We were lucky to catch up with Katie Sanders recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The idea for my consulting work grew out of helping friends, family, and colleagues over the years. I spent time organizing apartments and spaces so they felt calm and easy to use. During the pandemic, I even helped people virtually, clearing out living rooms and desk spaces to create soft, functional areas for work or study. With kids, I focused on organizing toys in ways that made sense for their brains, sometimes thinking about size or texture rather than strict categories. These experiences showed me how thoughtful changes can make daily life easier. My move to The Netherlands highlighted how valuable downsizing before a big transition can be and inspired me to help others approach it with confidence and clarity.

Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a transition and downsizing consultant. I help people make clear decisions, organize their priorities, and move through transitions without losing sight of what matters most. Overwhelm often comes from too much to manage, whether that is clutter, busy calendars, or unclear spaces. Years ago, I realized it also comes from decision fatigue, emotional weight, and trying to hold too much at once.

Some clients come to me during big transitions like moves, career shifts, or major life changes. Others feel stuck, scattered, or stretched thin and need help sorting what matters and building a realistic plan forward. I run a small business, so my work is personal. I do not offer one size fits all programs or automated solutions. Each session is shaped around the individual, their circumstances, and what would genuinely support them right now.

Many of the problems I help with are invisible at first. My clients are capable, thoughtful people who feel overwhelmed by competing priorities or unsure which direction to take. They may have too many options, too many expectations, or too many tabs open in their mind. I help them slow down, figure out what is truly theirs to carry, and build plans that fit their actual energy and values.

I do not push hustle or dramatic reinvention. I care about sustainable clarity. I talk often about creating sanctuary, not just in a physical space but in a calendar, commitments, and mental load. A safe and easy place to land when life feels like a lot.

I am proud of the way clients describe our work together. They often say they feel calmer, clearer, and more capable afterward, not because I told them what to do, but because they were able to hear themselves think again. I also share reflections on planning, intentional living, and downsizing through my podcast and YouTube channel, which extend the same conversations beyond our sessions.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective way I have grown my clientele has been through experience, trust, and the right referral partners. When I first transitioned into this field, I offered lower priced sessions to gain experience, understand client needs, and gather testimonials that reflected the value of my work. From there, I focused on connecting with people and organizations who were already supporting clients through big changes, especially realtors and relocation specialists. Their clients often need to downsize after deciding to move or signing a new lease, and being introduced at that stage allows me to support them while they prepare for the transition. I take a gentle approach because downsizing can bring up shame or guilt. It is important to meet people where they are and work on their timeline. Offering steady guidance at the right moment has been central to growing my business in a sustainable way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Last year I moved to The Netherlands to keep building my business, and the experience really put my resilience to the test. Letting go of 90 percent of our belongings, starting over in a new country, and handling all the logistical and emotional challenges of relocation demanded patience, flexibility, and constant problem solving. Living through it myself gave me a much deeper sense of what it takes to start fresh, especially for neurodivergent people who may struggle to figure out what to bring, what to let go of, and how to create a home that actually works for them. It strengthened my ability to guide clients through big transitions with clarity, compassion, and practical strategies, helping them move forward even when everything feels overwhelming.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katiesanders.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katiessanctuary
• Other: store: https://sanctuarypaper.co
  pod: https://www.creatingyoursanctuary.com