What
is a Professional Organizer?
The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)
explains that, "A professional organizer enhances
the lives of clients by designing systems and processes
using organizing principles and through transferring organizing
skills. A professional organizer also educates the public
on organizing solutions and the resulting benefits."
Members of this organization abide by a Code
of Ethics.
How
long does it take to get organized?
It depends on many things, from the items or areas being
organized, to the people working, to how quickly decisions
are being made. It generally takes longer to organize
papers than it does to organize objects. The same stack
of papers can take one person 15 minutes to go through
and another person hours to go through. Getting organized
and staying organized takes time and commitment, but the
results are more than worth it.
I
know I need some help, but I am so embarrassed to have
you see my house.
A lot of people feel this way, but there isn't anything
to be embarrassed about. I understand how things can get
out of control and I look at it as a challenge. I walk
into a cluttered room and can visualize how it will look
when we are done. It is exciting! And don't try to organize
before the organizer comes! We need to see how things
really are so that we can find the right solution for
you.
Are
you going to make me throw lots of things away?
Not if you don't want to. If things are important to you
and you have the room to keep them, then we simply find
a suitable way to store them. It is completely your decision.
I
am afraid you might throw something important away?
Absolutely not. When sorting piles of papers, I create
a pile of things that you probably don't need. Then you
sort through and make that decision. I don't throw anything
away without your permission.
How
do your sessions work?
Everything I do is tailored to your needs and desires.
I help people on many different levels. Sometimes, I serve
as a consultant to point people in the right direction
with an outline of how to accomplish their goals. Sometimes,
I teach assistants and housekeepers so they can do some
of the work between my sessions with the client. I also
work one-on-one with clients to teach them the skills
they need to maintain their desired organizational level.
And then there are clients who want things organized,
but don't want to do any of it themselves, or even be
around when the work is being done.
Do
you work with children?
Yes!
I have had great success with children from 3 years olds
to teenagers. We have a great time! They are never too
young to learn the skills that will help them for a lifetime.
Do
you have some sort of training?
In May 2007, I became a Certified Professional Organizer
(CPO®) after meeting work and education requirements
and passing a written exam. This was the first ever certification
exam for organizers. There are less than 250 CPO®s
out of over 4000 Professional Organizers worldwide. I
am also a member of the National Study Group on Chronic
Disorganization where I attend frequent teleconferences
on a variety of subjects. I completed my training to become
a Chronic Disorganization Specialist in 2002 and an ADD
Specialist in 2006. I continue to expand my knowledge
in new products, related services, and programs than can
help my clients achieve their goals by attending local
meetings and national conferences for organizers.
There
are so many organizers out there. How do I pick one?
There are many different organizers with a wide range
of rates and specialties. A big part of finding the right
organizer for you is making sure that your energy, enthusiasm,
and vision compliment each other. You will know when you
talk to the right one for you!
If
you have any questions,
just e-mail
me!
