When life took an unexpected turn at the onset of the pandemic, Jennifer Pontello found herself at a crossroads. After two decades in corporate HR and recruiting, a layoff forced her to reimagine her future. Rather than viewing it as a setback, she saw an opportunity to embrace a long-held passion: helping others transform their spaces—and their lives—through organization, unpacking, and decluttering.
“I’ve always had an eye for design and functionality, thanks to my mother’s influence as a designer,” Pontello said. “But it wasn’t until I started helping friends with their homes during the pandemic that I realized how much joy and fulfillment this work brought me.”
From reorganizing kitchens to transforming cluttered garages into car-ready havens, Pontello’s journey from corporate recruiter to professional organizer was as smooth as the systems she now creates for her clients. “It felt natural—almost eerie—how comfortable I was walking into people’s homes and helping them sort through their belongings,” she said.
A New Chapter
Starting small, Pontello, of South Riding, Virginia, began working on projects for friends, turning disorganized rooms into functional, stress-free spaces.
“It was a lot of fun, and it felt very seamless,” she said. Encouraged by their reactions and a growing sense of purpose, Pontello launched her company, The Pink Closet. She advertised her services and quickly discovered a great demand for her skills.
Her first projects were primarily in homes, tackling everything from kitchens to basements to garages. Over time, she expanded into office spaces, where her corporate background provided an edge in understanding workflow and efficiency.
“Every home and every client are different,” she said. “I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. I focus on creating customized systems that work for each client’s unique needs and goals.”
Organizing With Emotional Support
Pontello’s philosophy goes beyond creating tidy spaces; it’s about self-care and reclaiming control. “A lot of people feel embarrassed to ask for help or think they should be able to handle it themselves,” she said. “But organization is self-care. It’s OK to take the time, and it’s OK to invest in your well-being.”
Her approach starts with understanding the client’s needs through a complimentary video consultation, allowing her to see the space and understand the goals. “Most of the time, people are overwhelmed—they don’t know where to start or don’t have the time. My role is to guide them through the process, step by step, and create a system,” she said.
Some of her clients value function, and some want to focus on aesthetics. When redoing a pantry, for instance, a client may want it to look beautiful, or they may want it set up to enable young children to reach often-used items. Some want it open; others prefer it hidden.
Pontello combines practical techniques, such as sorting items into categories (keep, donate, trash, or maybe), with emotional support for clients who struggle to let go of items. “Some people just need permission to release something that’s been weighing them down,” she said. “I always remind them that the person who gave them an item wouldn’t want them to feel burdened by it. Taking a picture and donating it can be a freeing solution.”
One of Pontello’s favorite success stories involves an 80-year-old woman who had relocated and faced the daunting task of unpacking her life. “She was overwhelmed by the sheer number of boxes,” Pontello said. “In just three days, we unpacked everything and made her new space feel like home. Seeing her relief and happiness was incredibly rewarding.”
Pontello also speaks with pride about helping families transform chaotic spaces, like garages, into functional areas where cars can finally park or where kids can safely play. “It’s those moments—seeing the tangible difference it makes in someone’s life—that remind me why I love what I do,” she said.
A project that’s had a lasting impact in her own home, where she lives with her husband, son, and three cats, is her 16-year-old son’s closet. “A few years ago, I redid his closet and hung up all his T-shirts by sleeve length and color,” she said. “I put up wall hooks for his hoodies, and it’s fun to see years later that things are still put away the same way. It’s kind of amazing to get a 16-year-old boy to keep his clothes organized!”
Beyond the immediate benefits of a tidy space, Pontello emphasizes the broader impact of organization. “Being organized saves you time, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on what truly matters—whether that’s spending time with family or just having a moment to relax,” she said.
With her natural talent and empathetic approach, Pontello, who works with clients across Loudoun County to Washington, D.C., has turned what began as a pandemic pivot into a thriving business and a deeply fulfilling career.
“This has been a dream I didn’t even realize I had,” she said. “Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Three Tips
Start small. “Don’t bite off something too big,” Pontello said, suggesting something like a hall closet is a good place to start. “Make sure you really have the time to tackle it. You don’t want to make a big mess and not have time to finish it.”
Be intentional about placing items. “To feel more organized, you want to know what you have,” Pontello said. “You feel disorganized because you don’t know where things are, so you buy duplicates. Think of something you are missing or wish you could find on regular basis, and make an intentional home for it. This often happens with food items, and people will go shopping [if they don’t know where it is].”
Build your toolkit. “When I’m in someone else’s house I will always have a boxcutter, measuring tape, masking tape, and a Sharpie for sorting piles (keep, donate, trash, maybe), and I will often use large contractor bags,” Pontello said.
To learn more about The Pink Closet, go to thepinkcloset.net or email info@thepinkcloset.net.
“Being organized saves you time, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on what truly matters—whether that’s spending time with family or just having a moment to relax."
Jennifer Pontello, owner of The Pink Closet, says her organizing philosophy is about self-care and regaining control.