Always on the move, Rachel grew up between Paris and San Francisco where she learned to recognize what matters and how to create cozy homes with what she had. She earned her master’s degree in interior design in Paris and spent over a decade crafting interiors blending purpose with style. For her next act, Rachel teamed up with her mother and for the next ten years, she opened and ran Le Garage in Brooklyn, turning a raw space into a functional and warm French restaurant filled with their love of food and shared story. Now married and based in New York, Rachel naturally gravitates toward harmony. She finds joy in the small details that bring ease to everyday life. A natural multitasker, she believes that peace lives in the little things. When your space works for you, life flows more freely! Rachel also volunteers at a homeless shelter (The Bowery Mission), bringing the same care and love to service. Her favorite escape: a book in hand, lying in the sun by the Mediterranean Sea.
Tara’s knack for transforming spaces began in childhood, moving frequently across the U.S. and Europe with her chemical engineer dad, stay at home mom and five sibilings. With each move, whether transitioning between large homes or cozy apartments, Tara was amazed by her mother’s ability to create organized and welcoming spaces in just a matter of days. Her mother’s mantra, “Pack one box and take only what you love,” instilled in Tara a profound appreciation for meaningful belongings and the art of decluttering. After earning a degree in history and fine arts from SMU, Tara’s journey led her from San Francisco to Boston and, finally, to New York, where she pursued a rewarding career in education. Known for her meticulously organized classrooms, Tara soon became the go-to person for helping colleagues revamp their spaces. With her three kids now in college, Tara is thrilled to focus on helping clients create welcoming, beautifully functional homes. In her downtime, she loves visiting her family around the globe with her husband and their spirited Labrador, Bear.
Sharon was born in the US and moved to France as a child, becoming fluent in French. After her formative years in Europe, her family settled in New Canaan, CT. Sharon attended Providence College and discovered her passion for marketing, leading to roles in London, Paris, Frankfurt, and the US.
After earning her MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management, Sharon and her husband, Tom, moved to New Canaan, CT where they raised their two children. She has organized her home, her children's rooms, dorms, and apartments. She has a unique talent for re-imagining spaces and witnessing the positive impact of these transformations. Even in her volunteer activities, Sharon brings her organizational skills to Planet New Canaan's Swap Shop, making it easy for customers to find what they need.
Professionally, Sharon has managed complex marketing campaigns and led projects requiring meticulous organization. From marketing plans to family vacations, there's not much that intimidates Sharon. Her diverse experiences and dedication make her a force in both her professional and personal life!
Ulrike was born & raised just outside Hamburg, Germany, in a small town where her father was a doctor and her mother commanded a household of six. Her parents both came from large families and her childhood was filled with visits to grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
In college, she studied History, French and Design from 1988-1992 at the University of Augsburg and the Fachhochschule Hildesheim where she received a Fulbright Scholarship for Design. From 1994-1996 Ulrike worked as Art Director at The Lacey Group, Minneapolis, MN and she worked as Art Director at Pluzynski & Associates, Inc. from 1997-1999.
After years of dealing with tight deadlines, she decided to focus on her 3 children full-time. Her husband’s career in the Museum World was blossoming and it was a true gift for her to be able to stay at home. Ulrike's oldest son finished college in May 2022, her middle son goes to "The New School" for Classical Music and her daughter is a Freshman in High School. Her passion is Real Estate Investments: She had the privilege of renovating/flipping small Real Estate Investment since arriving in NYC and she considers it a blessing even though it comes with its highs & lows.
Who knew that she would end up raising true New Yorkers, coming from a small town near Hamburg, Germany - all because of her wanderlust and staying open to the unexpected and to embrace the twists and turns along the road.
I started my career as a style editor at Condé Nast, and moved on to be President of a gallery and photo studio in Chelsea.
Most recently, I’ve collaborated with my partner in real estate development and design. We’ve worked on townhouses in Brooklyn, a farm in upstate New York, and multiple beach homes in New Jersey.
As much as I love to work outside the home, the most rewarding and challenging aspect of my life is raising my four children. They’ve patiently moved with us on many projects and tolerated living in multiple construction sites!
I’m thrilled to be part of the Done & Done and to watch the company grow and prosper!
The living room is my favorite space because we have an open floor plan that overlooks Brooklyn Bridge Park and the NYC Bridges. It’s the perfect room to entertain family and friends because while I’m cooking, we can all hang out together and enjoy the view.
