Kristin Switzer: Spring into Clean

Spring is in the air, and that means spring cleaning. Clearing the clutter can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. This month we’re visiting with local mom Kristin Switzer, owner of 2B Organized Tulsa, who will share some easy tips and tricks that will get you and your kids ready to tackle your clutter and get organized. Kristin also shares a challenge for those who are up for it!

TK: Tell us a little about yourself.

Kristin: I grew up in the heart of Kansas City before heading south to Tulsa for college—Go TU! It was there that I met my husband, Nick, and ever since, Tulsa has felt like our true home. Today we’re raising two daughters in elementary school alongside our two energetic rescue dogs who keep things lively and always on the move.

TK: How did you get into the organizing business?

Kristin: I’ve been in love with order and organization for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I would take it upon myself to tidy up the medicine cabinet or rearrange the pantry in our family home—little projects that brought me pure joy. At the time, I genuinely thought everyone shared my love for organizing, but it turns out I was a bit of an anomaly in that department.

Fast forward to 2020 when my husband, children and I moved into our new home, and I turned to social media for inspiration on organizing methods. That’s when I discovered just how many people struggle with decluttering and the true need for organizing services. Through my research on this business concept, I found the 2B Organized franchise and opened the Tulsa business a couple of months later.

TK: People are attached to their things. What is the value of decluttering and parting with items?

Kristin: A recent client shared a powerful insight with me: “Possessions possess you,” and I couldn’t agree more. Our stuff often carries a hidden weight that many don’t realize is affecting them until they begin decluttering and experience that immediate sense of relief. I want people to feel that elation and peace, so we start with shorter sessions to make sure we accomplish real progress without the overwhelm.

TK: What strategy do you recommend for people who are ready to start their spring cleaning?

Kristin: If someone is organizing on their own, I recommend starting small with a quick win, like tackling a junk drawer. It’s amazing how quickly a small project like that can shift energy, and once they see the weight lifted, momentum builds, making the next decluttering task feel that much easier.

TK: Several years ago, the Marie Kondo Method of organizing was popular with the question, “Does it spark joy?” What is your approach when people are considering what items to keep? Do you have a question or way of expressing the importance of an item?

Kristin: Instead of getting bogged down in the overwhelming task of evaluating every single item in a space, try focusing on selecting your favorite pieces from each category. For example, if you have 20 pairs of pants and I ask you to pick your favorite 5-6 pairs, that’s a much simpler and more manageable task than making a yes-or-no decision on each one. Plus, let’s be real: you’re probably wearing those same 5-6 pairs most of the time anyway.

However, if you prefer to tackle things one item at a time, ask a trusted friend or family member to help you—and I challenge you to be ruthless. Ask yourself: When was the last time I used it? Do I need it? How much do I love it? You will never miss an item you didn’t use, need or love.

TK: It seems that people are mentally lighter when they get organized. What other benefits are there to being organized?

Kristin: One of the best perks of an organized home is the ease of finding what you need and the ability to tidy up in a flash. When everything has its designated spot—like cleaning products neatly stored under the kitchen sink—anyone in the house can quickly locate what they need. The goal of an organized home isn’t to make it look like no one lives there, but to make living there easier. When you can effortlessly find your items and clean up in minutes, managing your space becomes much easier and far less stressful.

TK: What are some easy spring cleaning tips that people can implement today?

Kristin: Here are a few simple ways to get started:

1. Begin small, focusing on an area where you spend a lot of time like that ever-growing stack of mail on the kitchen counter. Tackling small, visible tasks in high-traffic areas will help you build momentum, and you’ll instantly see the payoff of your effort.
2. With warmer weather around the corner, spring is the perfect time to go through your cold-weather clothing. Your favorite sweaters and boots will be fresh in your mind, making it easier to part with the items you didn’t use or wear.
3. Try the 20-in-20 challenge: Spend just 20 minutes a day for the next 20 days, and pick out 20 items each time to donate. Go through your sock drawer, your kids’ toys, your cookbooks and that box of cords. By the end of it, you’ll have cleared out a staggering 400 items from your home!!

TK: A tip to involve kids in the organizing process:

Kristin: Make clean-up a breeze for kids by setting up easy-to-follow systems. If you’re not sure where things belong, your kids won’t know, either. By designating specific spots for things, you’re not only making these items easy to find, but you’re empowering your kids to take responsibility for their belongings. When everything has a home, it’s easier for them to pitch in and put things back where they belong—and it’s one less thing for you to worry about!

TK: What else would you like to share?

Kristin: My friends and I are beginning to enter the sandwich generation where we’re juggling caring for aging parents and raising our kids. Whether you’re moving your family or helping your parents declutter and downsize, it can quickly feel like a mountain of stress. Luckily, there are so many amazing resources out there to make these transitions smoother, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the way.

You can connect with Kristin online:

kristin@2b-organized.com
918.518.1239
2b-organized.com

Check out the Sharing Passion and Purpose Podcast to listen to the full interview at sharingpassionandpurpose.com to find out what Kristin is doing every month to thrive in 2025.

Nancy A. Moore is a Public Relations Coordinator at Montreau, Adjunct Professor at Tulsa Community College, and has been writing for TulsaKids for almost 20 years.