Ask Jennifer...
Ask Jennifer...
What is a Professional Organizer?
National Association of Professional Organizer’s (NAPO) definition:
Professional organizers use tested principles and expertise to enhance the lives of clients. By designing custom organizing systems and teaching organizing skills, they help individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, their paper piles, their lives!
An organizer’s services can range from designing an efficient closet to organizing a cross-country move. For homeowners, he or she might offer room-by-room space planning and reorganization, estate organization, improved management of paperwork and computer files, systems for managing personal finances and other records, and/or coaching in time-management and goal-setting.
In business settings, an organizing pro can increase productivity and profitability with improvements in paper-filing and storage, electronic organizing, work-flow systems, employee time-management, space design, and more.
Some professional organizers work with specific populations, such as those with Attention Deficit Disorder, the chronically disorganized, children, seniors or students.
You can find a complete list of organizing services in the Professional Organizer Directory.
What is NAPO?
The National Association of Professional Organizers or NAPO was founded in 1985 as a not-for-profit professional association created to set and define quality standards for the organizing profession. It’s mission is to be the authority in the field of organizing requiring its members to participate in ongoing educational and professional development. All NAPO members sign a code of ethics and often are among the best in the field. Members have access to many resources, as well as a network of other organizing professionals and their ideas. Professional Organizing is one of the fastest growing professions. Members are consultants, public speakers, authors, trainers and manufacturers of their own organizational products. There are many people who have made successful careers in the field of organizing.
What is the NSGCD?
The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization or NSGCD began in 1992 as a small group within NAPO and was legally founded as separate entity in 2001. It is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help people affected by chronic disorganization. The Study Group provides valuable data to professional organizers and professionals in related fields through exploration, development and communication of information and methods used to help people who have a history of disorganization. CD’s are those whose self-help efforts have failed leading to a lesser quality of life and little hope for change. Members of the NSGCD are people with an interest or experience helping people who are chronically disorganized. Working with CD’s requires special skills and training. The NSGCD offers coursework and certification in the specialty. An organizer can earn up to a level 5 certification. Jennifer has completed the coursework for level 4 certification. The NSGCD has fact sheets that provide information about Chronic Disorganization. These fact sheets may be used for educational purposes. If you are interested in this information you can access it HERE.
Why Get Organized?
At Home
•Bring Order, calm and control to home and family life
•Save money by organizing bills, shopping and clothing
•Get more done in less time
•Find what you need and need what you find!
At Work
•Bring structure, logic and control to the organization at any level
•Optimize workflow to increase productivity, reduce stress, and heighten profitability
•Build company wide systems or define responsibilities for a single employee
•Motivate a team with real solutions to the everyday or ongoing challenges of too much to do, changing priorities, and information overload.
Do I need a consultation?
A consultation is an important step for you and for me. This meeting helps you find out what a professional organizer can do to meet your needs. It also helps you learn if you connect with the organizer as a person. The organizer has the opportunity to listen and evaluate your needs. Then they show you what they can do to help in each unique situation. It’s up to you to decide if the organizer and their ideas are a good match for you.
How long does the process take?
The time it will take depends on the your availability and the scope of the project. If you need several kitchen drawers and a closet organized and you’ll be available it could take a day or less. If you need a new filing system for your office that could take a few days or weeks. If you need a garage done but you only have 4 hours a week to work on it, then the project may take several sessions over the course of a month to complete.
What role does a client play in the process?
You can help make that determination. Some work can be done while you’re not present such as packing for a move or putting together a photo album. In those situations I’ll ask many detailed questions in advance so your expectations are met. The majority of organizing tasks require decisions on your part and you will need to work with me to achieve maximum results. Another benefit of being involved is that I’ll teach you how to maintain your space and stay clutter free in the future. You won’t learn those valuable skills if I just come in and do it for you.
What if I’m embarrassed to show you my mess?
Clients tell me this all the time. Don’t worry about it. Stay focused on the goal and don’t let anxiety get you off track. Remember, I will be the last person to see that mess and when we’re done you’ll go from embarrassed to proud! I’ll get you there one step at a time by evaluating your space, offering suggestions and liberating you from the clutter. It’s actually a lot less painful than it sounds!
Will you make me throw out things I want to keep?
A healthy part of the organizing process involves letting go of belongings you no longer need. It begins with small realizations that certain items no longer add function or satisfaction to your life. We all have attachments to things we don’t need. I may simply suggest storing certain items for the time being but keep them accessible for when you do need them. From experience I will tell you that letting go of the excess can be very liberating. In the end I will help you find a home for your belongings and I will never force you to throw something out.
Does the same system work for every client?
Every system I create is unique and customized to your needs and preferences. Do you like your things where you can see them or in a container? Some like to file their papers while others keep electronic files. My job is to help you understand and decide what works for you!
Do I have to buy expensive organizing equipment and storage containers?
Again it depends on your preferences. If you want a complete make over of your closets then we’ll remodel. If you’d prefer to use what you already have we’ll do our best to meet that need. What I will not do is “containerize” your things so you “appear” organized when in fact the clutter is merely hidden in little boxes. What we’ll do is zero in on the true intention of the space as we sort and prioritize your belongings. If we reach a point where a few items will help you achieve the function you want we’ll discuss it at that time.
Will I REALLY be able to keep this up?
My job is to organize your space according to your preferences and priorities. You have to decide if the benefits of staying organized are worth the upkeep. I’ll give you tips and trade secrets but you have to be willing to use them. No one’s perfect and we all need a little support when trying something new. That’s why I offer maintenance packages to help you stay on track and keep the clutter at bay.
Couldn’t I do this myself?
Hiring a professional has the same benefits no matter what the reason may be. A professional will give you the expertise and guidance to resolve your problem. An organizer comes with an objective perspective and is someone with whom you can process your situation. You can learn from them and they allow you to make progress toward your goal without the mutual feelings of frustration and resentment that often result from working with family members. Consider working alongside a professional organizer as the first step in your new commitment toward efficiency and clutter free living!
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Organizing
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