Organizing For Joy, Not Perfection: Why Editing Beats Decluttering with Whitney English

In this episode, I talk with Whitney English—author, designer, and (as I like to call her) my organizational better half. Her new book, Organize First, Decorate Second , isn't your typical organizing manual. It’s thoughtful, deeply personal, and grounded in real life—something I immediately connected with. We explore the idea that our homes are not just reflections of who we are, but tools that help shape us. Whitney shares why she prefers the word edit over declutter , how tension (not balance) is her guiding principle, and why you should think twice before buying drawer dividers. We also get into how new urbanism and walkable cities inspired her approach to home design, why she gave up on making her bed, and how organization can actually free up space for beauty and joy—not get in the way of it. If you’ve ever struggled with keeping things tidy, if you love your stuff but want it to serve you better, or if you just want permission to let go of what’s not working, this conversation will feel like a deep breath. Want to finally define your style? Grab your free worksheet and uncover your personal aesthetic!