Do you ever have those discoveries that make you think, “If only I had known about this sooner!” One that comes to mind is the pre-emergent, Preen.
On our third of an acre, springtime meant lots of weeds. My husband preferred spraying weed killer after they came up. My preference was to not see them green or brown, so I took the hoe to them. But imagine, something that kept them from growing in the first place? Enter Preen—the work smarter, not harder answer by preventing the weed seeds from germinating. So helpful!
In my almost 20 years of professional organizing, I’m still meeting people unaware of our industry. For some of you, the knowledge might be like the Preen lightbulb I experienced.
Yes, there are people all over the world coming alongside clients who feel overwhelmed by their clutter. Some are stuck not knowing where to start. Some just need an ounce of accountability to move forward. Here are a few Timely Tips to clarify if a professional organizer might be a help to you.
Timely Tips regarding organizing help
Living Room - before & after
LEARN THE SKILLS
One client grew up with household staff attending to the family’s every need. Now on her own, she was admittedly clueless how to maintain an orderly environment.
Another never learned organizing skills because the home in which she grew up, was in continuous chaos.
It’s the job of a professional organizer to not only establish order but also transfer skills as she walks through the process with the client. One client often thinks, “What would Brenda say?” when organizing on her own.
Pull out cabinet organizer - Amazon
OVERCOME THE HURDLES
Physical limitations contribute to the challenge of being organized. One client kept apologizing for the mess we were working on. To me the fact that she was legally blind was reason enough.
Designating specific homes for things made it much more manageable for her going forward.
When upper cabinets and shelves are not accessible due to a person being short of stature or in a wheelchair, it’s challenging to fit everything where it can be reached.
A professional organizer helps clients determine what’s used most often and how to use organizing containers and products so they’re easily accessible.
Photo by Nik on Unsplash
STAY ON TASK
Many times I hear, “I would have stopped long ago if you weren’t here.” Keeping our clients on task is a huge part of what we do.
Whether it’s decision fatigue, fear of letting go, a lack of stamina, or simply boredom with the task—it’s our job to help clients bring it to completion.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
FIND SUPPORT
Not everyone has family nearby when it’s time to downsize for a move. With the onsite help of an organizer, adult children of seniors can rest assured that parents will arrive at their new residence with an appropriately pared down version of their belongings.
Organizers help seniors sort and prioritize with patience and care. Relationships can be spared when that task isn’t one that parent and child would do well together.
CHOOSE WISELY
Professional organizers are not a one size fits all. It’s important to find a good fit.
If you’re looking for someone in California’s Central Valley with years of experience, a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), Board Certified, an organizing teacher and coach, patient and understanding with clients, but determined to help you reach your goals—contact me at (559) 871-3314.
If you need someone elsewhere, someone that works independently (I work alongside my clients), or has a team to lift heavy boxes, and do packing for a move, I recommend you check out these websites: napo.net, or findmyorganizer.com to find the right fit near you.
wise words
Hire a pro before your “organized chaos” becomes just “chaos.”