Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Hintenach.
Hi Bonnie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been known to be the organized one in my family, circle of friends, and at work. I used my organizing skills to do something else I absolutely loved – teaching in public school.
I went into teaching because I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives. And I did that. For 10 years. It was amazing! I had the BEST time with my class family and made the sweetest of friends. But something changed. My husband and I wanted to start a family. After trying and trying, I got to a point where my teaching job was adding too much stress to my life.
The job wasn’t worth the future of our potential growing family. For the whole month of May 2022, we prayed. Together. Separately. And we talked. Often. Over dinner. In the car. On walks with the dog. It was clear: I was to resign from a career I loved!
People ask me: Was it the kids? Was it the parents? Was it the administration? Was it ____? You fill in the blank. Nope. It wasn’t any of that. It was time for this season of teaching to end and the potential of a growing family to begin. One of my dreams was to be a principal. God worked on my heart and changed it. I am dreaming of one day being a mom and now have a new job.
Being a professional organizer started because I came up with a process in our house, started helping friends and family (whether they knew they needed my help or not), and started an Instagram account where I could still make a difference in people’s lives. I also began reading a book called Dream Big by Bob Goff and that gave me the courage to step out and do something for myself that I could enjoy, make my own schedule, and still make a difference in other people’s lives.
A lot of my teaching skills come into play with running my own business like planning content for social media, back mapping a space from what a client wants it to look like at the end, being creative and reliable, and just having fun! It was a definite risk and still is but I would not change it for anything.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To be honest, I had low expectations going into my own business. People thought I was nuts for resigning from teaching with no other job lined up. In fact, I had other offers for teaching but I knew I needed something different. I wanted to create something I enjoyed and make my own schedule while trying to start a family. If you would have asked me a year ago if I would be where I am today, I would not have believed you.
I thought if I could help a few people with their space and getting organized, then it would be worth it. What gave me the courage to get myself out there was helping friends and family organize spaces in their homes. I learned what to say, how others think of their space, where I can make a difference, what containers work and what doesn’t, and how to be assertive with the knowledge I have.
My husband and close friends and family members (my circle) have supported me every step of the way and cheer me on with the smallest victories. Like when I landed my first client in February 2023. My goal this year was to have 3-5 clients total. I had 4 clients in March alone and it’s continuing to grow. I still can’t believe it.
There have been some struggles, yes, like figuring out a business contract, what to charge for my services, and staying confident in myself. But those struggles haven’t stopped me, defined me, or discouraged me. It is by far the support of my circle that has made this road seem smooth through those struggles.
We’ve been impressed with Bin Your Space, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bin Your Space helps you utilize your space so you are left feeling organized, confident, and relaxed without rules you have to remember. I am a firm believer in a clear space leads to a clear mindset. I do not pressure you to get rid of any items, rather I work with you to make your space functional for what you are using in your home.
I created a CLEAN method to help with this process:
C – Clear out the space (make it completely empty – take it all out!)
L – Logically group items
E – Evaluate (Do you use this item? Do you need it? Can it be donated?)
A – Arrange and contain
N – Neatly label
Something that sets me apart is that I build relationships with my clients. I get to know them. I make sure they are seen and understood with their belongings, space, and who they are. Without that, I cannot successfully navigate their space and make it functional for them. The items in your space represent who you are but they do not define who you are.
Bin Your Space is not just about organizing and using bins. It’s about the heart of people and leaving them with a lasting feeling of renewal in a space they already have.
After I was finished organizing a client’s kitchen she said this would create more family time because she knew exactly what she had in terms of food and knew where all the cooking supplies were. A month later the same client told me she is cooking more too!
I offer a free 30-minute in-person or virtual consultation. I charge per hour for organizing and going through my CLEAN method with you. If you choose to have containers/bins, then I work within your budget. I research and choose what will work best for YOU. In addition, I create labels so it is unique to your space.
You do not need to be Type A to be organized. It’s not about that. It truly is about how you feel in your home and organizing is how I can get you to a serene, peaceful, and relaxing space.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
That’s a good question. I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is every client’s space is unique and while my process may be the same, I have to tailor it to each person/family.
This is similar to how I would have to differentiate lessons or assignments for individual students, I need to differentiate containers, labels, my words, and questions, or time for clients also. What works for one client may not work for another client.
Secondly, I have learned to believe in myself. I knew as a kid I wanted to be a teacher. I went to college and got my master’s degree in education. I was confident in this field and was natural at working with students.
Fast forward to Bin Your Space. I know I can build relationships with people, but what was that going to look like having my own business? The same skills came into play. I just went for it and started getting myself out there and trusting that I can do this and I know what I’m doing AND it works!
Pricing:
- Free 30-minute consultation (virtual or in person)
- $75-100/hour for organizing
- Containers/Bins – I choose what containers/bins work best in your space and with your budget.
- Labels – Price is based on the want/need of each client.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/binyourspace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/binyourspace
- Other: Join my email list! https://forms.gle/CWgAHVa4rTUvkbtQA
Image Credits
@Evergreenphoto_ BekahLindner
