In Good Order | The Expert Redefining the Art of Moving

VIEW OUR UPCOMING AUCTIONS         VISIT THE PROFESSIONAL ORGANISER WEBSITE

From country estates to city apartments, the process of moving home demands not only logistics but a deep understanding of people and possessions alike. Within the world of fine interiors, professional relocation agents are quietly revolutionising the way we think about moving - turning a moment of upheaval into one of clarity and calm.

^{Cornelia De Uphaugh | Photo Credit: Joe Short}

For Cornelia De Uphaugh, order isn’t about minimalism; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. As founder of The Professional Organiser, she helps clients rediscover calm, purpose and beauty within their homes. Below, we step inside her process and philosophy.

1. Moving house is widely regarded as one of life’s most stressful events. How do you transform it into a more positive, even restorative, experience for your clients?

Having been a PA for 15 years, I’m used to managing stressful situations and anticipating problems before they arise. By getting to know each client individually, I can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. In terms of it being restorative, I focus particularly on the bedroom because that needs to be a retreat, most especially at a time when things can feel topsy-turvy. I make sure it feels calm and organised, beds are made, curtains are hung, clothes are unpacked and everything is put away, so that when they wake up, they can start their day feeling ready for that next step. And then I move on to the kitchen. Those two spaces are the most important.

2. What does a typical day look like for you and your team? 

There’s really no typical day and that’s one of the reasons I love this job. As much as 90% of my time with clients is face to face, so most days start with jumping in my car and rolling up my sleeves. The rest of my time is spent on calls or Zoom meetings, as I stay available to support clients, even over the weekend. I particularly enjoy working on properties with history, handling complex tasks like liaising with lawyers and estates. These projects are challenging but also incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities to connect with a wide range of people in the industry.

3. How do you balance the practical side of a move with the emotional aspects that often come with leaving a long-term home?

It’s so important that clients feel surrounded by the things they love in their new home. I work to make sure these items fit naturally into the space. When that’s not possible, I help find new homes for cherished possessions, perhaps with a child or family member who will value them and keep the memories alive. Ensuring that these items continue to bring joy helps ease the emotional transition.

4. Has your approach evolved over time?

Over the years, I’ve learnt never to dismiss anything or assume an item should go straight to rehoming. Even something seemingly insignificant - a letter in the bottom drawer, a photo in a frame, a worn jumper - can hold immense sentimental value. I ask about everything with empathy and care, listening to the stories behind each item. Those stories are, for me, the most meaningful part of my work.

5. You work with a broad range of clients - from private individuals to estates. How do you tailor your service to each situation?

I often find myself in rooms full of lawyers, PAs and estate managers, and it’s essential to approach every situation with the same empathy and understanding as I would with an individual client. Every project is about reducing stress, using the right people for the job and listening closely to everyone involved. It’s rarely just the individual - often children or family members are part of the equation - so managing expectations and tuning into everyone’s needs is key.

6. How do you approach collaboration with professionals such as valuers, auctioneers and interior specialists?

My address book is absolutely invaluable. I love collaborating with other professionals, sharing ideas and recommendations, and often working together on projects that come through word of mouth. My connections with antique dealers mean I can accurately assess the value of items, sometimes uncovering hidden treasures. On one occasion, we found a statue tucked away in a garage that sold for tens of thousands at auction. I have a trained eye for spotting the value in items that might otherwise be overlooked.

7. What are your top three organisation tips that readers can easily apply at home?

Start with something small: Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Begin with a single drawer or a small space that’s been bothering you.

Simplify: Clear out your larder, discarding anything that's out of date and donating what you don’t need to a food bank. For your wardrobe, give away clothes you no longer wear to charity shops. Less is more - simplifying helps you appreciate the beautiful things you do own.

Take it step by step: Once you’ve completed a small area, move on to larger spaces. The key is making it manageable.

8. What does your own home look like - are you as organised as your clients imagine?

I moved house six months ago and I bought lots of lovely furniture from auction houses to help maximise storage - cabinets, wardrobes, chest of drawers. Without that, it would have been impossible to organise anything.

Through a thoughtful, people-centred approach, Cornelia shows that a move can be more than efficient - it can be restorative. By pairing calm precision with genuine empathy, she turns disruption into renewal, and leaves clients with something more than a beautifully organised home - a reassuring sense of being fully, finally, in place.

The Professional Organiser
Cornelia de Uphaugh
theprofessionalorganiser.com