Testimonials
TESTIMONIAL - Organizing
For the (disorganized) layman, it's hard to understand how Suzanne manages to expand the size of his or her house approximately three-fold without the aid of saws, hammers, drills and the like. Suzanne uses a different, more subtle set of tools, among them: her organizational acumen, her empathy, her taste, her ability to listen, her tendency to really care, her common sense and - perhaps most importantly - her imagination. Taken alone, any one of these skills would be formidable. In combination, they're unbeatable.
Howard & Anne - Hollywood Hills
TESTIMONIAL - Organizing
To whom it may concern:
Suzanne is a miracle worker. She has Vision, Organizational Skills and is very resourceful! I have had the pleasure of working with her several times in the past few years.
- She has organized my garage and made it possible to actually place our cars inside! The tools are in order and can be found. (Who knew we had so many!) and the super size purchases from the trips to Costco now have a home.
- She organized my attic - the door barely opened before she tackled it! We now have our suitcases organized and ready for a trip. The sewing and excess material is all in order. She organized our excess seasonal wardrobes into 6 double zipped closets upstairs and it is no longer a chore to flip the clothes around. (We live in Connecticut and so need seasonal clothing.) She suggested an implemented clever ways to de-clutter and organize and now we do not dread the attic stairs.
- The kids rooms - My 14 year old owes her life to Suzanne! She got her on track with a simple way to keep herself organized and her room CLEAN! What a miracle!
- My 8 year old can now find and play with her vast array of toys and books and it is not a chore to put them away. - My office - I didn't even utilize this room. I dreaded entering. It wasn't that it was a mess, it just didn't work! With thought, hard work and loads of clever organizing tricks, my office is comfortable, inviting and inspiring. I only wished she lived closer - she is worth every bit and more. A gem!!!
Suzanne works effortlessly and makes miracles happen. Rediscover a room you thought you lost with her skills and vision!
Sincerely,
Nancy & Joe Pantoliano
Daniella & Isabella too
Connecticut
If you have any questions ask Suzie for my e-mail address
TESTIMONIAL - Organizing
Picking up the phone to call Suzanne was the smartest thing I've ever done. The feeling when we were done- just a couple of days later- was indescribable. I felt like I could fly! Keeping things neat and organized since has been a breeze, it just feels so natural. I feel like I am living in my home now and not battlling it. Nothing piles up hopelessly, and nothing ever even gets lost anymore. It's amazing. And perhaps most amazing is that now, cleaning up after myself has almost become a joy, because there is no more quicksand lurking about, nothing to set off the old shame spiral. Everything feels perfectly manageable and in the present. But probably the best part of it all, is that after working with Suzanne, I have gained a whole new sense of being able to be active and feel alive at home. It's something that I had so longed for- rather painfully, and for too long- yet had all but given up on creating for myself. It's a dream come true, really. And I know I could not have done it without her."
Laura Silverman - Actress - West Hollywood
Testimonial - HOME OFFICE - ORGANIZING
At nearing my 50s, I have spent at least half of my life trying to get organized. I never quite understood what an "organizer" did and was convinced that having a battery of terrific assistants could do the job. Then one day, I decided to give Suzanne a try, still skeptical and believing that my wonderful assistants and I could do anything this "organizer," could do. Boy, was I wrong. Suzanne turned my office in a matter of a couple hard working days into an organizational paradise. I did not imagine that her work would have such an emotional impact on me but in fact what she really does by "organizing" is give someone their life back, give someone more hours in their days, give someone more time with their family. The result of her work is a reduction of stress more powerful than anything I can imagine that could come in a pill or glass.
I can only imagine where my life would have been if I had seen an organizer like her 30 years ago. Along with her skills to organize, Suzanne also trains her clients to become independent, to save money with her handy re use ideas, to believe that they can do whatever they seek to do. She is not judgmental and has a positive, sunny attitude that never quits. Even in this tough economy, I must say that treating myself to a few days of Suzanne was the best money I have spent in years, if not in my life. And finally I really appreciated seeing someone love what they do. You won't be sorry.
