Meet a Mom Monday! Meet Christina Coscia, founder of Home Simplified, a Charleston-based company transforming homes with high-end organizational services tailored to both luxury estates and active family households. As a local mom of two, Christina launched her business after years as a stay-at-home mother, quickly gaining a reputation for her compassionate, real-life approach. Her unique blend of empathy and expertise creates serene, highly functional spaces that ease the demands of modern living. Read more below about Christina, her favorite room to organize, and one of her favorite simple tasks to keep families organized.
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Charleston, SC?
Where are you originally from, and how long have you been in Charleston, SC? I’m originally from Washington, DC, where I grew up right in the heart of the city. In 2018, I moved to Capitol Hill, in July 2023, I made Charleston my home, settling on Daniel Island with my two little boys. Growing up, my family spent summers vacationing in Hilton Head, and I’ve always felt a deep connection to the Lowcountry charm of Charleston. One day, I’d love to fulfill my dream of restoring a historic home downtown, blending my love for organization, design, with the character of Charleston’s rich history.
Tell us about your family
I have two wonderful little boys, ages nine and five, who are as different as night and day. My oldest has an old soul—he’s like a little 86-year-old man! He’s incredibly thoughtful, loves making lists for himself, and is shy yet deeply emotionally intelligent. My youngest was my NICU baby and has a processing delay, but he’s my fearless, vivacious child who approaches life with so much energy. Watching their unique personalities blossom is one of my greatest joys. We also have an 11-year-old dog named Riley, who’s been with us through it all. I have sole custody of my boys, and after spending 13 years with their father, I’ve learned so much about resilience and the strength it takes to build a home filled with love and stability.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m actually a former pastry chef! I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu after attending a small private college in South Florida. Interestingly, while I trained in pastry, I actually prefer cooking over baking. Food has always been my love language, and I grew up in a home that prioritized connection around the dinner table. My family hosted weekly dinners, and Sunday dinners became a tradition we shared with close family friends. My parents have kept this tradition alive for almost 20 years in DC, and it’s inspired the way I create meaningful moments with my own boys.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Charleston?
When I decided to bring my boys to Charleston, I knew I wanted them to experience everything this amazing city has to offer. We love being surrounded by water and nature—it’s such a great environment for kids. From exploring playgrounds to trying out Charleston’s incredible food scene, there’s always something fun to do as a family. One of our favorite traditions is enjoying dinner at Obstinate Daughter after a day on the beach. We also love having sunset picnics with friends and taking day trips to explore different parts of South Carolina. In the summer, we spend a lot of time downtown, soaking in the history and charm of the city. Charleston is such a family-friendly place, and it’s been a wonderful place to create memories together.
Tell us about your business, Home Simplified, and when & why you decided to start this business.
Home Simplified is built on trust and understanding. I know how vulnerable it can feel to invite someone into your home—it’s such a personal space, and it takes a lot of trust to let someone see how you truly live. That’s why I approach every client with openness and zero judgment, creating a safe and supportive environment to help them feel at ease.
I loved being a stay-at-home mom. Those years with my boys were so special, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. But after my planned second pregnancy, life at home changed. When it became unsafe, I made the incredibly difficult decision to leave with my children and dog. I had to start over, rebuilding our life from scratch while prioritizing my family’s safety and well-being.
My journey into organizing began when I was asked to work as an independent contractor in DC. I quickly realized how much organizing helped me find a sense of peace and control, even during chaotic times. Helping clients create order in their homes gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
In 2023, I moved to Charleston and launched Home Simplified. By November 2024, I celebrated one year of running my business full-time here. Transitioning from being a stay-at-home mom to the sole provider for my family has been a journey, but it’s one I’m incredibly proud of. This business is not only about organizing homes—it’s about showing my boys, and myself, that even when life doesn’t go as planned, you can build something beautiful and meaningful.
What types of services does Home Simplified provide to local clients Charleston?
