Daily Inspiration: Meet Thalia Poulos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thalia Poulos

Hi Thalia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I began my career as a Professional Organizer in Chicago, helping corporate executives organize their offices. As I expanded my business, I started NAPO Chicago, National Association of Professional Organizers. I’m a big believer in being part of a group and working with colleagues — cooperation, not competition. My corporate clients started asking me to help them in their homes. I loved it! I still do that type of work — as well as home office organizing. I’ve lived in Southern California since 1999. My business is called Organized Beautifully, and I work with a team of organizers helping people reduce stress and release excess by keeping only things that matter to them. We release first, then organize the rest. We use systems that work with their own organizing personality. For example, Visuals need to see their stuff. 

Transformation is a wonderful thing to witness. People are so excited once they let go of excess clutter and collections of things they’ve been holding onto for way too long. 

People going through transition need help, and that’s what we provide. We work hands-on with clients in North County, San Diego, and the Temecula Valley. 

I also do a significant client work Virtually. Virtual Organizing is right for those who are physically able, highly motivated, and who liked being coached. We work via Zoom, email, phone. 

Recently, we have been inundated with clients needing help to downsize before they move. It’s a great time to donate and help their community. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Bumpy. 

When I began this business, there were only seven other professional organizers doing this work in all of Chicago. I called them all so we could support each other. We had to introduce the entire concept of having someone come into your office and home and help organize. I am still in contact with some of those Chicago Organizers today, and we gladly refer business to each other. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A large part of our work is helping people before they move to pare down — discard, and donate. 

We do this with love and compassion, understanding that letting go is very emotional. 

We have resources such as haulers, consignment shops, and charities that can take large donations. 

Another big portion of our work is unpacking people once they move into their new home. 

This is super fun for us. Moving is very stressful, and we help calm the chaos. 

We get their kitchens up and running right away, so they can cook supper in their new home the day after their move. 

We set their homes up in an organized way so they can enjoy their new home. 

Closets are another specialty. 

We review the current closet systems. 

We take rolling racks with us and set up tables to sort every item of clothing, we help clients decide what they truly want to retain; and then facilitate taking their items to charity. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
NAPO — National Association of Professional Organizers 

Introduced me to other organizers across the country. I met many wonderful organizers at national conferences. 

We all learned from each other in the fledgling industry. 

NAPO enabled me to start a local chapter NAPO-Chicago, a very supportive group of local organizers. We all helped each other. 

ASPO — American Society of Professional Organizers 

I was the first president of this group. ASPO focuses on simplicity over productivity. As president is kept me in the loop with all things organizing and gave me the ability to mentor others. 

Original clients in Chicago, both corporate and individual. I do keep my clients confidential. A certain few clients gave me many referrals, which propelled me to be successful. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.organizedbeautifully.com
• Instagram: organizedbeautifully
• Facebook: Organized Beautifully