The Motivation Behind Hack Decks®
As professional organizers, we have spent years working one-on-one with individuals and families who felt overwhelmed by their living environments. Again and again, we witnessed the emotional weight clutter carries—and the deep relief people feel when order is restored. Clutter wasn’t just filling homes; it was draining energy, creating stress, and impacting overall well-being.
Understanding the Emotional Side of Clutter
Through our training in the KonMari (Marie Kondo) Method® and thousands of hours organizing homes, we learned that clutter often has an emotional component. Letting go isn’t just about items—it’s about identity, transitions, and mental overload. When spaces became organized, clients didn’t just gain tidier homes; they experienced clarity, lightness, and renewed motivation. That transformation became the foundation of our work.
From Professional Organizing to Hack Decks
Our experience revealed a powerful truth: decluttering isn’t only about physical spaces—it’s about freeing the mind. Many people struggled not because they lacked ability, but because they were overwhelmed by decision fatigue and didn’t know where to start. Hack Decks were created to bridge that gap, offering clear direction and removing the mental burden that keeps people stuck.
Tools Designed for Real Life
Each Hack Deck provides practical, bite-sized prompts that guide users toward action—without overwhelm. The decks help eliminate indecision, simplify routines, and make progress feel achievable. By breaking tasks into manageable steps, Hack Decks empower users to let go, rediscover joy in their surroundings, and create spaces that support their goals and lifestyle.
Organization as a Foundation for Balance
At the heart of Hack Decks is a simple belief: a well-organized space supports a more balanced, fulfilling life. Our mission is to help people regain control of their environments—and in doing so, reclaim their time, energy, and peace of mind. Hack Decks exist to make that transformation accessible to everyone, one intentional step at a time.
Beyond Decluttering: Expanding Hack Decks®
After creating Declutter Decks®, we quickly realized that clutter is only one part of the overwhelm people experience. There were many other areas of daily life where decision fatigue, stress, and mental overload quietly take hold. Hack Decks were created to address those pressure points—moments and responsibilities that drain energy, create anxiety, and leave people feeling stuck.
The Hidden Impact of Stress and Transitions
Stress triggers a physiological response in the body designed for short-term survival, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to prepare us for action. When stress becomes chronic, however, this constant activation can disrupt sleep, digestion, immune function, and concentration, while increasing inflammation and fatigue. Over time, prolonged stress places strain on both the mind and body, contributing to anxiety, burnout, and difficulty with decision-making—making simple tasks feel overwhelming and harder to manage.
The Effect of Stress on Our Bodies and Minds
As mothers, we’ve seen firsthand how life transitions can ripple through an entire household. New babies, kids growing up, moving away to college, shifting routines, or simply trying to keep up with daily demands can overwhelm even the most capable families. When stress builds and systems break down, disorganization often follows—compounding frustration and mental exhaustion. Hack Decks were created to turn stress into structure and overwhelm into action.
Our Life Hack Decks Mission:
Small Steps, Done Consistently, Create Big Results
Danica
The creators of Hack Decks are a dynamic mother–daughter duo whose complementary skills bring depth and intention to every product they create. Each brings a distinct perspective, and together they balance strategy, creativity, and real-world experience to design tools that genuinely improve daily life. Their collaboration is rooted in a shared understanding of how stress, transitions, and overwhelm affect individuals and families.
Artistic Creator of Hack Decks
Danica's background in professional organizing and design played a foundational role in the creation of Hack Decks. Originally developed as a practical resource for private organizing clients, the decks evolved into a scalable solution for simplifying everyday challenges. Danica holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied Media Studies with an emphasis in fine arts. Her education, combined with a background in marketing and a passion for entrepreneurship, helps shape the brand’s vision, messaging, and user experience.
Danica’s design experience brings a strong visual and functional sensibility to Hack Decks. With training rooted in fine arts, media, and visual communication, she approaches organization through the lens of form meeting function—believing that systems should not only work well but also feel intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. Her eye for layout, typography, and usability ensures that each deck is clear, engaging, and easy to use, helping users feel motivated rather than overwhelmed. This design-forward approach plays a key role in making Hack Decks approachable, modern, and effective for real life.
Cathy
Cathy is a Certified Master Consultant in the KonMari Method®, a distinction held by approximately fifty professionals in the United States. Trained directly in Marie Kondo’s methodology, Cathy brings deep expertise and thoughtful precision to every organizing project. She also holds a Master of Science in Health Policy and Law from UCSF, giving her a unique and highly valuable perspective when organizing complex paperwork, particularly medical and insurance-related documents.
Downsizing, Aging, and Transitions
Cathy’s background allows her to expertly support clients navigating downsizing, aging, transitions, and caregiving responsibilities. Her understanding of Medicare and state-run healthcare programs enables her to create clear, functional systems that reduce stress and confusion for individuals and families alike. Whether addressing sensitive paperwork or decluttering a home for a more intentional lifestyle, Cathy tailors each project to meet her clients’ specific needs with care and discretion.
Beyond her professional work, Cathy is a dedicated Ashtanga yoga practitioner and has taught classes in the KonMari Method®. She has also served as a panelist during KonMari training programs, sharing her insights with new consultants. This blend of mindfulness, discipline, and organizational expertise supports her holistic approach—helping clients create spaces that bring clarity, balance, and well-being.