Rachel Rosenthal | Rachel and Company | @rachelorganizes
How did you get into professional organization? Have you always been an organized person?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been type A and energized by empowering others and improving their lives through organization. After law school I realized I was unfulfilled by my desk job, so I gave up the security and stability of my 9-5 to build a highly innovative professional organizing firm, Rachel and Company, from the ground up. Since 2007, our firm has worked with over 8,000 clients, collaborated with leading brands, and captivated the attention of millions through media exposure. Our blend of inspiring yet practical concepts tailored for families and professionals has resonated widely.
What would you say your organizing ethos is? What sets you apart from different organizers?
My organizing ethos is centered around the idea that organization is not just about keeping things neat or following trends—it’s about creating systems that work for real lives and real people. I believe that organization should be a sustainable, ongoing process, not a one-time event that leaves you chasing perfection. For me, it’s about empowering others to take control of their spaces and their time in a way that feels doable and effective, no matter how busy life gets.
As a mother of identical twins, a wife, and a passionate entrepreneur, I’ve learned firsthand that life doesn’t always go according to plan. My approach to organizing is about making space for what truly matters, whether that’s family time, career goals, or personal well-being. I blend my practical, type-A tendencies with a deep passion for simplifying and natural living—from creating functional systems for your home and office to promoting eco-conscious solutions.
What sets me apart is my ability to balance inspiration with real-world practicality. I’m not here to create a Pinterest-perfect world unless that’s truly what you want—I’m here to help you find a sustainable, realistic path to a more organized life. My expertise, honed over years of working with over 8,000 clients and collaborating with top-tier brands like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and The Container Store, gives me a unique perspective. I’m not just focused on organizing spaces, but on empowering families and professionals to achieve lasting transformation.
Rachel Rosenthal of Rachel and Company
Do you find that positive lifestyle choices and intentional organization go hand in hand?
Absolutely! Positive lifestyle choices and intentional organization go hand in hand, and I believe that one often supports and reinforces the other.
When we make intentional decisions about how we organize our spaces, we’re also making choices about how we want to live. An organized environment—whether it’s your home, office, or digital life—creates a sense of calm, reduces stress, and frees up mental energy, all of which are key components of a positive, balanced lifestyle. For example, when we organize our physical spaces in a way that reflects our values and priorities, we automatically make space for what matters most—whether that’s family time, health, creativity, or self-care.
Intentional organization can also promote healthier habits. A well-organized kitchen makes it easier to prepare nutritious meals, a decluttered workspace can boost productivity, and a clean, tidy home can encourage more restful sleep. When your surroundings are aligned with your lifestyle goals, you create an environment that nurtures your overall well-being.
As someone who’s passionate about both natural living and organization, I’ve seen firsthand how these elements complement each other. By making intentional choices—whether that’s simplifying your wardrobe, setting up systems to reduce decision fatigue, or integrating more eco-friendly habits—you create a lifestyle that’s not only organized but also more fulfilling. For me, it’s about helping my clients design spaces and systems that enhance their lives in practical, sustainable ways, so they can focus on what truly brings them joy and purpose.
In essence, a life that’s both intentionally organized and grounded in positive choices supports mental clarity, physical health, and emotional well-being. It's all about creating harmony between your environment and your lifestyle.
Who has supported you along the way and who inspires you?
The support I’ve received along the way has been invaluable, and I couldn’t have built this business or pursued my passion without the unwavering encouragement of my family. My 16-year-old identical twin daughters and my husband, Jon, have been my rock throughout this entire journey. They’ve not only supported my dreams but also allowed me the freedom to do what I love. Their understanding, patience, and constant belief in me have been a source of strength, especially when balancing the demands of both family and entrepreneurship. Every milestone I’ve reached has been made even sweeter because of the love and support they provide every single day.
As for who inspires me, I draw incredible strength from strong, independent women in business—those who have carved their own paths, overcome obstacles, and built successful businesses. These women are often the quiet trailblazers, the ones who lead with integrity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. They remind me that it's not just about professional success but about staying true to your values, being authentic, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Their ability to juggle multiple roles, whether as business owners, mothers, or mentors, continuously motivates me to push myself and pursue my goals with even greater passion and purpose.
Together, my family and the inspiring women who lead by example fuel my commitment to helping others, building my business, and striving to live a life that’s not only organized but fulfilling in every sense of the word.
Rachel Rosenthal of Rachel and Company
How would you define your personal style?
I would define my personal style as classic with a twist—a blend of timeless elegance with a touch of modern flair. As an East Coaster, I’m drawn to a clean, sophisticated aesthetic, and my favorite colors—black, navy, white, and denim—reflect that understated, polished vibe. These colors are versatile and create a sense of calm, which I value both in my wardrobe and my home. My home is also transitional, where classic design meets contemporary touches, creating a space that feels timeless yet current.
