Hi, I’m Susan
Welcome to Organized 31. I’m so happy to see you here.
I’m a busy mom of three and truly understand that life can be chaotic, which is why I think solutions should be simple. I’m an Air Force veteran, been a stay-at-home mom, a part-time working stay-at-home mom and a small business owner, all while being married to my active-duty military husband.
I’ve been blogging here since June 2012. In addition to organizing, I love to craft, to repurpose and help solve problems.
Simple Solutions are My Passion
I’ve often wondered if my love of planning and organizing came from over 25 moves, all around the country and the world, or if it’s just a part of my personality that has enabled me to survive and even thrive through all these moves. Which ever it is, I love organizing. I believe life is better when organized. As a busy mom on a limited budget, I’m a big believer in simple projects using repurposed items. That often means my organizing ideas are fr-eeeeeeee!
When I do purchase items, I look for products made made right here in the US, and I’m always excited to tell you about my discoveries. There are many reasons I try to always buy American-made products. Check out my Amazon Made in the USA Organizing Products Collection for some of my favorites.
I only recommend products that I use myself or recommend to my clients. As someone who helps clients declutter, my goal is not to encourage you to buy more things, but to help you choose the best solution that will work for you for years and years.
My goal is to help busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to you.
As a professional organizer, I strive always to meet a client where they’re at and help them move towards their organizing goals. I enjoy assisting clients both in-person and virtually by email or video chat. I’ve worked with clients with a range of needs, such as mobility impairment, traumatic brain injury and extreme dust allergies.
I have always been an organized person, but a few years ago, I hit a series of life events – two health issues, sending two kids off to college, four deaths of people close to me – that threw me for a loop for three and a half years. I deeply understand how life can get in the way of organizing and even the best laid plans. There is absolutely no judgement here, only understanding and the hope to help.
Learn more about working with me as a professional organizer.
Accomplishments
As a professional organizer, Certified Organizational Specialist ™ and founder of Organized 31, I’ve been featured and quoted in many print and online publications for my organizing, parenting and craft ideas and tips:
- Real Simple
- Good Housekeeping
- BuzzFeed
- Redbook
- Parade
- The Huffington Post
- Woman’s Day
- Apartment Therapy
- First for Women
- And more!
I’m proud to share with you my training and blogging accomplishments. I take my role of providing advice seriously. I am here to support you the best way that I can and that involves continually improving my knowledge and skills.
I’ve have completed NAPO training and was a member.
I’m a Certified Organizational Specialist ™
I’m proud that I was recognized in the top 15 Organizing blogs.
I often create resources to help my own organizing clients and my readers. I’m the proud author of A Year of Decluttering Motivation. I’ve also created many organizing workbooks and checklists that you can find in my shop.
Testimonials
I’ve received positive feedback from my audience. These comments are from a podcast and recent video session I shared on Decluttering with the Purpose of Donating to Help Your Community:
- I wish I could give it 50 stars! She provided so many ways to donate that I wouldn’t have thought of and then broke it all down in very practical and applicable ways. Excellent session!!- T
- Susan gives information that I haven’t seen anywhere to help us know what is best for donating decluttered items from our home. Just what I was looking for. Thank you Susan! – J
- This session made my day. I even got a little emotional. This is the kind of thing I knew TO do, but I didn’t know HOW to go about it. I am so thankful for Susan being willing to share her wisdom on this topic. The presentation was very helpful and well put-together. The information was so practical and inspiring. Decluttering can be so overwhelming. The way Susan paints the bigger picture makes decluttering feel imperative (in the best way).- R
My professional organizing clients, both in person and virtual organizing, are generous in their reviews of our time working together.
I believe life is better when organized.
Sharing on Podcasts and Summits
I’m am always proud and exited to work with others to help people get organized and live the most impactful lives. You can watch or listen to me at:
Clear the Clutter and Make Room for Gratitude – Gratitude Builds Fortitude
Kids Cook Real Food – Hot Tips to Organize Your Space with Kids AND Protect Your Budget and the Earth!
The Smart Influencer Podcast – How to Create an Organized System that Works
The Smart Influencer Podcast – Planning for Emergency Situations
I’m also proud that I’ve been invited to speak at Get Organized HQ in 2022 and Hobby Scool’s Organized Living Summit in 2024.
More about the Blog
I’ve been sharing organizing, crafting, repurposing and parenting tips on Organized 31 and social media since 2012.
In the same way that I share simple organizing tips that busy people can actually implement, I share crafting and repurposing tips that don’t require special crafting skills or lots of time. I like crafts that are easy to make and you can still be proud of.
A few of my most popular not organizing posts are:
![Encourage independence and mom-approved choices with fun snacks kids can make themselves and will appeal to even picky eaters. #GoldfishMix #Walmart [ad]](https://organized31.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Fun-Snacks-Kids-Can-Make-Themselves-squ.jpg)
I’m a trained parent educator, have been teaching child development for 3 decades and have been published twice. My training combined with my personal experience raising 3 children, shape my parenting tips. Again, my parenting approach features simple and effective ideas.
Of course, I’m a fan of picture-perfect organizing solutions, and nothing makes me happier than strolling down the organizing aisle of any store. But as a busy mom on a limited budget, I’m a big believer in simple projects using repurposed items.
That often means my organizing ideas are fr-eeeeeeee! My repurposed and low-cost organizing projects are perfect for:
- Military families
- Families that move frequently
- Families on a budget
- College students
- First apartments and homes
- Anyone interested in organizing with more sustainable, earth-friendly options
A Bit More About Me
I grew up as a military child and spent nine years in Hawai’i, which is where I call home. I earned a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma. I served 15 years in the Air Force, both on active duty and in the Reserves, so military and veterans’ issues are dear to me. You can read more about my experience in the military and as a military spouse here.
I adore crafting, but mainly simple and quick crafts. I just don’t have the time or energy for complicated!
I promise that I’ll always share real ideas that real people can do and be proud of.
Why the name Organized 31? I find peace and beauty in organization, both the process and the result, so having Organization in the name was a must. I chose 31 as a reference to the Proverbs 31 wife, who I hope to emulate. And also, since there are 31 days in most months, it’s a reminder that organizing every day (even just a little!) is my goal.
Let’s Connect and Stay Connected
I’d love to connect with you on YouTube or Instagram, my two favorite channels. Of course, you can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.
You can reach me at susan@organized31.com and I’d love to hear from you.