Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Urban.

Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I never had that one dream job growing up. You know how some people always knew they wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer? That wasn’t me. I wanted to do everything.

In my early 20s, I could picture myself in a dozen different careers. Waitress? Loved it. Set designer? I could totally do that. Real estate agent? Sounds fun. Teacher? I like kids. The list went on and on. I had so many interests, but nothing that felt like the thing. Even my degree—Family Studies—felt like just another random career move to add to the list.

Then, in my early 30s, I landed a job at a tech startup in San Francisco—the kind of place where you’re expected to build a real career. And I did. For 16 years, I worked my way up, eventually becoming VP of Marketing and then CMO. But here’s the thing… nothing really clicked. I was successful on paper, but I never truly loved it. No matter how many promotions or big wins I had, it never felt like something I was meant to do.

Fast forward to when I was 47 years old, and I was laid off. And while layoffs are never fun, this one? A blessing in disguise. I didn’t know it at the time, but that layoff was exactly what I needed to finally find my passion.

At first, I just wanted to do something fun while I figured out my next marketing move. That’s when I started decluttering and organizing other people’s homes. One project turned into six, and before I knew it, I was fully booked (YEARS of marketing helped). It was during those first six months that I realized—this is it. This is what I was meant to do.

Now, I run The Organized House, helping busy families create spaces that are functional, calm, and actually work for them. Looking back, I spent years searching for a career that felt right—and the answer was there all along, hiding in my love for organizing, systems, and helping people.

It just took a layoff (and a little leap of faith) to finally find it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Starting and growing The Organized House has been an incredible journey, but it’s come with its fair share of challenges. There are plenty of bumps in the road.

At first, the biggest struggle was simply figuring it all out. I had spent 16 years in corporate marketing, always working on teams with clear goals, structured processes, and a boss to report to. There were always checks and balances, deadlines, and people holding me accountable to push projects forward.

Transitioning to running my own business, solo, was a completely different mindset. There was no one reviewing my work, no one setting goals for me, no one pushing me to do my absolute best—it was all on me. If something didn’t get done, there was no manager checking in, no team picking up the slack. I had to become my own boss, my own motivator, my own accountability partner—which, at first, was a challenge. The discipline required to stay focused and keep momentum going without external pressure was a major adjustment.

Sure, I knew how to build a brand, connect with clients, and market a business, but actually doing the work—structuring my services, pricing my expertise, managing logistics—was a whole new world. I had to create my own structure, set my own standards, and push myself to show up every single day. It was a learning curve, but once I embraced that shift, it gave me the freedom to build a business in a way that truly aligned with my strengths and goals.

Another challenge I’m still trying to figure out is the natural ebb and flow of my business and the industry. There are busier months and slower months, and learning how to navigate those fluctuations has been crucial. During slower periods, I’ve had to be intentional about using my time wisely—whether it’s refining our systems, building out new services, focusing on marketing, or planning for future growth. It’s not just about staying busy—it’s about being strategic with downtime to keep the business moving forward.

And then there’s building a team—one of the hardest but most rewarding aspects of growing a business. Finding the right people who not only have the skills but also align with the company’s mission and values takes time. Delegating and trusting others with a brand I’ve built from the ground up is a learning curve, but it’s essential for long-term success.

So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge, every slow season, every hiring struggle has taught me exactly what I needed to learn. And at the end of the day, I get to do what I love—helping families create spaces that bring them peace. That makes all the bumps in the road 100% worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Organized House. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

At The Organized House, we believe that an organized home isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating functional, easy-to-maintain spaces that work for you, not against you. We specialize in decluttering, home organization, and space planning for busy families who need systems that make their daily lives smoother and less stressful.

What sets us apart is that we don’t just tidy up or put things in pretty bins—we take a holistic approach to home organization, looking at how a space functions, how a family moves through it, and how daily routines naturally unfold.

A home should work with you, not against you. That’s why we focus on space planning and designing custom organizing systems that enhance your routines, habits, and the natural flow of your home. Whether it’s ensuring the entryway supports stress-free mornings or making sure the kitchen setup encourages meal prep efficiency, every system we create is built around making life easier.

Beyond the organized spaces, what makes me most proud is that we give people back a sense of calm, control, and relief. An organized home isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about reducing the daily stress and friction that clutter creates. Seeing clients light up when they realize their home finally works for them? That’s everything.

For those who want help beyond in-person services, we’re expanding into online resources, virtual organizing, and brand partnerships to make organization accessible to more people. Whether you’re looking for a complete home reset, guidance on tackling clutter, or just a little inspiration, The Organized House is here to help you reclaim your space—and your sanity.

At the end of the day, an organized home isn’t just about having less stuff. It’s about having more time, more ease, and more freedom to focus on what really matters. And that’s exactly what we help create. 😊

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

I love working with people in all kinds of ways—whether it’s helping families reclaim their spaces, partnering with brands that align with my mission, or collaborating with fellow organizers and creatives! If you’re overwhelmed by clutter, struggling with inefficient spaces, or just need a refresh, The Organized House offers in-home organizing and decluttering (for local clients, but we do travel), space planning and system design to enhance daily routines, and virtual organizing sessions for those outside my service area.

I also love collaborating with brands that align with my mission of helping people simplify and streamline their lives. Whether it’s featuring innovative organizing products, creating engaging content, or hosting workshops, I’m always open to partnerships that bring value to my audience.

One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support The Organized House—or any small business—is by engaging on social media. A quick like, share, or comment goes a long way in helping us grow! You can also subscribe to my newsletter for organizing tips, inspiration, and updates straight to your inbox. Leaving a glowing 5-star review on Google or referring friends and family who could use a home transformation is another incredible way to show support. Every little action makes a big difference, and I truly appreciate it.

At the end of the day, my goal is to help people feel lighter, more in control, and less stressed in their homes. Whether you’re ready to work with me now or just following along for inspiration, I truly appreciate every bit of support!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theorganizedhouse.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theorganizedhouse.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theorganizedhouse.co
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleurban/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/theorganizedhouseco/

Image Credits

photos by Genny Moller Photography and Brett Courtney Creative