We recently connected with Suzanne Rydz and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Suzanne, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Perseverance, resilience, hard work, dedication, passion, drive, adaptability, learning, creativity, and self-confidence—mix these ingredients, add timing, and you have a recipe for success. As a Professional Organizer, I’ve discovered that success is rarely accidental; it’s a combination of these elements mixed with a bit of magic.

Becoming a Professional Organizer was a late-in-life career change after nearly two decades in performing arts. Despite being successful, I needed a change and a retirement plan. Those years as an artist proved to be an excellent training ground for my new career.

One memorable project involved clearing out a three-floor, five-bedroom house in less than two weeks to get it prepped for sale. The house was packed and faced multiple issues: wasp infestations, bird nests, mice, and hazardous materials. We completed the project through teamwork, creativity, research, and sheer determination. Slow and steady progress, room by room, led to success.

I’m always honored when families trust me with what I consider a sacred space. Each client’s story becomes part of my collection of experiences:
Ed, the sailor with a passion for maps and model ships
Edna, the child psychologist who treasured every patient’s card and drawing
Nancy and Larry, whose summer camp romance led to a lifelong love story
Ruth, the world traveler whose husband gifted her street art from their journeys
Ken and Jen, balancing parenthood, full-time jobs, and coaching
Eddie, the scrapbooking enthusiast who made cards for her beloved sister
Dana, the resilient 96-year-old author working on her final book
Lori, the single mom who surprised her daughter with a new bedroom
Each of these individuals demonstrated resilience, dedication, hard work, passion, and creativity in adapting to life’s challenges.

Raised with the idea that we should all be “of service,” I found my true calling in professional organizing. It allows me to combine my skills, passion, and desire to help others, creating a fulfilling and successful career.

Suzanne, 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?

From Hobby to Career: A Decade of Transforming Spaces
“If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” This adage perfectly encapsulates my journey as a professional organizer. For nearly a decade, I’ve been helping people transform their spaces full-time, but my passion for organization began much earlier.
The Early Days
During college, seeking extra income, I started organizing at home – specifically, my parents’ house. I redesigned my closet, replacing the single wooden rod and shelf with multi-level hanging rods and shelving. This was before California Closets became a household name, and it sparked something in me.
For years, my best friend urged me to organize professionally, but I resisted, fearing it might turn a fun hobby into “work.” However, after experiencing burnout in my performing career, I decided to give organizing a full-time try for one year. That was almost ten years ago, and I’ve never looked back.
A Perfect Blend of Skills
My college majors in Theatre and Psychology unexpectedly prepared me for this career. Theatre gave me production knowledge and practical skills like using a drill, while Psychology provided insight into human behavior – crucial for understanding why spaces become disorganized and how to create lasting solutions.
Personalized, Compassionate Service
At Neat, I offer home organization services tailored to each client’s unique needs and lifestyle. This includes decluttering, space optimization, move management, and creating beautiful, functional interiors. What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized, compassionate service.
I understand that organizing is often an emotional process, especially when dealing with sentimental items. My approach combines practical solutions with empathetic listening. Unlike companies that send teams while an owner oversees, my clients work directly with me, benefiting from my experience, expertise, and personal touch.
Flexibility and Client-Centric Approach
I adapt my working style to best serve each client. Some prefer to work alongside me and learn, others check in periodically, and some hand over their keys and return to a transformed space. My goal is always to create systems that complement my clients’ everyday lives, not just what looks aesthetically pleasing.
Passion for People and Their Stories
What truly drives me is my love for people and their stories. I’m tenacious in understanding my clients’ needs and motivations, believing that this deep understanding is key to creating truly effective organizational systems.
Pride in Compassionate Organizing
While I’ve tackled projects of all sizes, I’m most proud of the work I do with clients dealing with loss. Helping overwhelmed, grieving individuals navigate the challenging task of organizing a loved one’s belongings is incredibly rewarding. The grateful, teary-eyed smiles at the end of these projects remind me why I love what I do.
In conclusion, my journey from a college student reorganizing closets to a full-time professional organizer has been one of passion, growth, and fulfillment. By doing what I love, I’ve created a career that doesn’t feel like work, allowing me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

As a Professional Organizer, I’ve found that the best sources of new clients have been:
Real estate agents/brokers: They often encounter clients who need help organizing their homes before selling or after purchasing a new property. Realtors appreciate being able to refer a trusted organizer to their clients, as it can help smooth the moving process and increase property appeal.

Interior designers: These professionals frequently work with clients who are renovating or redecorating their homes. They may recommend my services to help clients declutter and organize their spaces before or after a design project.

Word of mouth: This has been incredibly valuable. Satisfied clients often share their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues, leading to referrals. The personal nature of organizing work means that trust is crucial, and a recommendation from someone they know can be very persuasive for potential clients.

Attending events in friends’ neighborhoods: This has been an unexpected but effective way to meet potential clients. By accompanying friends to local events, I’ve been able to network and introduce my services to new communities in a more relaxed, social setting.

These sources have been particularly effective because they leverage existing relationships and trust. When a client is referred by their realtor, interior designer, or a friend, they’re more likely to feel confident in my services from the start. This not only helps in acquiring new clients but also in building long-term relationships with them.

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

Building a strong reputation in the professional organizing market has been the result of several key strategies:

Consistently delivering value: I’ve always focused on setting clear expectations and then meeting or exceeding them. This approach has led to positive reviews and valuable word-of-mouth referrals.

Showcasing high-quality work: I’ve created a portfolio of before-and-after images that visually demonstrate the effectiveness of my services. This has been particularly impactful in helping potential clients understand the transformation I can achieve.

Networking and community involvement: By actively participating in local events, I’ve expanded my network and increased my visibility within the industry.

Providing personalized, compassionate service: I make it a priority to understand each client’s unique needs and offer tailored solutions. This approach has helped me build strong, lasting relationships with my clients.

Clear and constant communication: I maintain open lines of communication with my clients throughout the organizing process. This ensures that we’re always on the same page and that any concerns or changes can be addressed promptly.

Never assuming: I approach each project with fresh eyes and avoid making assumptions about a client’s needs or preferences. This allows me to provide truly customized solutions and avoid potential misunderstandings.

These strategies have worked together to build trust, demonstrate expertise, and create a reputation for reliability and excellence in my market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://be-neat.com
• Instagram: @beneat.sr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beneat.sr/