Charleston, SC Professional Organizer Helps Her Clients Make Everything Just So
Mary Gallivan, a top professional organizer in Charleston, SC, combines her lifelong passion for organizing with extensive personal and professional experience to help clients transform their spaces. Known for her ability to unlock the potential in any area, Mary’s expertise ensures that everything is Just So.
We recently interviewed Mary to learn more about her and what you can expect from a typical organizing session.
How has becoming an Organizer impacted your life?
Moving to Charleston for my husband’s job provided the perfect opportunity to launch a new venture in a different community. My goals were to meet new people (neighbors, friends, and more) and help them achieve their organizational dreams. I’m thrilled to have accomplished just that, fostering connections and transforming spaces across Charleston.
How has your past career or education tied into becoming an Organizer?
My experience working with multiple startup organizations has been invaluable in launching my own business. As a solopreneur, I’ve had to juggle many tasks, and my background has equipped me well for wearing many hats and continuously learning new skills.
Who are your ideal clients (or what is your niche)?
While I’m happy to work with anyone seeking organizing services, I most often assist busy parents and seniors. Many of my clients have an abstract vision for their ideal space but lack the time, skills, or capacity to achieve it. That’s where I come in, transforming their vision into reality.
What drives your clients to hire a professional organizer?
Clients often seek my help because a particular room or space is causing them stress or anxiety, and they don’t know how to tackle it. Many aspire to be more organized but need assistance to get there. I enjoy understanding how people use their spaces and designing sustainable systems that fit their needs, sharing my passion for organizing along the way.
Is there a popular season or off-season for professional organizing in Charleston?
In Charleston, the summer season tends to be quieter for professional organizing as many people are enjoying the beach, vacationing, and spending time with family. Those with young children often prefer organizing sessions during the school year when little ones are not underfoot. The busiest times are usually in the fall and around the new year when people are motivated to get organized.
Tell me a little bit about how you approach organizing--or your philosophy?
HUGS is my favorite decluttering hack. It’s a system to help you separate your belongings from your feelings about your belongings and make objective decisions about what to keep and what to let go.
· Does the item make you HAPPY? - If not, you should donate it. It doesn’t matter if it fits, if it still has the tags on it, if it was expensive, etc. If it doesn’t make you happy, you should donate, resell, or gift it away.
· Is it USEFUL? - The item should be useful and functional right now. If not, you should donate it. You do not need a backup toaster in the garage in case the current one breaks. You do not need eight phone chargers.
· Was it a GIFT? - What you do with a gift is not a reflection of how you feel about the person who gave it to you. If the gift does not make you happy, donate it. If you won’t use it, you can purge the gift. Separate your feelings about the person from the item itself.
· Does it hold SENTIMENTAL value? - Please know I am not saying you need to part with those truly special things. You can keep every piece of paper your child has ever written on. But if you do, most should be proudly on display and not stuffed in boxes in the attic. If they are in boxes, pare back - pick a few favorites from each year and discard the rest.
What sorts of challenges can you help with? What opportunities are individuals likely to miss if they try to complete the organization work themselves?
Often, clients just need a fresh perspective. I frequently hear “I never thought of that” after suggesting simple adjustments like adjusting shelves, adding hooks, or prioritizing space. I have learned that organizing is most definitely a skill, and my brain is wired to see solutions that others might miss. Finally, while organizing products alone won’t solve every problem, my extensive knowledge of various products can certainly help.
Is there anything you wish your clients knew before contacting you?
I wish clients knew that working with an organizer is a judgment-free experience. I’m here to help, not judge. Many clients worry their home is “the worst,” but I assure them it’s not. Our shared goal is to transform your space into something you love, making everything Just So.
