Pro Organizer Organizes Offices, Homes, and Lives. Meet Professional Organizer Diane Crespo
Watch/Listen to this Episode Pro Organizer Organizes Offices, Homes, and Lives. Meet Professional Organizer Diane Crespo
In this episode of Time We Discuss, host Dan speaks with Diane Crespo, founder of Organized Mess, a thriving business based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Diane is a professional organizer who specializes in creating order in people's homes and offices. With a background in mental health counseling and a lifelong passion for organization, Diane shares how she transformed her natural talents into a meaningful career as a pro organizer.
From Mental Health Counseling to a Career in Organization
Diane began her career in mental health counseling, working with individuals who often struggled with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. These conditions are frequently linked to chronic disorganization. Over time, she realized that she needed a career shift to avoid burnout. Her solution was to channel her passion for tidy spaces and structure into something more tangible by becoming a professional organizer.
She explains that many of her current clients also face mental health challenges, and her counseling background equips her to work with empathy and understanding. She helps clients make sense of their physical spaces, which in turn has a calming effect on their mental wellbeing.
Launching Organized Mess and the Early Days
Diane started as a contract pro organizer working for a local company. It didn't take long before she recognized her potential to launch her own business. With a Type A personality and a knack for structure, she laid the groundwork for Organized Mess. She made sure every detail was handled with precision, including her LLC, business bank account, website, and social media presence.
She joined entrepreneur networking groups on Facebook, found local mentors, and learned the ropes of running a business. Her goal from the beginning was to appear credible and prepared even in the early stages. As she puts it, you can't be an organizer without being organized.
A Lifelong Passion for Order
Diane's love for organization started early. As an only child, she was taught to take care of her belongings. This mindset carried into adulthood. From alphabetizing crayons to organizing her CD collection by release date, Diane was always drawn to neatness and structure. Even during childhood visits to her cousins' homes, she would insist on organizing their playrooms before beginning to play.
This early passion made the transition into becoming a professional organizer feel natural and authentic. She describes herself as someone who enjoys turning chaos into calm, which is a true hallmark of a pro organizer.
The Power of Networking and Community
A major source of Diane's business comes from word-of-mouth referrals and local networking. She highlights how the supportive business community in St. Pete has helped her grow. Collaborations and service bartering have also played a role. For example, a hairdresser client shared Instagram marketing tips in exchange for organization services. This shows how small business owners can uplift one another.
Diane's approachable and service-oriented mindset sets her apart in a niche field that many people still misunderstand. She notes that a lot of people initially assume she's a cleaner. They often do not realize the strategic and functional work that a professional organizer does.
Types of Clients and Projects
Diane's clients range from busy professionals and parents to seniors downsizing their homes. She customizes her services to match each client's goals. Some want a visually appealing pantry while others need a functional closet or a more efficient home office setup.
Though she avoids last-minute moving projects, she often helps clients settle into new homes. This service includes unpacking and organizing belongings in a way that fits their lifestyle. She also partners with closet companies to help homeowners get the most out of their storage spaces. This is especially helpful in Florida where attics and basements are rare.
Some other common life transitions that prompt people to hire a pro organizer include:
- Expecting a new baby
- Grieving the loss of a loved one
- Recovering from the clutter buildup during COVID
- Transitioning to work-from-home setups
Diane also offers gift card options. This makes her services a thoughtful and unique present for friends or family in need of organizational support.
Organizing Is More Than Just Decluttering
One of the most insightful parts of the conversation is Diane's approach to understanding a client's personal organizing style. She notes that disorganization does not always mean chaos. It often just means the system does not match the person's thinking or lifestyle. She customizes storage solutions, labeling systems, and layout plans to fit how each client naturally functions in their space.
Diane emphasizes that organizing happens in phases. First there is purging what is unnecessary, then setting up functional systems, and finally checking in to evaluate what is working and what is not.
She also acknowledges the illusion created by home organization TV shows. These shows make it seem like a room can be transformed in a single afternoon. In reality, successful organization takes planning, collaboration, and consistent follow-up.
Continuous Learning and Professional Growth
Diane has invested in certifications and professional development courses to stay ahead in her field. She is certified through Clutterbug's CAS program and is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals.
While formal education is not required to become a professional organizer, Diane stresses the value of ongoing learning. She regularly takes courses on topics like minimalism, digital organization, and client communication to better serve her diverse clientele.
Digital Versus Physical Organization
When asked about digital clutter, Diane admits it is not her specialty but says she is happy to help with digital organization when needed. Many clients struggle with duplicate files or disorganized desktops, and she can provide support for simplifying digital systems alongside physical ones.
Still, her core focus remains hands-on home and office organization. This is where she thrives in creating functional systems that make people's lives easier.
The Business Side: Contracts and Insurance
Because her work involves entering people's homes and handling personal belongings, Diane runs her business with professionalism and transparency. She works with an attorney to draft contracts and holds general liability insurance to protect both herself and her clients.
She believes having legal protections in place builds trust and ensures peace of mind. This is especially important when working with clients who may feel vulnerable letting someone into their personal spaces.
Recurring Services and Membership Options
Diane offers a membership program for clients who want ongoing support. These clients are often lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs who may lack the time or energy to maintain organizational systems themselves. Monthly or weekly sessions help them stay on track and prevent clutter from building up again.
She also works with clients on a project-by-project basis. Some just want help with a single space while others invite her back as their needs evolve. Either way, repeat business and referrals are a big part of her success.
Conclusion: A Life of Purpose Through Organization
Diane Crespo's journey from mental health counseling to professional organizer reveals how deeply connected our physical environments are to our mental well-being. Through Organized Mess, Diane helps clients not only organize their belongings but also reclaim their space, time, and peace of mind.
For those considering a similar path or looking to hire a pro organizer, Diane's story is proof that you can turn a personal passion into a fulfilling career. Sometimes all it takes is the right container in the right place to bring peace and clarity into your life.
Links from the Show
Also Mentioned in the Show
- Decluttering for a Living, Make Money Organizing Messy Spaces
- Empowering Youth Through Travel: Nonprofit Organization Steven's Wings
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