From Clutter Queen to Professional Organizer

A fellow Closet Factory designer and I were chatting recently and I mentioned that I used to be a slob. Surprised, she asked, "What changed you?" She said she had always been a neat freak. This is a common trait in the home organizing industry, and she was genuinely curious how someone like me ended up as a professional organizer. 

Okay, maybe slob is a little harsh. Messy with a need to hold onto things. I had too much stuff and nowhere structured to put it. As a teenager and young adult, my bedroom floor doubled as a laundry basket, and my closet was busting at the seams. Clothes with tags still on them? Check. Ticket stubs to all the concerts and movies, every birthday card, and random souvenirs? Yep.

The seeds of organization were always there. Even as a kid, I sorted my M&Ms by color before I ate them (very important system, obviously). I had the instinct, but it just hadn’t bloomed into the realization that being organized actually makes your life better.

So, What Changed?

Honestly? I grew up.

There’s something to be said for maturity. Paying your own mortgage might actually make you take pride in your space and how it looks. (Sorry, Mom!) I bought a house, and I wanted it to look nice. I wanted it to be a sanctuary for me, and a warm and welcoming place for my friends and family. Then I got married. I had two kids. And all the stuff that comes with babies. Then they got old enough for toys.  And suddenly, I realized that if I didn’t stay on top of the stuff, the stuff was going to take over. It wasn’t just about being neat; it was survival.

I got more organized. Systems emerged. Routines helped. But I still had a lot of stuff.

The Wake-Up Call

Then my dad passed away.

He left behind a 5,000+ square foot workspace—a treasure trove of tools, materials, unfinished projects, and random items like boat propellors and train whistles. It took six months of decisions, heavy lifting, and mental exhaustion to sort through it enough to have an auction.

And in that long, dusty, emotional process, I had a moment: What would I be leaving behind for someone else to deal with if something happened to me?

I took a good, hard look at everything we had in our home. It wasn’t just about stuff anymore. It was about taking responsibility for my legacy.

Enter: The Life-Changing Magic

I bought The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I (mostly) followed the KonMari method and began decluttering every space in our home. And even though I didn’t thank my items for their service before I let them go, the process was transformative. As I started to get rid of things, I realized how good it felt. Then I got rid of some more. It was freeing to know nothing bad would happen if I let go of things. It made me appreciate and enjoy what I decided to keep more. It made me more intentional about what came into my home, and what I spent my money on.

When we did a kitchen renovation, I planned what was going into every drawer and cabinet with a purpose in mind. I wasn’t just organizing anymore. I was creating systems that worked for us.

Getting Organized Isn’t a One-and-Done

Now, let me be real. I am not perfectly organized all of the time. I will occasionally fall into the trap of an impulse purchase. I have been known to be swayed by late-night Instagram scrolling. I still have the stuffed monkey I’ve had as long as I can remember, even though his arm is falling off. You might find dishes in the sink. And my boys still leave their shoes piled by the back door (right next to the shoe bin).

But here’s the difference now: because of the systems I’ve built, even when things are messy, it’s easy to get back on track. I know where things go. I’ve made space for what matters. I continuously declutter. It’s not about perfection; it’s about peace of mind.

Why I Am Sharing This

I know someone out there feels overwhelmed by their home. They feel like they’re not "naturally" organized, and so they assume they’ll never get there. But I’m here to say: you don’t have to be born with color-coded file folders in your DNA to create an organized, functional, and beautiful home.

You just need:

• A willingness to start.

• A little patience.

• And maybe a slightly uncomfortable moment that makes you rethink what you’re holding onto.

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Here’s What I Learned

1. Less stuff = more calm. You don’t realize how much your brain is processing visual clutter until it’s gone. 

2. Clutter is a decision. That pile? It’s full of "I’ll deal with this later" energy. Make a decision, and you make space.

3. Systems are your friend. Labels, zones, bins and baskets, and assigned homes for items make finding things, and cleanup easier.

4. Organization is an act of self-care. Your space should serve you, not stress you out.

5. Your system should be designed for you. Don’t just copy what you see on Pinterest. Think about how you use your space, what you reach for the most, and what makes sense to you.

   
   

Get Organized Day isn’t about becoming someone you’re not. It’s about making the conscious choice to live with more intention and less clutter. It is about the freedom that comes from not being ruled by your stuff. It’s about building a home that supports your life, not overwhelms it.

I did not start as an organizing guru. I started as a sentimental packrat who loved color-coded candy. And I still believe that if I can get organized, anyone can.

If you need help getting organized at home, you do not have to do it alone.

I can help you get rid of the clutter, set up practical home organization systems, and design custom storage spaces that work for your needs. Whether you are moving, in a new season of life, or just tired of not being able to find your car keys, professional organizing services can help. 

Even though National Get Organized Day falls on April 26th, any day can be Get Organized Day!