The Pro Organizer Studio Podcast

Hosted by Melissa Klug

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258

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Pro Organizer Studio is a business building resource for professional organizers. We are here to help you launch & grow the professional organizing business of your dreams! Hosted by Melissa Klug, who is a master certified professional organizer and founder of home organization business Home By Eleven in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, and who is a business coach for pro organizers on 5 continents!

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June 15, 2026Episode 2531 hr 5 min

253 | I am building a GREAT team!

Melissa kicks off Pro Organizer Studio's 10th year with a reintroduction of Cabri Caldwell — mentor, coach, and now a formal part of the Pro Organizer Studio team leading the Inspired Organizer Teams program. Cabri shares her full entrepreneurial story: from an early-twenties safety and risk management job at a trucking company, to RV living and discovering minimalism, to launching Minimize Then Organize in Lubbock, Texas. She talks candidly about finding Inspired Organizer in 2019, the "energetics" of investing in herself, building a team with her right-hand woman Lara, and the multiple businesses she's grown since — including Organizer Near Me, ReMove LBK (rentable moving crates), and a recently sold yard-card business. The conversation covers sales mindset, confidence-building (including "Steve" — her internal mediocre-white-man alter ego), the value of outside perspective, and what's ahead for Pro Organizer Studio this year. Cabri is our head coach for Inspired Organizer TEAMS and we'd love to have you join us there! www.proorganizerstudio.com/links for all the details!

April 27, 2026Episode 25249 min

252 | What Really Sells Clients on Hiring You?

Do clients really want the "perfect" organizer? (Or are they ACTUALY looking for something you might not expect them to??) In this episode, I'm joined by my friend, organizer and Inspired Organizer mentor Sarah Brent of Practical Harmony in Illinois. We are getting vulnerable and honest about why showing your personality may be the most powerful marketing tool in your organizing business. We really, truly get the pressure organizers feel to look polished, perfect, and put-together—but we're breaking down why the (overused buzzword!) authenticity is what actually attracts the right clients. Sarah shares how her own story, including growing up around hoarding and disorganization, became one of her greatest strengths as an organizer. Being yourself can set you apart in a crowded industry!!! In this episode, we discuss: Why clients hire people, not just services How your personal story can become your biggest differentiator The myth of the "perfect" professional organizer Why vulnerability builds trust with potential clients How to stop comparing yourself to other organizers online Why you do not need to be everything to everyone How authenticity helps you attract better-fit clients Building a business that reflects who you are If you've ever felt like you don't fit the mold of what an organizer "should" be, this episode is your reminder: that may be exactly what makes you successful.

April 8, 2026Episode 25020 min

250 | Current Events + Trends + Social Media Fast + Lots of other topics!

What's actually happening in the organizing industry right now? Today we're tackling a bunch of things, from clients taking longer to book, to what a "trust recession" means for your business, to why follow-up matters more than ever. We break down what we're seeing across the country, how buying behavior is changing, and how to adjust your consults, sales and messaging without feeling pushy. Plus--social media! What happens when you step away, how it impacts your focus and creativity, and how to keep your business running without being glued to your phone. If things feel a little different in your business lately—you're not imagining it. Let's talk about how to navigate it.

April 7, 2026Episode 24921 min

249 | Container Store Sold: What does this mean for organizers?

we're doing a quick CURRENT EVENTS pod to talk about the Container Store being bought by Bed, Bath & Beyond.

April 2, 2026Episode 24838 min

248 | The One Where Melissa Needs a Lecture

Sometimes burnout doesn't come from the big things. Sometimes it comes from one bag of client stuff in your garage…and then another…and then another...and then you realize organizing has taken over your house and your life and need to make some changes. I am sharing a real-life story about how years of over-helping one longtime client led to a garage full of client belongings and a major realization: sometimes the problem is not the client's stuff, it's the dynamic we've created. In this episode, Cabri and I talk about boundaries, expectations, people-pleasing, and the very real ways we create problems for ourselves in business by saying yes too often. If you've ever struggled to hold the line with clients, this conversation will feel very familiar!! I hope this resonates with you and if it does--know that you are not alone!! In this episode, they talk about: the difference between boundaries and expectations how people-pleasing shows up in organizing businesses why it's so hard to change processes with longtime clients how resentment can be a sign that something needs to shift why you're allowed to stop doing things that no longer work practical ways to communicate new expectations clearly and confidently This episode is a reminder that you do not have to keep doing something just because you've always done it that way. You can change your process, protect your peace, and build a business that works better for you.

March 2, 2026Episode 24726 min

247 | "Professional organizing is about PEAK HUMAN PERFORMANCE!"

In Part 3 of this Minnesota Organizing Besties series, Melissa is back with Cori, Missi, and Kielyn for a conversation that's equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply real. This episode goes beyond bins and labels and into the heart of what organizing actually does for people. From helping clients sleep better to navigating hoarding situations with compassion, the group talks about the mental health impact of this work — and why what organizers do truly matters. They share stories about setting boundaries (yes, including bed bugs), knowing when to say no, and knowing when to lean in and change someone's life. There's honest talk about burnout, trusting your team, letting go of control, and the identity shift that comes with growth. You'll also hear about ADHD, intuition, building your own mastermind circle, and what each of these business owners is excited about next — from expanding into coaching to petitioning professional sports leagues to cover organizing services for athletes. If you've ever wondered whether this work makes a difference, this episode will remind you: it absolutely does. And you don't have to do it alone — go find your people!

