Hi, I'm Elena DaFonte, a personal organizer in East Providence, RI who started Simple Living Strategies in January of 2018. I enjoy helping others reach their organizing goals in any area of their home. My services help clients with clear goal setting, practicing new habits, and setting up an inviting home that suits their needs. I work with individuals and families who are feeling overwhelmed by clutter, an upcoming move, or other life transition in a variety of situations. I encourage people to reduce their excess belongings in order to focus on enjoying their current lifestyle and activities.
I've spent more than half my life discovering the benefits of simplicity and organization. It all started with Study Skills class in 7th grade, where I learned to eliminate distractions on my desk, make lists, and use a calendar to plan ahead. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northeastern University, and spent nearly a decade as a preschool teacher. My work in early education revealed the connection between a tidy, simple environment and how it affected the flow of the day. I observed how a messy environment tended to bring an increase in overstimulation and distraction in both the children and myself. A neat, ordered room brought on a sense of calm and purpose to all. When things got quiet, I loved to sneak away to bring order to the storage areas.
Coming across books about organizing took my enthusiasm to the next level, inspiring me to go through my whole home applying the principles I learned for creating a tidier home space. This led to the idea of helping adults and their families in their homes!
An avid outdoor enthusiast, I absorb myself in creating streamlined systems for road trips, backpacking adventures, and gardening. I love exploring different natural areas in New England - starting with the plants in my own backyard, the beach and mountains alike: on foot, bicycle, and skis! In the winter, I enjoy volunteering for Providence Bike Jam, a local advocacy group that hosts a monthly party on wheels. I served as the Secretary for NAPO-NE from 2020-2023.