By Clara WeberOn January 1, 2019, Netflix released the popular show “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” It wasn’t until this show that many people realized that professional organizing could actually be a real job. However, Marie Kondo was not the first. (Photo Courtesy of Brit.co) I, like many others, have always enjoyed cleaning and organizing and would consider it a hobby. In September, I decided to do some digging and track down a professional organizer in the area. It was, surprisingly, easier than I thought. So, after messaging back and forth, we set up an interview at a coffee shop in Lancaster. In October, I made my way to Lancaster, where I quietly sat at a table for two, waiting for my interview to begin. It was on this day that I finally got to meet Mara Clements, the owner of MoreSPACE Professional Organizing. My first question for her: how did she get into professional organizing, and what made her want to pursue it? Her answer to this was very simple: “I found myself organizing every place I lived and worked in since college.” Before starting her business, Clements was a nanny. She had just finished organizing their utility closet and wondered why it was so much fun. Rather than continue working odd jobs, she decided to organize for a living. Not only did it make her happy, but it made others feel better about their spaces. Many people who want to have their own business don’t even know where to start. For this job specifically, one might wonder what kind of training is needed. While Mara went into the business without any training, she did mention that those who get a NAPO certification get a little more “street credit.” In Lancaster, there are lots of resources for people who want to start a business. Before deciding to pursue her dream, Clements went to SCORE: a company made up of retired CEOs that give free counseling to those considering starting a business. In addition, she also went to the business center at her library to see if this career was even a possibility. In 2008, MoreSPACE was officially registered as a business. At first, her customers were only friends and family, but soon she began to see some new faces and a few repeat customers. Word was spreading by mouth that Mara Clements was good at what she did, and that was really how her business started. Currently, most of her customers are between the ages of 30 and 50. To end our interview, I asked Mara what it was like to own a business. The overall response I received was that it is hard work. Having a business is wonderful. Not only do you get to be your own boss, but it also gives you a platform, connections and challenges you. On the other hand, there are some definite downsides. All of the work falls on you and becomes your responsibility; otherwise, you won’t make a living. While Clements could hire someone to help her out, she feels she hasn’t gotten to that point quite yet. This job is full-time for her currently, but she is always looking for new clients. In the end, professional organizing isn’t for everyone. Mara told me that it definitely takes a certain type of person to handle a career like this. Having seen many cleaning and organizing shows before, she confirmed for me that sometimes it does turn into a little bit of a therapy session. There is always a root to someone’s clutter. While Mara doesn’t have the training and doesn’t consider herself a therapist, she does enjoy helping others. If you love helping people and love to clean and organize, this is probably the job for you. (Photo Courtesy of NY Times)
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