My latest interview is with Gillian Economou of Sort it Out, who provides professional organizing services in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.

Welcome, Gillian! What’s your specialty?

I specialize in hands-on home organizing and mindful decluttering, and creating personalized systems that help busy families and individuals reclaim their space and simplify everyday living. I commonly work in closets, kitchens, pantries, playrooms, home offices, garages, and whole homes.

What other services or products do you offer?

In addition to hands-on home organizing and decluttering, I offer packing and unpacking for moves, move management support, seasonal organizing (holiday decor, storage transitions), and special one-time organizing projects such as preparing a home for guests, downsizing, or organizing before renovations.

How do you approach a new organizing project?

I start every project by really understanding my client’s needs, goals, and how they use their space. Everyone’s home and lifestyle is different, so I take the time to listen first before jumping in.

From there, I put together a loose plan based on the space and what needs to be done. Sometimes that means a lot of decluttering and editing, and other times it’s more about organizing what they already have. We work through items, group things into simple categories, and decide what makes the most sense to keep and store.

Once we know what’s staying, I set up easy, functional systems and recommend organizing products only when they truly add value. I keep the process flexible and collaborative so the end result feels realistic, comfortable, and easy for my clients to maintain long-term.

How did your training and experience prepare you to become an organizer?

My background in business and nonprofit management, along with time spent in home staging and project management, gave me a solid foundation in organization, planning, and problem-solving. But honestly, a lot of my training came from real life.

I’ve always been the person friends and family called when they felt overwhelmed by their space. I naturally gravitated toward helping people sort through their things, create order, and make their homes feel easier to live in. Over time, I continued learning through hands-on client work, researching organizing methods, and paying attention to what actually works for real families with busy lives.

All of that experience, both professional and personal, prepared me to confidently guide clients through decluttering, create practical systems, and manage organizing projects in a way that feels supportive and stress-free. I love what I do 🙂

How did you come up with your business name?

I’ve always been the person friends and family call when they’re feeling overwhelmed by a space. I’d show up, roll up my sleeves, and say, “Let’s sort it out.” Over time, that phrase became more than just something I said, it became a reflection of my approach to organizing. That’s how Sort It Out Organizing was born.

How are you marketing your business?

I primarily market my business through social media and SEO. I’m very focused on building a strong local presence, so I actively connect with neighborhood groups and local mom groups in my area.

I’ve also made a conscious investment in my website, SEO, and overall marketing. I’ve spent time strengthening my Google Business Profile and improving my website’s visibility, and I’ve already seen noticeable growth in website traffic and inquiries, which has reinforced how important it is to consistently invest in marketing.

Between social media, local community connections, and ongoing SEO work, my goal is to stay visible, build trust, and make it easy for people in my area to find and learn about my services.

What professional associations or other organizations do you belong to?

At this time, I’m self-taught and not currently a member of any professional associations, but I’m exploring joining my local Chamber of Commerce and pursuing NAPO certification.

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

The most surprising thing for me has been just how rewarding this work is. I knew I would enjoy organizing, but I didn’t realize how much I would love helping people feel lighter, less stressed, and more in control of their homes.

Seeing a client’s reaction when they walk into a newly organized space, watching their shoulders relax, or hearing them say they finally feel at peace in their home never gets old. Being able to make such a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives, even in small ways, is incredibly fulfilling and is what keeps me excited about this work.

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

One of my biggest challenges is keeping up in a growing and competitive industry, especially with so many organizing businesses in the Washington, D.C. area. It pushes me to always think about how I can stand out and make sure the right people are able to find me.

That’s why I’ve been putting more intention into my website, SEO, and overall online presence. I’ve already started to see positive results, which has been really encouraging and has shown me how important it is to keep learning, evolving, and investing in the business.

What’s your favorite organizing product?

Honestly, I love a good clear storage tote. It’s simple, affordable, and works in almost any space. Being able to see what’s inside makes it so much easier to find what you need and remember what you already have.

Clear bins create a really straightforward system that most people can keep up with. Nothing fancy, just easy, functional storage that helps spaces stay organized without a lot of effort.

Do you offer any products or services for other organizers?

Not at the moment, but maybe in the future! I’m always here to answer any questions though if any organizers need any help 🙂

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

When I’m not working, I’m usually spending time with my two boys. Whether we’re playing outside, running around town, or just hanging out at home, that’s my favorite way to spend my time.

I also enjoy slower moments when I can, catching up on home projects, tidying up a bit, and recharging so I can be present for both my family and my clients.

What else should we know about you?

I truly love what I do and care deeply about the people I work with. I understand that inviting someone into your home and going through your belongings can feel vulnerable, so I always aim to create a judgment-free, supportive experience.

I’m also a big believer in progress over perfection. My goal isn’t to create magazine-perfect spaces, but homes that feel functional, comfortable, and realistic for everyday life. I want my clients to feel confident, supported, and proud of their spaces when we’re done.

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