At Home Simplified, I specialize in full-home organization with a focus on both functionality and styling. My goal is to create spaces that feel effortless and beautiful, tailored to each client’s lifestyle.
We’ve recently launched an affordable subscription plan, designed to take the overwhelm out of day-to-day home management. This is a weekly service with a three-month commitment, billed weekly, and you can choose from three options:
1. Meal Prep & Kitchen Maintenance • Unpack groceries and prep simple meals. • Organize and tidy your kitchen and pantry. • Clean out and refresh your fridge.
2. Focused Organization Session • Select a specific area of your home to focus on each week. • We’ll handle donations, either dropping them off or scheduling pickups with local Charleston organizations we partner with.
3. Laundry Folding & Closet Organization • Fold and hang clean laundry. • Color-block your wardrobe and create a tidy, visually pleasing space.
A clean home and an organized home are very different. This subscription service is designed to give you back your mental clarity and free time, so you can focus on what matters most. Our subscription plans allow clients to choose 2, 4, or 6-hour sessions each week, depending on their needs:
• 2-hour plan: $45/hour
• 4-hour plan: $40/hour
• 6-hour plan: $60/hour
The 2- and 4-hour sessions are ideal for everyday families who need help with daily tasks. These time frames allow us to tackle a lot—whether it’s folding and hanging laundry (the most requested service!) or organizing your spaces to keep things running smoothly. With the 6-hour plan, we can work toward organizing your entire home over time, offering a budget-friendly way to achieve your long-term goals. This service is perfect for clients who want consistent support.
Many families start with a full-home organization and then subscribe to our weekly 2-hour sessions to maintain their spaces. Sessions happen at the same time each week, and you’ll build a relationship with your dedicated organizer. I created this plan to meet the needs of Charleston families, and it’s flexible—you can adjust your focus each week based on what you need help with. It’s about making life easier and your home more enjoyable.
What is one of your favorite simple tasks to help keep families organized?
One of my favorite tips is the 10-minute rule: spend just ten minutes a day tackling the small piles that accumulate. Whether it’s hanging clothes, sorting through toys, or tidying the fridge, those ten minutes add up over time. It’s all about building a habit—and habits lead to balance.
I’ve also created and been published for my toy decluttering guide, which helps families manage the overwhelming amount of toys kids can accumulate. I recommend:
• A toy sweep before your child’s birthday
• Another in November or early December before the holidays
• A summer sweep in July, focusing on crafts and items collected during the season.
One of the hardest things for me, and something I share with my clients, is asking: Do you like it, or does your child like it? For example, I had a habit of holding onto wooden toys because I loved them, but when I shifted my perspective, it became easier to let go and donate. Another liberating piece of advice? Say no to hand-me-down toys. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your family and your space is to politely decline. I’m not a minimalist, which makes this process fun and approachable. It’s not about having less; it’s about being intentional. I’ve become disciplined with editing my closet, and I help my clients do the same. Not everyone is naturally organized—that’s okay! We each have our strengths. Organization is just about taking small, consistent steps to create a space where you feel less overwhelmed and more at peace.
What is your favorite type of room to organize?
Closets are definitely my favorite! They often leave my clients feeling liberated. Recently, we organized 516.5 pounds of items in just three sessions with one client, and it was a game changer for them.
I’ve learned that the most powerful part of the process is simply having real, open conversations with my clients. It’s not about me telling them what to get rid of—it’s about them deciding what no longer serves them. This is deeply personal work, and I never want anyone to feel shamed in the process. It’s about compassion and non-judgment. That’s why I often don’t share before photos of my projects; we don’t know what someone is working through emotionally.
Closets are a great starting point for building trust with my clients. They’re a manageable space to work on, and the results are immediately satisfying. When we finish a closet, my clients feel empowered and motivated to keep going with their organization journey. That’s the goal—to help them take ownership of their space and feel more confident in their home.
What is your biggest takeaway from this business and helping local clients become more organized?
My biggest takeaway is that organization is more than just tidying up—it’s about creating a space where people can feel at peace. After three years in this business, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply our environments impact our mental and emotional well-being.
