How Microbiology Shaped Me Into a Better Organizer
Having a degree in microbiology might seem like an unusual starting point for a career in home organization, but I’ve discovered there are actually many parallels. I spent countless hours looking at tiny organisms under a microscope - noticing patterns, categorizing what I saw, and thinking about how small systems interact to create order or chaos. At the time, I never imagined those lessons would follow me into my work as a professional home organizer.
The truth is, whether you’re classifying virus taxa or implementing storage solutions at home, systems matter. Microbiology taught me to notice details that often go unseen, to understand how small components fit into bigger structures, and to create environments where everything can thrive. That’s exactly what I do when helping clients reset their spaces.
Here are three ways my background in microbiology shapes my approach to organizing:
1. Patterns Matter
In the lab, spotting patterns in how different types of bacteria not only grow, but thrive in their environment, helps you predict what will happen next. In a home, spotting patterns in how a family uses a space helps me design systems that actually work. For example, if shoes always end up in the hallway, I know it’s not just “messiness” - it’s a system problem. A small tweak, like adding vertical shoe storage, can completely fix it (recent real life example!).
2. Categorization Is Key
Classifying microbes requires careful attention to characteristics, function, and relationships. Similarly, creating organizing systems is about putting the right things in the right place, in a way that makes sense for the people who live there. Broad categories, clear accessibility, and thoughtful placement make it easier for families to maintain order.
3. Small Changes Have Big Impact
One of the biggest takeaways from my undergrad was understanding the complexity of the microbiome. Even a small shift can ripple through an entire system. The same is true at home: small, consistent organizing habits - labeling, accessible bins, daily resets - can transform a chaotic space into one that actually functions.
Organizing a home isn’t about perfection. It’s about understanding the ecosystem of the space and the people who live in it. And just like in microbiology, paying attention to the small things creates big results.
Whether it’s a slide under a microscope or a kids’ room, systems, patterns, and small details matter. That’s why I love helping clients create homes that are not only tidy but functional spaces where every item has a place and every system supports the people using it.
