She Quit Her Job to Become a Professional Organizer. Her Unique Approach Helps People Heal from ‘Trauma’ (Exclusive)

Kayleen Kelly, a professional organizer, has gained popularity on social media for her organization tips and content. When she made the decision to quit her job in the legal field back in 2014 to pursue her professional organizing business full-time, she expected it to involve mainly labelling things and transforming cluttered spaces into aesthetically pleasing ones. However, she soon realised that her job was more about helping people during difficult times in their lives than just tidying up their homes.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Kelly shared that she discovered a strong connection between clutter and trauma through her work. While the popular perception of professional organizers tends to focus on creating visually appealing spaces, Kelly’s approach delves into the behavioural aspects of chronic clutter and its links to trauma. She often takes on challenging projects involving high-level clutter that has overwhelmed entire households, impacting the functionality of living spaces.

Many of Kelly’s clients are dealing with mental health issues, trauma, or major life changes such as divorce or loss of a loved one, making it difficult for them to tackle clutter on their own. Kelly emphasises that there is often shame and stigma associated with having clutter, and she aims to destigmatize these feelings by differentiating between hoarding and chronic clutter. While individuals with hoarding disorders struggle to part with possessions, those with chronic clutter situations are willing to declutter but may need guidance on how to begin.

Throughout her career, Kelly has worked with clients facing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, adopting a mantra of being ‘therapeutic’ without being a therapist. In 2020, Kelly expanded her reach by sharing her expertise online through TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, where she has garnered a significant following. Her videos offer practical decluttering tips, including her popular “Declutter Core” method, which simplifies the decluttering process for viewers.

Despite starting her professional organizing business with a team in Jacksonville, Florida, Kelly now operates from the Seattle area and manages most tasks independently, leveraging her social media success to supplement her income. She follows a hands-on approach to organising, preferring to complete tasks herself rather than involving clients in the physical labour. One of her essential tips is the three-second rule, where hesitation in deciding whether to keep or discard an item results in it being kept.

Kelly notes that clothing and paperwork are commonly the most challenging items for people to declutter, regardless of their background. She recalls unusual projects, such as organising a collection of wigs for cats, where her methodical categorisation skills proved invaluable. Despite the demanding nature of her job, Kelly finds fulfilment in witnessing the emotional transformation in her clients, particularly during the ‘final reveal’ phase, which she considers the highlight of her work.

The rewarding experience of seeing clients overcome clutter-related challenges and witnessing their relief at the end of a session motivates Kelly to continue her professional organizing journey. Her dedication to helping individuals navigate through difficult life circumstances by decluttering their physical spaces has made her a respected figure in the industry. Kelly’s unique approach to organisation not only transforms living environments but also plays a significant role in supporting individuals through times of hardship.