When it comes to shopping, I prefer fewer, better pieces over impulse buys or items simply because they’re on sale. I believe in quality over quantity, choosing items that are both durable and versatile, which aligns with my overall philosophy of intentional living and organization. I also like to keep my wardrobe as simple and streamlined as possible, sticking to a uniform of sorts. This approach helps me avoid decision fatigue—since I’m already juggling so many decisions in my personal and professional life, it frees up mental space and makes my mornings (and closet) more organized.
While I do enjoy staying current with trends, I don’t consider myself "trendy." I like to keep up with what’s happening in fashion, but I always filter trends through my personal style. The twist is in how I incorporate them, whether it’s a fresh take on a classic silhouette or a unique accessory that adds personality to my outfit. It’s about balance—staying relevant without losing sight of what feels authentic and timeless.
Tell us about decluttering in your own home! How often are you getting rid of things?
Decluttering in my own home is an ongoing process, not just a one-time event. I try to declutter every quarter, or with the change of each season. This helps ensure that we’re always staying on top of things and keeping our home organized and clutter-free. It’s something we’re always aware of, because I believe that organization is a lifestyle, not a one time event.
One tradition I’ve made with my daughters is working together before the school year starts and again at the end of the year, right before the holiday and birthday gift season begins. These two times of year are especially important for us to declutter, because new things are coming in and it’s a natural time to assess what we no longer need or use. By regularly going through their rooms, clothes, and school supplies, we keep their spaces organized and minimize the influx of unnecessary items.
I also follow a “one thing in, one thing out” rule, which has become a staple of our home. It’s a simple yet effective strategy: whenever something new comes in—whether it’s a gift, an item I’ve purchased, or something we’ve acquired—we make sure to donate, recycle, or pass along something else to keep the balance. This rule helps prevent clutter from building up and encourages a more mindful approach to what we bring into our space.
Ultimately, decluttering is not something I view as a chore or an occasional task—it’s part of the way we live every day. We make decisions about our possessions constantly, whether it's letting go of something that no longer serves us or choosing to invest in fewer, higher-quality items that align with our values. I preach this same philosophy to my clients: organization and decluttering should be ongoing practices, not a one-time fix. It’s about creating systems that keep things flowing smoothly and maintaining a space that allows for clarity, calm, and productivity.
Rachel Rosenthal of Rachel and Company
What is the most common misconception about professional organizers?
One of the most common misconceptions about professional organizers is that we have perfect homes—that every corner is pristine, nothing is out of place, and our spaces are always “Pinterest-perfect.” People often think we live in spotless, clutter-free environments all the time, which couldn’t be further from the truth!
As a professional organizer, I always like to make the distinction between neat and organized. While neatness is about things looking tidy and put together at any given moment, organization is about creating systems that work for your life—systems that help you maintain order, even if things aren’t always in perfect alignment. It’s about finding what works for you and your family, and being able to adapt when life gets messy.
In my own home, things don’t always look like a magazine spread, and that’s okay! I have two teenage daughters, dog and a busy life with work, family, and entrepreneurship. But everything has a place and there is a system in place to make it easier to keep things running smoothly. The key is being organized in a way that works for our everyday routines, and not feeling pressure to make everything look picture-perfect all the time.
Ultimately, my goal as an organizer is to help people create realistic, sustainable systems that fit their lifestyle, not to promote an unattainable standard of perfection. Life is about balance, and organization should support that balance, not add stress. So no, my home is not perfect—but it’s organized in a way that works for me and my family, and that’s what truly matters.
What’s your advice to someone who lives with another person that is messier than they are?
When you live with someone who has a different level of tidiness or organization than you, it can definitely be a challenge. But the good news is, messy doesn’t mean disorganized, and organized doesn’t mean perfect. My advice is to learn to compromise and find a balance that works for both of you.
First, it’s important to identify what matters most to you in terms of organization and order. What are the things that make you feel stressed or overwhelmed if they’re not in place? For example, is it the kitchen counters, the bathroom, or the entryway that you want to stay neat? Once you know what’s non-negotiable for you, communicate that clearly and kindly with your partner.
The key to coexisting with someone who has a different level of tidiness is to let them have their own space—whether it’s a specific area of the home (like their desk or side of the closet) or a certain type of mess (like a “catch-all” drawer or pile). When people have the freedom to organize their own spaces in a way that works for them, they often feel more comfortable and less resistant to keeping shared spaces organized.