People might have guessed that Stephanie would eventually become an organizer. In high school, she kept a record of every outfit that she wore on a piece of paper in her closet! Fast forward several years to when Stephanie met her husband Dan – set up by their respective Croatian families. Six homes, three children + one dog later, Stephanie lives in Connecticut with her husband and their three children. Stephanie keeps busy organizing their two college boys and high school daughter. When not working, she enjoys swimming, rowing, biking, gardening and volunteering with Meals on Wheels, the New Canaan Garden Club, the Congregational Church of New Canaan and Waveny Care Center. Stephanie is very thankful for team members Lise and Louise for helping to bring her on board!
As a young girl growing up in the suburbs of Cleveland, OH Judy would marvel at her grandmother, who every time she visited, would clean out and reorganize her parent’s refrigerator. She inherited the organizing gene and enjoyed cleaning out and reorganizing her bedroom in between school terms. Much to the delight of friends and family she has carried on the tradition of her grandmother by leaving them with the gift of a reorganized linen closet or pantry after her stay.
Judy graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH with a B.A. in International Relations with a concentration in Political Science and History. She immediately moved to Washington, DC where she lived for several years before moving to NYC with her husband. She had a career in politics and marketing before becoming a stay at home mom after the birth of their triplets. Over the years she has worked as a small business consultant and fundraiser at her children’s schools.
Judy enjoys working with clients in finding homes for their special things and helping them realize a more organized home. She is looking forward to transforming her own family apartment into a adult family living space now that her children are college bound. Judy lives in Prospect Heights Brooklyn and near Hudson, NY with her husband.
Born and raised in Montreal, Gail embodies the character traits of a true Canadian, nice, helpful, with a sense of humor. As a young girl, Gail would organize her grandmother’s dresser drawers during visits to her apartment. Gail loved their interactions as she worked. Making improvements to someone’s space and listening to the stories of their life proved to be a meaningful experience.
Many years later, Gail chose to study Architecture and got her degree at McGill University. In New York, Gail learned the ropes working for an Architect, designing and project managing high-end residential projects in Manhattan.
Gail delights in collaborating with others to re-imagine a space and then witness the impact of the transformation on someone’s life. She brings her architectural skills of space-planning and visioning, and her enjoyment of brainstorming with clients and a team, to her work with Done and Done. Gail currently volunteers at the Brooklyn Public Library, assisting the Curator of Visual Art Programming on rotating exhibition projects. She lives in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn with her husband, also an architectural designer, and daughter, who is almost off to college. There is always an improvement project to work on at home.
Jeanne was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri but also frequently visited her dad and new family in Northern California. All that traveling for parental visits had its many perks, as Jeanne quickly learned how to master the art of packing the essentials into a suitcase and make a nest fit for any bird.
Jeanne earned her BFA from Syracuse University and later moved to NYC where she worked for artist Kris Ruhs making jewelry for Bergdorff Goodman, Corso Como 10 and private clients. She also started her own accessories business making eye-glass chains which sold in Henri Bendel’s, Robert Marc Opticians in NYC and Rodeo Drive in LA.
Jeanne attended the School of Visual Arts post baccalaureate in Art education and went on to teach art to children ranging from preschoolers to 8th graders until she married her husband Fred. Jeanne has extensive experience with all aspects of the home, from purchasing, selling, designing and renovating. She has designed and renovated many projects in her own home while also helping friends declutter, organize, and make decorating decisions. Jeanne also had a 12 year real estate venture in Red Hook, Brooklyn. It also doesn’t hurt that according to astrology, her birth chart has 6 houses in Virgo, making her exceedingly detail oriented!
Originally from the South and educated in the Midwest, Louise moved to New York after college. With a can-do attitude and lots of energy, she worked in sales for clothing manufacturers selling to everyone from major department stores to golf pro shops. Eventually Louise left the city for Connecticut and raised/managed/organized four children, one husband, countless pets, moves and renovations. These days she still volunteers in town (Meals on Wheels, National Charity League and the New Canaan Garden Club) but has found as her children have grown, she has much more free time. Louise is now thrilled to be able to bring her organizational and management skills, positive attitude and high energy to work at Done and Done.
