Southern Chaos at The Container Store: Texas Book Tour Recap
The Southern Chaos Texas Book Tour has officially wrapped, and we are equal parts exhausted and over-the-moon excited. This trip was packed with gratitude, surprises, sisterly chaos, and more organizing inspiration than we ever expected. If you’re passionate about home organization, decluttering, or discovering the best organizing products on the market, you’re in the right place.
The Container Store is definitely MY HAPPY PLACE!!!
A Heartfelt Thank You to The Container Store
Before anything else, I want to extend a huge thank you to The Container Store for inviting us to share our book, Southern Chaos: Organizing the Southern Home. Their Southern hospitality was unmatched and reminded me why The Container Store remains a trusted leader in the home organizing industry.
Every store we visited was buzzing with energy. Their employees are true experts in home storage solutions, organization systems, and all the bins and baskets we Southerners love. Stepping through the doors felt like walking into Santa’s workshop for organizers — joyful, purposeful, and overflowing with inspiration. So impressed with their staff who attended to every detail!
Sister Time and Support That Meant Everything
A special thank you goes to my sister, Melanie, who joined me on this Texas journey.
Not only did she help manage the chaos behind the scenes, but she also made the entire book tour experience even more meaningful. From logistics to laughter(at my singing ability….or lack of it!), she kept the trip energized and joyful. And to every friend, family member, and reader who showed up -THANK YOU!!! Your support means the world to me! It is what fuels me and our Chaos Organizing mission to help people create functional, beautiful, organized homes.
Mellie Magic helped make this happen!
Inside The Container Store: A Dream for Home Organizing Lovers
Let’s be honest — if you love organization, decluttering tips, and finding the perfect storage bins, then you understand why this event was a dream come true.
Everywhere I looked:
Bins. Bins. And more bins.
From woven baskets and pantry organizers to closet systems and drawer inserts, The Container Store is truly a one-stop shop for creating efficient spaces. One of my favorite parts was speaking with employees about their top trending organizing products and best-selling solutions. I never recommend items to clients unless I’ve tested them myself, so this was an incredible opportunity to evaluate quality, durability, and value.
I discovered several new products I can’t wait to bring into upcoming home organization projects, especially for clients who are downsizing, aging in place, or craving a more functional Southern home.
Coming soon to a home near you!
Road Tripping With My Sister: Chaos Included
Now for the adventure behind the adventure — a sister road trip full of humor and real-life chaos.
The High-Tech Hybrid
We took my new hybrid car, which has more technology than a small airplane. Melanie ended up doing all the driving because every button, beep, and blinking light felt like a mystery so I stayed buried in the owners manual. Let’s just say the learning curve was steep and we laughed a lot about possible hitting a button that might eject us.
The Great Christmas Music Debate
Because it was the holiday season, I naturally wanted Christmas music. Joy, Joy and MORE JOY!!!! Right?
Melanie said absolutely not.
Not just because she dislikes holiday cheer… but because she didn’t want to hear me sing. HA!
Some talents are better left hidden…..deeply hidden..HA!
Austin’s Sky-High Interstates
Then came the sky-high interstate system in Austin — a true test of bravery for two sisters who hate heights. We were so far off the ground I’m pretty sure we could see Oklahoma from up there.(Hey Sandy!) A true bonding moment, fueled by adrenaline, white knuckles and Southern prayers.
Flat Martha
Every great book tour needs a mascot… and ours came in the form of Flat Martha — my life-sized cardboard cutout who traveled right alongside us.
Flat Martha visited three Container Stores, checked into the Aloft Hotel like she owned the place, stopped by Reed’s House of Grad School Boys to watch football, and even managed to keep Melanie in line. (Every time Melanie got sassy, Flat Martha somehow ended up popping her on the back of the head — like any good Southern sister would.)
There is nothing quite like walking into a hotel lobby with a cardboard version of yourself under one arm. Having a flat version of yourself is equal parts hilarious, humbling, and slightly unsettling. But I have to admit… she photographs well and never complains about the car temperature(or my singing!).
Flat Martha became such a part of the trip that by the end, people were asking for pictures with her like she was the Beyoncé of the organizing world. Honestly? She earned it. #FlatMartha if you want to follow along on her adventures.
Nothing better than a photo with #FlatMartha
#FlatMartha meets Austin!
#FlatMartha thoroughly enjoyed watching the game with Reed and his PT friends! He was disappointed she didn’t clean bathrooms!
