10 Non-Negotiables No Matter Where We Live: Find peace in a Temporary Space
““Even in transition, home can be a reflection of who you are and what you value most.””
After four wonderful years in Charleston, Graeme received an incredible opportunity that brought us back home to Austin! The move was a full family adventure—selling our Charleston home, managing pets, back-to-school transitions, teenage schedules, and new activities—all while navigating a cross-country relocation.
We made the intentional choice to slow down and take our time finding the right next home here in Austin. That decision led us to a season of temporary living—and to a very sweet condo just one mile from Rebecka, with a wellness club right in our backyard (a gift we’ve fully embraced!).
Transitions can feel anything but graceful—but with intention, even temporary living can bring lasting peace. When our family moved into our condo, I made a decision: just because this season is temporary doesn’t mean it can’t be calm, beautiful, and functional.
There are certain non-negotiables I’ll always invest in—because my peace, and our family’s ability to work and live well together, aren’t optional. Below are the elements that bring organization, calm, and connection into our home—no matter where we’re living.
1. A Makeshift Mudroom
Our condo didn’t come with a mudroom, so we turned an extra closet into one using this Crate & Barrel storage bench and panel set.
It’s become the heartbeat of our home—collecting everything that would otherwise migrate into bedrooms and living areas: backpacks, pet items, wrapping supplies, returns, shoes, and all those “in-transit” things.
It’s also the perfect spot for our Skylight calendar—tucked away from the entry but right where the kids grab their backpacks. A little planning like this creates natural rhythms that keep our family flowing together with ease.
2. The Entry Drop Zone
A clutter-free welcome sets the tone for the whole home. We created a simple drop zone with two decorative hooks and a corner table—just enough for keys, sunglasses, and wallets.
By keeping this intentionally minimal, our entry feels calm, collected, and guest-ready every day.
3. Kitchen Maximization
In a small kitchen, every inch matters! We added pull-out shelving to deep cabinets, YouCopia pan organizers, and adhesive organizers inside cabinet doors. These small tweaks make our kitchen work for us.
4. The Stair Basket System
Simple but powerful: a stair basket. It collects everything that’s been left out during the day, keeping surfaces clear while encouraging everyone to take responsibility for their own things.
Sanity is found in systems that give grace—but still invite accountability. You can see more of our full teams game-changer systems in our Household Huddle.
5. Closet Clarity
Even in smaller spaces, your closet can still feel inspiring. Acrylic shoe boxes, handbag organizers, belt and hat racks—these touches let me see everything I own at a glance.
Small spaces demand organization, but they can absolutely feel luxurious.
6. Home Décor That Anchors
Even in short-term living, décor matters. Home should feel like home. My favorite discovery: claw picture hanging hooks—they hold significant weight, install easily, and leave only the tiniest marks.
Hanging family photos and art instantly made this place feel like us. During seasons of change—new schools, new routines—those familiar touches bring stability and peace.
7. Dual-Purpose Living: Dining + Desk
Our dining table doubles as my daily workspace—then easily transitions to hosting. (You can see how we turned it into a sunny supper setup here!)
This balance lets me create, work, and gather all in one place. Proof that function and beauty can truly coexist.
8. Functional Décor
We love game nights, but space is limited. Our solution? Display-worthy versions of our favorites—Scrabble, Monopoly, Tic Tac Toe, and Chess.
They double as art and entertainment—proof that beautiful living doesn’t have to be complicated.
9. Making Space Work Smarter
When every square foot counts, smart systems make all the difference.
One of the best choices we made: five Elfa over-the-door systems, each with its own purpose—pantry, closet, tool + travel, water bottles, and cleaning supplies.
We also added:
Adjustable wall-mounted TV arm to free up surface space
Extendable drying rack (thank you, Debbie!) that folds neatly away
These are the kinds of solutions that make a home feel bigger—without adding a single square foot.
10. Wellness Woven In
When our surroundings support our well-being, everything flows more smoothly. Even small spaces can hold powerful wellness routines when designed with care.
Our favorites:
Reverse Osmosis Water Filter – Filtered water + two cups of hot water on demand.
Whole-Home Air Purifier – Clean air = calm mind.
Portable Sauna – Yes, it fits in our mudroom!
Wall-Mounted Oil Diffusers – Subtle scent therapy, zero counter clutter.
Each of these choices helps our home work for our health—creating a space that’s restorative, grounded, and alive.
More about our transition to a low-toxic lifestyle here!
1. Pull Out Shelves 2. Tic Tac Toe 3. Chess 4. Skylight Calendar Frame 5. Youcopia Organizer 6. Claw Wall Hangers 7. Corner Entry Table 8. Monopoly 9. Crate & Barrel Set 10. Air Doctor Air Purifier 11. Reverse Osmosis Water Filter 12. Portable Sauna 13. Elfa Over-The-Door Storage 14. Wall-Mounted Oil Diffusers 15. Hat Organizer 16. Belt Organizer 17. Purse Organizer
Graceful Living, Wherever You Are
Our Graceful Spaces team worked wonders creating essential zones for travel, medicine, overflow, memories, wellness, and entertaining—all within 2,200 sq. ft.!
It’s proof that luxury and intentional living are possible in any footprint.
What makes me proudest isn’t just the systems—it’s the care behind them. Our team supports families through transitions every single week. They understand how deeply these moments affect daily rhythms and emotional well-being, and they approach each project with empathy, expertise, and heart.
Whether you’re moving, remodeling, or simply craving a more peaceful home, we can help you get there.
Explore our Virtual Organizing Service for guided DIY support, or experience our in-home services for a full transformation.
Finding Joy in the Midst of Uncertainty
This season has reminded me that joy doesn’t wait for “someday.” Even in transition, home can be a reflection of who you are and what you value most—calm, beauty, and connection.
Having photos on the walls, systems for where things go, and rhythms that feel familiar gives our family peace while everything else is shifting.
Because peace isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifestyle. And with a little intention, it’s one you can create anywhere.
xo,
Christina
P.S. I’ll include a few affiliate links for the items I use and love — but my hope is that the real inspiration comes from the activity itself: showing up with intention, embracing beauty in the everyday, and weaving joy into even the simplest routines.
