Meet Michelle Urban

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Urban. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.

Hi Michelle, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?

The first time I got laid off, I was wrecked. I was younger in my career, and I took it so personally. I really thought I had failed—that I wasn’t good enough. I replayed everything in my head, trying to figure out what I could have done differently. I also felt so embarrassed. I was obsessed with what my peers would think of me.

It took me a while to realize that layoffs aren’t always about performance—they’re about business decisions, budgets, and things completely out of your control. But when you’re in it, that reality is so hard not to internalize.

Fast forward a few years, and life threw me the same curveball—another layoff. But this time, I didn’t crumble like before. Instead, I saw it as a sign—a push, a wake-up call, a “Hey, maybe it’s time to stop the rat race and start doing something you actually want to do.”

So, instead of immediately jumping back into the job search, I paused—which is really hard for me because I’ve been working for as long as I can remember, and I’m never one to just sit around. But this time, I took time for me—to figure out what I love doing, what excites me, and what kind of work actually makes me feel fulfilled.

That pause changed everything.

I leaned into my passion for organization and systems. I took the risk of building something on my own. And now, I have The Organized House—my own business where I get to do what I love: helping others create organized, functional spaces that bring them peace instead of stress.

What once felt like a crushing loss turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. There’s no doubt about it—layoffs are tough. But sometimes, they’re just a redirection. And when you stop clinging to what you thought was the plan, you open yourself up to opportunities you never even considered.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

If you had told me years ago that I’d be running my own organizing business, I probably would have laughed. Not because I didn’t love organizing—I always have—but because I never realized it could be an actual job. But here I am, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I’m the founder of The Organized House, where I help busy families create functional, easy-to-maintain spaces that truly support their lifestyle. No Pinterest-perfect, impossible-to-keep-up systems here—just practical, thoughtful solutions that save time, reduce stress, and bring a sense of calm to everyday life.

The best part of my job is watching the instant relief on a client’s face when they realize their home no longer has to be a source of frustration. I’ve seen clients break down in tears of joy because they never realized how much their stuff was weighing them down. The clutter wasn’t just in their home—it was in their mind, their mood, their energy. And when we clear out the chaos, we create space for what really matters: joy, peace, and a home that feels good to be in.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding The Organized House beyond hands-on organizing. I’m building online resources and virtual organizing services so I can help even more people simplify their homes—even if they don’t live near me! There’s something so exciting about blending my expertise with storytelling, education, and digital tools, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter or stuck in a cycle of “I’ll get to it later”—you’re not alone. But here’s what I want you to remember: you don’t have to figure it out on your own. There are experts (like me!) who are here to guide you and give you the helping hand you deserve

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

Looking back, there are three things that have had the biggest impact on my journey—some I learned through experience, and some have just always been a part of who I am.

1. The Ability to Truly Understand People

My degree is in Family Studies, so I’ve always been drawn to helping people. I find families fascinating—their behaviors, dynamics, and roles in society. That background has been huge in my work because organization isn’t just about stuff—it’s about behavior, emotions, and habits. When you understand why people struggle with clutter, you can help them in a way that actually sticks.

Advice: Pay attention to the people side of what you do. No matter what profession you’re in, the ability to connect with and understand others will always give you an edge.

2. Problem-Solving & Adaptability

Every space, every client, and every home is different. What works for one family won’t work for another, so I’ve had to get really good at thinking on my feet, adapting, and finding creative solutions—fast. Whether it’s reworking a closet layout or helping a client emotionally let go of an item, problem-solving is at the heart of what I do.

Advice: Get comfortable with change. The more flexible and creative you can be when solving problems, the more valuable you become—no matter what field you’re in.

3. Taking Risks & Trusting Myself

Starting my own business was terrifying. There was no roadmap, no “right” way to do it, and plenty of moments where I questioned if I was making the right move. But I kept going. I learned to trust my instincts, take risks, and figure it out along the way. And now I get to wake up every day and do what I love.

Advice: If you have an idea or passion you can’t stop thinking about, go for it. You don’t need to have it all figured out—just start. Even if it means testing the waters with a side hustle.Just take that first step.

My biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and stay flexible. And most importantly, trust yourself—you might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

If there’s one thing that’s changed my business big time over the past 12 months, it’s marketing the right way. We’ve seen our growth 4x, and it’s not because we’re just doing more—it’s because we’re doing what actually works.

The key has been knowing everything about our target client. We’ve identified their pain points and what they need to see and hear. With this knowledge, I can spend my time (and money) on the right things. It sounds simple, but so many business owners get caught up in what they think they should be doing instead of what actually moves the needle.

I had to ask myself: What do I really need to do to make more money? Because, yes—creating fun Reels and videos might feel productive, but is it actually bringing in the right clients? The ones who will pay for my services? Or is it just keeping me busy?

Once I started focusing on strategic marketing instead of just content creation, everything shifted. Now, every move we make is intentional—whether it’s refining our messaging, optimizing our website, or investing in the platforms that actually convert. It’s not about doing all the things—it’s about doing the right things. And that’s been a game-changer.

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Image Credits

Photos by: Genny Moller Photography and Brett Courtney Creative

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