the design and decor elements that make up a home, there are practical things to think about as well. One of the things that HYD strives to help clients figure out is how to make each person’s home work best for them specifically. SK knows herself well and knows that in order to feel peaceful and really enjoy and feel at ease in her home, she needs and loves order. She created drop zones for things like keys, wallets, papers and mail etc. Having a bin and a specific spot for these items reduces the visual clutter that inevitably ends up on a coffee table or countertop when there isn’t a designated home for an item. She’s quick to note that having systems in a small space can make all of the difference.
One of the biggest challenges in a small space is storage. SK and Kevin are pretty mindful about the items they bring into their home. They always ask themselves before a purchase, where will this item live? Am I willing to give something else up in order to have this? etc. She’s also learned to get creative about holding on to really special pieces. If she doesn’t have space for something that she’s not ready to let go of, she will often loan it out to a friend until it works in her space again. Being smart about multi-purpose furniture is super helpful when you don’t have a lot of closet space. She has touches of black and white in every room and notes that having a neutral color that connects everything helps things feel more cohesive. If she’s a collector of anything, it’s mid-century bar and glassware. She’s sold or parted ways with the bulk of her collection over the years but it’s her weakness when it comes to treasure hunting.
Painting by SK
Another great use of space- this drop leaf table can quickly be expanded for a proper meal.
Tips for customizing an apartment? SK recommends talking with your landlord to see what the limits are. She gave their kitchen a major upgrade by painting the cabinets, switching blinds for curtains, and adding in her decor and art. Any time you can swap a light fixture, change cabinet hardware, faucets, shower heads, paint, or add to the property value in general it’s always a win. Make sure to keep the old fixtures so you can take yours with you when you move out.
On finding your style: Not everyone has a strong sense of personal style, but if you want one, pay attention to what you resonate with. SK started collecting furniture when she was still in college and living at her parents’ house. Her style hasn’t changed with the trends because she’s always bought what she loves- so it always stays relevant to her.
Having grown up in Asheville, some of SK’s favorite places to shop for furniture and decor are Regeneration Station, Screen Door, Atomic Furnishings, and WNC Bridge Estate Sales.
Kevin, Bruno, and SK. SK recently painted the modular black and white mural on the wall.
Thanks so much SK and Kevin for inviting us into your beautiful home!
The Help You Dwell story began in 2014. Since then, our team has grown from two into a team of twenty-four. With our unique backgrounds, we realize that our experiences nurture in each of us a capacity to empathize with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations. We are committed to listening well and working together to create a space you will enjoy. Our intention is to help free you up to do more of the things you love. We are at your service to create beautiful, organized, and livable spaces where you can reclaim your home and use it the way you’ve always dreamed of.
These incredible women are some of the newest faces behind the hard work and unique presence of our services here at HYD. What a gift to bring to you the diversity of style, backgrounds and personal touches that each woman offers.
Lori
Lori is a Knoxville native who shares her home with her husband and teen daughter. She was an educator for 20 years and loves that her work with Help You Dwell still allows her to help others. She has always been a minimalist and loves structure and organization in her home and in life. She thrives when she can make a to-do list or spreadsheet and then accomplish those tasks. She loves helping people find peace and joy in their homes. In her opinion, less is more! She hopes that when she’s in a clien’’s home, they feel accepted and free to share their story. She loves that Help You Dwell doesn’t have a “one size fits all” approach and truly creates plans and systems that are unique to each individual. In her free time, she loves to read, write, and travel.
Renee’
Renee is originally from Kansas City but has lived in the Southeast for 24 years. She’s been married to her best friend and father to their seven children (and one “rat” dog) for 35 years! Her children range in age from 30-16, and she also has two beautiful granddaughters. Before working with Help You Dwell she was a HS Youth Director and then a full-time mamma for many years. Next to being a mom, she is most passionate about the work that she does with Haiti Child Sponsorship. She helps provide education and nutrition to children in Pele, Haiti. She loves that working for HYD still allows her time to work for the children of Haiti. Her favorite part of working with HYD is the PEOPLE! She loves meeting and getting to know clients, and she loves working with the other HYD staff members. She loves to see the relief and joy that order brings to people’s lives. When she’s not working, she loves to be outdoors in the sunshine, mountains or beach (or anything in between)! She loves spending time with family, playing games, cooking, or watching movies!
