If you’re reading an organizing blog, chances are pretty good that you fall into one of three camps:
This post is for those of you who fall into the second category. If you’d like to work with a professional organizer, I’d love to provide you with some advice to optimize that experience, should it come to pass.
Choosing an organizer
Working with an organizer
When you hire a professional organizer, you’re making a time and financial commitment to getting organized. Often, you’re making an emotional commitment as well. That can be very powerful!
Do you have anything to add? I’d love to hear from POs or people who have worked with POs who would like to add to this list.
Tagged with: decluttering, professional organizer
What a terrific post, Janine!
I’d add, don’t expect to become perfectly organized after one session. Not only does it take time to work through a given space and make sure it’s working for you, but then there’s maintenance to keep it organized that will be ongoing. If you’re looking for an organizer to help you with the maintenance, make sure to ask if that is a service they offer.
Lelah Baker-Rabe August 3, 2011 08:50 AM
Marcie and Lelah, thank you for your terrific additions!! Both your comments are right on the money,
Janine Adams August 3, 2011 09:15 AM
Fabulous post and comments. Take care of yourself! Make sure you have slept the night before an appointment and you have eaten nutritiously. Keep hydrated. An exhausted, thirsty and hungry person does not have the stamina needed to make decisions and learn new skills. Don’t be afraid to ask for a break if you need one to recharge. And please let voice mail handle the phone calls. Your appointment with an organizer is your time to focus on your needs and goals.
Denise Lee August 4, 2011 08:36 AM
I love the post and all of the comments! Additionally, I would ask the organizer if they have a specific niche or area that they specialize working in. Some organizers prefer to work with corporations and some specialize in residential organizing. Also, the organizer may have a specific talent for a certain area of the home or business (for example, organizing kitchens in a home or building productivity in an office/business).
Shannon Tamme August 4, 2011 09:42 AM
Love all these things to consider! I know that I hear “I’m so motivated when you’re here!” comments all the time. I think having a Professional Organizer come to your home does motivate you to “keep on keeping on”. Kinda like a Fitness Trainer. If I know I have an appointment with my trainer, I’m motivated to show up, work hard, and stay the course. Professional Organizers not only teach and create organizing systems for the home, but we encourage, equip and motivate you to do it on your own long after we’re gone.
Julie Hough August 4, 2011 03:32 PM
I’d add – do what you can to eliminate distractions during the organizing sessions. Some examples might include: getting a sitter for your children, putting the pets in another room, silencing your cell phone, turning off the computer/email. My clients get the most out of our time together when they can be mentally and physically with me. I realize this is not always possible, but something to consider. Great blog, as always, Janine!
Tiffany Engler August 5, 2011 09:05 PM
Great advice, Janine!
I also love all the other comments. I would add that when you interview the organizer be sure you feel comfortable with that person. Sometimes the organizing process can be a little stressful so it is important to begin with a feeling of comfort and trust.
Diane N. Quintana, CPO August 10, 2011 06:44 AM
Such a great post. Thanks for sharing this to us and keep posting. This will really help homeowners especially the busy ones.
Dave August 19, 2013 09:16 PM
I really love reading posts about organizing. Because it gives me more ideas on how to organize my messy closet. Thanks for this and keep posting.
Amy September 10, 2013 08:04 PM
I agree with you Amy. I also love reading post about organizing. I would like to recommend this post to my friends, so that they can also have idea on how to organize their things.
Lanie October 15, 2013 08:06 PM
Along with not clearing up for the organizer, don’t expect us to do the “white glove” test. We are not judging the cleanliness of your home. If I had a nickel for each time a client asked me if theirs was the “worst mess” I’d ever seen, I could retire!
Our job is to help you realize what is holding you back and support you so you can experience success. I am amazed and humbled by the honesty of my clients and their willingness to make changes. Those two traits will take you far when working with a PO.
Marcie Lovett August 3, 2011 06:58 AM