Katherine Moore, Unburdened Spaces
Life throws a lot at us—sometimes literally. Over the years, homes fill with things: memories, obligations, maybes, and what-ifs. That clutter doesn’t just live on shelves and in closets. It often takes up space in our minds and in our ability to feel at ease in our own homes.
Hudson-based coach and organizer Katherine Moore understands this deeply. Through her business, Unburdened Spaces, she helps people reconnect with their spaces—and themselves—by gently asking questions that get to the heart of why we hold on.
One of her favorite questions: “What does this mean to you?”
Moore doesn’t deal in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all systems. Her approach blends practical home restructuring with life coaching, tapping into both the emotional and functional sides of clutter. The goal isn’t just a cleaner house—it’s a home that reflects who you are and how you want to live.
“I’ve worked in carpentry and painting, and helped people reorganize their homes to work for them,” Moore says. “When your home supports you intuitively, you don’t have to spend so much energy trying to manage it.”
What’s Getting in the Way?
“Modern life asks a lot of us,” she says. “People are juggling jobs, families, constant stimulation. I hear things like, ‘I’m getting older and I want to enjoy my life,’ or ‘Why am I still holding onto this?’ There’s a longing to simplify and be more present.”
But letting go isn’t always easy. Moore helps clients navigate the emotional terrain that comes with decluttering—like guilt, nostalgia, or fear.
Common reasons people keep things?
- “Someone gave it to me—I feel bad getting rid of it.”
- “It was expensive, so I should keep it.”
- “I might need it someday.”
- “I don’t want to throw it in a landfill.”
The result: closets stuffed with broken appliances, storage bins full of forgotten gadgets, and a sense of overwhelm that never quite goes away.
“People hold onto things because they don’t know how to release them with peace,” Moore explains. “I help them honor the memory or the gesture, and then let the object go. It’s OK to move on. It’s OK to make space.”
Not Just Another Decluttering Trend
Moore’s approach is a far cry from the popular “scorched-earth” methods that push people to toss items quickly, ready or not.
“That kind of approach can override the nervous system,” she says. “People get rid of things before they’re truly ready, and then weeks later, they’re back where they started.”
Instead, she focuses on sustainable change—helping clients make decisions they feel good about, not just in the moment, but in the months and years to come.
One of the core concepts she uses: Is this item “dead” or “alive”?
“Every item has a purpose. Some things are functional—I wear this coat because it keeps me warm. Others are emotional—I keep this photo because it makes me smile. But if something ends up buried in a drawer, unused and unseen, it’s not fulfilling its purpose. It’s just taking up space—and dragging you down.”
Where Do You Start?
You don’t need to tackle the whole house. In fact, Moore encourages starting small.
“Where are you right now? What do you need today?” she asks. “Sometimes the best place to start is your kitchen junk drawer.”
Because this work isn’t just about tossing what doesn’t spark joy. It’s about tuning into your own values, energy, and needs—and building a home that supports the life you want to live.
To learn more or to begin your own unburdening process, visit Unburdened Spaces.
Katherine Moore, Unburdened Spaces