We were lucky to catch up with Katy Annulli recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for KMA Organizing came from a very personal place. For as long as I can remember, decluttering, organizing, and moving objects in my space has been a tool to cope when life feels overwhelming. When the world outside—or inside—feels chaotic, I turn to decluttering and creating order as a way to calm my mind. It’s not just about tidying up; it’s about regaining a sense of control, clarity, and peace.

During a particularly challenging period in my life, I noticed how much better I felt when my space was simplified and intentional. It gave me the mental clarity to breathe, think, and move forward. That’s when I realized: this isn’t just a personal tool—it’s a powerful method that could help others too. I began talking with friends, family, and eventually clients, and the same pattern kept showing up: people were struggling to keep up with the demands of life, and their homes were reflecting that internal stress.

What made me feel confident about starting KMA Organizing was that I wasn’t just offering a surface-level solution—I was addressing a deeper need. So many people feel ashamed of their disorganized spaces and isolated in their struggle. I wanted to create a business that combined practical organizing systems with empathy, support, and an understanding of the emotional weight our belongings can carry. My approach is heart-focused and rooted in the belief that your home should support your life, not add to your stress.

What excited me most was the possibility of helping people let go—of both physical clutter and the mental pressure that comes with it. I saw the gap between picture-perfect organizing content online and the reality of people’s day-to-day struggles. I knew there was space for a business like mine that prioritized function, compassion, and mental well-being over perfection.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Katy Annulli, and I’m the founder of KMA Organizing, a Rhode Island-based professional organizing business that helps people clear clutter and create calming, functional spaces that support their well-being. I didn’t set out to become a professional organizer—in fact, my path was anything but linear. I’ve worked in fast-paced administrative roles, advocacy, and small business operations, but the common thread has always been helping others feel more in control of their time, space, and mental load.

I’ve always had a deep connection to the power of our physical environment. When life felt overwhelming, organizing became my way of creating calm out of chaos. Over time, I realized that this tool—which had helped me so much mentally and emotionally—was something I could share with others. That insight was the spark that led me to build KMA Organizing.

Today, my team and I offer in-home and virtual organizing services that go beyond just making things look tidy. We work with clients to sort, declutter, and set up systems that are functional, sustainable, and rooted in how they actually live. We also offer specialty services like moving assistance (packing/unpacking), small business organization, and a virtual year-long program called Intentional Order, which combines workshops, accountability, and community support to help people transform their homes and habits over time.

What sets us apart is our heart-centered and empathetic approach. Many of our clients feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, or stuck in their space—they often believe they should have figured it all out on their own. I meet them exactly where they are, without judgment, and walk with them through the process. We focus on progress over perfection, always prioritizing function and mental health over aesthetics alone. Our goal is to create spaces that feel peaceful, not performative.

I’m especially proud of the community we’re building through Intentional Order. It’s designed for people who feel isolated in their organizing struggles, offering structure, support, and a sense of belonging. Seeing people cheer each other on, share wins, and gain confidence in their space has been incredibly fulfilling.

At the core of KMA Organizing is the belief that your home should support your life—not stress you out. Whether we’re helping someone prepare for a move, set up a family command center, or reclaim their garage, our work is about making space for what matters most.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Like so many small business owners, I had to make a major pivot during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. My work as a professional organizer had been entirely in-person, and almost overnight, I found myself unable to go into clients’ homes. For months, everything was on pause—and I had to quickly figure out how to adapt if I wanted my business to survive.

That’s when I leaned into virtual organizing, offering remote sessions via video chat to help clients stay on track with their goals. It was a completely different format, but I discovered that with the right structure and support, it could still be incredibly effective. People appreciated the accountability and the guidance, especially during such an uncertain time.

In addition to virtual organizing, I also tapped into other skill sets. I went to college for accounting, so I began offering virtual bookkeeping services to small businesses who needed help keeping things in order. Around the same time, one of my organizing clients—who owns a marketing agency—approached me about joining her team as a part-time operations manager. That opportunity allowed me to stretch even further, supporting a fast-paced business from the inside out.

It was a difficult shift at first. I had spent years building KMA Organizing, and it felt disorienting to step away from what I thought my business had to look like. But in the end, it was one of the best things I could have done. I not only kept my business afloat—I grew my skillset, expanded my offerings, and ultimately returned to organizing with a deeper understanding of how to support my clients in more holistic ways.

Now, I’m able to provide a broader range of services, from in-home organizing and virtual sessions to business systems and operations support. That season taught me that flexibility is key—and that sometimes, a pivot can lead to even greater possibilities.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I’ve built my reputation through a lot of consistent, community-centered work. In the beginning, I said yes to almost every networking opportunity I could find—I knew that getting out there, meeting people, and building relationships would be essential. I made it a priority to not just market my services, but to educate and provide value, whether someone hired me or not.

Offering free workshops has been a huge part of that. I’ve hosted sessions on everything from decluttering and mental health to paper organization and storage solutions. I also put a lot of energy into creating helpful content through my newsletter, blog, and social media channels—always with the goal of making organizing feel more approachable and less overwhelming.

I’ve also had the opportunity to appear multiple times on Studio 10, our local NBC affiliate in Rhode Island, which has helped expand my reach and establish credibility. In 2024, I had a space at the Rhode Island Home Show, where I spent four full days educating attendees and answering questions about their organizing challenges. That kind of face-to-face interaction has been incredibly valuable.

Another key factor has been building strong relationships with realtors and home service providers. They trust me to support their clients through major life transitions like moving, downsizing, or renovating—and that trust has been a cornerstone of my growth.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to showing up with authenticity, sharing knowledge generously, and making people feel supported no matter where they are on their organizing journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kmaorganizing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmaorganizing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmaorganizing
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-annulli/
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kmaorganizing/