Rebecca R. Schaeffer
Rebecca R. Schaeffer, Founder, Certified Professional Organizer® of Simplicity Design & Professional Organizing, LLC, is a humanitarian leader, entrepreneur, and systems-focused professional whose work bridges nonprofit service, immigration legal support, and professional organizing. Her career is grounded in a commitment to creating structure where there is overwhelm and developing practical, sustainable systems that improve daily life for individuals and communities.
Through Simplicity Design & Professional Organizing, LLC, an eight-year business, Rebecca works primarily with residential clients and small business owners to help them manage clutter, streamline their environments, and regain a sense of control in their spaces. She is deeply passionate about the organizing process and often draws on organizer Barbara Hempel’s insight that “clutter is unmade decisions,” a perspective that reflects her belief that disorganization is rarely about capability, but rather about capacity, time, and emotional bandwidth.
Rebecca views organizing as a deeply personal and transformative journey that allows people to free up time, energy, and mental space for what matters most. Her clients are often busy professionals and working families who feel overwhelmed by competing priorities, even when they are capable of organizing on their own. While some individuals face more complex challenges such as chronic disorganization or hoarding tendencies, many simply need support, structure, and a starting point. Guided by her tagline, “Simplify, Organize, Thrive,” she is committed to helping clients create lasting systems that support clarity, function, and a more intentional way of living.
• Certified Professional Organizer
• International Summer School in Forced Migration
• Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business - MBA, Entrepreneurship Concentration
• Beloit College - BA, International Relations, Middle Eastern Studies
• Treasurer and Founding Member of Organize NC
• Certified Professional Organizer with NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals)
• Volunteer ESL Teacher
Durham Literacy Center
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to leading with compassion, clarity, and a strong focus on results, while consistently striving to bring positivity to the people I work with. I am intentional about being a good listener, taking the time to understand the needs, challenges, and goals of others so I can respond with thoughtful and effective solutions. My approach is grounded in empathy and accountability, and I measure success not only by outcomes, but by the meaningful difference I am able to make in people’s lives each day through my work and interactions.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is that if your heart is truly in something, you will find a way to achieve it. That perspective has encouraged me to stay committed even through challenges and uncertainty, trusting that passion and persistence will carry me forward. I’ve also learned the importance of taking pride in my accomplishments and honoring the effort it took to reach them, rather than rushing past milestones. Equally important is knowing my worth—valuing my skills, experience, and contributions, and not underestimating the impact I bring to my work and the people I serve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stand tall and carry yourself with confidence when you enter any room, and don’t allow intimidation or comparison to diminish your presence or your purpose. Trust your skills, preparation, and perspective, even when you are still growing, and remember that you belong in every space you step into. Keep pushing forward with persistence and resilience, especially when challenges arise, because consistency and self-belief will carry you further than doubt ever will.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the growing awareness of how deeply organization impacts overall well-being, productivity, and mental clarity, which has opened the door to reaching far more individuals and businesses who need support. At the same time, there is a meaningful opportunity to expand access to professional organizing services for people who feel overwhelmed, time-constrained, or unsure of where to begin. I am focused on connecting with more clients and organizations to help them address their organizing needs in a practical, compassionate, and sustainable way, so they can create environments that support both their personal and professional goals.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are being open and honest, showing up with authenticity, and fostering genuine support for others. I believe in building trust through transparency and creating space for real connection, where people feel seen, heard, and respected. I also value intentional growth—continuously learning, reflecting, and evolving in ways that align with purpose and integrity. Equally important is leading by example, demonstrating through my actions the standards and care I hope to see in others, both professionally and personally.
Locations
Simplicity Design & Professional Organizing, LLC
Durham, NC 27713