Spring Into Opportunity

Spring 2025 is right around the corner, bringing with it the busiest season for real estate, events, and home improvement projects across both Canada and the United States. With buyer interest on the rise — thanks to stabilized interest rates in Canada and improved affordability in the U.S. — more homeowners are turning to professional home stagers and organizers to help their properties shine.

Staged and organized homes continue to stand out, often selling faster and at higher prices. Buyers are drawn to clean, functional spaces that feel ready to move into. But today, organizing goes beyond physical clutter. As digital overload becomes a growing concern, professional organizers are increasingly helping clients streamline their inboxes, files, and online accounts — a service that’s rapidly gaining popularity.

This month, we’re also celebrating the incredible success of our Ultimate Academy® graduates, showcasing how they’re using their certifications to build rewarding, successful careers.

If you’re thinking about expanding your skill set this spring, don’t miss our March savings special — it’s the ideal time to invest in yourself and your future!

The Power of Combining Staging and Organizing

A growing number of professional organizers and home stagers are seeing the benefits of teaming up to get homes ready for sale.

With both the U.S. and Canadian housing markets expected to see a surge in listings and increased buyer activity this spring, homeowners are looking for complete services that help them stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Preparing Homes for Listing

Before the staging process begins, professional organizers assist clients by:

Decluttering and removing items they no longer need
Sorting and organizing what remains
Packing away personal belongings to create a clean, neutral space

This makes staging far more efficient, giving home stagers a clean slate to work with and ensuring the property feels spacious, organized, and ready for potential buyers.

Post-Move Support

The partnership between stagers and organizers doesn’t have to end once the house is sold. Many professional organizers now offer:

Unpacking services to help homeowners settle into their new spaces
Customized organizing systems for kitchens, closets, and home offices

This full-service approach — from decluttering before the sale to organizing after the move — has become especially popular with busy families and professionals who want a smooth transition.

A Growing Opportunity

For both stagers and professional organizers, this trend offers plenty of opportunities to:

Broaden your range of services
Build partnerships with complementary businesses
Offer clients seamless support from listing prep to post-move organization

With the spring 2025 real estate market expected to be highly competitive, this collaborative service model has become a valuable way for both homeowners and real estate pros to gain an edge.

Digital Decluttering: Helping Clients Manage Digital Clutter

In 2025, organizing isn’t limited to physical spaces — digital clutter is just as overwhelming for many people. With remote work, hybrid schedules, and digital lifestyles now the norm, more people are feeling overwhelmed by their digital mess — and they’re turning to professional organizers for help.

What is Digital Decluttering?

Digital decluttering focuses on helping clients sort, organize, and optimize their digital files, emails, and online accounts.

For many, thousands of unread emails, disorganized files across multiple devices, and long-forgotten subscriptions all contribute to daily stress.

Common Areas Where Clients Need Help

Email inboxes – Setting up folders, creating filters, and managing incoming messages
Cloud storage & device files – Organizing documents, photos, and work materials
Subscriptions & app management – Reviewing subscriptions, canceling unused ones, and simplifying app libraries
Password management – Setting up secure, centralized systems for login information
Calendars & workflows – Creating personal and professional scheduling systems to stay organized

Why Digital Organization Matters

For many, digital clutter triggers the same stress as physical mess. A cluttered desktop, an overflowing inbox, or a chaotic file system can make it harder to concentrate, stay productive, and feel in control.

By adding digital decluttering services — either as a standalone offer or part of a larger home organization package — professional organizers can meet the growing needs of clients who live and work in digital-first environments.

This service is particularly appealing to entrepreneurs, remote workers, and busy families — all of whom rely heavily on digital tools to manage their personal and professional lives.

What Our Graduates Are Achieving: Student Success Stories

At Ultimate Academy®, we are always excited to see our graduates transform their passions into successful businesses and fulfilling careers.

Whether they’re helping homeowners through staging and redesign, assisting families with decluttering and organizing, or building businesses that blend creativity, design, and organization, our graduates are making a real difference across North America.

Here are a few of their inspiring stories:

Lori Butler – UpStaged Home Staging & ReDesign

After completing Ultimate Academy®’s USC™ Home Staging Certification Program, Lori decided to take a leap of faith — launching her own staging and redesign business in her 50s.

Today, Lori’s business, UpStaged Home Staging & ReDesign, is flourishing, and she’s even welcomed her daughter into the business. With the confidence gained from her training at Ultimate Academy®, Lori’s story is a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passion and build something incredible.

Tamara Hyland – Orderly DIGS

With her UCPO™ Professional Organizer Certification, Tamara combined her love of design and organization to create Orderly DIGS — a business that offers beautifully designed organizing solutions.

Tamara’s services go well beyond basic decluttering. She helps clients create custom organizing systems that are as visually appealing as they are functional.

Justysia Sandoval – Justysia Staging + ReDesign

What started as a part-time creative outlet for Justysia has blossomed into a thriving full-time staging business, complete with a team of four and a packed calendar of up to 10 homes each month.

With her USC™ Certification and the ongoing guidance of Ultimate Academy®, Justysia is proof that with confidence, support, and strong training, incredible success is always within reach.

(Stay tuned for more inspiring graduate stories in upcoming newsletters!)

March Marks the Start of Tax Season

As we head into March, it’s time to start gathering your documents and getting everything ready for tax season.

Have questions or not sure where to begin? Contact us — we’re happy to help!

Upcoming Industry Events – March 2025

Here are a few exciting trade shows and design events happening across Canada and the U.S. this March:

United States:

The Inspired Home Show – March 2–4, 2025, Chicago, IL
Philadelphia Flower Show – March 1–9, 2025, Philadelphia, PA
Kansas City Fashion Week – March 8–16, 2025, Kansas City, MO

Canada:

National Home Show – March 7–16, 2025, Toronto, ON
BC Home & Garden Show – March 13–16, 2025, Vancouver, BC
Cottage Life Show – March 20–23, 2025, Mississauga, ON

March Savings: Buy One Course, Get One Free!

If you’re thinking about expanding your skills, there’s never been a better time.

For a limited time, when you enroll in any Ultimate Academy® certification course, you’ll receive a second course for free — giving you the chance to expand your expertise and open new doors in the home services and event industries.

This special offer applies to:

Home Staging
Professional Organizing
Event & Wedding Planning
Feng Shui
Decorating & ReDesign
Social Media Marketing
Entrepreneurship 101
Marketing for Real Estate Agents
Confidence for Success

Spring is all about new beginnings, fresh starts, and exciting opportunities — for homeowners and for professionals alike.

At Ultimate Academy®, we’re committed to helping you thrive by staying ahead of industry trends, building your skills, and expanding your services. We’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

With graduates in 33 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces, Ultimate Academy® is proud to be North America’s small business training leader.