A Magical Ending in Austin
The highlight finale of the trip was seeing my son and cousin in Austin. Reed came proudly sporting his Chaos shirt like he was part of our team. Jessica came and brought her entire family along to say hello! She invited us to end the night(and tour) at Frosty’s, a Christmas pop-up bar that looked like a winter wonderland exploded along with a few of her friends. It was the perfect festive finish to an unforgettable week.
My sweet son, Reed, came to support his Mama!
What’s Next for Southern Chaos?
This book tour left me energized and inspired. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing:
The best organizing products from The Container Store
Employee favorites you’ll want in your pantry, closet, or laundry room
Tips for maintaining an organized home heading into the new year
Storage solutions for Christmas Decor
Whether you're starting a decluttering journey, upgrading your storage systems, or simply love a good organizing product roundup, there’s so much coming your way.
Thank you for being part of this adventure. Your support keeps the mission of Chaos Organizing going strong — helping Southern women create organized, functional, warm homes without giving up the things they love.
Kindness always,
MC
Ended the tour with a trip to Frosty’s, a pop-up Christmas bar, with my cousin and her friends! So Merry and Bright!
Three Ways to Simplify Before the Holidays (Without Losing Your Mind)
Three Ways to Simplify Before the Holidays (Without Losing Your Mind)
If your to-do list is growing faster than your gift list, you’re not alone. The holidays have a way of sneaking up — suddenly, there are parties, guests, casseroles, and stuff everywhere. But here’s the truth: peace doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from small, intentional steps that make your space (and your mind) feel lighter.
Let’s simplify together — the Southern way.
Picking Up Where We Left Off
You may recall my blog from December 3rd, “Get Your Southern Home Holiday Ready Without the Stress”, where I walked you through making your entryway welcoming, creating a snack station, and setting up guest-ready spaces.
This year, I’m building on that foundation with three fresh ways to simplify before the rush — so you can enjoy your home and the holiday moments, not just survive them.
1️⃣ Start with the CHAOS Method
When everything feels overwhelming, use our signature CHAOS Method to get back on track:
C – Categorize: Group like items together — wrapping paper, ornaments, guest linens.
H – Helpful or Hurtful: Ask yourself if keeping this item supports your goal of calm this season.
A – Action: Decide what to keep, toss, or donate.
O – Organize: Store what stays in clear, labeled bins.
S – Simplify: Label everything so it’s easy to find when the holidays hit full swing.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about creating a flow that feels like home — warm, welcoming, and easy to live in.
2️⃣ Focus on the “Big 3” Southern Spaces
When you’re short on time, start where it matters most — the spaces where Southern hospitality truly shines.
1. The Entryway
This is your home’s first impression — the spot where friends drop off gumbo, neighbors bring cookies, and guests step in out of the cold(well….rain.)
Clear off the console or hall table.
Add a welcoming candle or small wreath.
Tuck a basket nearby for shoes or handbags.
A clutter-free entryway says, “Come on in, y’all — we’re glad you’re here.”
2. The Kitchen Counters
The kitchen is the heart of a Southern home, especially during the holidays. Between baking pies, making oyster dressing, and setting out sweet tea for visitors, it’s easy for chaos to take over.
Keep only the essentials on your counters.
Corral the rest (utensils, oils, baking tools) into bins, drawers or baskets.
Clear and wipe down surfaces at the end of each day. It’s a five-minute habit that makes your mornings feel fresh.
When your counters are clear, it’s easier to focus on what really matters — food, family, and fellowship.
3. The Guest Room (or Sofa Bed)
Southern hospitality is about making people feel at home — even when your home is bursting at the seams.
Fresh linens and a soft blanket go a long way.
Leave a few empty drawers or hangers for guests.
Add a handwritten note or a tiny vase of flowers for a thoughtful touch.
These small gestures show care and calm — and make your guests feel genuinely welcome.
3️⃣ Create Breathing Room (for You and Your Home)
It’s easy to fill every corner — and every minute — this time of year. But simplicity is the secret to sanity.
Leave space in your calendar for rest time.
Say no to one thing that doesn’t serve you this season.
Leave room in your home — donate items you no longer need before the influx of gifts arrives.
When your home has breathing room, you do too.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether you’re prepping for guests or reclaiming calm after the holidays, our team can help you make your home shine — beautifully and efficiently.
Email us to book right now. info@chaosorganizing.com
Elegance meets ease — let us prepare your home for guests, the Southern way.
