Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline DesLauriers.
Hi Jacqueline, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been that friend who doesn’t mind helping tidy up, the student that always had my 3-ring-binder perfectly organized, the nanny who made sure anything to do with the kiddos was deep cleaned and put away. Organizing has been my outlet to release nervous energy and control what I can in situations.
After a year of life and career shifts between 2020 and 2021, I finally decided to start my own business and become a professional organizer! For the past 10+ years, this is something that I’ve said I would love to do, and the universe finally said that it’s my time. After a few months of doing projects for family and friends, Overdue Organizing was launched on June 10th, 2021!
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?
I’ve never had an experience that didn’t come with challenges, but I’ve made the decision to focus my energy on what I can control.
Overall, learning how to run a business has been the most significant learning curve. From onboarding clients to choosing and building out a project management tool, branding, and product suggestions, the list seems to go on and on. This has allowed me to set this business up in a way that aligns with why I initially wanted to work for myself and the way my partner and I intend to live our lives.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Overdue Organizing currently offers home and office organizing and moving and relocating services. Home and office organizing are for the everyday spaces that could use a bit of professional organizing love. A few of my favorite areas to transform are our kitchens, closets, and garages. If you are thinking about relocating and need help decluttering before you move, pack, unpack, and/or get organized in your new space, OO is there to help navigate throughout that process.
We believe that an essential aspect of organizing is gaining mental clarity. When “stuff” gets in the way of life’s small but precious moments is when it’s time to purge with a purpose. We are not going to come in and encourage you to get rid of all your possessions and live a minimalist lifestyle (I mean, if that’s what you want, we can definitely help). However, for most people, it’s more about repurposing what they have and donating or getting rid of the things that are no longer serving them and where they are at in life.
Social, economic, and environmental justice are core beliefs at OO. They are why we aim to offer our services at a cost that is accessible to many and are mindful of our purchases, recycling, and donating practices.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see professional organizing slowly transforming from what is often seen as a high-end or “elite” service to being more accessible for middle-class folks. Everyone has aspects of their life that they could better manage or just get those tasks that our brains find unbearable done. For example, that area in your closet you’ve been telling yourself to get to or the corner of the garage that you’ve been meaning to go through… I get it. Being a professional organizer doesn’t mean I don’t have those struggles within my own life, but I’ve been able to give myself space to tackle those projects and create systems that work with my day-to-day routine.
Let’s be honest, organizing is not a “do once and it’s perfect forever” type of thing. It starts with reflecting on what is and isn’t working now, then focusing on future goals and aspirations (this is where the magic happens). When you can identify the gaps between your now and where you aspire to be, you create systems and solutions. ✨
With consumers shifting towards having a better understanding of the negative impacts of fast fashion, single-use plastics, and climate change, we can pivot towards being more mindful for future generations. This applies to organizing, too!
Contact Info:
- Email: overdueorg@gmail.com
- Website: www.overdueorganizing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overdueorg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OverdueOrganizing/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/overdue-organizing-san-diego?uid=-3SREeCq66Binn3M_Vm4dg&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
Image Credits
Jacqueline M. DesLauriers
