We recently connected with Kelsey Nodgaard and have shared our conversation below.

Kelsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

During the early months of COVID, like many people, I was home more than ever and found myself watching all the home organization shows on Netflix. Something clicked. I’ve always loved organizing. It’s what I do to relax (well, as much as someone who doesn’t sit still easily can relax). Seeing people turn that passion into a business made me feel equal parts envious and inspired. I remember thinking, They get to do that for a living? I want that. I’d be great at that.

Helping people and improving spaces has always brought me joy. Between 2012 and 2015, my husband and I moved four times for his job. Packing and unpacking year after year made me very intentional about what we owned. I could get us unpacked and settled within a few days because I loved the process so much. Each move taught me the value of simplicity, especially the big one from Colorado to California, where we pared down significantly. It felt good to live with less. We even sold one of our cars!

Before launching this business, I worked as a teacher and high school counselor. I was deeply involved with a college-readiness program called AVID, which emphasizes organization as a foundation for learning. That really stuck with me. Students struggle to focus and succeed when their materials and thoughts are all over the place. If there’s no system for storing notes, papers just get crammed into backpacks or lost. In both teaching and counseling, I saw firsthand how much organization matters.

When I decided to start my business, I reached out to a local professional organizer who was kind enough to chat with me. I also researched different professional organizations and eventually joined NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals). I took their foundational course, which gave me a strong start and the confidence that this could actually be a career. Seeing thousands of people in the industry made it feel real and possible.

Even though Omaha already has some great organizers, I knew there was room for more. I spent a lot of time building my website, getting my LLC, and finally worked up the courage to announce my business in December 2023. It was nerve-wracking to share publicly, especially in an area where this profession is still a bit under the radar. At the time, I was still working full-time as a high school counselor. I felt torn and even guilty about wanting something else. I liked my job and loved my coworkers, but I was craving more creativity, flexibility, and freedom.

Now, I’ve officially left education to pursue this full time. I want to be my own boss, set my own schedule, and bring my ideas to life. It’s exciting to build something where I set the boundaries.

My first client came through a post on Nextdoor. From the moment I stepped into her space, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I now offer highly personalized organizing and decluttering services, with a focus on practicality. I don’t have a full team, but I bring in trusted subcontractors when needed. What I do is more than organizing—it’s about creating systems that make everyday life feel easier.

I’m in this for the long haul. I want to be the person people trust with their homes, their friends, and their families. My background in education made me a patient listener, a good communicator, and someone who genuinely cares. That’s exactly what I bring to every project.

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.

I started Smart Move Organizing because of my lifelong love for organizing—something I’ve enjoyed since I was young. Over the years, I’ve had to stay organized through many seasons of life, including multiple cross-country moves, parenting, and my 12 years in education as both a teacher and a school counselor in Colorado, California, and Nebraska.

As a home organizer, I’m passionate about helping people take back control of their homes and schedules so they can spend more time on what matters most. I offer highly personalized, non-judgmental organizing and decluttering services to busy families, individuals going through life transitions, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by their home. I also help with unpacking after a move, setting up functional systems, and managing seasonal routines like kids’ clothing and school prep.

My background includes a degree in Biology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, followed by a Master of Arts in Teaching. I spent eight years teaching high school science before earning a second master’s degree in School Counseling. I then worked as a high school counselor for four years, where I would often facilitate small groups focused on organization, planning, and academic success. In the classroom, I always emphasized structure and systems—because it’s hard to learn when your materials and thoughts are scattered. That same philosophy now guides how I work with clients in their homes.

I’m a lifelong learner and a member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) and Inspired Organizers. These groups help me stay current with best practices and give me a strong support network of professionals in the field. What sets me apart is my combination of education experience, communication skills, and calm, supportive approach. I am patient, understanding, and truly enjoy helping people turn chaotic spaces into functional, peaceful ones. I see potential in both people and their environments—and I’m honored when clients trust me to bring that vision to life.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with clients and the transformation I get to witness in their lives. Organizing isn’t just about tidy drawers; it’s about clarity, calm, and confidence. My goal is to make everyday life easier through simple, sustainable systems.

Outside of my business, I’m married and a mom of three. When I’m not organizing or spending time with my family, I enjoy running, cheering on the Huskers, caring for my houseplants, and reading or listening to audiobooks.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Honestly, it just took time. There’s no secret shortcut or quick fix. I’ve changed my approach to social media quite a bit since starting Smart Move Organizing. In the beginning, I thought Instagram was going to be the way I built my business. But over time, I’ve realized that for my profession, social media functions more as a lookbook than a direct source of leads.

Can it bring in business? Sure, sometimes. But the reality is that social media has changed. The algorithm has changed. The space feels saturated, and engagement doesn’t always translate to real clients. Some days I’ve thought, “This reel will really take off!”—and it doesn’t. That can be frustrating, and I’ve definitely had moments where I wondered what I was doing wrong. But I’ve learned that a high follower count doesn’t necessarily mean a busy or successful business. I know organizers with small followings who are booked out.

For those just starting out, my biggest advice is: don’t put all your eggs in the social media basket. Yes, make your content look good. Think of your feed as a portfolio or lookbook—especially if you’re in a visual field like organizing. But know that it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Also, focus on connecting in real life. Look into local networking groups. Reach out to other business owners or professionals you admire and ask to meet up. Consider working with a coach. In my experience, growing a service-based business takes a lot of in-person effort too.

Almost all of my clients have come through word of mouth. And those referrals are incredibly valuable, because they come from people the client already trusts. That kind of connection builds confidence before I even walk through the door.

So yes, social media matters—but it’s not everything. Build relationships, be consistent, and don’t get discouraged by numbers. Business growth looks different for everyone.

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

One story that really illustrates my resilience is when I took a big leap of faith and attended the How-To Summit, a conference for professional organizers hosted by Home Sort. I went completely on my own. I didn’t know anyone there, but I was determined to grow my business.

Before the conference, I was struggling. I wasn’t sure how to attract clients or the best ways to grow. My business felt stagnant and I wasn’t making the progress I wanted. In my local area, Omaha, I only knew one other organizer and was honestly afraid to reach out to others. I also wasn’t aware of local business coaches in Omaha. My background is in education, not business, and I haven’t worked for a big corporation or learned those ins and outs. Education is very different from other industries.

Going to that conference was a game changer. I met other organizers, some seasoned and some just starting out, who encouraged me to connect with local organizers and not be afraid of competition. They gave me helpful tips on social media and introduced me to coaching programs designed specifically for professional organizers. They also encouraged me to explore networking groups in my city. Many of the questions and suggestions they brought up made me realize these are areas I need to look into and try without fear.

I learned so much and met a ton of wonderful, like-minded people. I left feeling completely rejuvenated and confident. That experience gave me the push I needed to move from treating organizing as a side hustle to committing to it full time. It was scary but also empowering and I’m so glad I took that chance. I’m actually going back again this year because that conference had such a positive impact on my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smartmoveorganizing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartmove_organizing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartmoveorganizing
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-nodgaard-03833b26/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmartMoveOrganizing
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/smart-move-organizing-omaha