Brittany
Brittany is originally from Kingston, TN. She is a wife and a proud momma of a beautiful daughter who is 11 years old. She also has a fur baby, Beau Chesney, who completely runs her household. Before starting HYD she worked as a front desk receptionist and front desk supervisor at Children’s Faith Pediatrics for almost 10 years. She says the best part of working with HYD is helping our sweet clients. She loves to see them smile, be happy and refreshed! When she’s not working, she enjoys working out, being on their family’s boat, golfing and being her daughter’s biggest fan as she is a competitive cheerleader! Brittany is also a HUGE TN VOLS FAN and loves watching football in the fall, too.
Andrea
Andrea has moved around a lot, but loves calling Knoxville home. She loves the energy and location that our great city has. She shares her home with her husband and two daughters. She found Help You Dwell through a friend on social media. She’s extremely organized and spent most of her career as a teacher. She confesses that she’s always wanted to be a professional organizer! HYD is her dream job. She loves being a part of a team of people who are always eager to help others and work efficiently and joyfully together. When she’s not working, she loves exploring small towns and hiking or having a picnic with her husband. Game nights with friends and family are some of her favorite ways to spend free time.
Ally
Ally is originally from Wisconsin and moved to Knoxville with her husband Mike and two kids a few years ago. Her background is in interior design and health coaching, both of which she uses to help clients at Help You Dwell. She understands that everyone has a part of their life that could use refining and change to reduce their chaos and stress. She believes in being very intentional with what she does and thrives when she’s busy. In her free time she loves to explore and do design projects around the house, and her favorite way to spend a weekend is camping and exploring with her family.
Laura
Laura was originally born in England, but claims Knoxville as home now. She has three dogs- Brooklyn, Boss, and Bindu. There are all crazy rescues with wild personalities, which lead to their IG account @brooklynandboss. Boss is a therapy dog that works with HABIT at UTK. Laura is a full-time school counselor and has also taught yoga and pilates for over 15 years. She loves getting to help people when she is working for Help You Dwell. She says it's so rewarding working with families to make their lives better. She loves helping organize, unpack, and assist families with difficult transitions. Laura has a BIG heart.
Katherine
Katherine is a Knoxville native but has lived all over: from college in VA to Aspen, Colorado, and then grad school in London. She shares her newly renovated home with her cat, named Idgie (as in Idgie Threadgoode from "Fried Green Tomatoes"). Before working for Help You Dwell, she was a 5th grade teacher. She loves working for HYD because she thrives on being able to help people find peace in their homes and freedom from the stress they have because of clutter. In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, traveling, seeing new places, eating new foods, and meeting different people. She is a sunrise enthusiast who craves adventure.
Rachel
Rachel was born and raised in Kentucky and moved to Knoxville from Birmingham about nine years ago. She shares her home with her two kids, Ramsey and Elliot, husband Alex, and a 60-pound puppy named Ruthie. Before working for Help You Dwell, she taught special education. She says the best part of working for HYD is seeing the smile, relief, and excitement cross people’s faces after making a space more livable, more enjoyable, and more functional. She also loves getting to meet new people and says an unexpected bonus to this job was getting to work with (and for) a strong, unique, amazing group of women, many of whom are now friends. In her free time, she loves to be with her family. They spend a ton of time outside, and every time the sun is shining, you will find her family at the lake! She also loves to cook new recipes, decorate, and of course, organize!
Colleen
Colleen is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and came to Tennessee to attend UT in 1997. She shares her home with her husband, Danny, and her two boys Talan and Bentley. Before HYD, she stayed at home with her two boys while running her two small businesses, Cakes by Colleen and Spoiled Dog PupCakery. She loves that her work with HYD allows her to run her business as well as spend time with incredible people, clients, and coworkers. One of her favorite quotes is “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” In her spare time, she loves to bake and do anything crafty, as well as work in the yard and exercise. She’s recently started reading more, which she says she never thought she would enjoy! She has found that reading now helps her relax and find peace.
Photos by Silver Highway Photography.
