Advertise on podcast: The Pro Organizer Studio Podcast

Do professional organizers need help getting organized too? YES WE DO!!!!! I am excited to welcome back my friend Missi Mills of Clear Spaces Organizing to talk about what happened when she hired her own team to help pack, unpack, and organize during a recent move. It quickly became a powerful reminder of what our clients experience every day: overwhelm, embarrassment, decision fatigue, and the huge sense of relief that comes when someone steps in to help. We are diving into the reality that even people who organize for a living can get stuck in their own spaces, why asking for help can feel so hard, how entrepreneurship drains your mental bandwidth, and why getting support at home can be one of the smartest investments you make. In this episode, we are talking: Why professional organizers struggle with their own homes too What it feels like to be on the client side of organizing Overwhelm, shame, and decision fatigue during a move The power of body doubling and accountability Why successful people often need help at home Letting go of pride and accepting support How hiring help creates more peace, energy, and capacity If you've ever thought, just like our clients to, "I should be able to do this myself," this episode is your reminder that needing help is normal—and often exactly what moves you forward!!!

What's actually happening in the organizing industry right now? Today we're tackling a bunch of things, from clients taking longer to book, to what a "trust recession" means for your business, to why follow-up matters more than ever. We break down what we're seeing across the country, how buying behavior is changing, and how to adjust your consults, sales and messaging without feeling pushy. Plus--social media! What happens when you step away, how it impacts your focus and creativity, and how to keep your business running without being glued to your phone. If things feel a little different in your business lately—you're not imagining it. Let's talk about how to navigate it.

we're doing a quick CURRENT EVENTS pod to talk about the Container Store being bought by Bed, Bath & Beyond. 

Sometimes burnout doesn't come from the big things. Sometimes it comes from one bag of client stuff in your garage…and then another…and then another...and then you realize organizing has taken over your house and your life and need to make some changes.  I am sharing a real-life story about how years of over-helping one longtime client led to a garage full of client belongings and a major realization: sometimes the problem is not the client's stuff, it's the dynamic we've created. In this episode, Cabri and I talk about boundaries, expectations, people-pleasing, and the very real ways we create problems for ourselves in business by saying yes too often. If you've ever struggled to hold the line with clients, this conversation will feel very familiar!! I hope this resonates with you and if it does--know that you are not alone!! In this episode, they talk about: the difference between boundaries and expectations how people-pleasing shows up in organizing businesses why it's so hard to change processes with longtime clients how resentment can be a sign that something needs to shift why you're allowed to stop doing things that no longer work practical ways to communicate new expectations clearly and confidently This episode is a reminder that you do not have to keep doing something just because you've always done it that way. You can change your process, protect your peace, and build a business that works better for you.  

In Part 3 of this Minnesota Organizing Besties series, Melissa is back with Cori, Missi, and Kielyn for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply real. This episode goes beyond bins and labels and into the heart of what organizing actually does for people. From helping clients sleep better to navigating hoarding situations with compassion, the group talks about the mental health impact of this work — and why what organizers do truly matters. They share stories about setting boundaries (yes, including bed bugs), knowing when to say no, and knowing when to lean in and change someone's life. There's honest talk about burnout, trusting your team, letting go of control, and the identity shift that comes with growth. You'll also hear about ADHD, intuition, building your own mastermind circle, and what each of these business owners is excited about next — from expanding into coaching to petitioning professional sports leagues to cover organizing services for athletes. If you've ever wondered whether this work makes a difference, this episode will remind you: it absolutely does. And you don't have to do it alone — go find your people!