Compromise is key here—find a middle ground where both of you feel comfortable. Maybe you agree to keep common areas tidy, but they get to have a designated area that’s more relaxed. Create clear systems for shared spaces so that, even if things aren’t perfectly neat, everything still has a place. For example, in the kitchen, maybe you have a “clean up station” for dishes or a simple labeling system for storage bins, so everything is easy to find, even if it’s a little cluttered.
Also, be patient and understand that everyone has a different way of thinking about organization. Just because your partner’s “mess” doesn’t look like your idea of organized doesn’t mean they’re not keeping things in order. Sometimes, what feels like messiness is just a different approach to organization. Keep the lines of communication open, and be flexible in your expectations. Over time, you’ll find a rhythm that works for both of you!
Remember, it’s about balance—organization doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s about finding what works for both of you and making your shared spaces work for everyone.
If someone is feeling overwhelmed in their space, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give them to help them start?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your space, my number one piece of advice is to start small. The idea of organizing an entire room—or an entire house—can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it all at once.
I recommend starting with just one corner of the room or a small section of a larger space. Pick a spot where you can make a visible difference in a short amount of time—like a countertop, drawer, or shelf. The key is to break it down into bite-sized tasks so you can see progress quickly.
Also, schedule it like you would a doctor's appointment—set a timer for just 15 to 20 minutes. That’s it! The short timeframe makes it feel more manageable, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in that time. Plus, knowing that you only need to focus for a short period helps reduce the pressure and makes it easier to start.
Starting small and working in short bursts will help you gain momentum without feeling overwhelmed. It’s all about making progress, not perfection. Once you get started and see even a small area transform, it’ll motivate you to keep going. Organizing doesn’t have to be a marathon—it can be a series of small wins that add up over time!
Rachel Rosenthal of Rachel and Company
If you had to pick one, what’s your favorite SortJoy product?
That’s a tough one to pick just one, but if I had to choose, I’d go with the Sculpted Bin XL with Top. I love these bins because they’re incredibly versatile and can fit in nearly any space—whether it’s a linen closet, pantry, guest closet, or even under a bed. The size is perfect for holding everything from extra linens and towels to snacks or office supplies. And the top makes them even more practical, keeping everything neatly contained and stacked without the worry of things spilling over. It’s one of those products that can be used in so many different areas of the home, helping to create that organized, streamlined feel without a ton of effort. Definitely a must-have in my organizing toolkit!
What are some fun ways to teach organizing to kids? Any tips for staying organized for a family?
Teaching kids to get organized can be fun and rewarding! Here’s how:
- Make It a Game: Turn organizing into a challenge, like a timed race or a scavenger hunt, with rewards like stickers or small treats.
- Let Them Choose: Give kids control by letting them decide how to organize their special items, like toys or books.
- Make It a Routine: Incorporate short, regular tidying sessions into family life, like a 10-minute clean-up before dinner, so organizing becomes a habit.
- Teach Giving Back: Encourage donating unused items to a cause they care about, making organization feel meaningful.
- Model the Behavior: Show kids that you also tidy up, reinforcing that organization is a lifestyle, not a one-time event.
By keeping it fun and interactive, you’ll help your kids build lifelong organizing habits without it feeling like a chore!
Rachel Rosenthal of Rachel and Company
What are your best suggestions for maintaining work-life balance?
Work-life balance is definitely a tricky thing to achieve, and honestly, I think it’s more of an ongoing balance than something that's ever perfectly "balanced." But I do believe it’s possible to create boundaries that help keep things in check! Here’s what works for me:
- Scheduling Keeps Me Sane: One of my best tips is to schedule everything—work, personal time, family time, and self-care. Having a set schedule helps me stay on track and ensures that I’m making time for the things that matter most. It also allows me to plan for downtime, which is just as important as the work itself.
- Take Time for Yourself: It’s easy to fall into the trap of working all the time, especially when you love what you do. But I’ve learned that if I don’t carve out time for myself—whether it’s to relax, recharge, or simply enjoy a hobby—I risk burning out. Making self-care a priority is key to maintaining a balance that’s sustainable in the long run.
Ultimately, work-life balance isn’t about being perfect—it’s about knowing when to say “no,” creating systems that help you stay organized, and making sure you’re taking care of yourself, so you can show up for everything else.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of organizing?
Outside of organizing, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, including our adorable Sheepadoodle, Poppy! Whether we're hanging out at home or going on adventures together, family time is everything to me. I also love searching for cleaner beauty and lifestyle products—I'm always on the lookout for healthier, more sustainable options, and I enjoy sharing what I find with others. It's a passion of mine to help people live more naturally, both in their homes and in their everyday choices!