Today we’d like to introduce you to Maija Diethelm.
Hi Maija, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from the hospitality industry where one of my roles was bartender, which is the ultimate way to learn about people dynamics and gain an understanding of how an individual ticks. During those years I learned so much about myself, about human connection, and about what drives us to be better and to have a better way of life. One of the many concepts that stood out was being at peace with ourselves and our surroundings. One of the best ways to accomplish this zen – centering feeling is to have a clutter-free space. Your home is your sanctuary. So decluttering is a positive, motivational, and destressing way to make your space a happy, energetic, loving, calming place to nurture yourself and your loved ones.
Every few months I’d help my parents go through each room in their house to downsize, organize and set up systems to help the two of them function. When I came home and back to the wine bar, my regulars and friends wondered what I had been doing and when they found out, all of a sudden, I was helping them with small projects. Then, The Maija Method was created. The journey started in 2010 and in 2018 I went full-time.
From a personal experience with her parents who needed help with organizing their home, word spread about Maija’s organizational skills, and The Maija Method began. “I love this work because I’m helping others,” Maija explained. “I’m particularly interested in working with people who are older, who are transitioning through life – downsizing or moving. With the Baby Boomer generation aging, there’s a huge population of people who will need assistance now and in the future.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a professional organizer means stepping into someone’s personal space at a time when they often feel vulnerable and overwhelmed. It’s a role that requires not just physical effort, but emotional sensitivity and trust.
Because of this, the work can be both physically demanding and emotionally intense. To show up fully for my clients, I make it a priority to take care of myself—self-care is essential so I can support them with energy, patience, and compassion.
Given how personal this work is, my business has grown mostly through referrals. While I do maintain a presence on social media, most of my clients come to me through word of mouth—from someone they know who has experienced working with me and knows about the awesome outcome. Since it’s mainly word-of-mouth and is seasonal those two things can pose challenges.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I help others create a place free of clutter for a new lease on life. Clients come to The Maija Method when they want to organize their home, office, and life, but don’t know where to begin. I help my clients through the entire process of achieving a clutter-free environment. I stay with them through these three steps: starting the project, working through the project, and completing the project.
I help clients, large and small, to organize, downsize, pack, and move. I assist with personal and professional goals to make my clients’ space a happier space.
The Maija Method – “The right balance between motivation and consideration.” It is a very natural thing for me to do – organizing, planning, working with details, and helping people – that’s my personality. I am most motivated by the idea of helping people.
The main purpose for me in offering my skill set to others is to allow them to breathe, get a new lease on their surroundings and life, and to help them create their sanctuary (their happy place). This is what sets me apart – I not only help with the physical aspect of decluttering, organizing, and downsizing – I also appreciate and understand the emotional side to all of it and will be there through it all.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Professionally (which helps me personally as well):
I dedicate my energy to making my client’s life less stressful. I help them know they can move forward with their goals and have positive results with each project we work on. I push, I nudge, I add insight, I listen, I gain trust, and ultimately, I help the person be in a better situation then when they started.
The main purpose for me to offer my skill set to others is to allow them to breathe, get a new lease on their surroundings and life, and to help them create their sanctuary (their happy place). This is what sets me apart – I not only help with the physical aspect of decluttering, organizing, and downsizing – I also appreciate and understand the emotional side to all of it and will be there for them through it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maijamethod.com
- Instagram: @TheMaijaMethod
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheMaijaMethod
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maijamethod/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TheMaijaMethod