Born and raised in Denmark, Lise came to the United States for a six month visit in the 1980s in order to improve her English. She met the man who would become her husband within two months of arriving and lucky for Done and Done, she stayed. After graduating from UConn with a degree in Design and Resource Management with minors in Psychology and French, she eventually settled in New Canaan where she raised her two children. After years of homemaking and extensive volunteer work (Red Cross, National Charity League, Girl Scouts and NC Garden Club) Lise’s friend, Macky Hennessy, suggested she reach out to Ann and Kate and bring her organizing talents to Done and Done. Lise did her training hours in record time and very quickly became an invaluable member of the team.
Macky Henesey was born and raised in Seal Beach, California. She grew up playing competitive tennis, swimming, running and was a recruited field hockey player at UC Davis. When the beaches beckoned she returned to southern California to graduate with a degree in Psychology from Cal State Long Beach. She then ventured east to begin a career in public relations and advertising in Washington, DC. She met her husband Mike there and they moved shortly thereafter to New Canaan, CT where they’ve lived and raised their three children over the last 25 years. Macky has organized her home, her three kids rooms (repeatedly!), countless dorm rooms and parts of many friend’s homes. Macky has volunteered extensively and her work has spanned from the New Canaan Garden Club to the Waveny Care Center to National Charity League. Professionally she’s taken on the reorganization of a filing system in a law firm’s Westchester County office. Having organized everything from lace to lawsuits there’s not much that intimidates this one!
We didn’t have to search far when we were looking for someone to start up our marketing department. Meg Koett comes to us by way of family; sister to Ann and aunt to Kate, her hire was a no-brainer. We needed someone who knew us well enough to represent our brand and who better than a woman who has literally been there since day one?
Meg is a graduate of Ripon College, but decided early on to work from home while raising her two children. The co-founder of Jam Custom Handbags, Meg learned how to work with clients, how to advertise a brand and how to sell products online. After a successful run of five years, Jam closed their doors and Meg was available to put her knowledge to work for Done & Done.
Favorite space: My favorite space in my home is my exercise room. It’s very small but it has a ton of natural light so I always feel better after spending some time in there working out and getting my thoughts together!
Emilie Barrientos is a born and bred New Yorker. With close ties to the Eastern end of Long Island, Emilie has an appreciation for both city and country living. With an early love for organizing in her closet-sized NYC bedroom, Emilie never tires of the satisfaction of decluttering one's life, both physically and metaphorically. Emilie received her Bachelor's degree from Connecticut College where she pursued her love of dance. This took her to lead the marketing department at Dance Magazine prior to joining the Done & Done Team. Though Emilie needs only one winter coat and one set of pans, she values the importance of those sentimental silk scarves from grandparents and those gosh darn hand written letters. Emilie lives in Manhattan with her husband and their dog Max, and is poised to continue to delve deeper into the power of human connection and building community.
With a background in event management and hospitality, Lauren recently transitioned from planning and executing corporate meetings and special events to professional home organization. Lauren uses her trademark skills of problem solving, creativity, and flexibility to help Done & Done clients. She excels at logistics and operations, and her attention to detail means that projects go smoothly from concept to completion.
Good at wearing multiple hats, Lauren is adept at responding quickly to changing circumstances, always maintaining an upbeat, can-do attitude. As the Client Experience Manager, she specializes in customer service that nurtures positive, productive relationships with both clients and suppliers.
With a degree in Art History, Lauren has also had the opportunity to work onsite at various cultural institutions including the Museum of Modern Art, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (Pafa).
Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College and a certificate in meeting planning from Temple University. Lauren, her husband and her two young daughters recently moved and she is excited to renovate, decorate and apply what she is learning at Done & Done to create a more organized home.
Meri was born and raised in New Jersey. After graduating from Lafayette College with a BA in English Literature, Meri began her career working in ad sales in New York City. She then ventured to the West Coast to explore all that San Francisco had to offer. Meri built her career in the Bay Area and spent over 12 years working for a large tech company in advertising sales, business operations, and client services, where she also met her husband Darby. After many years in San Francisco, they purchased their first home in Oakland which is when Meri realized her passion for home interiors and her desire to create functional and beautiful spaces. As their family grew, she tackled many remodels and design projects in their 1920’s East Bay home. When Meri and her husband decided to move back East to be closer to family, Meri de-cluttered, packed and staged their home which expedited the sale and increased the value. She is currently (and slowly) remodeling their NJ home one room at a time.
Meri has always enjoyed helping friends and family problem solve, organize and brainstorm ideas, and brings to Done & Done her expertise of project management, attention to detail and love of organization!