If you are interested in scheduling a session with our amazing team members, please reach out! We look forward to being able to help you dwell.
It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the first month of 2023. The holidays are over and kids are finally back in school. Take time to rest, enjoy the calm, and consider these 5 things.
Cork and Cover is an amazing bookshop in downtown Clinton. Set a reading goal for yourself and then go visit!
Embrace winter and learn about Hygge.
There are so many benefits to this simple task and here are some great reasons you should consider journaling. This quick video has some great ideas for this creative practice.
Enjoy cup of hot cocoa. with this recipe from Downshiftology.
Start a blessings jar for 2023. Whenever you recognize a “blessing” in your life throughout the year, just write it on a piece of paper, fold it up, and stick it in the jar. On New Year’s Eve, dump out all the blessings from the entire year and read them aloud.
We are excited to introduce you to our friend Ali Daugherty and her cute shop called Reece! Ali is an East Tennessee native and a graduate of the University of Tennessee. She has a background in graphic design and photography, but has always had a love for design. That love for design, which she jokes may have begun with her mother dragging her to countless antique stores as a child, is what fueled her dream of one day having a shop of her own.
Ali + Shop Reece
Ali started Reece, her son Beckham Reece’s namesake, back in 2019 as a pop-up shop right before the pandemic hit. However, the pandemic made it difficult for a pop-up business to thrive, so she pressed pause on her dream. In the fall of 2021 Ali decided to re-launch Reece and has been overjoyed at the shop’s success.
Products
Shop Reece offers thoughtfully sourced textiles and collected vintage pieces such as art, rugs, pillows, accents, and furniture.
Ali’s hope is that her clients walk into their homes and feel a sense of peace and calm. She believes you should be comforted by the objects that surround you and feel joy when you are in your most sacred space-your home. Many of her products are inspired from memories she has from years of traveling the world, and she approaches design through feelings and emotions that are tied to memories.
Ali loves to source products from artisans all over the world, and she feels it is important to have a relationship with each person who makes the products she sells. Her pieces are unique finds she would not be able to offer were it not for each artisan’s creative talents and abilities. Each piece Ali selects for her shop is thoughtfully chosen and reflects her unique style and skilled eye for design.
Services
Ali can source custom vintage and antique products if you are looking for something unique for your space. She also offers stying sessions if an area of your home is in need of a refresh.
We are so glad we were able to share our friend’s wonderful business with our Help You Dwell family. Head over to her website and check out her shop. Keep an eye on her social media for events and new products. We know you will love her as much as we do!
Happy New Year! Now is the the time for making all those resolutions that are so frustrating and hard to keep. Why do we do this to ourselves year after year? What if we approached this new year with a different mindset? What if we start 2023 by looking at ourselves in the mirror and saying, “Hey, you’re doing just fine.”
Our culture tells us that if we invest in this diet plan, have a perfectly styled home, update our wardrobe, or try this anti-aging serum, that we will be satisfied and fulfilled. Clever marketing and social media have really done a great job convincing us that the next new thing is all we need to make us happy. What if this year we just said no to all that?
This year make a shift in your mindset. Re-evaluate what is important and don’t seek out new things to bring you joy. Are there small revisions you can make in your daily routine? Are there ways you can start making better use of what you have? Take time this year to refine who you are, not reinvent who you are.
When you sit back and reflect on the things that truly bring you joy, what comes to mind? Most often it will be memories of people and places, not things. It may even be the satisfaction you felt when you straightened your pantry or cleaned out your closet! Creating order and peace in our homes is something we all strive for, it reduces stress and makes our home a place of refuge.
As this new year begins make a list the things you love about yourself, your home, and your relationships. Take inventory of what you have. Often our desire for “more” and problems with our self-esteem come when we start comparing ourselves to others. Don’t let comparison be the thief of your joy! Evaluate what you truly desire for your life. It’s probably not new things, but it might be new routines, more calm, and less chaos. Set reasonable expectations for yourself and know there are people around you that can assist you along the way. Our company is called Help You Dwell for a reason. We are here to help you find peace and order with the things you have. We would love to cheer you on, help you with overwhelming tasks, and remind you, “Hey, you’re doing just fine.”
