Laura, please tell us a little about yourself? Where are you originally from?
I’m the systematic creative and professional organizer behind Urban OrgaNYze. I’m a born and bred New Yorker (I was raised just outside the city), and currently live in Forest Hills with my husband and four-year-old daughter. I love traveling, The Container Store, and everything about being a mom (minus the glitter!)
When did you start Urban OrgaNYze? How long have you been a professional organizer?
I founded my company, Urban OrgaNYze in early 2015. At that time, I was acting and singing professionally (fun fact: I met my husband while working on the Broadway musical WICKED), and my side job between gigs was working as a nanny. What I found to be universally true was that every family was overwhelmed by stuff. Whether that be too many toys, no space to put things, or not being able to find something easily. I felt this inherent need to help. Organizing has always been in my blood; I find it to be calming, cathartic, and fun! As I was helping one particular family gain control over their space, I knew in my bones I wanted to help others live more efficient, healthier, and more meaningful lives.
Do you have a team?
Organizing can be a really intimate, vulnerable process. In many ways, my theatrical training lent itself to this, because working one-on-one with clients requires active listening and empathy. I love working one-on-one with clients, but I do bring on a team should there be a circumstance in which time is of utmost importance (such as unpacking from a move, or setting up a nursery for an expecting mother.)
What type of clients do you work with? What is your organizing style?
I have worked with all types of New Yorkers through numerous life transitions, but I particularly love working with moms, because I understand firsthand the unique pain points. I know exactly how to manage the influx of toys and stuff so that you can live feeling lighter, happier, less stressed, and be unwaveringly proud of your space. I love creating homes that are equally beautiful and functional because, for me, it’s just as important to live in a space that represents your style, as it is to have a home that functions impeccably for you and your family.
What are the different services do you offer?
My services include in-home organizing (anything from closets to kitchens to offices to playrooms), virtual organizing, unpacking from a move, and customized product sourcing and shopping. Whether you have just moved, are expecting a baby, going through a relationship change, or simply need to clear clutter and set up manageable organizational solutions, no project is too big or too small.
How do you approach a new organizing project?
I always begin with a consultation in order to clarify a client’s needs and goals. What makes a client happy? What is stressing them out? What items are promoting their vision, and which are getting in the way of that? Organizing isn’t one size fits all, as each client is unique, which is why I’ve developed my signature SSS method (Simplify, Systematize, Style) to really break down the steps and make organizing achievable for anyone.
When working with clients, what do you think are the biggest hindrances that keep people from being/staying organized?
There are two real components of why we may struggle with organizing and maintenance. The first is the volume of stuff, and the second is how everything is systematized. Most clients I meet feel they don’t have the proper time to dedicate to the initial act of organizing (especially with kids), which is where hiring a pro can really help alleviate that stress.
What is your approach with a client who resists decluttering?
When a client is fearful of letting go, they are usually stuck in past or future thinking. I like to ground clients in who they are in the now and what makes them happy in order to determine if items in their home are supporting their current values and goals. When the decluttering muscle needs strengthening, I like to start with bite-sized wins, like cleaning out wrappers from a purse or obvious trash from a small drawer. By experiencing the positive effects of decluttering rather quickly, it allows us to open up to the process even more.
What is the most common question you are asked?
The two most common questions I am asked are, is your home impeccably organized? and is this the worst space you have ever seen?
What are your top three tips for staying organized?
My top 3 tips for staying organized are:
1. Put things away before you move on to the next task (this saves you hours at the end of the night!)
2. Have a system for editing (always edit before a major holiday or birthday, and keep a donation bag at the bottom of your closet for all the stuff you try on that’s less than flattering or that your kids have outgrown)
3. Ask why before you buy (be mindful about what comes into your home to avoid clutter in its tracks)
What are some of your favorite products that help you stay organized?
I love acrylic shoe boxes because they can be used in nearly any space, corralling items without losing visibility. I also love utilizing beautifully weaved baskets to conceal eyesores like my daughter’s dolls or stuffed animals.
What is the favorite part of your job?
I love the look on a client's face when they have seen the transformation. The visual results combined with the weight you see lifted from their shoulders, is what makes this work so rewarding.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Through these COVID-times, the extra time with my family has been precious and priceless. Having said that, I look forward to a night out with my girlfriends, attending a great Broadway show, and doing some more traveling!
What is the best way to reach you?
You can find me at UrbanOrganyze.com, and follow me on Instagram.
Thank you!
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