Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie McPhaul
Hi Jamie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my organizing business in June of 2023 after graduating from UT in May 2023. I finished with my Bachelor’s in Psychology in 3 years and decided to give myself a year to figure out what my next step was, as I was not passionate about continuing school. That next step came much quicker than I expected as I fell into helping people declutter and get organized.
I’ve always had a knack for organizing and my parents asked me to fix up their under the stairs closet. This is a space that’s driven my mom crazy for as long as I can remember. She would spend a weekend fixing it just for it to be a mess again a month later.
I was determined to set it up in a way that was easy to maintain and wouldn’t get destroyed the first time someone went to grab their favorite duffle bag.
So, I did just that. I helped pare down their (somewhat) excessive amount of duffle bags they had taking up space in the closet, condensed the gift wrapping supplies, and made sure there was a clear path to getting their suitcases out (everything on the right side could ROLL!) I had a lot of fun transforming the challenging space into a functional storage area for my parents and loved being able to give someone else the same feeling of peace I get from being organized.
After the project was completed, I showed some friends and family the before and after pictures. Quite a few of them said “Uhh, I think people would pay you to do that!” So I started a Facebook page, got some interest, and soon found out Professional Organizing was a whole industry!
Realizing there were thousands of pro organizers out there meant I could make a career out of giving people the amazing gift of spaces that make them happy and energize them instead of overwhelm and drain them. So I went all in for it and have helped 50+ clients since then:)
I was very lucky to have my parents support and be able to invest in another organizers coaching program that gave me amazing direction and saved me from a lot of trial and error, although there was still plenty of that.
Today, I have a small team and we specialize in helping busy moms and families who want clutter-free, functional spaces where they can recharge and connect with their families.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As with any small business in the service industry, it can feel like a roller coaster ride. Leads and clients come in waves, and it’s hard to pinpoint the reasons behind those waves—sometimes it just feels like they happen at random. The uncertainty of not knowing when the next big client will come can be scary, but somehow, they always seem to show up at the right time.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is maintaining work-life balance. No one warns you just how much owning a business can take over your life. You think the hustle will be temporary, just a lot of work in the beginning—but it never really stops. I’ve lost friendships and missed out on experiences along the way, which is something I’m still coming to terms with and working to grow from.
There’s always something demanding your attention, whether it’s a current project for a client or backend tasks to keep the business running. The to-do list feels endless, and it can be overwhelming. But I’m learning how crucial it is to carve out time for yourself and your loved ones. If you don’t, you risk losing yourself and the things that truly matter along the way.
Another challenge has been finding my place in an area as saturated with organizers as Austin. While I’m fortunate to be the only professional organizer in my hometown of Bastrop, the market there isn’t as developed—many people aren’t quite ready for this kind of service yet. Meanwhile, Austin is filled with high-quality clients ready to invest in organizing, but it can be tough to stand out among the more established professionals.
I’ve worked hard to avoid falling into a scarcity mindset or comparing myself to others. It’s important to focus on what makes you and your business unique. For me, part of that is my age. At 22, there aren’t many organizers my age in the field, which often leads me to compare myself to those who have years of experience, families, or partners to support them.
Recently, I’ve also faced the unexpected challenge of trademark legal issues. I’ve built my business and brand under the name Clutterbug Organizing by Jamie, but I’ve had to accept that I can’t keep it due to trademark conflicts. Navigating the legal and branding world has been overwhelming—it’s a space I know little about, and now I’m faced with the reality of changing everything I’ve built and been known for. It’s frustrating and emotional to feel like I’m starting over, but I’m trying to embrace it as an opportunity to grow and create something even better.
That said, I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my parents, which has been a huge safety net while I figure out how to make my business sustainable. Deep down, I know this is what I want to do—and I’m determined to build something lasting that aligns with my passion for helping others create spaces that bring them peace.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I help busy moms, families, and professional women transform their homes from overwhelming and chaotic into peaceful, functional spaces that truly work for their families. My business specializes in creating easy-to-maintain systems that align with each client’s lifestyle, ensuring that their home not only looks great but feels like a sanctuary.
I’m known for my warm, approachable style and my ability to guide clients through the organizing process without judgment. Clients trust me to listen, understand their unique challenges, and offer solutions that are practical, beautiful, and, most importantly, sustainable. Whether it’s a cluttered pantry, a garage bursting at the seams, or a bedroom that no longer feels restful, I focus on creating spaces where my clients can recharge, connect with loved ones, and focus on what truly matters.
One of my strengths is the ability to see potential where others see chaos. I help clients visualize possibilities they may not have imagined, designing systems that make their daily routines easier and their spaces more beautiful. From start to finish, I ensure every detail is thoughtfully planned to meet their specific needs.
What I’m most proud of is the emotional impact my work has on the families I serve. Seeing a mom tear up because she can finally enjoy her kitchen again or hearing how everyday routines have become easier because of the systems we put in place—that’s what makes it all worth it. My goal is not just to organize but to empower my clients to feel more in control of their homes and lives.
What sets me apart is the combination of practicality and empathy I bring to every project. I understand that organizing is deeply personal, and I meet each client where they are, offering tailored solutions that fit their needs and values. I also prioritize aesthetics—creating systems that are not only functional but also calming and visually pleasing, because I believe that beautiful spaces inspire us to keep them that way.
Ultimately, I’m not just about decluttering homes—I’m about lifting the weight of clutter off my clients’ shoulders and giving them the freedom to enjoy their spaces and their lives.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising… I have ADHD and have procrastinated things my whole life. I totally understand how overwhelming it can feel to tackle certain tasks—it’s something I’ve worked through myself. Most people who don’t know me personally or only professionally are surprised to hear I have ADHD, that I procrastinate things, and that, no, my room is not always tidy. Which, I totally understand– a messy, scatterbrained person is not what you imagine when you hear professional organizer.
It’s a reminder that I’m just like my clients: busy, juggling priorities, and working to make my own systems work for me. That shared experience helps me create organizing solutions that are practical, realistic, and easy to maintain. If I can do it, I promise you can, too!
Pricing:
- We work in package pricing that ranges from $750-3000, depending on what you need.
- Our packages all break down to the same hourly rate, but they go up in value via bonus services as they get larger (shopping, labels, donation removal, etc.)
- Our package pricing is listed on our website, completely transparent!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clutterbugorganizing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug.organizing.by.jamie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClutterbugOrganizingByJam/
Image Credits
Gabriella Spurgeon, Glowing Lens Photography