C. Perelman
Casting Director
TESTIMONIAL - HOME ORGANIZING - MOVING
It's hard to express just how wonderful it feels to come home to a house that Suzie has made beautiful. She was just here last week, and I swear she used some kind of magic to transform this place from a cluttered mess into my treasured sanctuary after a long day. I'm gazing around this peaceful haven in awe. Every room is just right and there's a place for everything! I set down my bag and put my keys in the proper place and I feel soooooo good in this space! She doesn't just reorganize and make things pretty - she really pays attention to how I live, and she teaches me how I can make every day easier by following her lead on where things can naturally go, how to store items, and how to lay out a room. She understands this and so much more! She makes me feel happier living in my space; she helps me use the things I own more efficiently. She lays a framework for me to follow - and she makes it easy!
Suzie, you are truly a graceful magician with space, with decorating, and with organizing all the stuff that makes up a home. I don't know how you do it, and I could never do what you do - you have a wonderful gift. I only know that I will never ever call another organizer as long as you are in business, and I am so grateful to you for all the help you have given me over the years - first with organizing a big house, then with packing every single thing I own into numbered boxes that you labeled with itemized lists, for unpacking and setting up my new home, for coming over whenever I need help with life changes like converting an office into a nursery, for Spring cleaning, and for everything in between.
Suzie O'Donnell is an angel sent to earth to help the cluttered, the busy, and the overwhelmed to transform their homes and their lives into beautiful, comfortable works of art. Trust Suzie. She will never steer you wrong!
With immense gratitude and appreciation,
Stephanie Schwartz
English professor and jazz flutist
TESTIMONIAL - Moving
What can I say about sensational Suzanne that would have enough accolades that would do her justice? That is a tall order.
Not only is she exceptional in work ethic & punctuality, she is unsurpassed in her excitement & zeal in "getting it right."
Suzanne has an eye for not only geometrically pleasing positioning of whatever it is she is organizing, but her taste is first rate, exquisite & innovative.
Having Suzanne in the house was a pleasure. I didn't ever want her to leave.
I have 2 Italian Greyhounds that, I must say...do not appreciate anyone in their world that they do not deem as acceptable. They adored Suzanne.
Not only did Suzanne organize and put everything in the exactly perfect place when I moved the first time, she packed all of my stuff up when I moved a year later.
Unwrapping all of my precious belongings was like opening up a gift. Each and every item in my house was not only labeled in detail, but was protected as if they belonged to her.
She even found the movers for me, and handled them and all of the problems that usually come up no matter what is done to ensure that they don't.
Suzanne not only goes the extra mile, she is a whirlwind of excitement & fun while she's doing it.
Teri Love
Malibu/Playa/Solvang
TESTIMONIAL - Moving
My situation was probably not entirely unique, but to me it was as if I was sliding off the edge of the universe! I had been living in my apartment for 17 years and was now preparing to move to India, taking as little with me as possible.
Over the years, I had collected furniture, kitchenware, and personal memorabilia as if I had a family of ten, when in fact; it had only been the cat and me. Every nook and cranny was filled to the brim and I had a two-car garage completely stuffed with my grandparents' household, wardrobes and all. At the time that they passed away, I couldn't bear to part with it, so there it sat for a good 15 years.
I found myself a month away from my intended move-out date and I sat frozen on my couch, developing a Netflix addiction to which there seemed no bottom in sight. Then one day there was a breakthrough. I woke up and rather then head straight for the couch, I decided to Google professional organizers..."just to see."
And that is when I had my lucky break - I found Suzanne's website. I even went further and actually sent her an email. The email developed into a phone conversation and we planned an initial consultation. Help was on the way!
My dark days were not quite over, as I imagined that whoever was going to try to help me, couldn't possibly get me off the couch and into action. How wrong I was!
From the get go, Suzanne made a clear plan for me, got me motivated without scaring me back onto the couch and made my goal seem reasonable. Whereas my natural procrastination would have put the actual plan on the back burner for another week or two, Suzanne's lack of that very trait, helped me to take the next step...getting the job done.
We immediately scheduled our first session and from the moment she walked through my door, until 5 hours later, when she walked out the door, progress ensued. By the time she left, I felt as if half my work had already been tackled. I was boxed and ready to ship...literally.
