Please tell us a little about yourself? Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia. I moved to New York for college in 2005 and have lived here ever since.
How did you get into this profession? Do you have a team at Sorted By Anna?
I launched Sorted by Anna six years ago. After working in the corporate world for a while, feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, I decided to take my passion for organization and turn it into a business. I am an organized person by nature and have an eye for details so it came quickly to me. I also joined The National Association of Productivity and Organizing (NAPO) which is a great resource to gain more knowledge. We have a team of three full-time team members at Sorted by Anna and will also be launching in Atlanta in September.
What type of clients do you work with? What is your organizing style?
We work with a lot of families! Our typical client is going through some type of life transition, be it, getting married and moving in together, having a baby, moving into a new home, or becoming an empty nester. We pride ourselves in organizing realistically. Oftentimes organizing can feel intimidating to a client, especially if they feel as though they need it to look Pinterest perfect. Our goal is to create systems that cater to each individual and their lifestyle so that it can easily be maintained. Life will get messy from time to time and we remind our clients that when that happens the goal is that it will take you ten minutes to reset vs the hours it took before when there were no systems in place.
What are the different services do you offer?
Our services include packing and unpacking, decluttering, simplifying, and room redesign consultations.
How do you approach a new organizing project?
All new clients start with a consult call. From there we identify what has and has not been working and where to focus first. Most clients have more than one space in their home they’d like to reorganize, we start with one space and work from there to ensure a client is not overwhelmed.
When working with clients, what do you think are the biggest hindrances that keep people from being/staying organized?
The biggest hindrance is less about a client being able to stay organized and more about a client who is unwilling to let go of items. Our job is not about forcing individuals to throw everything out. However, if a client is unwilling to purge it will be difficult to create clear cut systems if there is no space to do so.
What is your approach with a client who resists decluttering?
We approach the decluttering process with all of our clients with gentle encouragement. Letting go of certain belongings will be challenging for certain clients. We gently ask them questions and give them suggestions as to why they may be holding on and how they can let go of the item but that doesn’t equate to letting go of the memory. Our mantra is, “if you have to justify keeping something, it probably means you shouldn’t.”
What is the most common question you are asked?
“Am I the worst you’ve ever seen?”
What are your top three tips for staying organized?
- Edit.
- Create realistic labeled systems.
- Revisit.
What are some of your favorite products that help you stay organized?
A lazy susan can be utilized in almost every room in a client's home. Idesign clear bins are also used constantly in kitchens, playspaces, or bathrooms. Most importantly, labeling! Even if you don’t have a label maker, using tape and a sharpie can make a big difference.
What is the favorite part of your job?
I enjoy that every day is different. Every customer, space, and challenge is a new experience. We get to help clients work through emotional hurdles to let go of the things they no longer need. The items that have been holding them back for years. Seeing a client gleam with pride because their space is truly clutter-free and they can love their home again, is a moment we never get tired of seeing.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I’m cooking, spending time with my husband, or visiting with friends and family.
What is the best way to reach you?
Via email!
Thank you!
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