Veteran profits from getting houses in order in Chengdu

Operating in such a niche market, Yang said he encountered some embarrassing moments at the beginning, but this didn't deter him. "An interesting experience is more worthy of remembering," he said.

Li said when he started in the industry some customers mistook his job as providing domestic services such as cleaning or babysitting.

"But we are different, actually," he said. "The job requires us not only to make the house clean by sorting out stuff, but use our abilities in design and color-matching to make full use of an internal space."

Li recalled one incident that was quite touching.

"In December, when my team members and I were organizing wardrobes for the man of the house we found pin money in the pocket of jacket," he said.

"The man said 'Shush! Shush!' and indicated to us to be quiet. He told us not to tell his wife who was resting in the neighboring room. He said that he was saving the money for a wedding anniversary surprise for his wife."

Li's procedure for a job involves consulting the client, evaluating the workload and preparing a work plan. He and his team usually get 20 or more orders per month and earn revenue of about 100,000 yuan ($15,300). Customers are billed at 150 yuan per hour for a team consisting of two to four organizers, Li said.

However, organizing is not always straightforward. Li said that he has encountered problems sorting out women's cosmetics and clothes.

"I once mistook a girl's top for a pair of pants," he said, laughing. "Now I ask my female colleagues about cosmetics including makeup and skincare products. The job is demanding and I will be weeded out if I don't keep learning."