Early on, Lucy Milligan Wahl discovered that the secret to success was an organized home. Now that may seem like one of those inspirational posters that speak to a "clean home, clean soul" and all that, but what Lucy uncovered is that if she didn't have to spend time hunting down her left socks, favorite pen, and phone charger (for example), she could use that time to pursue her career, social life, or passions.
What makes Lucy an expert? Well, organization is written into Lucy’s DNA (possibly even literally)– just ask her crayon boxes, which were always organized and color-coded immaculately. Now, take Lucy’s passion for ease and systemization and look no further than LMW Edits, Lucy’s professional organization service that transforms living environments, especially those of suburban families. LMW focuses on this often overlooked group because any parent can tell you about how they lose precious minutes, hours, and moments of sanity, hunting down their toddler's favorite toy or trying to find their keys. LMW is here to ask why you should allow these lost moments to inhibit your success and potential, because (shocker) they shouldn’t!
Read on and Turndown with Lucy to learn how she truly embodies LMW's values; to find her at her favorite hidden oasis (answer: Lake Tahoe); to get a modern romance recommendation; to discover how she keeps peace of mind as she transitions from day to night. Organization is just a short QA away ;)
What are your favorite (hidden) oases? Favorite places to be - parks, cities, bars, any place you absolutely adore!
My happy place is Lake Tahoe. On my perfect summer day, I’d grab sandwiches at the Tahoma Market & Deli on the West Shore and go for a hike to Ellis Peak. (Don’t forget your swimsuit for Ellis Lake and plenty of water!) Finish up with the iconic Chambers Punch - and excellent people-watching - on the pier at Chambers Landing.
What oasis is on your bucket list? Travel wishlist!!
I’m dying to go to the Maldives. We were supposed to go for our 10th anniversary in July 2020… but we all know how that played out!
What book are you currently unwinding with?
I’m about to start Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel, but I also have to give a shout-out to the author Jasmine Guillory. Her books are everything you want from modern romance - perfect to unwind with!
What 4-5 songs make up the soundtrack of your life?
Respect by Aretha Franklin
Fantasy by Mariah Carey
Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks
Love on Top by Beyonce
Good As Hell by Lizzo
Where is your favorite hidden space in your home?
We have a tiny upstairs deck outside our two home offices, and it gets great sun. On pretty days we leave the doors open so our dog can sunbathe and we can talk to each other across the deck as we work!
What is your personal “turndown routine” that helps you transition from day to night?
I always always always leave my phone charging in my home office! I generally shower in the evening, so I’m already clean and cozy by bedtime. Then I just have to brush my teeth, take my vitamins, and let the dog out. My husband will make me a cup of chamomile tea for me to sip while I snuggle up in bed, put on hand cream (I swear by L'Occitane Shea Butter) and read a chapter or two on my Kindle.
What is something you do just for you?
My whole exercise/physical therapy routine. I found fitness in my thirties and discovered that having a strong body is key to my mental and physical health. Plus, I do very physical work that requires me to bend, lift, stretch, and balance, so if I can’t move well, I can’t work!
What’s your favorite maxi dress or jumpsuit and why?
I have a caftan-style maxi dress that’s at least 4 years old from Tory Burch that I love wearing on vacation. It’s the perfect combo of preppy (the fabric is blue and white striped) and resort-y!
You run a boutique professional organization company, how did you get started and how did you decide to take the leap of starting your own business instead of working for a larger company?
I actually decided to start a business before I decided what that business would be! I had just finished the full-time MBA program at UCLA and was sort of underwhelmed with the options available in my first career in nonprofit fundraising. A lot of my classmates were starting businesses, and I thought - why not me?
I went into professional organizing because I realized that being organized has always been my superpower. I’m not the smartest girl in the room, but I can keep up with the smartest because I have my space and time organized. I realized so many people have untapped potential because they’re using so much energy just trying to get through life, and getting organized can set this potential free!
Do you have a favorite room/area you love to organize? What are your favorite tips and tools for that area?
I absolutely love organizing closets. I’m a fashion lover at heart, so it’s just fun for me to work with wardrobes. Plus, I believe in the power of feeling great in your clothes, whatever your style may be. I love giving my clients closets that inspire them to get dressed and be authentically themselves when they had rotated through the same few outfits and dreaded looking in their closets before.
Where can Covers find you online (instagram, website, etc):
Instagram: @lmwedits
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2el8k_VRKy4JxtsQQgrjA
Website: lmwedits.com