Since then, we have had two more sessions and now the end is near. The things that haven't been packed and won't be joining me, have been categorized into "charity," "yard sale," and "give to friends." My apartment is cleared out and I am leaving on my original departure date.
Besides being highly motivated, a fast worker and a great planner, Suzanne also has superior follow through skills. She is always on time for our appointments, she has kept to the plan she set out for me in my consultation and the job was completed within the number of hours she estimated. She never leaves without that day's agenda completed and my home in livable condition. To top it all off, she has also become a friend (and part-time/inexpensive therapist).
Leaving my home of 17 years, not to mention the country of my birth has been the most overwhelming process I have ever faced. Suzanne walked me through it, gently yet diligently and for that, I will forever be grateful. And for whatever got me off the couch that day, "just to Google organizers," I thank the Gods of the Internet.
Lastly, had all of the above mentioned not taken place, I know exactly where I would be right now...on the couch. Suzanne changed all that. If you feel like you can't do anything else, just do one thing: call Suzanne. She'll take it from there.
Lisa Markowitz
Corporate Trainer
TESTIMONIAL - ORGANIZING
JUST CALL HER!
Are you sitting there debating with yourself about it? You need her. Are you sitting there thinking you know how to do it yourself and all you have to do is get your lazy self in gear and do it? You need her!
I have moved many times and organized many homes and "know how to do it." I have a strong aesthetic sense about how I like my home to be. But it all got away from me over the past 15-20 years, and grew into a jungle that was beginning to eat me alive. Suzanne walked in and made sense of it in a flash; she says she has no magical powers, but I swear she merely twitched her nose and had it figured out. It takes work - but it all got done, and done beautifully, and done faster than I ever would have guessed it could.
She ruthlessly cleans up all of your chaos and makes sure you know how to keep it from claiming you again, all the while remaining sensitive to your desires and preferences and creating beauty in every corner...and she's simply a delight to work with.
Before I called Suzie I had a place where I could store my belongings, make a cup of coffee, and sleep every night. Now I have a home. My advice - JUST CALL HER! With her fresh energy, clarity, artistic sense and expert skills she will cut through that fog that you probably can't even see that's holding you back from a lovely, peaceful and functional home.
Terea Bryson - Sony Pictures
TESTIMONIAL - Moving
As a single person in my twenties who works sixty hours a week, I could have never imagined moving and getting my new home in order without Suzanne's expertise, sound judgment and warmth.
I have moved 4 times in the past 4 years and this last move was by far the most efficient, organized, and pleasant experience. My ulcer didn't flare up, I didn't shed a single tear and a day after the move my place actually felt like home. It was like she was the captain and I was the first mate. At all times, Suzanne had a well thought out plan, time line and check list of things for both of us to do simultaneously so the job could be accomplished as quickly as possible.
I never felt in the dark about anything and was able to relax knowing at the end of this journey, my new home would be a fabulous place where I would want to return home to each night. I distinctly remember the exact moment 24 hours after I moved into my condo when I kicked my feet up on the couch, looked around the beautiful, well organized space and felt so very grateful to have had Suzanne's help making my house a "home."
Suzanne is like a well-kept secret that needs to be shared with the world. There is no task she cannot tackle from coordinating an entire move from start to finish to figuring out exactly what type of filing cabinet will not only store all of your bills and coupons, but also look fabulous.
She has a real gift with taking a cluttered space (large or small) and creating the most functional and aesthetically pleasing environment possible. Her vast knowledge of products for the home (furniture, storage items, etc.) and companies to facilitate making your home complete (moving, handymen, painters) is beyond impressive. From paint colors to the perfect console table, Suzanne will help you find it (and for the right price).
I think the most wonderful thing about Suzanne and the home/life organization business she has built is that she makes you feel (because it's true) that anything is possible. Your closets can look like a clothes rack in Barney's, your kitchen can look and feel like something out of Architectural digest, and your bathroom can become a tranquil place to unwind as opposed to a cluttered mess with products you have not used in five years.
