The Real Work: 10 Years of Learning What Organizing Is Really About
After a decade as a professional organizer, I’ve learned that this work is about so much more than sorting belongings and creating tidy spaces. Here are the ten most important lessons that have shaped both my practice and my perspective. Lesson #1: It’s Not About the Stuff When I became an organizer, I was like many others in this field—I had a natural knack for organization, enjoyed sorting, and genuinely wanted to help people. While these qualities matter, they’re only part of the story. After working with hundreds of clients, I’ve discovered that chronic clutter often has deeper roots in emotions, mindsets, and beliefs. People aren’t just stuck in the clutter in their spaces; they’re stuck with the clutter within themselves. Lesson #2: Habits Are Critical for Long-Term Success I didn’t initially realize how challenging habit formation can be for others. Developing systems and maintaining routines came naturally to me, so I assumed the same was true for my clients. I’ve learned that when clutter has been long-standing, addressing new habits to maintain organized spaces is absolutely critical once we achieve that initial “baseline” organization. Lesson #3: My Client Is Me Even though I don’t personally struggle with clutter, I’ve noticed that my clients and I have far more in common than not. I truly enjoy working with them—they’re incredibly brave to invite me into their spaces and tackle overwhelming situations together. I recognize their stress and overwhelm because I’ve faced my own challenges in different areas of life. Walking my own tough roads has made me more compassionate, understanding and non-judgmental. What a privilege it is to serve as a guide in helping them overcome their obstacles. Lesson #4: Chronically Disorganized Clients Need Long-Term Support How many clients did I organize spaces for, only to see them backslide over the following year? Too many to count. I’m sure some didn’t reach back out, thinking the relapse was their fault—and that breaks my heart. Early in my career, I didn’t adequately address the ongoing support that clients need when they’ve been struggling with chronic disorganization. Lesson #5: I Choose Me I recently had the revelation of “I choose me.” What does this mean? When you’re a “helper,” as I am, you can put yourself last. When those around you are hurting, you want to do whatever you can to help. However, if we’re not properly taking care of ourselves, we don’t have what we need to give. We get signs that we’re doing this, but we ignore them. If you give past what you have, it hurts you. I have a doctorate degree in this—and I’ve noticed so do many of my clients. I’m learning to tune into myself, listen to and honor what I need, and practice being my authentic self. I’m practicing and that’s enough. Lesson #6: Eco-Conscious Clients Became My Teachers There’s a saying: “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I’ve been blessed with an increasing number of environmentally conscious clients who have become both inspiration and teachers for me. Through their influence, I’ve increased my own recycling, composting, and repurposing efforts. This experience has made me a better advisor for disposal and rehoming options with all my clients. I’m not perfect, nor am I trying to be—just making small, meaningful changes along the way. Lesson #7: Understanding Neurodiversity Is Essential You can’t be an organizer without working with ADHD clients—it’s that prevalent and significantly impacts organization. Learning how to effectively support all neurodivergent clients has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Understanding neurodiversity has transformed my approach and made me a more compassionate, effective organizer. Lesson #8: AI Can Transform Your Business I started incorporating AI into my practice this past year, and it’s been a game-changer. Recently, I asked it to help write an addendum to my Letter of Agreement—a task that took 15 minutes instead of an hour! It’s like having a virtual assistant (though I could certainly use one of those too!). Lesson #9: Done Is Better Than Perfect This mantra is well-known in the organizing world, and I’m practicing it right now as I write this post. Sometimes clients—and okay, sometimes I—struggle with completing tasks due to procrastination and avoidance. We’ve all been there. Remembering that “done is better than perfect” helps keep momentum going. I’ve learned plenty of other strategies for getting things done too, so there’s really no excuse! Lesson #10: Rebranding Is Harder Than Starting Up Last year, I went through a complete rebrand. The catalyst was a fundamental shift in how I support clients—moving toward increased, long-term support while addressing the deeper issues that keep people stuck in cycles of disorganization. While necessary, the rebranding process proved more complex and challenging than I anticipated when I first started my business. This time around, I was more thoughtful and intentional. It felt more important to convey my heart’s desire for healing and freedom to potential clients—to find the people I could really make a significant impact with. Initially, I just wanted to help people get organized. Now I want working with me to be life-changing! These ten years have taught me that organizing is ultimately about transformation—not just of spaces, but of lives. Every client and lesson has made me a better organizer and, I hope, a better person.
The Weight of Change: Why It Feels Overwhelming
Embracing Change: Overcoming Stress and Finding Balance Through Organization Change is inevitable. Seasons shift, schedules evolve, and life introduces challenges and surprises—some welcome, others not. Whether it’s the arrival of fall or a major life event like job loss, a new baby, divorce, or even the death of a loved one, change brings with it a whirlwind of emotions. Anxiety, stress, and even grief can weigh us down, leaving us disoriented and overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: you can overcome the chaos of change. With intention and organization, you can navigate transitions, lighten your load, and move forward with clarity and confidence. The Weight of Change: Why It Feels Overwhelming Imagine life as a river, and you’re floating downstream in your own personal tube. Attached to you is a vest covered in carabiners, each holding a “clip” that represents something in your life—jobs, relationships, belongings, feelings, and responsibilities. As life progresses, clips get added: a new job, a promotion, a child starting soccer, or even joyful additions like buying a house or a jet ski. But without consciously removing clips that no longer serve you, the vest becomes unbearably heavy. Over time, the weight of these clips—good or bad—can pull you under, making it hard to stay afloat, let alone thrive. This is where intentionality and organization come in. To keep moving down life’s river and make room for the opportunities ahead, you must learn to unclip what’s weighing you down. How to Lighten the Load The key to managing change is knowing what to keep, what to release, and what to set aside for later. Here are actionable strategies to overcome stress and thrive during transitions: The River of Life: Keep Floating Toward Your Future Here’s the thing: life doesn’t wait upstream. The good things—the opportunities, growth, and joy—are waiting for you downstream. But to reach them, you need to keep moving. Imagine a future where your vest is lighter, your mind clearer, and your heart more open to new experiences. By removing the weight of unnecessary clips and creating space for what truly matters, you position yourself to thrive through life’s changes. Take the First Step Toward a Lighter Life Today is the day to take charge of your river. Change doesn’t have to overwhelm you. With focus, intention, and the courage to unclip what no longer serves you, you can overcome anxiety and stress, navigate transitions, and create space for the life you deserve. Start today—lighten your vest and keep floating toward the amazing future that’s waiting for you. You do have some control over how you experience the change. Our experience is 99% perception and 1% reality. Remember, even the hardest changes can bring new life and opportunities. Make sure you take off those clips to keep floating down the river to find them.