February 19, 2026Episode 24620 min

246: I am officially AN INFLUENCER (I quit! No, seriously, I do)

Melissa has officially become…an influencer. Except instead of influencing you to buy something, she's influencing you to do something wildly radical in 2026: delete social media from your phone. In this late-night minisode, Melissa shares the unexpected challenge she took on for the new year—and why it's been one of the best decisions she's made for her mental health, focus, and overall life. In this episode, we talk about: The Japanese concept of "misogi" (doing something so hard you have less than a 50% chance of finishing) Why Melissa deleted Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and more on January 1 Revenge bedtime procrastination (aka scrolling until 12:30 AM because you "deserve it") How social media quietly fuels pressure, comparison, and anxiety Why "continued use despite adverse consequences" is a wake-up call The surprising truth: she doesn't miss it at all What she's gained instead: better sleep, more reading, more peace, more time How she still stays connected (Facebook groups + watching TikToks her kids send) Why organizers do NOT need social media to grow a successful business How she's accidentally converted other people into quitting too If you've been feeling overstimulated, scattered, burned out, or addicted to the scroll… this episode is your sign. Want to try it too? Melissa is offering to be your accountability buddy. Email: hello@proorganizerstudio.com

February 11, 2026Episode 24536 min

245 | "Sometimes entrepreneurship is just…accidental." | Building a multi-6-figure business with Cabri Caldwell

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "2d1659e4-6c26-4114-94a7-7326b884f161" data-testid= "conversation-turn-36" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Melissa kicks things off with a classic "I didn't hit record" moment, then shares the big news: Cabri Caldwell is now a partial owner and official business partner in Pro Organizer Studio. That means more programs, more energy, and more support for organizers who want to build real businesses. And the first big move? A full relaunch of Inspired Organizer TEAMS, a program built for organizers who want to stop doing everything themselves and start building a profitable, sustainable team. In this episode, we cover: Cabri's "accidental team" origin story (spoiler: a huge, fast-moving client project forced the leap) Why hiring is a slippery slope in the best way once you experience less burnout, less emotional load, and more time and bandwidth The profitability reality: how teams shift you from "time for money" to scalable profit The hard parts no one glamorizes, like cash flow and payroll pressure, team emotions and conflict, and protecting your team from difficult clients The identity shift from solopreneur to CEO, and how strange it feels when clients don't even recognize you Why the right team members can change everything, from shelf builders to "wrecking ball" organizers who thrive on the dirty work Quote-worthy moments: "Sometimes entrepreneurship is just… accidental." "Teams are a gateway drug." "If your card gets flagged for fraud and payroll's due… that'll age you." "I'm excited about making people money." Want the TEAMS details? Visit proorganizerstudio.com/links for all the information. Questions? Email hello@proorganizerstudio.com Final takeaway: If you're burned out, stuck doing everything yourself, craving support, or dreaming of scaling (even with one hire like a VA), Inspired Organizer TEAMS is designed to help you do it with structure, confidence, and real systems instead of guesswork.

February 2, 2026Episode 24431 min

244 | Do It Scared (but do it anyway) with my MN organizing besties

In this episode, Melissa is back with her Minnesota organizing besties (Missi, Cori, and Kielyn) for an honest conversation about fear, authenticity, mistakes, and doing business scared anyway. If you've ever: Frozen because you were afraid to make the wrong decision Stayed in a bad situation because you feared a bad review Wondered if you're "professional enough" to be yourself Procrastinated something small but important (👀 invoices, SEO, phone calls…) …we FEEL YOU! This episode is part mindset reset, part business strategy, part group therapy—with a lot of laughs and very honest moments along the way. Stay tuned: More episodes (and something brand new for team builders 👀) are coming this week. 🎧 Listen in, and remember: you don't have to be fearless—you just have to keep moving.

January 29, 2026Episode 24330 min

243 | 4 organizers = a million ideas

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "eed8b0da-c99e-4459-bbda-3919877de249" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> What happens when four professional organizers (who are also actual IRL dear friends) finally manage to get on the same schedule… before 2031? 😅 In this episode, Melissa brings on her Minnesota organizing crew—Missi, Cori, and Kielyn—for the start of a longer, multi-part conversation packed with business talk, mindset shifts, team leadership, and the kind of honesty you only get from friends who've seen each other's mail piles. You'll hear about: Why community is non-negotiable as a professional organizer (and how to find "your people") Type A vs. Type B energy… and why "organizing isn't an emergency" What actually keeps you excited about this work when you've been doing it for a while The "woo" side of goal-setting (manifesting, affirmations) and the practical brain science behind it How to lead a team without doing all the things (and why letting go of control is the hardest part) Building a business by hiring people who are smarter/better than you at certain things (yes please) Plus: a New Heights-style intro, professional athlete clients, ADHD-friendly systems, and one organizer whose inbox is so empty it's basically offensive. 😂 Stay tuned: This is part one—more episodes with the full conversation are coming next. Mentioned in this episode Soundtracks by Jon Acuff--one of Melissa's favorite books! If you enjoyed this episode… Follow/subscribe so you don't miss the rest of the series, and share it with an organizer friend who needs a reminder that they don't have to do business alone. 🎧✨ Timestamps: 01:43 The Importance of Community 02:23 Spotlight on Kielyn and Missi 04:31 Spotlight on Cori 06:37 Organizing Styles and Personalities 09:25 Finding Excitement in Organizing 11:42 Manifestation and Mindset 14:16 The Power of Affirmations: A 30-Day Experiment 14:54 Personal Success Stories: Life-Changing Results 15:26 The Science Behind Writing and Speaking Goals 15:47 Daily Affirmations: A Personal Practice 16:58 The Importance of Positive Self-Talk 18:12 Mental Clutter and the Entrepreneurial Mind 19:31 The Psychological Aspect of Organizing 20:53 Customizing Systems for Clients 22:24 The Role of Teamwork in Organizing 25:23 Trusting Your Own Voice in Business 26:41 Embracing Team Input and Ideas 29:28 Conclusion: Letting Go of Control