It may sound cheesy, but Suzanne is truly an organizational guru -- she gives you the tools to live your best life and when you are done, your home and outlook is forever changed. It's amazing to me that she has not been snatched up to host a show on HGTV, TLC, The Style Network or to do an episode on Oprah. Her creativity, honesty, experience, and lively personality would surely attract viewers and maybe even inspire people to start de-cluttering their lives once and for all. She is simply a pleasure to be around and the queen of home organization and space design.
Bottom line is that Suzanne is one of the most hard working and lovely people I have EVER met and making the decision to hire her to help me move, organize, and improve my home was one of the best things I have done in a long time. Suzanne you are a GEM! Thank you for everything.
Tracy Weinberg - ROCK PAPER SCISSORS
Head of Development, Film & TV - West Hollywood
TESTIMONIAL - HOME OFFICE/CHILDS ROOM
Suzanne is an artist. She's not one of those people who rigidly organizes things into rows, she really has a gift for knowing where something might "live". Since she approaches your place with that kind of mindset, I found my place really did "come alive" when she was done.
My daughter's room, which had resembled more of a storage shed, was suddenly an inviting playroom for an energetic five year old. You really can feel the difference Suzanne makes. My daughter now spends a lot more time playing in there since everything is so accessible and, well, now there's actually room to play in there. And it's a lot easier to keep it organized!
I work out of my house and my office... it was sort of functional but not really. After Suzanne was finished, it became one of my favorite places to hang out. That translated into getting more work done and making more money.
So she is definitely worth every penny I paid her - and then some.
Suzanne Rainey Television Distribution Executive
TESTIMONIAL - Organizing
To Whom it may concern,
Suzanne is an incredible organizer! She has worked with me for several years now and has transformed my home and office in many ways. I now look at my files and actually feel happy. I didn't know that Suzanne's way of organizing could enhance my work space and my creativity. Finally I know where things are. She totally updated my computer and I now feel excited about all the new things I've learned from her.
Suzanne also organized my garage/art studio. She took it from a space I cringed going into, to a clean, orderly, creatively inspiring space. My daughter loves to run into the garage after school and begin her various art projects. All of our supplies are now labeled and easy to find. All of our storage boxes are organized and labeled. It is a dream come true.
Suzanne also has a quick wit and great intelligence; she has helped me prepare for challenging legal issues, offering sage advice and great organizing techniques for important paper work. Suzanne is a joy to work with. She is professional, caring and has a great work ethic.
Please e-mail us if you have any questions, We would be happy to tell you more about her.
Sincerely,
Susan Diol Cadiff (Actress) and Andy Cadiff (Director) Pasadena, CA
PRESS - LA TIMES - CONSULTATION
After hitting rock bottom under a pile of clutter, a cry for help
The problem is acknowledged and professional aid is sought; the next step is a new mind-set.
She told me not to straighten up. She needed to see my home office "to see how your mind thinks," she said.
But as I sat at my computer, waiting for hired organizer Suzanne O'Donnell, the thinking process reflected in my messy desk suddenly struck me as horrifying.
It wouldn't hurt, I told myself, to haul these batches of newspapers to the recycling bin. And it's not really straightening up if I just shift things around a bit to make a place for the calendar I discovered hidden under those newspaper piles.
Shifting things meant digging through a jumble of coupons, receipts and letters. I uncovered an errant sock, a plate of cookie crumbs, scraps of paper with scribbled numbers and a set of missing notes I'd needed for last week's column.
I straightened up. And then I tried to hide it.
"Did you do something in here before I came?" O'Donnell asked, surveying the space I had earlier portrayed as something approaching "Hoarders" status.
I was outed. Embarrassed, I prevaricated: No.... Not really.... Well, maybe a little. I mumbled something about a cleaning lady.
I was ready to get organized but not willing to be humiliated.
My solution to organizing has always been simple: Buy more boxes. As if order could be imposed through the right combination of wicker baskets, metal trays and plastic bins.
But I finally hit rock bottom last weekend, as I pawed through my collection of boxes in search of a receipt my tax man needs. My problem isn't containers or labels or color coding. It's the fact that the thickest folders in every bin are MISCELLANEOUS and TO BE FILED.
I admitted I am powerless over clutter. I enlisted O'Donnell as my higher power.
