Organizing Career: Get PAID to Take Their Stuff!

Organizing Career: Get PAID to Take Their Stuff!

Author: Time We Discuss May 3, 2026 Duration: 24:52

What does it really take to turn decluttering into a business? And is being a professional organizer as simple as it sounds?

In this episode of Time We Discuss, I sit down with Mary Ellen Lundy, founder of An Eco Organized Approach®, to break down what it is really like working as a professional organizer and removal expert.

From helping clients reclaim their spaces to giving unwanted items a second life in the community, Mary Ellen has built a unique, eco friendly organizing business that goes far beyond just cleaning up clutter.

We talk about how she turned a simple skill into a thriving business, the emotional side of decluttering, and what you need to know if you are considering this as a career.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • What a professional organizer actually does day to day
  • How Mary Ellen built her business from scratch
  • The eco friendly approach to decluttering and removal
  • Why sentimental items are the hardest to let go of
  • The physical and emotional challenges of the job
  • Opportunities in the organizing and decluttering industry
  • What it really takes to succeed in this career

About Mary Ellen:

Mary Ellen Lundy is the founder of An Eco Organized Approach®, a business dedicated to helping people reclaim their spaces while keeping items out of landfills. Her team works directly with local communities to repurpose and redistribute items to those in need.

Thinking about becoming a professional organizer?

This episode gives you a real look at the pros, cons, and realities of the job so you can decide if this is the right career path for you.

Subscribe for more career insights:

If you are exploring career paths and want to know what jobs are really like, make sure to subscribe for more episodes of Time We Discuss.

Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:39 - What is a professional organizer and removal expert?
1:56 - Throw away, recycle, donate, second life
3:55 - From a Master's in Education to starting a business
5:37 - Getting a first client in the professional organizer business
7:52 - Business woman and mom as a role-model
8:43 - Removing items that are hard to get rid of
12:07 - Opportunities for a removal expert and professional organizing business
14:26 - Bridging the gap for business skills
17:45 - Speaking professionally
19:08 - How competitive is the home organizing industsry?
21:27 - Barriers to entry - be aware of this
23:18 - Shout out to Web Designer Liz Theresa
23:49 - Talent has the floor
24:27 - Outro

=================================================================

Guest Information:

Mary Ellen Lundy

Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

=================================================================

Time We Discuss Links:

Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
YouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTube
Spotify: Time We Discuss on Spotify
Apple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple Podcasts
More Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other Platforms
Twitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/X
Bluesky: Time We Discuss on Bluesky
Instagram: Time We Discuss on Instagram
Threads: Time We Discuss on Threads


Figuring out what you want to do for a living is one of life's biggest puzzles, and Time We Discuss tackles it by bringing real voices into the conversation. Instead of abstract advice, each episode sits down with people who are actually doing the jobs you might be curious about. You'll hear the unvarnished details of their daily routines, the challenges they didn't see coming, and the moments that make their work worthwhile. This podcast moves beyond glossy job descriptions to explore the practical realities of different paths, from traditional professions to less conventional roles. Whether you're a student weighing college against direct entry into the workforce, someone considering a complete pivot, or simply fascinated by how other people spend their working hours, these discussions offer grounded insights. The focus is on career discovery through honest storytelling, providing a resource that feels more like a series of candid conversations than a formal guide. By listening, you gather the nuanced, firsthand information needed to make more informed decisions about your own professional journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Time We Discuss | Career Podcast for Career Discovery and Career Exploration with Real Professionals
Podcast Episodes
What it Takes to be a Funder in 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:26
In this segment of "Time We Discuss" we look at what it's like to be a funder. If you've never heard of a funder and have no idea where to start, you certainly picked the right place.Ever wondered what a day in the life…
I'm Grateful | Thanksgiving Reflection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:24
Join me in this episode of Time We Discuss as I share what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving! In this heartwarming video, I'm reflecting on the things that bring me joy and appreciation as it relates to the Time We Disc…
Meet the (Children's) Author Who's Not Afraid of Sasquatch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:43
In this segment of "Time We Discuss" we speak with children's book author Molly Leach and talk about her book "Following Sasquatch". Join us on an unforgettable journey as we delve into the enchanting world of Following…
OYSTER FARMING Like You've Never Seen Before! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:53
In this segment of "Time We Discuss" we look at what it's like to be an Oyster Farmer.Dive into the world of oyster farming like never before! From the crystal-clear waters to the intricate process of cultivating these d…
My Life as a Tech Author Almost Turned Me into a REAL Treasure Hunter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:16
In this segment of "Time We Discuss" we look at what it's like to be a technology author and an ALMOST treasure hunter. Discover the fascinating world of technology novelists, who bridge the gap between science fiction a…
Things You Need to Know Before Becoming a Police Chief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
In this segment of "Time We Discuss" we look at what it's like to be a police officer and police chief. Welcome guest Retired Police Chief Tim Eggebraaten in this episode as he shares his personal insights. Are you inter…
Be an Animal Chiropractor and Help Animals Feel Their Best! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:49
In this segment of "Time We Discuss" we look at what it's like to be an Animal Chiropractor. Welcome guest Dr. Bill Ormston in this episode as he shares his personal insights. Are you passionate about helping animals liv…
Make Money Online as a Ghostwriter - TODAY (2025) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:00
In this segment of "Time We Discuss" we look at what it's like to be a ghostwriter and what it takes for an author to take on AI. Welcome guest Alison McBain in this episode as she shares her personal insights. Want to e…
Run Your Own Yoga Business the Easy Way! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:40
In this episode of "Time We Discuss" I look at what it's like to be a Yoga Instructor, teaching both online courses, yoga studios, and corporate events.Are you ready to turn your passion for yoga into a profitable busine…

«1...678910