Imagine It Done

Clients tell all: Maximizing a small New York apartment

This is part of our ongoing series where clients tell their personal stories. Here is one from Drew.

As a native Midwesterner, I grew up with a lot of space. When I moved to New York people joked that I had no idea what I was in for. As I packed up my bags and headed to the city, I was sure it would all fit!

My first apartment had only one closet that I shared with my roommate. Thinking I was already a very organized person, I thought I could set it up to be perfect and accommodate both of us. Oh I was so wrong. Things piled up constantly, tubs and baskets I bought filled with unnecessary junk, unworn shoes lined the floor and shelves, and extra parts to the vacuum could be found sprinkled in.

After a few months, we both threw in the towel and just lived with the mess. It wasn’t until we moved out that I realized all the great stuff I had been missing. I then moved to my own apartment, a one bedroom, pre-war with “lots of closet space” that the realtor boasted about. Once again, my belongings were shoved in with no thought given to what would fit best. A coat closet that doubled as a linen closet, that was also home to the occasional Costco run purchase. Nothing made sense.

I met the wonderful Lisa Jacobs through mutual friends, and after about 10 seconds I knew I needed her help in my life! When she came and did a walkthrough, I was worried that it was going to be too much of a mess. I tried to organize before she came … it was still not great! She reassured that this was going to be a piece of cake and that there is plenty to work with! Her confidence that my space could actually be helped and put together in a way that made sense was just what I needed.

She and her team came and went through my many junk drawers, my costume closet (the wigs alone needed their own attention). All of my closets and drawers got the TLC they so needed. In just two days, Lisa and her team turned my apartment into a home.

The layout feels like it was designed just for me. My bathroom that once lacked pretty much any storage, is now outfitted with narrow rolling storage, the shelves are lined with labeled lucite boxes, and I actually have a place to put my blow dryer.

What Lisa and her team accomplished was more than just giving my stuff a proper home, she gave me back control of my space. I feel so proud each time I walk through my door, and I have kept it up. It’s extremely easy to maintain because everything looks and feels so right. My time spent rummaging through my closet in the morning before work is virtually cut in half because I can always put my hand right on what I’m looking for!

Having Imagine It Done reimagine my space has truly been a game changer. I’m so grateful for what you have given me.

Read more stories like Drew's on our blog.