3 Things to Do to Have Your Home Sparkle with Vanesa Travieso

If you’ve ever found yourself binge-watching organizing videos and thinking “How do people actually live like that?”, meet the woman behind the magic: Vanesa Travieso, professional organizer and founder of Ponorden. She helps people transform cluttered homes into calm, functional spaces, and she's sharing her best tips with us.

1. Start with Less (and Be Honest About It)

Vanesa’s golden rule: start by discarding everything you don’t use, love, or need. That means being honest with yourself, even about the “just in case” items we all hang on to. “People often keep things out of fear or guilt,” she says. “That’s what blocks the process.”

Trying to declutter in one go? Big mistake.
“Don’t try to do everything in one day, it leads to exhaustion and frustration.” Go slowly. Work in small sections and give yourself permission to pause.

When it comes to sentimental items, Vanesa suggests asking:

• Do I truly love this item?
• Would I buy it again today?
• Does it reflect who I am now?
• Could someone else enjoy or use it more?

2. Give Everything a Home (and a System)

Once you've simplified, it's time to organize what’s left. According to Vanesa, everything in your home should have a designated place, and that place should make sense for your everyday life.

Simple systems are the secret:

• Use labeled bins for toys, crafts, or daily essentials.
• Store items where you use them most.
• Keep things visible and reachable, especially for kids.

And, this one’s key, involve the whole family.
"Everyone should share the responsibility of maintaining order," Vanesa says. It’s about building habits, not perfection.

3. Create Calm by Clearing Space

Vanesa believes organization isn't just visual, it’s emotional.
“Clutter affects our ability to think clearly and feel in control.”

Here’s what organization can do for your mind:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve focus and clarity
• Boost motivation and energy
• Help you make better decisions
• Save you time and mental bandwidth

And remember: a tidy space is easier to clean, easier to enjoy, and easier to live in.

Vanesa’s journey from working in the medical industry to training under Marie Kondo and launching Ponorden is inspiring in itself, but what makes her truly unique is her empathy. “People are letting me into their most personal space. It’s a privilege I never take lightly.”

Whether you’re tackling a drawer or your entire home, her approach is a reminder that a little structure can bring a lot of peace.

For more, visit ponorden.com or follow @ponorden on Instagram.

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