Crafting Comfort: Unveiling Lisa Schultes’ Expertise in Home Styling and Organization
It’s finally spring! If you are packing the house for a move, unpacking after a move, or simply wanting a local expert in home organization in the Cranford/Westfield, NJ areas, you will want to meet Lisa Schultes, the owner of Schultes Styling & Organizing. With roots in nearby Linden, Lisa has called Cranford, NJ home for nearly six years. With over 25 years of experience in luxury retail management at prestigious establishments like Nordstrom and Barneys New York – Lisa took her skills in customer service, styling, and merchandising to a new outlet. She learned the art of creating spaces that not only look good but also function for the client.
What led Lisa to make the leap from high-end retail to the world of organizing? Read more in my latest blog article to find out how you can quickly organize any space, what’s top of her list for favorite new products, and what you should be doing this spring to get ready for summer!
Where did you grow up, where do you live now, and what do you love most about your town?
I grew up in Linden NJ, and moved to Cranford, NJ almost 6 years ago. What I love most about Cranford Living is the amazing downtown area where we have such great shops, restaurants, and non-stop activities. You can find my husband and I eating dinner downtown a few times a week!
Please tell us about your beginning career path in the retail industry
I started working for Nordstrom in the 1990s and learned so much about customer service and how important (and fun) it is to develop strong relationships, connections, and trust with my clients. I’ve met some amazing people over the years and remain in contact with so many of them! I was very lucky to work for incredible people and had great mentors, most of which I still look up to today! I was with Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman for 10 years and Barneys New York for 8 years.
Fun fact: I’ve met and worked with tons of celebrities, athletes, and designers during my years at Barneys. It was the most interesting and fun place on the planet!
Can you share more about what inspired you to transition from a successful career in luxury retail management to starting Shultes Styling & Organization?
I’ve always loved organizing. I have spent many a day off organizing different parts of my home and helped friends and family with their closets. After spending over 25 years in luxury retail, I decided it was time for a change and wanted to do something fun for myself. The timing seemed right- so off I went!
In your 25 years of luxury retail management, how has your merchandising experience prepared you for the challenges and opportunities in the organizing business?
I learned right at the beginning of my retail career- “Merchandise to Drive Business”. Weekly floor moves to create a fresh space for repeat clients is key. Reviewing sales reports to see what is selling, what is not, and then reviewing the items placement on the floor could tell a story of its success/opportunity. Creating destinations for the client helped them to shop more easily. The same philosophy applies to your home. In your closet, all dressy/dinner outfits should be together. All your workout items should be together. Creating zones helps you to function quickly and think clearly about the look you want and need for your day/event.
Are there specific trends that you try to incorporate in Shultes Styling & Organizing?
I love labeling, this trend is great for all areas of your home! I always incorporate labeling into projects – using my personal label maker, purchasing labels (there are so many pretty options out there!), and even making larger ones on the Cricut.
At what time in people’s lives do you receive the most consultations?
Many times after someone has moved, they need help re-working their new space and figuring out how to make things flow. It’s overwhelming to unpack all your belongings into a space. Sometimes people try to configure the new kitchen/closet/basement like their old house, but it just doesn’t work. I love figuring these things out for people and find it so exciting. Above all, I strive to help a client feel comfortable and happy in their space.
What are the biggest obstacles keeping people from staying organized?
People have such busy lives these days. The thought of spending your one precious day off cleaning out your pantry doesn’t sound fun to most people. It’s overwhelming! That is where I come in. What I can do in 4 hours would take most people a full weekend or more. Once you have this service done and explained with your plan, you will learn how to stay organized.
What is the day-to-day reality of being a professional organizer? What’s the first thing you do each day?
As an an early riser, I am up by 5:30am every day. I make my bed first, then I make sure my house is tidy and ready for the day. It keeps me calm.
I am obsessive about my calendar and check it every morning to organize my day. Above all, managing Shultes Styling & Organization appointments and balancing personal obligations requires organization and clarity!
Does everyone have to buy special supplies to get organized?
I love this question – NO! It is totally up to the client, but you absolutely do not have to. My clients have great things around their house that can already be used- totes/baskets/bins etc. We work together to come up with a plan including new products or using what they have in their home already.
What are Schultes Styling & Organizing’s favorite products right now?
While I’ve always loved the velvet hanger, I’m obsessed with the great colors they come in now! For a small price they can really add a pop to your closet. Amazon has sets for $19.99! Brightroom from Target has great affordable bins that I’ve been using a lot. The quality is great and they come in a variety of sizes and colors. I attach clear clips with labels to create a more elevated look. I’m also obsessed with office supplies and I just purchased the below pen holders for my office at home and I love them!
What are your top three, most useful tips for getting and STAYING organized?
1. Do what works for your family. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to make you feel calm. Your laundry doesn’t have to be folded perfectly; it just needs to live in its designated home.
2. Know what you have. Less clutter makes you able to see what you own so you are not wasting money on the extra mustard, or a 7th black T-shirt.
3. Have a strategy for maintenance and refreshing. For example, clean out your garage every May, or have Me (the Organizer), come every May. That way things do not get out of control again. I can create a plan for each area of your home within a timeframe.
Do you find it better to tackle a home decluttering/organizing project all at once, top to bottom, or do you prefer a slower approach (for example, tackling one room per weekend)?
One room at a time. It is too overwhelming, in my opinion, for the client to do more than that at once – even with an organizer. I recommend doing one room/space at a time and enjoying the results before moving on to the next.
What’s your advice for someone about to sell their home? We all know the famous method of putting everything they have in boxes, moving it to the new home, and dealing with it later!
Again, LABELING! The key to success is packing one room at a time and labeling every box clearly. This is also a great time to purge and declutter. Do not bring anything you do not love or need to your new home. You will thank yourself later.
If you could only organize one room of the house, which is the most important and why.
The kitchen is the heart of most homes, so I feel strongly you need an organized, clean, and functional kitchen. Next is the closet! If you look good, you feel good. Having an organized closet where you can put together your best look will make you feel great and ready to conquer the world every day.
Go through these rooms in the house and tell me what’s the most important thing to organize in each… kitchen, bathroom, family room, garage
Kitchen: pantry (no expired foods, likes with likes)
Bathroom: medicine cabinet (labels, nothing expired, safe space for kids)
Family room: media storage/video game area (make sure it looks neat and not remotes and cords galore)
Garage: sports equipment followed closely by Holiday decor (no one wants to put it away properly)
Walk us through a typical Shultes Styling & Organization consultation. How far are you booking out appointments
Shultes Styling & Organization offers complimentary in-home consultations. I think it is important for the client to get to know me as they are inviting me into their home and their personal space. I want them to feel comfortable. It is also important for me to view the space, take notes & pictures, and then plan a strategy for the space & family. I can typically accommodate a client within 2-4 weeks.
What’s the #1 thing to tackle RIGHT NOW?
Get started right away on your kitchen and your closet/wardrobe – switch out seasonal clothing. Now that spring has arrived, I love to get the outdoor areas ready- spruce up the yard, refresh the front porch. With your Kitchen and closet ready for spring/summer, you are set up to host the best BBQs in your best outfit!
Site by Ha Media
Leave a Reply