My LA Organizer she calls herself. I found her in a Google search after I'd scrolled through a dozen other websites pledging to "banish chaos," "root out clutter," help me "create a perfect world with cool and innovative ideas."
I wasn't looking for a perfect world. I'll settle for being able to find my pen.
O'Donnell snagged me with this website promise: "I like all people and don't judge anyone." My tender ego needed a gentle process.
"I'm not going to shame you into letting go of stuff," she assured me on the phone. "I'm not going to wrestle things from your hands."
She spent years as a personal assistant to such celebrities as Cher and Keenan Ivory Wayans before hanging out her "organizer" shingle in 2004. She struck me as a mix of artist, tactician, cheerleader and counselor. Her projects range from helping a college student organize her bedroom to managing a movie star family's cross-country move.
Personal organizing is big business these days; the number of professionals has doubled in the last decade. Some people, like me, are embarrassed to dump their messy lives in the lap of a stranger. Others consider it a relief, even a status symbol.
Many of O'Donnell's clients are women overwhelmed by the demands of busy lives. "Part of being a 'supermom' is keeping your home and your space organized," she said.
But it's often the men in their lives who make the call. "I hear it all the time: 'I love my wife. I love my girlfriend. But she's messy and I don't know how to help her.'"
Women tend to assign emotional meaning to their stuff, she said, making it hard to part with Junior's first-grade drawings or several years' worth of Christmas cards.
"Guys love to hold on to the boxes things come in, just in case they need to return that fan they bought two years ago." She laughed.
I made a mental note not to let her inside my garage, where shelves are stacked with old art projects and the walls are lined with cardboard boxes from stuff I bought.
O'Donnell understands the anxiety that clutter provokes. I don't have to explain to her that every time I walk into my office, I feel haunted by to-do lists and crowded by multiplying disorder.
She admits that in her personal life she's "a bit of a Messy Marvin."
"When I have a list of things undone, it keeps me from enjoying life," she said. She keeps order with a giant inbox and sorting sessions during "Desperate Housewives."
She diagnosed my needs in gentle fashion, finding enough to compliment — the style of my desk, my colorful boxes, the African prints taped to cabinet doors — that I welcomed her critical eye.
O'Donnell assured me that my mind is in order; I just have to make my office space align. That's a relief, but it's also a challenge.
The fixes she suggested were easy enough: Consolidate notepads, staples, printer paper in an office supply center inside the closet. Make room for my folders of column notes by replacing a folding table with wooden cabinets with drawers. Banish my plastic bins of bills to shelves behind closet doors.
I rushed out that night with a shopping list: Clear storage cases for receipts and coupons.
Binders for a drawer full of business cards. An inbox that will look good on my desk and hold a week's worth of notes and mail.
I came home empty-handed.
That's a good sign.
I've realized that "stuff" won't be my salvation. There is no magic set of folders that will redeem my "Messy Marvin" side. That requires that I learn new habits.
Not long after O'Donnell was gone, my brother called from his new home in Palo Alto to give me his new phone number .
I was working on this column. I grabbed a scrap of paper, flipped it over, scribbled it down.
Now I can't find it.
Sandy Banks - LA Times
TESTIMONIAL - Organizing
Simply put, Suzanne's presence has made all aspects of my life better; much better. I find her work ethic, output, and demeanor to be highly professional and enjoyable to be around.
When Suzanne takes on a project, she not only addresses the here-and-now, but also provides and educated us with a system to go forward with to be more organized and feel good about our living space cosmetically and functionally being more attractive.
In terms of professionalism, Suzanne is very impressive with communication skills, timeliness, and exceeding expectations. I have grown to respect her professionally and now think of her as a friend.
I highly recommend her services to anybody who is looking to improve the functional and visual aspects of their business or home.
Todd & Heidi - Culver City, CA
TESTIMONIAL - Organizing
Suzanne overhauled my entire home. Because our house is quite large and my schedule is crazy it was drawn out over a couple of months. But when I think about it, the total hours we spent going through things wasn't really all that bad. (and it didn't cost as much as I thought it would either) Letting go of all of that old stuff was much easier than I thought. And because I donated so much, I feel like I did something really good by sharing it with others.
