The Power of Decluttering: How a College Studio Apartment became a sanctuary

Meet Carrie Marshall, founder and lead organizer at The Marshall Method. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Carrie specializes in helping clients turn challenging spaces—like studio apartments, downsizes, and homes in transition—into calming, functional sanctuaries. With an eye for both aesthetics and real-world workflows, she blends organizing, decluttering, unpacking, and styling to create homes that look beautiful and support how her clients live.

The Power of Decluttering

When most people think of organizing, they picture tidying up or neatly stacking books on a shelf. But as a professional organizer servicing clients from Madison, WI to Dubuque, IA, I’ve learned that the impact goes much deeper—especially for those living in small spaces with big dreams. Last semester, I had the pleasure of working with a University of Wisconsin college student in her studio apartment, and her heartfelt email beautifully captures the essence of what I strive to achieve:

“Thank you so much for all of the work you did! I was really underestimating the psychological benefit of having so much space organized and put together. It was so lovely to get to know you and I'm so thankful!”

More Than Just Tidy—It's Clarity

For many students, a studio apartment is more than a place to sleep. It’s a study zone, a creative nook, a dining area, and a retreat from the bustling world outside. Yet, it’s easy for these multi-functional spaces to become overwhelming, especially when schedules are packed and stress runs high.

My client’s words touch on something I see time and again: the profound psychological benefit of organizing. It’s not just about finding a spot for everything—it’s about reclaiming peace of mind. When clutter disappears, so does a surprising amount of anxiety. An organized space can spark motivation, sharpen focus, and make even the smallest apartment feel like a sanctuary.

Organizing Tailored to Student Life

Every college student’s routine and needs are unique, which is why my decluttering and organizing approach is never one-size-fits-all. For this studio apartment, we prioritized:'

• Maximizing vertical storage with shelves, hooks, bins, etc. to keep essentials accessible, yet out of the way

• Creating clear “zones” for studying, relaxing, and sleeping—even in a single room

• Implementing simple, sustainable organizing systems that fit a busy student lifestyle

• Reduce the amount of “visual noise” to allow for better focus

The Emotional Impact of Organizing: More Space, Less Stress

As my client shared, the biggest surprise wasn’t just about having a tidy apartment—it was about the emotional lift that comes with it. An organized environment has a ripple effect:'

• It helps reduce decision fatigue, making daily choices faster and easier

• It encourages a sense of control and calm, even during exam season

• It frees up time for what matters most—friends, studies, or much-needed rest 

A Partnership With A Home Organizing Expert Built on Trust

One of the most rewarding parts of my work as a professional organizer is getting to know the wonderful people I organize for. Each project is a collaborative journey, and I’m grateful for every story and connection. As my client so kindly put it, “It was so lovely to get to know you and I'm so thankful!” That gratitude is mutual, and it’s what keeps me passionate about helping others in the greater Madison, WI and Dubuque, IA areas with decluttering, sorting, organizing, and creating spaces that support their best lives.

5 Tips for Organizing Your Apartment:

1.     Maximize Vertical Space: Utilize shelves, wall-mounted racks, and tall bookcases to store items without taking up valuable floor space. This helps keep your apartment tidy and makes the most of the available space.

2.     Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed, a coffee table with storage, or a fold-out desk. This way, you can save space and reduce clutter.

3.     Declutter Regularly: Keep only what you need and love. Regularly go through your belongings and donate or discard items you no longer use. This will help maintain a clean and organized living space.

4.     Use Storage Containers: Use baskets, bins, and boxes to organize smaller items. Label them for easy identification and store them under the bed, in closets, or on shelves to keep things neat and accessible.

5.     Create Zones: Divide your studio apartment into different zones for sleeping, working, eating, and relaxing. Use rugs, furniture placement, or room dividers to visually separate these areas, making the space feel more organized and functional.

Your Turn to Transform Your Apartment With Help from The Marshall Method

If you’re a student struggling with clutter in your studio or small apartment, know that you don’t have to tackle it alone. Decluttering and organizing your home isn’t just about making things look nice—it’s about creating a space where you can thrive, recharge, and feel at home. Ready to experience the psychological benefits professional organizing for yourself? Contact me today and let’s make your space work for you—one shelf, drawer, and corner at a time.

Contact Carrie

If you’re ready to transform your space into a sanctuary that works for you, Carrie and The Marshall Method serve the Greater Madison, WI area—including Middleton, Waunakee, Fitchburg, Verona—as well as Southwest Wisconsin, Northeast Iowa and Northwest Illinois.
Get in touch via carrie@the-marshall-method.com or call (920) 918-7333 to schedule your free consultation and start creating a home you love.