Melissa has officially become…an influencer. Except instead of influencing you to buy something, she's influencing you to do something wildly radical in 2026: delete social media from your phone. In this late-night minisode, Melissa shares the unexpected challenge she took on for the new year—and why it's been one of the best decisions she's made for her mental health, focus, and overall life. In this episode, we talk about: The Japanese concept of "misogi" (doing something so hard you have less than a 50% chance of finishing) Why Melissa deleted Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and more on January 1 Revenge bedtime procrastination (aka scrolling until 12:30 AM because you "deserve it") How social media quietly fuels pressure, comparison, and anxiety Why "continued use despite adverse consequences" is a wake-up call The surprising truth: she doesn't miss it at all What she's gained instead: better sleep, more reading, more peace, more time How she still stays connected (Facebook groups + watching TikToks her kids send) Why organizers do NOT need social media to grow a successful business How she's accidentally converted other people into quitting too If you've been feeling overstimulated, scattered, burned out, or addicted to the scroll… this episode is your sign. Want to try it too? Melissa is offering to be your accountability buddy. Email: [email protected]

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "2d1659e4-6c26-4114-94a7-7326b884f161" data-testid= "conversation-turn-36" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Melissa kicks things off with a classic "I didn't hit record" moment, then shares the big news: Cabri Caldwell is now a partial owner and official business partner in Pro Organizer Studio. That means more programs, more energy, and more support for organizers who want to build real businesses. And the first big move? A full relaunch of Inspired Organizer TEAMS, a program built for organizers who want to stop doing everything themselves and start building a profitable, sustainable team. In this episode, we cover: Cabri's "accidental team" origin story (spoiler: a huge, fast-moving client project forced the leap) Why hiring is a slippery slope in the best way once you experience less burnout, less emotional load, and more time and bandwidth The profitability reality: how teams shift you from "time for money" to scalable profit The hard parts no one glamorizes, like cash flow and payroll pressure, team emotions and conflict, and protecting your team from difficult clients The identity shift from solopreneur to CEO, and how strange it feels when clients don't even recognize you Why the right team members can change everything, from shelf builders to "wrecking ball" organizers who thrive on the dirty work Quote-worthy moments: "Sometimes entrepreneurship is just… accidental." "Teams are a gateway drug." "If your card gets flagged for fraud and payroll's due… that'll age you." "I'm excited about making people money." Want the TEAMS details? Visit proorganizerstudio.com/links for all the information. Questions? Email [email protected] Final takeaway: If you're burned out, stuck doing everything yourself, craving support, or dreaming of scaling (even with one hire like a VA), Inspired Organizer TEAMS is designed to help you do it with structure, confidence, and real systems instead of guesswork.

In this episode, Melissa is back with her Minnesota organizing besties (Missi, Cori, and Kielyn) for an honest conversation about fear, authenticity, mistakes, and doing business scared anyway. If you've ever: Frozen because you were afraid to make the wrong decision Stayed in a bad situation because you feared a bad review Wondered if you're "professional enough" to be yourself Procrastinated something small but important (👀 invoices, SEO, phone calls…) …we FEEL YOU! This episode is part mindset reset, part business strategy, part group therapy—with a lot of laughs and very honest moments along the way. Stay tuned: More episodes (and something brand new for team builders 👀) are coming this week. 🎧 Listen in, and remember: you don't have to be fearless—you just have to keep moving.  

