Today’s interview is with Nancy Haworth of On Task Organizing.

A member of NAPO and NAPO-NC, Nancy provides in-person organizing services in the Raleigh, North Carolina area and virtual organizing services worldwide.

Nancy, what’s your specialty?

Residential organizing with a focus on helping those who are decluttering to prepare for moving or downsizing.

What other services or products do you offer?

Hands-on in-person decluttering and organizing for homes and home offices, moving and downsizing services, virtual organizing, time management consultations, do-it-yourself organizing consultations, presentations on organizing topics, and digital downloads on decluttering and organizing topics.

How do you approach a new organizing project?

I begin by looking at the space with my client and discussing my client’s goals in detail. During this in-home assessment time, I work with my client to create a basic action plan. I start decluttering and organizing in the area that is my client’s highest priority.

What’s your favorite organizing product?

Clear lidded plastic bins because they have a variety of uses in many rooms. Since my clients can see through the bins, it is easier for them to find items when needed.

How has your business changed since you first started out?

When I began, I was focused on in-person hands-on organizing for both homes and businesses. I found that I enjoyed working in the residential setting best, so I refocused on residential organizing, in particular those in the process of decluttering or downsizing to prepare for a move. I have also expanded to offer time management services, digital products and virtual organizing services.

At what moment did you consider yourself successful?

When I was quoted as an organizing expert in articles for media outlets such as Good Housekeeping, The Food Network and Reader’s Digest, I really felt successful.

Do you offer any products or services for other organizers?

Not at this time, but I plan to offer some soon.

How did you come up with your business name?

When brainstorming a business name, I had several ideas, so I consulted my colleagues at NAPO-NC for their opinions. My goal is to help my clients become more focused and on task in managing their daily life through decluttering, organizing and better managing time. My personality is a very on task and focused person, so the name On Task Organizing was the perfect choice for my business.

What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?

I would start out by working more on my web presence. When I first began, I spent a lot of time networking in-person, but I only reached a small localized group of people. As I’ve grown my social media following and online presence, I’ve been able to reach so many more people who need my help.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered about running an organizing business?

How much my clients will open up to me and tell me personal stories as we’re sorting through their belongings. I am also amazed at the interesting variety of people from all walks of life that I am able to get to know and learn about while organizing.

What is the biggest challenge you currently face in your business?

Marketing my business to potential clients, and educating people on what a professional organizer does and how the decluttering and organizing process works.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. I also love exercising, mainly running, dancing, yoga and aerial acrobatics.

What else should we know about you?

I am a regular contributor to The Professional Organizers Blog Carnival. Each month, I enjoy learning from my colleagues by reading the round-up of blogs.

Note from Janet: She’s too humble to mention it, but Nancy is actually a Professional Organizers Blog Carnival Superstar Blogger!

Thanks for sharing, Nancy!

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