Inspiring Conversations with Barbara Metzel of Professional Organizing Plus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Metzel.

Hi Barbara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Milan, Italy, where beauty, design, and function are part of daily life. Growing up in Italy, where living spaces are much smaller, I learned early on the value of maximizing every inch. That shaped the way I see organization, not just as putting things away, but as creating systems that make a space truly work for the people who live in it.

When I moved to the United States in my early twenties, I found myself starting over in a new culture and environment. It was overwhelming at times, but it also made me realize how much a well-organized home can bring peace, stability, and comfort. That insight eventually led me to professional organizing.

What began as helping friends simplify their homes grew into Professional Organizing Plus. Today, I get to combine my Italian sensibility for beauty and efficiency with practical solutions that help busy families and professionals here in Phoenix and Scottsdale live with more ease. For me, organizing is about more than neat closets and pantries it’s about creating calm, saving time, and giving people the freedom to truly enjoy their homes.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting over in a new country came with challenges, both personally and professionally. There were moments of doubt, financial stress, and the fear of whether I could really turn my passion into a sustainable business.

I had to learn how to actually run a business, from client consultations to networking, marketing, SEO, accounting, and everything in between. I quickly realized that being an entrepreneur means wearing many hats and being willing to learn constantly. Relentless work and a commitment to new skills eventually taught me resilience, how to pivot when needed, and how to manage with confidence.

Looking back, those struggles shaped me into who I am today. They gave me the drive to keep growing, serving my clients, and building a business that reflects both my passion and my perseverance.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Professional Organizing Plus grew from one clear need: turning overwhelming spaces into homes that feel balanced and livable again. That vision connects to my Italian upbringing in Milan, where even the smallest spaces were designed to be both beautiful and functional. It gave me the perfect lens to bring clarity, elegance, and ease into American homes.

Today, my business has grown into much more than just organizing closets and pantries. We now offer concierge style support that includes daily household management, recurring organizing refreshes, and hands-on move-in unpacking services. For many of my clients, it’s not about a one-time project, it’s about having a trusted resource for their home. Someone who can step in without judgment, work hands-on, and handle everything with no judgement, confidentiality and care. My role is to take the weight off so they don’t have to think about the details, knowing their home and household are fully managed. What matters most to me is building trust and creating long standing relationships, so clients feel their homes are always cared for.

What makes us different is how deeply we listen to each homeowner’s unique rhythm of life. Every system we design is fully customized, not just visually organized but aligned with their routines, pace, and family flow.
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the shift that happens once a space is organized and the flow is restored. Clients feel lighter, the stress lifts, and daily life becomes easier. For me, it’s about creating systems and support that free people from having to do it all themselves, so they can focus on what truly matters.

What’s next?
In the future, I would love to expand beyond in-home services by creating resources that people can use at their own pace. Not everyone is ready to bring a professional organizer into their home, but many still want guidance and support to get started. My goal is to develop digital how-tos, step-by-step guides, and practical tools so anyone can feel like they have a professional organizer by their side, even if they’re doing it themselves.

It’s about meeting people where they are. Some clients need us hands-on, while others just need a little direction. Either way, I want them to feel supported and confident that they can succeed with some guidance. These resources will help people skip the trial-and-error and start organizing with systems that truly work, whether they’re here in Phoenix or anywhere else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.professionalorganizingplus.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/professionalorganizingplus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/professionalorganizingplus
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/professional-organizing-plus/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@professionalorganizingplus
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/professional-organizing-plus-phoenix