Don’t Let Clutter Beat You! D’Clutter by D’Nai Gives Tips to Tackle Organization

A messy house or space full of clutter can feel overwhelming to fix. Boxes of memories, bulging closets, mounting piles of overdue laundry, toys that potentially cause falls, and too many rooms to clean can bug anyone who struggles with effectively regaining order. 

Sometimes professional help can be helpful in reclaiming living spaces. D’Nai Walker, owner of D’Clutter by D’Nai serves the DC Metro Area, including clients in locations within an hour of Rockville, such as Baltimore, while helping clients to declutter.

“After a layoff, I discovered that I have a knack for organizing. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, so organizing helps me do both. My primary services include decluttering, organizing all spaces of the home, and relocation management. I also offer DIY (Do It Yourself) virtual consulting for those who would like to work at their own pace,” Walker said.

She formerly worked B2B sales for various consumer goods brands. At that time, Walker learned how to communicate effectively by honing her listening skills and asking questions to encourage people to open up. Walker later pivoted to her entrepreneurial world of eliminating clutter. Her journey started unintentionally, but now she has worked in her field for over three years. Walker was rated as the #1 professional organizer on Yelp in 2024.

She stated that having an organized space helps individuals to focus better. 

“A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind, which can cause stress and anxiety. Being organized also saves you time and money because you know where your things are and don’t have to constantly purchase items you know you already have,” Walker added.

As a professional organizer, Walker helps with the decision-making process when her clients feel stuck. 

“By asking questions like, ‘When was the last time you thought about this item?’ and ‘Would you replace it if it got damaged?’ The client can think more consciously about what they really want to do with the items,” Walker said.

Labels, clear bins/boxes, and her personal favorite—turntables in kitchen cabinets— are items that she often uses to help enhance the organizing experience.

She usually recommends spacing out the task of tackling decluttering but having a deadline. Walker explained that trying to do it all at once tends to be overwhelming and cause project burnout.

This time of year, preventing holiday clutter can be helpful to many people as Christmastime approaches.

“Many times, our friends and relatives (with good intentions) give us gifts we don’t want. That can leave you with the guilt of getting rid of the item. I suggest asking for an experience instead. I would prefer a nice meal over a new sweater any day!”

Walker also believes that   it is important to declutter before holidays and birthdays, especially for children. 

She added, “It’s okay to explain to them that in order to make space for new toys, it’s necessary to let go of some of the older ones. Plus, it’s a great way to get them in the habit of making choices about their things.”

Certain items can be harder to purge. Walker pointed out that sentimental items are a huge culprit of clutter.

“I suggest taking photos of the items or figuring a way to repurpose them to make it useful,” she reasoned.

Walker’s most challenging business aspects are working with clients who know they want to make a change, but once the project gets started, they realize they are not ready yet. She further stated that sometimes there are underlying issues present that require counseling services beyond Walker’s qualifications. This factor can be very difficult to manage and make the professional organizer feel like she is not accomplishing what she sets out to do.

For example, Mayo Clinic provided insight about hoarding disorder.

“Hoarding disorder is an ongoing difficulty throwing away or parting with possessions because you believe that you need to save them. You may experience distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. You gradually keep or gather a huge number of items, regardless of their actual value.”

While everyone who struggles with clutter may not have a hoarding disorder, clutter can cause fire hazards and create landlord issues.  

Walker embraces entrepreneurship and loves being able to make choices about her business. 

“I can choose who I work with, create my own hours, and know that what I do creates a

positive change in the lives I touch,” she said.Visit www.dclutterbydnai.com and @dclutterbydnai (https://www.instagram.com/dclutterbydnai/#) on Instagram to learn more about D’Clutter by D’Nai.