In a recent episode of "Real Estate 101" Founder of Calming Home by Venus, Venus Davis joined the program to discuss the vital role of decluttering and organization in preparing homes for sale and everyday living, she shared her journey and practical insights into transforming cluttered spaces into serene, functional environments.
Ms. Davis has been helping people downsize, pack, and decorate for more than 40 years, turning her natural talent into a business in 2002. Originally from Aiken, South Carolina, known as the home of the Thoroughbreds, she now lives just outside Augusta, Georgia. She launched Calming Home by Venus after persistent encouragement from a realtor friend who recognized her skill during a home organization project.
The catalyst came when Ms. Davis assisted this longtime realtor friend with organizing her large home. The friend needed help with her kitchen, refrigerator, and laundry room, areas often neglected amid a busy career involving frequent takeout and accumulated clutter. Ms. Davis customized solutions based on the couple's routines, addressing items like rarely used coffee pots, rusty pots and pans, and excess dishes. She guided decisions on what to keep, donate, or discard, emphasizing that sentimental items like heirloom cast iron sometimes reach a point beyond salvage.
"I pretty much knew her schedule I was able to customize exactly what I did based on her lifestyle and her husband's lifestyle like what their routines were," Ms Davis explained.
The conversation highlighted the mindset shift required for effective decluttering. Ms. Davis introduced her "Calming Method," starting with "clarity" to help clients determine what they truly need and use daily. She stressed assessing items honestly, asking when something was last used, whether it serves a purpose, or if it could be donated or discarded. Common challenges include holding onto damaged Tupperware or multiple "junk drawers," which she limits to one or none.
"The mind set is the most important thing right and I actually have a method with our company the calming method so the c of course is for clarity okay so that's the first step," Ms. Davis said.
The process involves creating zones for everyday essentials while reserving space for seasonal items like holiday dishes. Ms. Davis encourages intentional living, favoring reusable dishes over excess paper products for environmental and space benefits. Clients work one-on-one with her on the initial declutter day, after which her team handles organization, repurposing, and a full reveal. This allows clients to step away and return to refreshed spaces.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.