This Organized Chaos: Meet Trish Johnson – Transforming Homes in Cranford and Westfield, NJ with Expert Organization and Decluttering

First, get to know Trish Johnson, a Cranford mom and founder of This Organized Chaos, who’s helping families in the Cranford/Westfield, NJ area and beyond transform their homes through expert home organization and decluttering. From creating functional kitchens to designing organized garages, Trish brings her unique perspective and passion to every project.

Family Life in Cranford, NJ – A Community Close to Trish Johnson’s Heart

Where did you grow up, where do you live now, and what do you love most about your town? Growing up, my family moved a lot, which made me incredibly organized. Randolph, NJ, where I attended high school, was the longest we stayed in one place. Now, I enjoy Living in Cranford, NJ with my husband and three kids. My husband grew up here, and we love the kindness of the community. Cranford’s vibrant downtown makes it a great place to raise a family.

Fun Facts About Trish Johnson’s Life in Cranford, NJ with Her Family

Can you share a bit about your family, school experience, and a fun fact? I’m a mom to three busy kids—ages 14, 12, and 10. My oldest and youngest are involved in hockey and lacrosse, while my middle child is a dancer. Staying organized is essential for keeping up with everyone’s schedules. My husband and I both attended Villanova, but we didn’t meet until our senior year. We were on a spring break trip in the Bahamas! We’ve been together for 24 years and celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary this past summer.

How This Organized Chaos Began – From Teacher to Professional Organizer in Cranford, NJ

What led you to a career in professional organizing, and how did This Organized Chaos come to be? Before becoming a professional organizer, I was a teacher in Glen Ridge, NJ. Moving frequently as a child and being the oldest of four made me naturally organized. After my youngest started full-time school in 2019, I began considering a return to work. I needed flexibility, especially with my kids still in school. At that time, professional organizing gained popularity thanks to Marie Kondo and The Home Edit, which inspired me. I started helping friends, and one Cranford friend asked for help organizing her husband’s closet. When we finished, she said, “This is what you do now, right?” With my husband’s support, I launched This Organized Chaos, named for our family’s “organized chaos” life.

Balancing Business and Family Life as a Cranford, NJ Mom and Business Owner

What’s your experience balancing work and family, and what valuable lessons have you learned? Running a business is more work than I ever imagined, but it’s rewarding. I’ve learned to set boundaries and say “no” to some things to manage my time. My husband is a true partner. We share all household responsibilities, making communication and a great family calendar essential.

Decluttering and Moving Tips for Cranford and Westfield, NJ Families from This Organized Chaos

How do you approach organizing the process of moving into or out of a home? We start each project with decluttering. For moving out, we help clients decide what to keep or let go. If you’re even considering moving, start decluttering now! For moving in, we discuss the family’s needs, lifestyle, and how they’ll use each space. This helps us create a long-term, functional solution.

Organizing Essential Spaces: Kitchen and Garage Tips from This Organized Chaos in Cranford, NJ

What is the most important room to organize and why? The kitchen is the most important room. It’s the heart of the home, and everyone uses it. Organizing the kitchen makes daily routines, like meal prep and family time, easier. Setting up the pantry helps kids pack lunches and fix snacks on their own. The garage would be my second choice because it’s multifunctional. A well-organized garage keeps everything from sports equipment to gardening tools in order.

Preparing Homes in Cranford and Westfield, NJ for Winter and the Holidays with This Organized Chaos

What’s your best advice for preparing homes for winter and the upcoming holidays? Start early by decluttering playrooms and pantries, making room for incoming gifts and ensuring pantry staples are stocked for holiday cooking. Choose experience-based gifts for kids to create lasting memories, and check expiration dates to avoid food waste. When unpacking décor, clean out anything you no longer love or use and donate to a local thrift store. Label bins clearly and avoid cardboard boxes—they deteriorate, hold moisture, and attract critters.

Overcoming Decluttering Resistance with This Organized Chaos in Cranford, NJ

What’s your go-to approach for a client who is resistant to decluttering? Most clients are ready for change, but I never force anyone to discard items. Instead, we discuss why they feel the need to keep certain items, especially those with sentimental value. For items they’re unsure about, we use a “three-month bin” system, where they store these “maybe” items and set an alert for three months. If they haven’t needed or thought about the items by then, they’re usually ready to let them go.

Schedule Your FREE Virtual Consultation with This Organized Chaos Today!

You’ve taken your first step to home organization just by reading this blog article! To meet with Trish and the This Organized Chaos team, click here to fill out the official form and you will be sent her full services guide with a link to schedule a FREE virtual consultation. Be sure to include your city and state so that Trish can ensure you are in her service area. Currently, This Organized Chaos is offering in-home organizing services in Central and Northern New Jersey, however she offers travel services to other areas. For further inquiries, you can email Trish at thisorganizedchaosnj@gmail.com and make sure to follow her on social media at Facebook and Instagram PLUS… keep up with her blog at her website!