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "eed8b0da-c99e-4459-bbda-3919877de249" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What happens when four professional organizers (who are also actual IRL dear friends) finally manage to get on the same schedule… before 2031? 😅 In this episode, Melissa brings on her Minnesota organizing crew—Missi, Cori, and Kielyn—for the start of a longer, multi-part conversation packed with business talk, mindset shifts, team leadership, and the kind of honesty you only get from friends who've seen each other's mail piles. You'll hear about: Why community is non-negotiable as a professional organizer (and how to find "your people") Type A vs. Type B energy… and why "organizing isn't an emergency" What actually keeps you excited about this work when you've been doing it for a while The "woo" side of goal-setting (manifesting, affirmations) and the practical brain science behind it How to lead a team without doing all the things (and why letting go of control is the hardest part) Building a business by hiring people who are smarter/better than you at certain things (yes please) Plus: a New Heights-style intro, professional athlete clients, ADHD-friendly systems, and one organizer whose inbox is so empty it's basically offensive. 😂 Stay tuned: This is part one—more episodes with the full conversation are coming next. Mentioned in this episode Soundtracks by Jon Acuff--one of Melissa's favorite books! If you enjoyed this episode… Follow/subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the series, and share it with an organizer friend who needs a reminder that they don't have to do business alone. 🎧✨     Timestamps: 01:43 The Importance of Community 02:23 Spotlight on Kielyn and Missi 04:31 Spotlight on Cori 06:37 Organizing Styles and Personalities 09:25 Finding Excitement in Organizing 11:42 Manifestation and Mindset 14:16 The Power of Affirmations: A 30-Day Experiment 14:54 Personal Success Stories: Life-Changing Results 15:26 The Science Behind Writing and Speaking Goals 15:47 Daily Affirmations: A Personal Practice 16:58 The Importance of Positive Self-Talk 18:12 Mental Clutter and the Entrepreneurial Mind 19:31 The Psychological Aspect of Organizing 20:53 Customizing Systems for Clients 22:24 The Role of Teamwork in Organizing 25:23 Trusting Your Own Voice in Business 26:41 Embracing Team Input and Ideas 29:28 Conclusion: Letting Go of Control

FOLLOW ALONG AT PROORGANIZERSTUDIO.COM/LINKS Goal setting doesn't have to feel overwhelming—or soul-sucking. In this episode, Melissa shares a powerful goal-setting workshop from inside the Inspired Organizer community, led by Cabri. Together, they walk through how to reflect on last year, set goals that actually fit your life and business, and create a plan you'll stick with—without burnout, guilt, or arbitrary pressure. You'll hear real examples from organizers setting goals around delegation, growth, visibility, and major transitions, plus practical strategies for breaking big goals into doable action. Whether you love big audacious goals or prefer a safer, steady approach, this episode will help you find a goal-setting style that works for your brain—and your season of life. Slides referenced in the episode are available at proorganizerstudio.com/links.   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Recap 00:42 Goal Setting Workshop Introduction 03:00 Visualization Exercise and Reflecting on the Past Year 06:34 Setting and Crafting Effective Goals 17:18 Sharing and Discussing Goals 19:40 Mapping the Path to Achieve Goals 23:10 Creating Vision Boards for Motivation 27:33 Personal Reflections and Key People 28:11 Creating and Using Vision Boards 28:29 Tracking and Managing Goals 29:57 Quarterly Planning and Goal Setting 33:04 Staying Focused and Motivated 35:39 Sharing and Encouraging Goals 37:33 Practical Tips and Strategies 51:57 Leveraging AI for Goal Management 53:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is part 3 of my convo with Kim--if you missed the first two, they're up for you to go back--but in this one, we're talking about how you can (really, you can)--think about your obligations and your electronic life.  _______________________________________________________________ Navigating Business and Personal Challenges: A Conversation with Kim - Part 3 In the third part of this conversation with Kim, the discussion delves into the concept of obligation and the pressures of societal expectations. Kim and Melissa explore various aspects of personal and professional life, including the impact of feeling obligated to do things simply because one is capable of doing them. They discuss the importance of questioning these obligations and the societal norms that dictate them. The conversation touches on the pressures business owners face, especially around the holiday season, and how it is important to listen to oneself and make decisions that align with personal well-being. Kim shares her personal experiences and struggles with feeling unfulfilled despite having a seemingly good life and the impact of negative feelings on mental health. They also discuss the adverse effects of social media and the importance of setting personal guidelines. The episode is a candid exploration of personal boundaries, mental health, and the importance of self-awareness and self-care in both business and personal life.  00:31 The Burden of Obligation  02:41 Questioning Life Choices 04:54 Struggles and Realizations 08:40 Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries 17:37 Reflecting on the Past Year  21:54 Family Dynamics and Social Media 22:46 Struggles with Social Media Addiction 23:39 Content Creation Pressure 25:22 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 29:15 Navigating Business Without Social Media 32:39 Personal Growth and Reflection 39:39 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

