This May marks twenty years of calling Manhattan home. Not Brooklyn. Two decades of holding onto my prized 917 number, savoring the best bagels, and enduring the most chaotic subway rides. Twenty years of Broadway magic and casually spotting A-list celebrities—because in New York, they really are just like us. And for most of that time, the Upper West Side has been both my home and my muse. Writing for you, my fellow Upper West Siders? A dream come true.
New York is a city built on reinvention. It doesn’t just encourage transformation—it demands it. I’ve lived in Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles—each with its own charm—but they always felt more like sprawling towns than the global epicenters they were meant to be. The ceiling there isn’t as high. Here? We’re connected to the world and, at the same time, can disappear into the crowd in the blink of an eye. It’s a city that thrives on ambition, networking, and chasing big dreams. Trust me, I should know—I arrived here as a wide-eyed musical theatre student. Now, I’m a business owner and real estate agent on a global team. Reinvention? It’s just another day in the city.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Rivera
Caleb, my husband, is my partner in everything—and fair warning, you’ll hear a lot about him. Together, we run SIMPLIFYnyc, helping people reclaim their space through decluttering and organization. We clear out estates, tackle decades of accumulated “stuff,” and guide families through the emotional labyrinth of generational clutter. You know the kind—the attic or basement everyone avoids. And when the dust settles, I list the property, making the entire transition seamless, and, dare I say, even a little liberating.
People assume our home is perfectly curated, but here’s the truth: It’s functional. We live in it. It’s organized, but never at the expense of comfort. Drop by, and you’ll feel right at home—no need to tiptoe around a meticulously arranged display. Caleb and I have always been drawn to simplifying. We may never pinpoint exactly why, but there’s a chance it has something to do with our childhoods. For me, it was watching my mom’s grandparents—Depression-era survivors—cling to everything, making even the smallest purge impossible. For Caleb, it was growing up in a bustling farm household, where the toy closet was overflowing with generations of playthings—most of which were out of reach.
When I first arrived in New York, hustling between auditions, I took a temp job with Related Development. I was the one answering phones in sleek, scent-diffused sales offices in buildings like Superior Ink, The Caledonia, and The Brompton. I watched top brokers work their magic, whispering numbers that could make even the most seasoned New Yorker dizzy. I loved guessing the price tags before they were revealed—like a high-stakes game of The Price Is Right.
Had my acting career not swept me across the country with productions like Les Misérables, I might’ve ended up in real estate much sooner. But timing is everything. Years later, when agents started reaching out to Caleb and me to declutter their clients’ homes, it clicked—why wasn’t I the one selling these properties too? So, I got my real estate license and started merging these two passions.
As performers, we learned early on to travel light. In that world, you have to pivot on a dime. I’ve walked away from fully furnished rentals to chase acting gigs across the country. Letting go of “stuff” wasn’t just helpful—it was essential. And then, there were the hotels. I’ve stayed in some of the finest, from cities near and far. There’s something magical about stepping into a beautifully designed space—one that makes you want to unwind, yet encourages you to explore. That balance of comfort and adventure? It’s what we aim to bring to our lives and, certainly, to our clients.
Here, I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes stories from our work with clients, along with insights into the ever-unpredictable world of New York real estate. Think of it as a peek behind the velvet rope of buying, selling, and everything in between. And speaking of exclusives—here’s one just for you! I have a truly special listing coming soon, tucked away in one of the Upper West Side’s most charming hidden gems—Pomander Walk on West 94th Street. If you haven’t heard of it, picture a storybook Tudor village, quietly nestled between Broadway and West End Avenue. It’s the last thing you’d expect in the heart of Manhattan, and that’s exactly why I’m obsessed.
These rare pied-à-terres hardly ever hit the market, so consider this your early invite to the party. Stay tuned—I’ll be spilling all the details in May!
 |  |
To wrap it up: A home is not just a building—it’s where memories are made, where life unfolds, and where we shape the future. Helping clients simplify their space isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about making room for new beginnings. Whether it’s preparing a home for sale or finding the perfect place to start fresh, real estate is all about transformation. As I embark on this exciting new chapter, writing for Macaroni Kid Upper West Side, I’m thrilled to share stories of change—whether it’s in a home, a neighborhood, or a life. It’s an honor to be part of this vibrant community, and I can’t wait to continue helping you simplify, refresh, and embrace what’s next.
*If you would like to contact me for my services, please email: cole.burden@compass.com.