Suzanne has this thing where she says things like "where is this going to live?" Or "Let's find a home for that." Maybe I'm out of it, but I have never heard that expression before, and I giggled every time. Anyway, now I have a home for all of our stuff, and it feels Great! It also makes cleaning up the after the kids so much easier! She was Great, and I will Tell all my friends!
TESTIMONIAL - Organizing
I am feeling extremely good. Thank you very much for your help. My place and I feel... well, lighter and more free.
I was in a daze for an hour or two, but when I came to, I felt calmer, clearer, and like I had just gotten a big chunk of myself re-attached.
I really appreciate your help and the the extra time you took with me. It was a cathartic, educational, and fun experience, and I'm very grateful for it.
I'm looking forward to working with you more as I finish organizing my files and office.
Thanks again and talk to you soon,
Mike Ludwig
Writer - Los Feliz
TESTIMONIAL - Organizing
Read this one with an accent - because its much funnier that way and also because thats the way it was written
Dearest Suzanne,
Hello!!!!
I plan to email you via my laptop..unfortunately, it crashed... I have extra laptop and I don't know how to figure out the internet setting. I planned to email you and post something in Facebook but I'm so glad to hear from you...Thank God I have blackberry.. I couldn't live without internet via computer… lol.
Well Well...forget about that old crashed laptop. When you left today, I was still in a state of shock. I just stared and looked literally @ my place for two hours. I love what you did today Suzanne!!
Then at 4 pm (please note that I didn't sleep yet) I drove to Beverly Center… planned to buy linens, cushion, etc…but I changed my mind. I planned to do it tomorrow when my mind is fresh and well rested so I can pick items best..lol.
So instead, I treated myself. I bought loads of bras, and panties…I discarded few yesterday. Some were drying @ my bathroom (I handwash my bras). I found something today too!! My bra size became bigger!! hahaha. I couldn't believe it!! See...I really need to work out! I gained a little bit of weight.
I told my mother already in the Philippines about you and my place. We chatted for 2 hours!! I told her how I met you...then Fred, then curtain, then 2 furnitures from you...etc. She was very pleased to hear!!
Thank you soooooo much Suzanne for the job very well done!! I am very delighted and I am very satisfied!! My mind is free from clutter and I know I will be more productive starting tomorrow.
I love your furnitures and thanks for selling that to me for cheap price. I promise you that I will take care of those.
I will be missing you! I love working with you!! You have good heart and you are funny too!! I enjoyed my sleepless day with you!
God bless and more power to you!! Stay in touch please!!
Emergency Room Nurse
Kaiser - Los Feliz
PRESS - INTERVIEW - SHOES.TV
Organize Your Closet Like a Pro!
by Kristie Griffith
ShoesTV sat down with professional organizer Suzanne O'Donnell to get the top shoe organizing tips she shares with her celebrity clients. With a few simple tricks, you can transform your closet into one fit for a screen queen.
Celebrity shoe organizer Suzanne O'Donnell
We interview celebrities on the red carpet, film inside their closets and know what shoes they are wearing. We also know that there is a team of people behind their glossy exteriors making sure their lives run smoothly. O'Donnell is part of that team and we found out some of her top tips.
ShoesTV: What is the number one mistake people make when storing their shoes?
SO: They don't establish a home for them. The key to organizing is to establish a home for everything.... I walk in closets, I look in closets, I open doors to closets and I see shoes on the floor, shoes on the shelves and in all different kinds of places.
ShoesTV: What's your best tip in terms of storing shoes?
SO: When you buy shoes, keep the shoe box. It's about respecting your purchase. If you love your shoes, take care of them. I can pull out a pair of shoes I haven't worn in eight months and they are not dirty or scuffed.
ShoesTV: How should shoes be organized in closets?
SO: I go to The Container Store and buy shelves and boxes or I have someone come in and build shelves... At the container store they have these fantastic acrylic shoe drawers that you can stack that look like glass.
ShoesTV: How do you label the boxes?
SO: I use a P-Touch [label maker] and put the label on the bottom right hand corner because I don't want to lose that view.
ShoesTV: Any final words of advice?
SO: I tell people to get boxes and think outside them.