#HolidayOrganization #HolidayHomeTips #DeclutterYourHome #HolidayStressRelief #HomeOrganizationTips #OrganizedHome
#SimplifyTheSeason #HolidayPrepMadeEasy #SouthernHomeStyle #SouthernLivingInspired #SouthernHospitality #SouthernChaos #ChaosOrganizing #OrganizingSouthernChaos #HoustonOrganizer #TheWoodlandsTX #AustinTXOrganizer #LouisianaOrganizer #BatonRougeHomes
#GulfCoastLiving
Smart Garage Storage Solutions That Beat Louisiana Humidity
Smart Garage Storage That Survives Louisiana Humidity
By Martha-Carol Stewart, Chaos Organizing
Garage Storage That Survives Louisiana Humidity
Southern Chaos Meets Southern Humidity
Hey y’all—it’s MC here, your Southern Martha Stewart of Organizing. If you’ve ever opened a garage bin to find your favorite tailgate gear covered in mildew, or pulled a rusty tool off the shelf, you know the struggle is real. Louisiana humidity doesn’t play nice—but I’ll show you how to outsmart it.
Why Humidity is Your Garage’s Worst Enemy
Humidity warps wood, rusts metal, and feeds mold. The trick isn’t to fight it—it’s to design around it with smart airflow, barriers, and moisture control.
Here’s my formula for success:
Airflow — Keep the air moving.
Barriers — Use sealed containers.
Moisture control — Dehumidifiers or desiccants are your best friends.
Zoning — Give items breathing room and purpose.
And always start with the Chaos Method:
Categorize • Helpful or Hurtful • Action (Keep/Toss/Donate) • Organize (in bins) • Simplify (label everything)
Step 1: Quick Chaos Reset
In two hours, you can reclaim your garage. Pull everything out by category—tools, garden gear, sports stuff, décor, keepsakes—and ask, Is this helpful or hurtful? Toss what’s warped or moldy, donate what you don’t use, and only keep what you love or need.
Step 2: Humidity-Smart Shelving
Powder-coated steel or aluminum stands up to moisture.
Wire shelving beats solid wood—it lets air circulate.
Wall systems (slatwall or tracks) keep items off the floor.
Ceiling racks are great for sealed bins, not liquids or heirlooms.
Step 3: Containers That Protect
Say goodbye to cardboard—it’s a bug buffet!
Use gasket-sealed bins with rubber ring lids.
Choose clear bins so you don’t have to open them.
Ventilated crates are only for drying gear.
Label on two sides and the lid.
Step 4: Moisture Defense
Add desiccant packs inside bins and recharge monthly.
Place damp absorbers in garage corners.
Run a dehumidifier at 50–55% RH.
Keep a fan moving air daily if possible.
Step 5: Louisiana Garage Don’ts
Avoid storing:
Paperwork or photos (mold magnets!)
Fabric or sentimental textiles.
Candles or cosmetics.
Open pet food (store in sealed bins).
Step 6: Monthly Garage “Chaos Check”
Empty the dehumidifier tray.
Recharge desiccants.
Quick rust/mold scan.
Sweep out corners.
Add 3 items to your donation box.
Bonus: Hurricane Prep Bin
Keep one gasket-sealed bin with flashlights, batteries, chargers, gloves, and a small toolkit. Store critical documents inside the home in a waterproof safe.
—
Kindness always,
MC Stewart
ChaosOrganizing.com • info@ChaosOrganizing.com • 225-205-6400
Instagram: @chaosorganizing • Facebook: @ChaosOrganizing
Tailgate Organization Tips: How to Stay Stress-Free on Game Day
Football season in the South isn’t just about the game—it’s about the tailgate tradition. From family recipes to team spirit, SEC tailgating is one of our favorite ways to connect with friends and celebrate. But here’s the truth: if your tailgate setup isn’t organized, the fun can quickly turn into chaos.
As a professional organizer and lover of cheering on my LSU Tigers, I believe that with a little preparation, you can spend less time stressing and more time cheering. Here are my best tailgate organization tips to keep your game day smooth, simple, and stress-free.
1. The Tailgate Tubs: Your Game Day Secret Weapon
Create clear storage bins filled with the essentials you’ll need every time:
Plates, napkins, plastic tablecloths and cutlery
Wet wipes, paper towels
Trash bags, aluminum containers, zip-top bags for leftovers
Decorations(Because nobody wants a boring tailgate!)
Keep a list of what needs to be in each bin.(Laminate and tape to the bin) Restock it after every game so it’s always ready to grab and go. This single step eliminates that last-minute scramble through your kitchen.
2. Make a Game Day Checklist
Tailgates have a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to forget something important. A checklist ensures you never leave home without:
Chairs
Tent or canopy
Tables
Ice Chests
Team gear
Clear Purse
Jackets
Pro tip: save Your list in your phone notes app. Check items off as you load your car.
