The most effective way to get help with organizing is to contact a professional organizer. Many of them belong to the National Association of Professional Organizers which provides ethical standards and continuing education for its members.
While it is the prominent organization for the profession, there are other related organizations including the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization and Faithful Organizers. You can also find organizers in your area through the Find My Organizer web site.
-Competence
Professional organizers are competent in assessing the situation and making action plans to create orderly places. They have learned the principles and systems that are basic to all organizing and how to interpret them to individual situations. They are familiar with effective products for organizing and can recommend other resources for help. They not only assist our clients but we educate them so that organizing skills are transferred to them. This allows for their continued success in organizing.
-Creative
With solid organizing principles in mind, they are often able to find a new
functions for items you may already have and new arrangements for better use of spaces. They are able to find appropriate strategies that match each individual and their organizing style.
-Compassionate and Caring
Just like nurses are trained to treat injuries in the emergency room without being overcome by blood, gunshots, broken bones, etc., professional organizers are trained to treat mounds of papers, bags of trash and lots of clutter without judgment or criticism. They are compassionate and caring individuals who are compelled to help their clients.
They know the person is not their stuff, and they get satisfaction in seeing their clients enjoy their organized sp
-Cost Effective
Although they charge for their services, they are cost effective. Before beginning any assessment or project, they will give you an estimate of the costs so that you can make an informed decision about choosing to use their help.
Helping you prevent lost time and items in the future is part of the value they provide.
-Confidential
Finally professional organizers are confidential. They are absolute in keeping the identities of our clients private. Although they often take pictures, they never include names.
-Questions To Ask A Professional Organizer Before You Hire One:
Do they provide a free consultation? How long have they been organizing? Are they
insured? Do they provide references? Do they charge by the hour or by the job? Do they have a specific area of expertise (many professional organizers are specialized). Can you describe your organizing process/approach (consulting, coaching, hands-on, team organizing, seminars/workshops, etc.) and describe a typical working session? Do you work with a written contract?
Whatever you organizing needs may be, there is help available from many sources. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of those that would be best for you. Being organized helps you improve not only your surroundings, but your time, energy and outlook. It is worth the effort. Be organized and be free.
Mary Frances Ballard has over 20 years experience in organizing. She is also an author and a speaker. Her mission statement is, "To encourage, assist and train others in effective personal, home, and office organization so they are free to develop the more important areas of their lives." You can find out more about Professional Organizers Virginia at www.OrderlyPlaces.com.
