The following is a typical conversation I might have with someone who discovers that I am a professional organizer (PO):

Friend:  "You're an organizer??  Wow!  I could really use you at my house!"

Me:  "I'm sure I could help you.  What sort of issues are you dealing with?"

Friend:  "Oh, you know, the usual closet clutter, and my basement could really use some help."

Me:  "So, what's stopping you from getting it done?"

Friend:  "I never have the time.  I work at it when I can, and I had my basement in really good shape last summer.  But now it's a mess again."

It's at this point in the conversation that I feel like people are apologizing to me for not being as organized as I am.  They say they could really use the help, but seem to feel like hiring someone is an admission of failure or perhaps a lack of a basic skill.  What I and all the other POs would like to tell you is, STOP BERATING YOURSELF!  Accumulating clutter is natural at times.  When it shows up to stay - that's when you need to take back control.

I know you don't have time to get organized.  You also don't have time to mow your lawn, cook dinner every night, or change the oil in your car.  Most people pay for these things at least some of the time.  I submit to you that hiring an organizer is no different from hiring any other service to help you when you're stressed out and strapped for cash.

 

So I ask you again.  What's stopping you?  Here are a few more excuses I hear from people about not getting organized.  I already know how to get organized, but...

Professional Organizers cost WAAAY too much money. Hang on now!  How do you know?  Have you ever called one?  We don't all come with interior designers and a camera crew, like on those cable TV shows.  Many POs give free assessments.  When you talk to a PO, let her know up front what sort of budget you have.  Whether you work together for only a few  hours, or your project is a long term one, the organizer will work as hard as she can in that time to help you accomplish your goals.

I'm embarrassed to let anyone see my mess. We do this for a living.  There's little you can show us that we haven't already seen.  Besides, if you ask POs why they got into this business, we'll all tell you how much we LOVE to help people!  So go ahead and tell us the stories behind your stacks.  Let us know about the recent upheaval in your life.  You'll receive the compassion, encouragement, and perspective needed to stay motivated and get the job done.  And if you hire a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, we are bound to keep client information completely confidential.  We won't tell anyone what we saw.

Why bother?  It won't last. Part of a PO's job is to teach her clients the skills to maintain the organizing systems put in place.  If you're one that has a hard time staying organized, talk to your PO about what's not working for you.  She should help you find your organizing style and learning style, and then find a solution that works best for your situation.  If you're one that has never been able to stay organized (chronically disorganized), a good relationship with a PO might be just what you need!  Many POs follow up with their chronically disorganized clients on a regular basis just to help keep them on track.

You've got clutter.  You can't function as well as you'd like in your own home.  Every day you waste time, effort, and emotional energy trying to keep it all behind closed doors.  Whatever your mess, whatever your situation, a Professional Organizer can help steer you in the right direction.


Teri Keene is the founder of Keene Spaces, a professional organizing service in Quincy, IL.  www.keenespaces.com