Meet Standolyn
(pronounced Stan-doh-lin, rhymes with Mandolin)I’m Standolyn Robertson – Certified Professional Organizer, speaker, featured expert for major print & TV outlets, and adorer of art, great food, and adventure.
I founded Things in Place in 2000, as a way to tie together my love of organizing, natural eye for aesthetics, and passion for helping others. Over the past 16 years, I’ve helped hundreds of clients uncover more happiness and flow in every area of their lives.
I work one-on-one with wonderful folks (like you!) in-person and virtually, as well as with incredibly talented teams to help conquer the “stuff” that keeps so many people stuck in a rut. I love supporting women and men around the world as they design simple organizational systems that make sense to them, and create time and space for the things and people they love.
It’s about helping YOU make room for all the joy, fulfillment, and fun you deserve.
It has been an amazing ride. This is my story.
“I’ve always been impressed by Standolyn and her ability to take on complex tasks and break them down into their simplest elements. She quietly thinks through the tasks at hand, asks the right questions and develops a plan. The finished product looks polished and as if it were no problem at all to solve. It truly is a marvel to watch her work and to add a touch of quality to the projects that she is a part of.“
Dan Williams
Though I’ve been a card-carrying professional for 15 years, my passion for the art of organization surfaced earlier – much earlier.
I have great memories of being a little girl growing up in Washington, DC, running through the rooms of my parents’ home and playing “house” by cooking with my mom’s “grown up” pots and pans. I also remember sitting on the edge of my bed, visualizing how to make the space in my room more efficient.
It didn’t take long for my mom to figure out who to go to when something needed organizing.
I went on to study at the University of Massachusetts. But when it came to choosing a major, I was stumped.
How do you major in organizing? The answer was… “You don’t.”
I chose art and education instead (actually, the perfect choice!), which laid the foundation for my later studies in interior design. These two majors also equipped me with the smarts and savvy I’d need for my future career working alongside creative people and creating innovative solutions from all different angles.
Despite my natural knack for the craft of streamlining, the organizational career path was still out of reach. So I did my best to put my skills to work where they were needed, and I kicked off my career working in Human Resources, as a guest services trainer for Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
There were parts of the work I loved, like creating ultimate experiences for guests, making people’s days brighter, and solving problems on the spot. But it didn’t quite tap into the artistic side of me – the side of me that loves creating more fun, better ways to do things.
I went on to study at the University of Massachusetts. But when it came to choosing a major, I was stumped.
How do you major in organizing? The answer was… “You don’t.”
I chose art and education instead (actually, the perfect choice!), which laid the foundation for my later studies in interior design. These two majors also equipped me with the smarts and savvy I’d need for my future career working alongside creative people and creating innovative solutions from all different angles.
Despite my natural knack for the craft of streamlining, the organizational career path was still out of reach. So I did my best to put my skills to work where they were needed, and I kicked off my career working in Human Resources, as a guest services trainer for Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
There were parts of the work I loved, like creating ultimate experiences for guests, making people’s days brighter, and solving problems on the spot. But it didn’t quite tap into the artistic side of me – the side of me that loves creating more fun, better ways to do things.
Then, in 1995, I read a New York Times article about a professional organizer – and I was hooked.
Before long, I was volunteering for the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). After five years offering my organizing skills in the community for event planning, team building, and other activities, I got my certification and founded Things In Place.
(I eventually went on to become the president of NAPO from 2007 to 2009, and I sat on the National Board from 2006 to 2010.)
While I kicked off my business in Massachusetts, I’m now thrilled to offer my services to sunny Los Angeles, California, where I moved in 2012.
I continue to enjoy artistic pursuits, like quilting, and in fact I see a strong connection between quilting and organizing. I’m also an avid participant in the sport of curling. Is there a connection between curling and professional organizing? I think so. Click here to learn more.
“I was drowning in clutter and Standolyn came to the rescue. She brings energy, enthusiasm, ideas, organization skills and a wealth of information. The moment I met Standolyn, I felt we could work together successfully, and we have.“
Connie HumburgerWHICH BRINGS US TO PRESENT DAY
I work with a wide range of people – entrepreneurs and home-based business owners, artists, and other creative professionals, new & working moms, and people diagnosed with ADHD, Chronic Disorganization and Co-occurring disorders.
I take it all into account – the emotional foundation of the situation, the struggles and strengths of the client, and how they live day to day. I encourage them to keep what they want, and release what’s blocking their progress.
And when our work is finished, a whole new world opens up for them – a world with more space to breathe, create, and just live the fulfilling life they have always desired.
The results – and the smiles – speak for themselves.
Clear spaces. Clear minds. Incredible lives.
Thanks so much for reading.
TIDBITS ABOUT ME
What do I find most in my sessions with clients? Money. In one home, I found $250,000 in stock certificates. No joke.
I took some time off from 2012 to 2013 to donate a kidney to my mother. It was one of the most rewarding, challenging experiences of my life.
I was previously the Programming Director for the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization.
After my time as president of NAPO, I won the prestigious NAPO New England Founders Award. Twice! I also won the NAPO National President’s Award
Does my name sound familiar? You might have seen me on A&E’s Hoarders. I was a featured expert for six fun & challenging seasons.
Curling – yep, the sport – is my passion. I made it to Mixed National Championships twice!
Speaking of curling championships, I was the first woman ever to skip a team to take first place in the Broomstones Mixed Bonspiel.
Pinterest is my jam. Seriously. You can follow me right here.
I l-o-v-e to laugh. As in, if I haven’t had a good chuckle before I go to bed, I’ll make a point to watch a Mitch Hedberg clip to fit the funny in.
I’m passionate about stories! Telling ‘em, hearing ‘em, and just soaking in the experience of ‘em. I catch Prairie Home Companion, Snap Judgement, and The Moth, live whenever they’re in town. I love public radio!
I’m not a huge fan of the drills, needles, and sounds at the dentist. But living with that little fear has taught me how to create more “safe space” experiences for my on-edge clients.
Not to brag – but I’m a faaaaabulous quilter.
For me, helping people organize their space is a very soulful experience. It reveals lost items and opportunities, and creates avenues for more bliss and ease in every day.
