You have to clear space to accept something new and restore your life.
As the weather gets hotter, you open the closet. You put away thick padded coats and knits and take out thin shirts. You know in your head you should do it, but it is not easy to put into practice. Reasons vary, such as being overwhelmed by dual-income work and child care, having limited mobility, or lacking mental bandwidth.
There is a corporations that helps in times like this. This is the story of Jeongrisupgwan, which analyzes spaces with artificial intelligence (AI) and helps with organizing. From patients with Lou Gehrig's disease to seniors living alone, it goes wherever a helping hand is needed. Why is organizing important? Chief Executive Jeong Chang-eun, 42, said, "Organizing a space creates a system for life and makes you happy." An interview was conducted on Apr. 13 at the Bundang office in Gyeonggi Province.
◇Organized more than 5,000 spaces… "We help you recover your mind"
Jeong majored in computer science in college and worked in IT planning at a company before founding Jeongrisupgwan in 2023. Starting with handing out flyers in the early days of the business, the company has provided 2,800 space-organizing services to date. They range from studio apartments to newlyweds' homes, children's rooms, studies, YouTubers' hobby spaces, and corporations warehouses. What Jeong felt while working is that you have to clear space to accept something new.
There are many customers who seek out Jeongrisupgwan. The company has provided services to single-person households, couples exhausted from juggling dual-income work and child care, and seniors living alone. Jeong said, "Even when people know they need to put things away, sometimes they lack the time or energy, or they lack psychological breathing room," adding, "We help solve these concerns so they can live a satisfying day."
Jeong cited a patient in their 50s with Lou Gehrig's disease as the most memorable customer. Lou Gehrig's disease gradually atrophies muscles to the point where, later, the limbs cannot be moved. Jeong said, "When the customer fell ill and could not organize their surroundings and everything collapsed, they turned to Jeongrisupgwan," adding, "After we redesigned the space, they gave feedback that it felt like starting a new life, which I cannot forget."
On the other hand, were there difficult cases? Some customers apply for the service but find it hard to actually throw things away. Jeong said, "There are customers who cannot part with belongings because they think, 'Won't I use it someday?' 'It's something with memories…'" Jeong added, "Instead of letting piled-up items ruin your day, I want to suggest that organizing your surroundings and focusing on life in a new space is also a way."
◇Analyzing spaces with AI… from sorting and storing items to taking out trash
Using Jeongrisupgwan is simple. When a customer uploads photos of the space through the website, artificial intelligence (AI) analyzes them and provides an estimate for time and expense. After that, an on-site specialist visits to sort items, store them for easy access, and remove unnecessary trash. You can apply for the service even without uploading photos yourself.
Jeongrisupgwan currently employs about 900 on-site managers. Most are experienced women in their 30s to 50s. All have professional organizing certifications. Jeong said, "Every on-site manager receives in-person training," adding, "We match managers who have strengths suited to the customer's situation, such as closets, kitchens, or studio apartment organizing."
Jeongrisupgwan currently offers services mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area as well as Daejeon and Sejong. It plans to expand to regions such as Gyeongsang and Jeolla. Last year's revenue was in the 300 million won range. The company said it is receiving consulting on HR, labor, and finance by participating in IBK Changgong, a startup incubation program run by Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK).
What is Jeongrisupgwan's ultimate goal? Jeong said, "I hope we become the company that comes to mind right away when people have concerns about space." Jeong added, "We want to manage spaces well for customers, help them recover from weary lives in those spaces, and become happier than before."