Meet Marlena Masitto

We were lucky to catch up with Marlena Masitto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marlena, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose in a pretty unexpected way—during COVID. At the time, I was bartending, and, like so many others, I felt the ground shift beneath me. The whole world was changing, and so was I. I’d thought about organizing before but kept sliding back into the comfort of bartending. When the pandemic hit, it felt like a wake-up call. I realized it was time to create something meaningful, something that could actually make a difference in people’s lives. That’s when I knew it was time to go all-in on organizing. It was my way to bring order to chaos, and as it turns out, that’s exactly what people needed.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hi, I’m Marlena, and I’m the founder of Philly Neat Freaks, a professional organizing service that’s all about inclusivity, sustainability, and making spaces cool again! I launched my business during the pandemic in 2021, and what started as a way to help people regain control of their homes during a chaotic time has now grown into a full-blown passion for mindful organizing.
What’s exciting about Philly Neat Freaks is that no project, space, or client is the same. I approach every session with a ‘stay flexy, baby’ mindset. I truly believe there’s no one-size-fits-all method for organizing. Whether I’m helping someone pack up for a big move or guiding them through decluttering decades’ worth of memories, I’m in it with them every step of the way. It’s personal, it’s mindful, and at the end of the day, it’s about making spaces that reflect who we are—not just what we own.
We’re diving deeper into our pack/unpack services! With so many people moving into new spaces or downsizing, we’re all about making that transition as smooth and sustainable as possible. We’re donating any decluttered items locally and using eco-friendly materials, so it feels good on all sides. It’s wild how powerful it is to declutter, pack with purpose, and set up systems from the get-go. The difference it makes in helping people keep their households running like a dream-just amazing!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been key to my journey: adaptability, empathy, and clear communication.
First, adaptability has been huge. No two clients are the same, and no two spaces are the same. I’ve had to stay flexible, open to change, and quick on my feet. The pandemic taught me this in a major way—pivoting from bartending to organizing wasn’t something I planned, but it was the best move I could’ve made. For those starting out, don’t be afraid of change. Embrace it, because it often leads you where you need to go.
Second, empathy. This job is deeply personal for my clients. It’s not just about organizing stuff, but about understanding why people hold on to things and helping them navigate that. If you’re new to organizing (or any business that involves working closely with people), you need to practice compassion. Meet people where they are, not where you think they should be.
Finally, clear communication. Whether it’s setting expectations with clients, giving them space to express themselves, or just managing the day-to-day operations, communication is key. For those early in their journey, get comfortable with having tough conversations. It’s a skill that will save you so much time and energy in the long run.

How would you describe your ideal client?

I’m looking for you—the people who avoid going into their basement or a certain room because it’s just not functional anymore. I’m looking for those of you who spend time every week searching for things that should be easy to find but somehow never are. I’m here for the people who have stopped inviting friends over because your space just doesn’t feel like it’s working for you anymore.
There’s this misconception that organizers only help extreme cases, like hoarding or making everything hella minimal, and that’s just not true. My team and I are here for anyone who wants to love their space again, no matter where you’re at right now.
We’ll bring the expertise you need to turn these tricky, stress-inducing areas into zones that are not only functional but work with your brain and your lifestyle. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all organizing. Your home should feel like an extension of you-cool, welcoming, and effortless. We’re here to help make that happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.phillyneatfreaks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillyneatfreaks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phillyneatfreaks/