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The Complete Bathroom Organization Guide: Transform Your Space Into a Functional Family Hub
Bathroom organization challenges affect every family, from cramped medicine cabinets to cluttered countertops that make morning routines stressful instead of seamless. Whether you’re managing a shared family bathroom, coordinating multiple users, or simply trying to maximize limited space, the right organizational systems can transform your bathroom from chaos into calm.
This comprehensive guide addresses the unique challenges families face: moisture concerns, safety considerations for different age groups, and the daily functionality needs that keep busy households running smoothly.
Medicine Cabinet Organization: Creating Safe, Accessible Storage
A well-organized medicine cabinet becomes your family’s health command center, providing quick access to daily medications while maintaining safety protocols that protect children and ensure proper storage conditions.
Strategic Medication Storage
Top Shelf: Adult Medications Only
Middle Shelf: Daily Family Essentials
Bottom Shelf: External Use Items
Prescription medications with child-resistant capsAdult vitamins and supplements requiring temperature stabilityFirst aid supplies requiring adult supervision
Children’s medications in original containers with dosing informationFamily thermometer and basic first aid itemsDaily vitamins organized in clearly labeled containers
Topical ointments and wound care suppliesItems safe for older children to access independently
When choosing the right storage for your medicine cabinet, consider both what you need to store and how well each option stands up to bathroom humidity. Below are some popular solutions and when each works best:
Storage Solution
Best For
Moisture Protection
Clear stackable bins
Grouping by category
Medium – use in lower humidity areas
Magnetic strips
Small metal items (tweezers, nail tools)
High – metal backing resists moisture
Over-door organizers
Maximizing vertical space
Low – choose rust-resistant materials
Essential Safety Protocols:
Install cabinet locks if children under 5 are in the home
Check expiration dates monthly and dispose of outdated medications safely
Store medications in original containers with clear labeling
Under-Sink Storage Optimization: Maximizing Your Most Valuable Real Estate
The area under your bathroom sink often becomes a black hole for cleaning supplies and forgotten items. Smart organization transforms this prime real estate into functional storage that serves your family’s daily routines.
Plumbing-Friendly Storage Strategy
Back Row: Deep Storage Items
Middle Row: Daily Essentials
Front Row: Quick Access
Bulk toiletries and refill bottlesBackup cleaning supplies in moisture-resistant containersItems accessed weekly or less frequently
Hair styling tools in heat-resistant organizersDaily skincare and grooming productsChildren’s bath supplies in easy-reach containers
Cleaning supplies for daily bathroom maintenanceHand soap refills and paper product backups
Under-sink storage often faces unique moisture challenges. Here are some common issues and smart ways to solve them:
Challenge
Solution
Implementation
Pipe condensation
Waterproof shelf liners and containers
Line all surfaces; choose sealed storage
Limited ventilation
Mesh organizers and open-front bins
Allow air circulation around stored items
Humidity damage
Desiccant packets in closed containers
Replace every 6 months
Professional Organization Tips:
Install pull-out drawers that clear plumbing obstacles for full access
Group items by frequency of use, not just by category
Label container fronts for family member accountability
Shower and Tub Organization: Streamlining Your Daily Routines
Shower organization directly impacts your daily routine’s efficiency and prevents buildup that creates cleaning challenges.
Product Placement Strategy
Eye Level Zone: Daily Essentials
Lower Level: Heavy and Less Frequent Items
Higher Storage: Occasional Use
Individual family member’s shampoo and conditionerDaily body wash and face cleansersProducts accessed while standing in normal shower position
Large refill bottles and bulk productsChildren’s specialized products and bath itemsProducts that are safer stored at lower heights
Deep conditioning treatments and specialty masksGuest products and seasonal items
Here’s what you need to know about different shower storage options and their expected lifespan in humid bathroom conditions:
Storage Type
Durability
Best Use
Maintenance Level
Suction cup caddies
6-12 months
Lightweight bottles
Weekly repositioning
Tension pole systems
2-3 years
Multiple family members
Monthly tightening
Built-in niches
Permanent
Heavy products
Quarterly deep cleaning
Family Coordination Tips:
Assign specific shelf levels to each family member
Use color-coded containers for easy identification
Create dedicated spaces for shared versus personal items
Small bathrooms require creative organization solutions that maximize functionality without overwhelming the space. The key lies in utilizing vertical space and choosing multi-functional storage.
