The Juniata Valley Home and Garden show makes its return to the Youth Park in Reedsville on Friday and Saturday. In addition to knowledgeable exhibitors, presentations will be featured on Friday at the event, including a session by Carolina Harvey, owner of the Central PA business Cure the Clutter. Harvey will present “Five Do’s and Don’ts of Home Organization” at 2 p.m. Friday in the presentation area of the Youth Park building. She answered some questions from The Sentinel in anticipation of her appearance.

Tell us when you started your business “Cure the Clutter” and what made you get into the home organization world?

Cure the Clutter was established in 2008. I was home with my children and wanted to contribute to my family. My desire was to build a business that would use my gifts and serve my community.

Who is your typical client and what type of jobs do you perform for them?

We serve all kinds of situations and families. We work with small businesses, non-profits and residential customers. We work with families’ collectibles, set- up daily routines/systems, and help declutter spaces so people can make space for what’s important.

How did you end up associated with the television show Hoarders and what has that experience been like?

In the summer of 2020, the show reached out by email and asked me to participate in a local episode that was being filmed in Perry County. Things changed with that episode and I was later asked to do my first episode in Virginia to help a family there. I started as a support organizer and after 4 episodes, I was asked to lead the clean-ups. It has been such a joy to help families all over the United States for five seasons of the show. Getting to know and help more people has been a wonderful opportunity.

Has it been rewarding to work with clients to help them reorganize and de-clutter?

I love what I do and call it an honor to be allowed to help people and be welcomed into their homes.

Can you share any experiences that stand out in your mind?

My favorite experiences with clients are when they say “I never saw it that way” or they tell me that they ask themselves “what would Carolina say if she was here with me.” I’ve worked with a particular client for over four years and watched them change how they talk to themselves. They are asking themselves questions that are tougher and are better at holding themselves accountable for the decisions they have made. Walking along side of them has been and continues to be a privilege every day.

What trends are emerging in the world of home organization?

Some trends are minimalism and making things look aesthetically pleasing. While being Pinterest worthy is a good goal, I want to guide people to develop systems that are customized for their family needs and goals. My desire is for them to spend time doing what they want to do, not what they have to do. Giving them their time back.

What advice would you give someone who feels overwhelmed by clutter?

My advice when people feel overwhelmed is to start small. When you start small you have early success and want to keep going.

All sessions are included with admission to the Home Show and will be held in the rear of the green Youth Park building. In addition to the home organization seminar, Penn State Master Gardeners of the Juniata Valley will present a planting session Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Friday show hours are noon. to 8 p.m. and admission is $2 for adults. Parking is free and there will be over 50 exhibitor spaces as well as food options. Saturday show hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Juniata Valley Home and Garden show is presented by The Sentinel and this will be its 12th year.

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