We don’t know about you, but spring cleaning is in full swing over here! Our friend Jen Robin recently organized our sample library at the new Amber Interior Design and Shoppe office space, so we thought it would be a perfect time to sit down and catch up! Jen is a Los Angeles-based organizer, business owner, author, and founder of Life in Jeneral, a professional organizing company known for creating calm, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces that align with clients’ styles and needs. Jen is also the founder of LIJ Spaces, a custom cabinetry company that transforms everyday storage into elevated, intentional designs — born from years of first-hand experiences and a deep understanding of the intersection between organization and lifestyle.
In today’s interview, we also get the chance to chat about her book, Life in Jeneral: A Joyful Guide to Organizing Your Home and Creating the Space for What Matters Most, which explores the deeper emotional and psychological benefits of living with less. We dive into how her life and career have shifted over the last few years and she shares a couple of her best storage and organization hacks.
We’re excited to chat with Jen today for a long-overdue update. So without further ado…
a conversation with Jen…
1
We’re so excited to again be chatting with you here on the blog! What’s new?! Could you share a brief look into your life and career since the last time that we spoke in 2019?
So much has evolved! Since we last connected, I’ve refined Life in Jeneral to be a more focused, project-based business, while also dedicating more energy to Life in Jeneral Spaces — our custom cabinetry company that was born from years of designing thoughtful and functional storage solutions. We also opened the LIJ Spaces showroom in El Segundo, which has been an exciting opportunity to bring our cabinetry to life and connect more personally with our clients.
On the personal side, I bought and remodeled a home, got engaged, and have been leaning further into intentional living — embracing simplicity in my designs and daily routines.
2
How do you ensure that the spaces you organize are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, and what challenges do you face in achieving this balance?
It starts with understanding how people truly live in their homes. I believe beauty and function should never be mutually exclusive. We design with intention — every bin, drawer, and cabinet has a purpose, but it also has to feel natural.
The biggest challenge is creating systems that work long-term without compromising style. That’s where my obsession with cabinetry, design, and planning really comes in — it allows us to build solutions that are both visually beautiful and effortlessly functional.
3
Your approach involves more than just decluttering; you aim to align physical spaces with emotional and mental clarity. How would you describe your organizing philosophy in a nutshell?
Your approach involves more than just decluttering; you aim to align physical spaces with emotional and mental clarity. How would you describe your organizing philosophy in a nutshell?
Organizing is soul work. It’s not just about putting things in pretty bins, it’s about creating space for what truly matters. My philosophy is: less clutter, more clarity. I want our clients to feel lighter, more empowered, and more connected to their homes after we’re done.
4
Tell us what a typical day-in-the-life looks like for you.
No two days are ever the same, but I usually start early with some quiet time — coffee, journaling or reading my Bible, and a walk with Dan and our dogs. From there, I dive into team check-ins, client consults and designs, and behind-the-scenes work on LIJ Spaces. Some days are dedicated to brand partnerships, content creation, or filming, which allows me to share what we do with a wider audience. Evenings are reserved for home and time with my family — it’s my favorite way to wind down.
5
What’s one small habit that makes a big difference in staying organized?
What’s one small habit that makes a big difference in staying organized?
Taking 5–10 minutes each morning to create a simple to-do list and time block my day. Whether it’s on paper or digital, mapping out what needs to get done — and when — brings instant clarity and helps me stay focused and present. It’s a small habit that keeps both my home and my head organized.
6
How do you seek to incorporate balance in your life?
How do you seek to incorporate balance in your life?
For me, balance comes from being intentional with my time and creating rhythms that support both work and rest. I build in breathing room — whether that’s a midday walk, quiet time in the morning, or setting clear boundaries around when I’m available. I’ve also learned to say no to the things that don’t align with my values, so I have more space for what truly matters. It’s less about achieving perfect balance and more about staying aligned with what fills me up.
7
In 2021, you published Life in Jeneral: A Joyful Guide to Organizing Your Home and Creating the Space for What Matters Most, a helpful guide emphasizing the “soul work” of home organization — the psychological and emotional foundation necessary for creating a streamlined and sustainable lifestyle. What motivated you to write this book, and what do you hope it inspires in your readers?
I wanted to share the “why” behind organizing, not just the how. So many people think it’s about having it all together or achieving a picture-perfect home, but it’s really about alignment — creating space for what truly matters, like family, friends, community, and a life filled with purpose. It’s about holding onto the things that add value, love, and meaning — not just accumulating more stuff that ends up creating clutter. I wrote the book to help others let go of the pressure and find freedom in systems that support their lifestyles. My hope is that readers feel seen, encouraged, and empowered to begin right where they are.
8
Do you have any organization tips or storage hacks you could share with us?
I’m a big fan of anything that makes life simpler and more intentional — both in your home and in your routines. Sharing a few of my go-to organizing hacks:
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- Group like with like and give everything a “home.” That’s the secret to maintaining order instead of constantly resetting.
- Use labels! They’re not just cute, they provide clarity. Labels create accountability for everyone in the house to stay organized.
- Create zones that support your real life — whether it’s a morning drawer, a reset basket, or a donation bin that’s always ready to go.
- Create a life list — I swear by mine! It’s a running list of to-dos, ideas, goals, and even big dreams. Part brain-dump, part vision board, it helps clear your mind and keep you focused on what matters most. Getting it all out of your head and onto paper is the first step to staying grounded, organized, and on track.
9
What’s next for you? How do you hope to see the impact of your work take form?
I’m focused on scaling LIJ Spaces and continuing to merge custom cabinetry with thoughtful, functional organizing solutions. I’ve also been leaning into brand partnerships, stepping into new roles, and embracing the exciting shifts happening within my company.
It’s been incredible to collaborate with brands I genuinely love and use in my daily life — creating content together that feels authentic and inspiring. My mission has always been to help people live more intentionally, and I’m excited to keep building platforms that support that vision.
rapid fire with Jen…
1
Your favorite label maker?
2
Junk drawer – yes or no?
Yes — but make it a curated joy drawer instead!
3
One product that’s always in your bag?
A portable phone charger.
4
Hidden storage or everything on display?
Hidden (organized) storage — always.
5
Sunday reset or daily tidy-up?
So tough! I love both. But I’ll go with daily tidy-up. A little each day keeps the chaos away!
