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.