3. Organize Your Ice Chests Like a Pro
Ice Chests are the heart of every tailgate, but without a system, they can become a free-for-all.
Ice Chest #1: Drinks only.(We separate water and soft drinks from alcohol)
Ice Chest #2: Raw or cooked food.
Ice Chest #3 (optional): Desserts or snacks.
Use painter’s tape to label each ice chest so guests can find what they need without digging through everything.
4. Keep Serving Stations Simple
Use caddies or baskets for condiments and utensils.
Group similar foods together on tables
Label dish covers so everyone knows what’s inside.
When your stations are clear and organized, guests can serve themselves without asking you a million questions.
5. Plan for Easy Cleanup
Cleanup doesn’t have to be stressful if you set it up ahead of time.
Bring bins for clean up: dirty serving items will go in these.
Assign a “cleanup buddy” so you’re not stuck doing it all or hire a crew to do it for you.
Assign a person to wrap up the trash and take it to designated trash spot or put it in the vehicle to bring home.
A little planning makes pack-up faster and ensures you leave the space better than you found it.
The Game Day Mindset
Remember, tailgate organization isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. When your gear, food, and flow are in order, you create space for what matters most: cheering for your team and making memories.
Playful mantra to remember: “Clear bins, big wins!”
Ready to Tackle Your Own Chaos?
If your home, garage, or event setup feels more like a fumble than a touchdown, it may be time for professional help. At Chaos Organizing, we help busy families create order so you can enjoy life without the stress of clutter.
👉 Call us today at 225-205-6400 or visit ChaosOrganizing.com to schedule your consultation.
Because whether it’s tailgates or Tuesdays, life is better when it’s organized.
Stand in Your Back Door and Really Look: Is This the Life You Want?
Have you ever stood in your back doorway, coffee in hand, and just looked at your house?
Not just a passing glance—but really looked?
The dishes from yesterday. The piles on the counter. The cluttered corners you’ve stopped noticing. The closet you keep meaning to tackle. The laundry that seems to multiply like it has a life of its own.
Now ask yourself…
Have you ever stood in your back doorway, coffee in hand, and just looked at your house?
Not just a passing glance—but really looked?
The dishes from yesterday. The piles on the counter. The cluttered corners you’ve stopped noticing. The closet you keep meaning to tackle. The laundry that seems to multiply like it has a life of its own.
Now ask yourself:
Is this the life you want to live in?
The Quiet Toll of Chaos
Disorganization doesn’t always look like an episode of a reality show. It’s quieter than that.
It’s the mental weight you carry every time you walk past a mess you can’t face.
It’s the argument sparked by a missing shoe or forgotten appointment.
It’s the dinner you don’t cook because you can’t find the cutting board.
It’s the guilt, the stress, the overwhelm—that slow, simmering tension that never quite goes away.
And over time?
That chaos chips away at your peace, your time, your energy, and your joy.
But Here’s the Truth: It Doesn’t Have to Stay This Way
Imagine walking into your home and feeling calm instead of anxious.
Imagine knowing where everything is—and where everything goes.
Imagine a home that works for you, not against you.
You don’t need a bigger house.
You don’t need fancy bins or color-coded systems (unless you want them).
You just need a reset—a reclaiming.
Because your home should feel like a soft place to land.
Not a battleground of stuff.
Let’s Get Real About Your Space
If your home could talk, what would it say to you?
Would it beg for breathing room? Would it whisper, “Help”?
Stand in your back door again.
This time, take a deep breath.
Look through eyes that see potential, not just problems.
You are allowed to want more peace.
You are allowed to want a space that supports you.
You are allowed to say, “This isn’t working for me anymore.”
Your Home is a Reflection—Not a Judgment
This isn’t about shame. It’s about clarity.
Every item that clutters your space is a decision waiting to be made.
And when those decisions pile up, they paralyze us.
But you don’t have to make them alone.
At Chaos Organizing, we step into that overwhelm with kindness and strategy. We guide you, not judge you. We help you make the hard calls, create systems that fit your life, and breathe new energy into every room.
Start With a Doorway and a Decision
Sometimes the first step toward peace is standing still long enough to see what’s not working—and having the courage to do something about it.
So go to your back door.
Stand there.
Look inside.
And if you feel something stir in your chest—a longing, a restlessness, a “this just isn’t it”… then know that change is possible.
Your home doesn’t have to be perfect.
But it can be peaceful.
It can be yours again.