Tabi Berkey (they/them) shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Tabi, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
When I tell people I’m a home organizer, they either get excited, or they don’t understand why people need this service – and many times, the latter say they would simply rent a dumpster and start over if they needed to. And that’s an option that works for some. But that’s also a costly and unsustainable option.
Clients reach out to a home organizer when they’ve had health issues or demanding schedules that prevent them from regular decluttering and organizing to the point it’s overwhelming. Possibly they struggle with executive function and the chronic disorganization associated with it. One client explained his mother and his wife’s mother had always taken care of their households when they were children, and those essential skills hadn’t been passed down. I’ve also had many clients reach out simply because they had lived in their homes for 10+ years, and they needed a professional to help them reimagine their home’s organization and even help finish unpacking those last few boxes. I’ve worked with clients for all of these reasons, being an impartial third party to support clients in the present, and impart skills and tips to support them in the future.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tabi Berkey (they/them), Owner/Operator of Organization Pending, offering home organizing services that create functional spaces to serve you. Available in the Columbus, Ohio area and virtually, families and individuals experiencing overwhelm and frustration in their homes have been supported through Training Sessions, Kid Organization Sessions, and Virtual Body Doubling Services since 2022. Clients say they appreciate the one-on-one support, knowing their donations are supporting local causes, and their ability to point to an item and I tell them where I can drop it off for recycling, proper disposal, or donation.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a quiet child – an observant wallflower when I wasn’t building worlds in my head through reading or writing. Some readers will also identify with having grown up in households that told them who they should be, and it was ties to the outer world that opened up possibilities. Of course, as I got older, I also discovered what the world was telling me I should be, but at the same time I saw it was only part of the world, and I’ve been able to build communities throughout my life that see me through the same lenses that I see myself. I’m not as much of a wallflower anymore, and have shared a lot of laughter with clients – but being observant and knowing how to listen are both skills that continue to help me today, knowing the right questions to ask clients when making decluttering decisions, or discovering the best organization systems for their families.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You don’t have to be so hard on yourself. Not being so hard on yourself allows you the room to be human, make mistakes, and grow through those mistakes. Holding yourself to a high degree of excellence doesn’t also mean you don’t take chances in fear of failure.
I had a bit of a perfectionist streak when I was a kid, but over time, you learn how and when to utilize those skills, and when to downplay them for maximum efficiency. Perfectionism is something that can hinder the home organization process as well – many people who organize their own homes are familiar with feeling stuck during the organization process, concerned about getting everything just right. Sometimes that makes people freeze, unable to make a decision, and the task is left half done. Remembering that home organization is a recurring and ongoing process helps relieve that pressure, while a home organizer is able to guide you through the questions to ask yourself while making these decisions now and in the future, lending their knowledge over hundreds of hours of work in similar homes.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
The people I live with, and the alone time that I use to recharge. Like many, I don’t always find a lot of time daily, but I am intentional about carving out time weekly to connect with loved ones, and to focus on recharging my own batteries. If I don’t take time for these things, I’m less productive and have less energy during the week, my creativity as a solopreneur is hindered, and I’m a less effective parent and partner. It’s not selfish to take time to take care of yourself – it’s essential to making the other areas of your life run more smoothly.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
While I’ve met some home organizers that offer to work one-on-one with clients, and I’ve met home organizers that work in kids’ spaces, I haven’t yet met another home organizer that offers Kid Organization Sessions, working directly with kids and teens. That service would definitely be missed, especially for repeat clients who use home organizing services to help their kids’ spaces grow with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.organizationpending.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizationpending/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organization-pending/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organizationpending/
- Other: Better Business Bureau®: https://www.bbb.org/us/oh/columbus/profile/professional-organizer/organization-pending-llc-0302-70146013
