Decluttering with Purpose: A Conversation with Sara West of South Coast Organizers

A Conversation with Sara West of South Coast Organizers

At South Coast Organizers, decluttering isn’t just about creating tidy spaces—it’s about creating space for transformation, healing, and community care. We sat down with Sara West, founder of the organizing company and a consistent contributor to the Little Art Library, to learn more about her mission, her methods, and how sustainability is woven into her work.

The Power of Letting Go

For Sara, decluttering comes before organizing. “When we purge the things that no longer serve us, it’s cleansing,” she shares. “It helps us build toward the life we want.” Letting go of clutter isn’t just about physical items; it can lift mental burdens, ease anxiety, and make room for new possibilities. Sara emphasizes the emotional weight that clutter carries and how freeing it can be to release it.

A big part of that process is giving items a second life. “If you throw it away, it just ends up in a landfill. Everything you’ve ever owned still exists somewhere,” Sara says. That awareness drives her commitment to sustainability. Many of her clients feel guilty for overbuying or not using certain items, but knowing those supplies will be used by someone else, especially artists or kids, makes it easier to let go.

Crafting a Creative Connection

Sara was introduced to the Little Art Library through a personal connection, and she instantly saw the value.

“Crafty people LOVE to hang on to things for ‘future projects’ that never happen,” she laughs. “If they know it’s going to a good place, they’re more likely to share.”

Since then, she’s become a regular contributor, donating everything from coloring books and yarn to odd-shaped wood pieces, party supplies, and costume-worthy accessories. “I always think, ‘Would a crafty person love this?’ If yes, it goes in the pile.”

Though she hasn’t seen the direct impact of her donations just yet, she’s hopeful and excited about the ripple effect her contributions are making in the local creative community.

Helping Clients Let Go with Intention

Sara makes a point to tell her clients where their items are going, and that makes a big difference. “They get so excited to give more,” she explains. For those who feel attached to certain things, she invites them to share the story of the item or take a photo before parting with it. It helps them honor the memory without holding onto the physical object.

She’s heard countless stories of relief and joy when clients realize their long-forgotten craft supplies will finally find a home and purpose with someone new.

Tips for Decluttering

Her advice for others looking to declutter thoughtfully? “Start with your why. Once you have your pile, get creative. There are so many organizations that can get those things into the hands of people who need them most.”

Through small, intentional acts of generosity, Sara West is helping people reclaim their space, reduce waste, and make meaningful contributions to their community, one box of art supplies at a time.

Learn more about South Coast Organizers at socoorganizers.com or her Instagram @saralwest_socoorganizer.

Follow along with the Little Art Library (we have a Facebook group page) to see where these donated treasures land next!