Reach out and let us know how we can help you.
Call 865.245.9080 or email info@helpyoudwell.com
Every home tour is unique and wonderful in its own way, but this one is extra special. I was able to sit down with Bill and Chris Alley (Taryn’s lovely parents) to talk about their home and what it has meant to them over the last 46 years that they have lived in it.
The original structure of the home was built in 1857 and sold a year or so later to Samuel Shannon McCampbell and Sarah Smith McCampbell. In 1899 an addition to the back of the house took place and the original entrance to the home was shifted to the other side of the house. The accompanying 50 acre farm was registered in 1927 and was formally named Edenvale. In the 40’s or 50’s a recreation room, an apartment, and a garage were added to the side of the house. Bill and Chris purchased the home in 1976 and did some renovating in the 90’s to remodel the kitchen and open it up a bit more. Just being in the house, it’s clear that its owners over time have loved and cherished the home. While the house itself is full of history, the contents of it are equally rich in story and history.
Historic Edenvale
Samuel Shannon McCampbell and Sarah Smith McCampbell
The real estate listing from 1976 when the Alleys purchased the home.
Without further ado, we will give you a glimpse of what home means to the Alleys,
What does home mean to you? What do you hope people feel when they come into your home?
Home is a warm place, a place of comfort, a place to relax and enjoy family. We always hope that people feel comfortable and welcome when they come over. We are not very formal — in fact the sitting room gets used only a handful of times a year. We always invite people into the living room.
Bill on the back porch
Over the years we have loved hosting parties. Some of our favorites have been 4th of July parties by the pool and annual New Years Eve parties. One year we went all out and all of our friends wore tuxedos and formal gowns. We jump on any excuse to have people over. I (Chris) am also a part of several groups that have met at our house over the years— a stained glass group, sewing group, etc. Having our home full of people is one of our greatest joys.
Chris and Bill Alley
How would you describe your style of decorating? Has your decorating style changed over time? Eclectic. We love antiques — mostly primitive and informal pieces. Most everything here has a meaning or a story. Many pieces have been passed down from family members. We’ve been collecting since we were young — if something wasn’t an antique when we bought it, it probably is now. We actually met when we were both living abroad in Greece and several pieces of art and decor were purchased from our time there. We love to hunt and love finding unique pieces to add to our space.
Chris found this framed tapestry in Greece and fell in love with it.
Stairway Detail
Do you have a favorite room in your home?
Our favorite rooms are probably the family room and kitchen. It’s where we spend the most time and where we entertain.
How about a favorite piece or item?
“Each other.” (It’s fine, it’s fine- I’m just over here crying at how cute the Alley’s are!)
We could find something we love in every room. One of our first purchases was the large chopping block in the kitchen. It holds a lot of meaning to us. The green and red cupboard in the kitchen is also a big hit — it gets decorated differently depending on the season.
What is the most challenging thing about your home?
Cleaning and maintaining. When you are a collector, it becomes much more time consuming to clean. Living in a house for a long time, while wonderful, also gives you lots of time to notice all the little imperfections. Because we’ve been here for 46 years we haven’t had the natural purging process that occurs when you move.
Dining Room Mantel
What kinds of things have you all collected over the years?
I (Chris) make stained glass pieces so over time the pieces I’ve made have become a collection of sorts. We collect Santa Clause figurines, snowmen, pitchers, and we have a really neat little medicine cabinet in the bathroom with all kinds of vintage and antique medicine bottles and apothecary items. I (Bill) love playing golf and a friend of mine and I made a life goal to play the top 100 courses. We’ve played 50 of them and 9 of the top 10. I have collected hats and bag tags from each of the courses.
Bill’s golf tag collection
Vintage medicine cabinet filled with collected items
How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
It’s old and we’ve grown into it. Most people who know us can’t separate us from the house. It’s definitely become a part of us.
A huge thank you to Bill and Chris for sitting down with me to tell me about and show me their beautiful, memory filled home.
For more tips on how to make your house a home, subscribe to our blog and sign up for our newsletter. If you’d like us to help you in your own home, please call 865.245.9080 or email info@helpyoudwell.com.
Photography by Katie Norrell
