Professional organizer Francesca Riso, owner of Room for Space, has spent the last seven years helping individuals and families across Southern California confront one of the most emotionally complex parts of modern life: their belongings. And while she serves clients from Montecito to Bel Air, she says Santa Clarita holds a unique place in her work — not only because she grew up here, but because the community’s habits, homes, and family-centered lifestyle create distinct patterns in how clutter accumulates and how people feel about it.
Riso, who grew up in Canyon Country and attended La Mesa Junior High before becoming active in the theater departments at Golden Valley High and College of the Canyons, says her early years in Santa Clarita gave her a front-row seat to the city’s rapid growth.
“I’ve noticed and experienced the evolution of the area quite a bit,” she said, pointing to changes at the Valencia Town Center and new housing developments across Plum Canyon, Sierra Highway and Sand Canyon. With that growth has come a familiar rhythm: busy families, big shopping trips, and homes filling up faster than people realize.
“Where do many moms love to shop? Costco, Walmart, Target,” she said. “What do those places generally supply? An excess of quantities — and unfortunately many busy individuals aren’t stopping to think, ‘Where will that mega pack of paper towels live once we get it home?’”
In her work, Riso sees a common pattern: residents continuously bring new items into their homes without regularly letting go of what they no longer need. “Packages are flooding entryways without any idea of where the contents will land,” she said. “Santa Clarita families often aren’t prioritizing an input/output system.”
This cycle, she explains, is not simply about clutter — it’s about psychology.
The Emotional Weight Behind Our Belongings
Riso’s clients range from new parents preparing a nursery to older adults downsizing after the loss of a spouse. Across these experiences, she sees one universal truth: items carry emotional meaning far beyond their physical form.
“Items often become a physical manifestation of so many things,” she said. “A dream, a person, an experience, or a past version of us.”
For some, the challenge stems from childhood experiences with scarcity. “If financial stability wasn’t available growing up, people may develop a scarcity mindset that makes it difficult to let go of things later in life,” she explained.
Other times, the emotional barrier is tied to identity. Letting go of old clothes, unfinished projects, or long-stored memorabilia can feel like letting go of who we once were — or who we hoped to become.
Riso approaches these moments with patience, not pressure. “I can’t force clients to get rid of anything,” she said. “I simply remind them of our overarching goal — whether that’s seeing the floor in the closet again, parking the car in the garage, or creating a sense of peace throughout the home.”
She often calls herself a “Space Therapist,” guiding clients through what she describes as “the emotional waters of what was, could have been, or might be.”
One breakthrough stands out. An older woman, overwhelmed by decades of belongings, had previously turned away organizers who insisted she “get rid of things.” Riso took a softer approach, asking questions like “How will you use this today?” and “Is this serving you moving forward?” The woman eventually realized she was ready to release items that no longer supported her life. “Several stuffed SUV trips with donations later,” Riso said, “we had a home left with the treasures that made her happiest today.”
Minimalism vs. Reality in Santa Clarita
While minimalism is a popular topic online, Riso says she doesn’t see a true rise in minimalist living in Santa Clarita — at least not yet.
“I’ve noticed more discussion about minimalism, which is great,” she said. “But with the accessibility of hitting a button to purchase new things, I see more of a rise of clutter than ever before.”
What she has seen is an increase in residents seeking professional organizing support. “People know living in an organized space will feel better,” she said. “It’s just daunting to know where to begin or where to find the time.”
Life transitions often prompt the call: downsizing, empty-nesting, career changes, or preparing for a move. For families, especially busy moms, the challenge is maintaining functional systems in a household where needs constantly shift.
“It’s tricky enough for single individuals to update their systems, let alone a full household,” she said.
How Organization Changes Daily Life
Riso’s business motto — “Your home base is connected to your head space” — reflects what she sees after every project.
Clients report sleeping better, cooking more, arriving on time, and feeling calmer throughout the day. One even joked, “Now we have more money to spend on organizing because we’ve stopped buying so much crap!”
“Dwelling in a space where you are familiar with what lives there with you and why is imperative to our overall peace,” Riso said. “Investing in the space where you charge your batteries every night is investing in you.”
A Manageable First Step: The Timer Technique
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, Riso recommends starting small.
Her “timer technique” involves choosing a tiny, digestible area — a sock drawer, junk drawer, spices, canned goods — and setting a 10- to 15-minute timer. Phone on airplane mode. No distractions.
During that time, the only question is: Stay or go?
“You’ll be amazed how much you can get through in that small window,” she said. If the area isn’t finished, add ten more minutes or return the next day. “Bite-sized projects are the most manageable as you begin approaching clutter.”
Where to Find Help
Riso owns and operates Room for Space, based in Thousand Oaks, and serves clients throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Santa Clarita. She also partners with The Container Store and shares her 20% trade discount with clients.
She organizes monthly for actress Tia Mowry, works regularly with the design brand Joah Brown, and supports several other high-profile clients who prefer privacy.
Residents can learn more at roomforspacesb.com or on Instagram at @theroomforspace.
A Final Thought
As Riso sees it, decluttering is far more than a home project — it’s a life shift.
“We are meant to grow throughout our journey here on earth,” she said. “The belongings we have can embellish our ability to thrive, but they don’t define us — and they aren’t meant to come with us the whole way.” (Courtesy Photos)
