A year ago, Erika Downes and Jennifer Ferriso launched NEAT Method New Jersey, a lifestyle service that makes it easy to get your act together. Their customized organizational systems are attractive, luxurious, sustainable and even kid-proof. NEAT Method also specializes in moving and relocation, taking unpacking to a new level in terms of efficiency and style.
Erika and Jennifer, both born and raised in NJ, first mastered organizing in their tiny Boston College dorm room. Later, they helped each other move, unpack and organize their Garden State apartments and homes. Before NEAT NJ, Jennifer worked for Clinique and Estee Lauder and then stayed home with her three daughters. At the same time, Erika worked as a litigation attorney while raising three kids of her own. After 20 years of talking about starting their own organizing business, the duo discovered NEAT Method, which began as a San Francisco-based company, on Instagram and their company was off and running.
“We have a shared passion for the benefits of being NEAT. We want New Jersey families to know that it’s possible to be busy and NEAT, and the benefits of NEAT go beyond knowing your flip flops are where they should be,” says Erika. These thoughtfully NEAT girls encourage purging and eliminating clutter in a feel-good way by donating to local charities. They also believe that “less is more.”
Once clients buy into the NEAT philosophy, Erika and Jennifer promise an improved quality of life.
Part of what makes NEAT Method unique is its team-based approach and intimate knowledge of organizational products that help streamline projects. NEAT Method maintains partnerships with Pottery Barn, The Container Store and the Organizing Store. Jennifer says, “We call ourselves behind-the-scenes interior designers, because we create all those unseen spaces–closets, kitchen cabinets, pantries, offices and playrooms. When these areas of your home are less cluttered and more orderly, you have more time to focus on important aspects of your life.”
Start living a more carefree existence with these 3 NEAT tips:
1. Start small. Take 15 minutes to empty and organize 1 drawer, 1 shelf, 1 wallet or 1 file. As with most aspects of life, accomplishing a small goal inspires loftier goals.
2. Organize first, then purchase products. Once you neaten that small space, take inventory of items and measurements of your space, and THEN purchase the products that will hold these items.
3. Label. It. All. Three kids, three baskets, three labels. Life can be crazy, but it will take less time to return those shoes to their labeled bins, and even toddlers can recognize their own name on a label.
To contact NEAT Method NJ, call Erika and Jennifer at 908-591-9314 and visit neatmethod.com or find them on Instagram.