I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, from families navigating big life changes to those who simply feel overwhelmed by clutter, no matter how big or small. The most rewarding part of what I do is seeing the transformation that happens not just in their homes, but in their mindset. Whether it’s helping a family unpack after a move, guiding someone through a major declutter, or supporting a client who is dealing with health or personal struggles, I’ve learned that organization is often the first step in regaining control.
When everything has a place and the clutter is cleared, it’s like a weight is lifted. This work goes beyond organizing physical spaces—it’s about helping clients reclaim time, reduce stress, and create an environment that supports their goals and well-being. It’s the most fulfilling part of my job, and I truly love being able to help families build balance and peace in their homes.
Tell us more about your work/life balance within motherhood.
Building my career around my children’s school schedule has been a game-changer for me. I organize my day based on their routine, which allows me to do what I love while still being present for them. I get to drop them off and pick them up from school, and my weekends are always dedicated to family time.
Leaving my career in the restaurant industry to stay at home was a huge shift. I worked 55-hour weeks as a GM while raising a one-year-old, and while I loved my work, I knew I needed more balance for my family. Transitioning into this organizing business has been life-changing. It allows me to not only be the mom I want to be but also pursue something that fulfills me in a way that my previous career couldn’t. I’ve never felt more fulfilled in my career than I do now.
Organizing is a career that truly fits the lifestyle of a mother. I’m able to balance my passions and family life in a way I never thought possible. This career has given me the flexibility and joy to build something meaningful while staying actively involved in my children’s lives. I’m so thankful for this blessing every day.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My mom, Lolo, has been the most influential in shaping the mom I am today. She empowered my sisters and me to embrace our individuality, even though we are all very different. I truly believe she gave us the independence to be our authentic selves. Food and cooking played a big role in our upbringing, and it’s something I continue to cherish with my own children. We’re currently eating our way through Charleston! Lolo is a very strong woman, and I’ve always felt her strength. As a mother, I try to create an environment where my children feel free to be themselves. I’m warm, expressive, and loving with them because I was taught that it’s okay to be open and kind. Kindness, in my opinion, is a form of strength, and it’s one of the qualities I most want to pass on to my children.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
Be your child’s biggest advocate. Trust your instincts. One piece of advice I’ve truly embraced—and apply to both my children—is that every child’s “normal” looks different. For example, if your child’s typical day involves a few tantrums, that might seem tough, but in their world, that could still be considered a good day. Each child’s good day looks different, and it’s important to appreciate their unique pace and progress.
It’s also vital to avoid comparing your child to others and to let go of the judgment from those around you. Opinions are just that—opinions—and they only hold value to the person sharing them. When my youngest son was struggling with a speech delay, his preschool told me he was fine, but deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. Eventually, he was diagnosed with an auditory processing delay. Navigating that journey was overwhelming at times, but it taught me to see his progress in a whole new light. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is how crucial it is to be your child’s advocate. I learned to trust my instincts, speak up for what he needed, and celebrate his small victories along the way. Each day is a step forward for him.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Give yourself grace. Soak up the moments as they really do pass you by. I can’t believe my oldest is nine! Small moments.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Charleston to…
Have Dinner with Family: Obstinate Daughter, Taco Boy, HomeTeam (Downtown), Coastal Crust, Tattooed Moose (John’s Island)
Grab a Drink with Friends: La Cave
Have a Date Night: Marbled & Fin
Spend time together as a Family: Wild Blue Ropes Adventure Park
Outside Activities: Sullivan’s Beach, Gold Pass, Edisto Beach. In the summer, we love picking a new restaurant and finding the closest playground – we’ve discovered some really fun spots around Charleston.
Grab coffee: With Kids: Harken Cafe, followed by a walk to the Pineapple Fountain and down to Hazel Parker Playground. For Work Meetings/With Kids: Vintage Coffee in Mount Pleasant. Babas (Downtown)