Peace of Mind Organizing

Can you give the gift of organization?

24 November 2008

This time of year I sometimes receive inquiries from people who want to give my services to someone on their gift list. That’s a tricky proposition and I’ll tell you why. Folks who look like they could use the services of a professional organizer might be perfectly happy with their current state of affairs. Or they might just not be ready to even think about decluttering. They might be insulted by the suggestion, which is an awful reaction to a gift.

It’s not unlike giving an overweight person a gift certificate to a gym. If the gift recipient has been dying to join a gym but just can’t afford it, the gift will likely be received with great enthusiasm, particularly if the gift giver has gone out of his or her way to find just the right gym.

If the gift recipient has been noticing his clothes getting tighter and thinking, “I should start exercising some day,” but not really doing anything about it, the gift might be frowned upon. “Are you saying I’m fat?” might go through his mind (or pass through his lips).

So when I get those requests, I explain that one can’t surprise a gift recipient with the gift of organization. That they shouldn’t even consider purchasing a gift certificate unless they’ve already spoken to the recipient and know for a fact that working with an organizer sounds like a dream come true. Because unless the client is ready, any efforts at organizing will probably be futile, particularly if the client is chronically disorganized.

If you’ve been thinking about giving a gift certificate for organizing services to a disorganized friend or family member, think long and hard about how welcome it would be. Have you heard this person say aloud, “I’d love to work with a professional organizer!”? Do they watch Clean House and Mission Organization avidly? If so, a session with an organizer might be a perfect gift. But broach the subject with your loved one first before you even call an organizer.

I’ve had a mother-in-law buy a gift certificate for her daughter-in-law, who was thrilled. A stepmother for her stepdaughter. A husband for his wife. It can work, but the key is to make sure that the services are really desired. And also to make sure that you choose an organizer whose style seems to mesh with the gift recipient.

Don’t get me wrong…the gift of organization is a true gift, particularly for the organizationally challenged. But if you want your generous gift to received well and be truly helpful, be sure you know it would be welcomed with open arms.

Tagged with: gift giving

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