S is for Setting Goals

It is important to set a goal! Before doing ANY project, you need to have an idea of where you would like to end up. How you get there is one thing. Yes along the process, the ending MAY change. But in the beginning, you need to know where you are going. Even something as simple like, I want a bedroom I can move around in and find things easily. Bam! There you go. Now you have somewhere to start and work towards. Below is a sample of a goal setting worksheet that I like.

R is for One Year RULE.

The One Year Rule is when you look at something,a piece of paper, shoes, clothes, toys, and ask yourself if you've used it in the last year! If the answer is NO, then it's probably time to let it go. 

 If the One Year Rule is not comfortable for you, then try the Two Year Rule or Five Year rule. You get the picture. I'll even expand, just a bit, in reference to clothes and I use another rule that i find works with the One Year Rule: The Does It Still Fit/ Is It In Decent Condition Still Rule! Even I had to recently pull out the 15 Year Rule and FINALLY look at that shirt (that was now too small, ahem) with the holes in it and stains of questionable origin and through it out! At first it was painful, but now I'm okay and have moved on. Family's with small and school age children can find themselves with LOTS of toys laying around or the toy box overflowing with things they don't even acknowledge exist. In the past when the kids were little we would take the toys that the kids moved on from and passed them on to the younger kids. 

Try it and see how much more room you'll have in your space. And if the item is in still relatively good condition, you can donate it or pass it on to a friend who WILL use it!

Q is for Quick Drawer Organization

Pick a drawer.

Take the drawer out and empty it on a table.

Then sort the drawer into three piles:

1. stuff that really should go in the drawer.
2. stuff that belongs elsewhere.
3.  stuff to get rid of. (or trash)

Clean the drawer out nice, then put the stuff in the first pile back neat and orderly.

Deal with the other piles immediately!

P is for Professional Organizer

Many times when people ask me what I do and I say that i'm a Professional Organizer, they don't know exactly what that means. Some people think I organize protests and marches ( I'm not that kind of organizer.). Others think that I organize weddings and other events (sometimes. that is a service i can provide.). I usually bring up the hit TV show "Hoarders" and then everyone gets it! The reality is that only 20% of MY business will qualify as a hoarders situation, the rest is all over the board. In any case, I feel anyone deserves to have a Professional Organizer in their lives, so read below and you will gain some insight and a full picture of what I do as a Professional Organizer.

What is a Professional Organizer?
A Professional Organizer is someone that helps you to overcome clutter and disorganization.

Why hire a Professional Organizer?
A Professional Organizer not only helps you organize your situation, but they also create organized systems to help keep it that way. They are there to assist and help you through the entire process or do it for you. They are there to sit, sort, clean, file, de-clutter, de-stress and repurpose to help make your home or office a better place.

What are the benefits of getting organized?
You will find yourself having more time and less stress. You will know where everything is located. And it will make your life easier and, more importantly, happier.  Disorganization effects many areas of your life.

Will I have to Throw my stuff away?
My philosophy is that you always have the final say in what you would like to keep and what you would like to get rid of. I respect your stuff and it is up to you! My job is to make it fit in your space the best way possible.

Do I need to be there during the session?
It is best to have you there to sort through your belongings together and create organizing systems that are unique  for you. I can show you my decision making and give you insight.  However once I know what you would like to keep and what works for you, I can do the rest without your needing to be there.

How do I get started?
Simply contact me and tell me what needs to be addressed, what rooms/areas you’d like organized, and any other details you’d like to include. I will then get back with you and we can set up a time for our initial meeting.

Will I need to buy supplies?
I try and work with what you already have. I believe that many people aren’t maximizing their space or utilizing it to the best it can be.  Sometimes using different storage solutions  is the best way to go to get the best use of your space. I know where to shop for inexpensive items if that is a concern. WE will discuss that during the planning process.

Will my sessions be confidential?
YES. All meetings, conversations, and questions are confidential and between the client and I. If we need to go to an outside source for help, then we will agree what information is okay to share.

What are your rates?
I rate on a sliding scale. I believe everything no matter of age, income, or size deserves a professional organizer.  It also depends on size of job. For example for small shredding jobs, I charge around $10 an hour.  For a large 3 bedroom home de-cluttering (non hoarding situation), I charge around $20 to $30 an hour. After my initial session with you, we will discuss a price and rate. ( We can do per hour or per project. )
What payments are accepted?
I accept cash check and credit cards, and payment is due at the end of each work session (each day). Unless otherwise discussed.

What takes place at the initial meeting?
I come and evaluate the space(s) as-is and formulate a plan of action. Then, we will discuss what problems you have with the space(s), what you would like to see change, and what is currently working for you.

Is there a time minimum that I am willing to work?
No! Whether its 30 minutes or 3 weeks, I'm here to help!

O is for Organized

Was there ANY doubt that when the letter O came up that it would stand for anything else but Organized. Being organized is such a great thing! Really! There are so many benefits to being organized.

A clutter-free happy home or business environment.
Work smarter, not harder.
Be less stressed and more efficient.
Control in your life.
Accomplish more in less time.
Function.
More Balance in your life.
More personal time in your life.
Sense of pride.

Being organized means that you are making a positive commitment to yourself and your well being. It says that you want the best life possible. I believe that EVERYBODY can do it! (and there are professionals like myself that can help you get there.) There is no "one sizes fits all" to getting or being organized. Its as unique as the individual. Think about what an organized home or office or life would mean for you.

N is for Neat

I had to mention the notion of being neat but with a twist. There IS a difference between being NEAT and being ORGANIZED! Think about it! They are not the same. You can be neat yet unorganized. You can be neatly Organized. You can neatly hide things and declutter shelves and closets and it wont be organized. "Where Did I put those scissors?" They could be neatly tucked away in any number of places. An organized person would have the scissors in a certain place where they always know where they are.

Being neat and tidy is always great! On some days its takes all of our strength to be neat let alone organized.  Being neat can lessen stress and promote happiness. Neat has a place within organization. Its helps the process and aids the big picture. You can start with being neat and move into being organized. You take those scissors you have neatly in a random drawer and now ASSIGN them a place to ALWAYS be stored. A place that YOU will remember and is easily accessible. I have mine in what I call a supply drawer next to my home office desk. The top drawer.

M is for Maintenance

When you get organized, it feels great! When you get organized, you are not done! You have to MAINTAIN the organization. 

The goal is to get organized AND while you are doing that, learning how to stay organized. Because you want to be able to keep the area (s) nice for as long as you can. For example, you organize your kitchen. Everything has a place and is orderly. The counter tops are cleared off and just the essential appliances like the toaster and coffeemaker are left on the counter. To MAINTAIN this look, you must always put everything you use BACK in its assigned spot. When you cook and use the counter, clean up after you are done. Don't let things sit out. Not even for a day!

At first this may be difficult, but like anything else, with enough practice DOING it, it will become second nature. For some people, maintaining is sometimes the HARDEST part of the organizational process. You can get organized. Hire someone to get you organized. It looks great! But then its up to you to keep it that way. It can be done. YOU can do it!