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When Organization Begins With the Person
- Tara Button
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
This summer I've had the privilege of helping families move into Big Wave, a remarkable new residential community in Half Moon Bay designed to support independent living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
I was first introduced to Big Wave a few years ago by a client whose child would one day become a resident. Over time, I watched the community take shape—from the groundbreaking to family visits during construction. One story has stayed with me ever since: before the drywall was installed, families wrote messages and placed meaningful keepsakes inside the walls of their loved ones' future homes. It was a beautiful reminder that these apartments were never just buildings. They were being created with years of hope, perseverance, and unconditional love.
When Big Wave was ready to welcome its first residents, that same client kindly referred me to other incoming families, a gift for which I will always be grateful. Since then, I've had the privilege of helping transform apartments into homes that reflect the unique personalities, routines, and dreams of the people who will live there.
This project has also been deeply personal.
Had my son lived, he would now be 18 years old, and it's very possible that a community like Big Wave would have been part of his future. As I've unpacked boxes, designed closets, organized kitchens, and worked alongside these incredible families, I've found myself pouring a little of my own heart into every apartment.
There has certainly been plenty of blood, sweat, and tears—but even more joy.
More than anything, this experience has reminded me of one of the most important lessons I've learned as a professional organizer:
The best organizing systems never begin with the space. They begin with the person.
What Big Wave Has Taught Me
Every person experiences their home differently. What feels simple and intuitive for one individual may feel frustrating or inaccessible for another.
That means there is no universal "right" way to organize.
For one resident, every item needs to remain visible because hidden items are easily forgotten. Another feels calmer with belongings tucked neatly behind cabinet doors. Some benefit from labels with pictures or color instead of words. Others need shelves lowered so everything is comfortably within reach.
I've even discovered wonderful little glimpses into each person's personality along the way. One resident is an avid shoe collector. Another has a passion for art supplies. One proudly believes she's a mermaid. My job isn't to change those personalities—it's to celebrate them while creating systems that make everyday life easier.
Every apartment tells a different story, and every organizing solution should too.
Supporting Independence
A thoughtfully designed home can make everyday routines feel less overwhelming and far more empowering.
When frequently used items are easy to reach, labels are easy to understand, and routines require fewer decisions, people gain confidence in doing things for themselves. Organization becomes much more than putting things away—it becomes a tool for greater independence.
That philosophy is at the heart of Big Wave, but it's also something every family can apply at home.
Bringing the Same Principle Home for Back-to-School
Although Big Wave serves adults, the same organizing principle applies to every home—especially as families prepare for a new school year.
It's easy to organize based on what looks neat to an adult. The challenge is creating systems that actually make sense to the child using them.
Instead of asking:
"Where should this go?"
Try asking:
Where does my child naturally leave this item?
Can they reach it independently?
Will they understand the labels?
Is the system simple enough to maintain on their own?
The answers often lead to much more successful organizing solutions.
Three Back-to-School Systems That Really Work
Create a Child-Friendly Drop Zone
Designate one easy-to-reach location for backpacks, jackets, shoes, lunch boxes, and school papers. Hooks should be low enough for children to use independently, and each child should have their own clearly defined space.
For younger children—or visual learners—picture labels often work even better than words.
Simplify Busy Mornings
Keep everyday essentials together: water bottles, socks, hair accessories, chargers, school devices, or anything used every morning.
Arrange items in the order they're used to reduce decision-making and help mornings flow more smoothly.
Create an Easy Paper System
School papers can quickly become overwhelming.
Keep it simple with just three categories:
IN – Papers to review or sign
OUT – Papers returning to school
KEEP – Artwork, certificates, and memorable projects
For many children, color-coding these categories makes the system even easier to maintain.
Follow the Habit Before Changing It
One of the most valuable organizing lessons I've learned is to pay attention before making changes.
When an item consistently ends up in the same place, that habit is telling you something.
Instead of repeatedly correcting the person, ask whether the system should be adjusted to support what they're already doing naturally.
Successful organizing works with people—not against them.
Progress Over Perfection
Working with the families at Big Wave has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
It has reminded me that organization isn't about creating picture-perfect homes.
It's about creating spaces that support confidence, independence, dignity, and joy.
Whether you're organizing a first apartment, preparing your child for a new school year, or simply trying to make everyday life a little easier, the same principle always applies:
Design the system around the person—not the other way around.
Happy Organizing,
Home Organizing in the Peninsula and South Bay Areas
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