This is part 2 of my conversation with Kim Snodgrass of Rustic Home Organizing--in this episode, we talk about her realizing she needed to make major changes and how she did it.  ______________________________________________________________________   Resetting Your Nervous System and Embracing Slow Living: A Conversation with Kim Snodgrass (Part 2) In this episode, Melissa continues her conversation with Kim Snodgrass, delving into the concepts of dopamine detox and nervous system reset. They discuss the challenges of disconnecting from technology, the importance of listening to one's body, and discovering personal methods to find calm and simplicity. Kim shares personal anecdotes about embracing slow living activities such as making sourdough, watching cheesy movies, and finding joy in everyday tasks. Both Melissa and Kim emphasize the importance of not feeling obligated to act according to societal pressures or norms and encourage listeners to creatively carve out a lifestyle that aligns with their personal needs and desires. 00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:52 Dopamine Detox and Personal Journey 03:09 Disconnecting from Technology 05:03 Embracing Slow Living 07:46 Reevaluating Priorities and Self-Care 13:14 Rediscovering Passion for Organizing 13:43 Rediscovering the Love for Organizing  15:33 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 16:44 Permission to Be Creative with Your Life 19:15 Navigating Public Opinion and Personal Choices 21:41 Simplifying Organizing and Business Practices 26:11 The Trap of Obligation

There are few epsiodes each year that get more feedback than when I talk to my friend Kim of Rustic Home Organizing. She's back to kick off 2026 with us and is telling us about her 4th year of organizing, which brought challenges she never envisioned. She has so much to say and I'm excited for you to hear it!  ________________________________________________________________________   Navigating Through Trauma and Overwhelm: A Journey with Kim Snodgrass   As they kick off the fourth installment of their annual series, Kim shares the intense personal and professional challenges she faced in 2025. Kim opens up about the emotional rollercoaster she experienced, the toll of overcommitting, the impact of social media and electronic influences, and the importance of listening to one's nervous system. The episode concludes with Kim's transformative journey to Montana for a dopamine detox, as she begins to reset her life and business.   00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:38 Meet Kim Snodgrass: From Baby Organizer to Pro 01:27 Kim's Life-Changing Year 04:24 The Struggles of Organizing a Major Event 07:00 Facing Personal and Professional Challenges 13:19 The Mental Toll of Overthinking 17:56 The Overwhelming Influence of Technology 18:58 The Rollercoaster of Event Planning 20:53 Diving into New Ventures 22:09 The Struggle with Overwhelm 23:41 Meltdown and Recovery 26:04 A Traumatic October 28:50 A Much-Needed Reset in Montana 32:45 Learning to Reset the Nervous System

This podcast is a real one. Cabri and Melissa are talking about burnout, how our phones are making life really hard for everyone, boundaries for 2026, and so much more. We hope this podcast helps you know you're not alone!  _________________________________________________________________________________ Reflections on 2025: Burnout, Balance, and the Quest for Happiness   Melissa shares a reflective and candid podcast discussion about the challenges of 2025, specifically highlighting feelings of burnout and the fast-paced nature of the year.   She and her co-host, Cabri, delve into the pressures of modern life, particularly the impact of social media and the struggle to maintain balance. They touch on topics such as setting realistic goals, the importance of self-care, and the need for boundaries.   Despite the chaotic year, they stress the importance of leaving room for unexpected opportunities and maintaining a sense of magic in life.    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:34 Reflecting on a Challenging Year 02:26 The Pressure of Accomplishments 03:08 Balancing Life and Work 03:54 The Spoon Theory and Mental Load 06:27 Social Media and Perceptions 10:57 Struggles with Self-Care 17:03 Digital Detox and Moderation 24:52 Exploring the Concept of Balance 25:07 Social Media Detox Strategies 25:52 Work-Life Separation Challenges 28:51 Dealing with Burnout 30:50 Setting Boundaries for 2026 37:34 The Importance of Single Tasking 42:02 Reflecting on Goals and Self-Care 46:20 Excitement for the Holidays

The title says it all. It's just 15 minutes of Cabri and me talking about 100 different random things.