Vertical Storage Strategies
Wall-Mounted Solutions:
Multi-Level Organization:
Over-toilet cabinet systems that add storage without floor space impactCorner floating shelves utilizing often-overlooked angular spacesMagnetic strips on medicine cabinet doors for small metal grooming toolsHook systems behind doors for towels and robes
Stackable drawer units that fit between vanity and wall spacesTiered counter organizers that create storage without spreading outwardRolling carts that can move between bathroom and adjacent storage areas
If you’re looking to make the most of every inch in a small bathroom, the right storage tricks can free up surprising amounts of space. Consider how these solutions maximize what you have:
Storage Challenge
Compact Solution
Space Saved
Counter clutter
Magnetic containers on medicine cabinet
75% of counter space
Towel storage
Behind-door towel ladder
100% of wall floor space
Cleaning supplies
Slim rolling cart beside toilet
Utilizes 6-inch width
Tips for Decluttering Small Spaces:
Implement strict one-in, one-out policies for new products
Choose multi-purpose products that serve several functions
Store backup supplies outside the bathroom in nearby closets
Family Bathroom Coordination: Managing Multiple Users
Shared family bathrooms require organizational strategies that accommodate different schedules, ages, and personal care routines while maintaining cleanliness and accessibility for everyone.
Tips for Organizing Personal Storage Zones:
Assign individual shelves or cabinet sections to each family member
Use color-coded storage containers for easy identification
Create separate areas for children’s items at appropriate heights
Designate shared spaces for products used by multiple people
Managing a busy family bathroom gets easier when you tailor your setup to everyone’s routines. Here are some simple organization ideas that solve common timing conflicts:
Time Challenge
Organization Solution
Family Benefit
Morning rush conflicts
Individual product stations
Eliminates searching and waiting
Different bedtime routines
Separate evening product areas
Reduces noise and conflicts
Weekend cleaning
Portable individual caddies
Easy removal for thorough cleaning
Communication Best Practices:
Establish weekly organization check-ins with all family members
Create simple checklists for children to maintain their assigned areas
Schedule monthly meetings to adjust systems as needs change
Safety and Accessibility Considerations
Bathroom organization must prioritize safety for family members of all ages while ensuring everyone can maintain their personal care routines independently.
Universal Design and Safety Protocols
Height and Reach Considerations:
Place daily essentials within comfortable reach zones for all users
Install grab bars that double as towel holders for aging family members
Use pull-out drawers for easier access to items stored in back areas
Essential Safety Measures:
Install safety latches on cabinets containing dangerous items
Position cleaning supplies in locked storage away from children
Store medications in temperature-controlled, secure locations
Keep first aid supplies in easily accessible, clearly marked areas
Transform your family bathroom from chaos to calm coordination. Book your DDH consultation to create personalized systems that work for every family member.
Maintenance Routines: Keeping Your Systems Working
Organized bathrooms stay functional only with consistent maintenance routines that prevent clutter accumulation.
Daily and Weekly Habits
Daily Maintenance:
Weekly Tasks:
Long-Term Success Factors:
Return products to designated locations immediately after useWipe down storage surfaces during personal care routinesReset shared spaces for the next day’s routines
Inventory check and restocking of essential suppliesDeep cleaning of storage areas and organization toolsAssessment of whether systems need minor adjustments
Build flexibility into systems to accommodate changing family needsChoose quality storage solutions that withstand bathroom humidityDocument what works well for your family to replicate successful strategies
Transform Your Family’s Daily Routines
Bathroom organization impacts every family member’s daily routine, from stress-free mornings to peaceful bedtime preparations. The right organizational approach transforms daily chaos into smooth routines that accommodate busy schedules, multiple users, and the unique challenges bathroom environments present.
Professional bathroom organization delivers:
Reduced morning stress through systems that keep essentials accessible
Improved family coordination with designated spaces that prevent conflicts
Enhanced safety through proper storage of medications and chemicals
Long-term functionality with maintenance routines that prevent breakdown
DDH (Done & Done Home) has spent over a decade perfecting bathroom organization systems for families throughout the tri-state area. Our team understands the unique challenges families face in creating functional, safe, and maintainable bathroom organization.
Ready to create bathroom organization systems that actually stay organized?Contact the DDH (Done & Done Home) team today to learn how our approach keeps your systems working long after we complete your project.