People are often reluctant to hire a professional organizer because they wonder why they should pay someone to do something they feel they can probably do by themselves.
Would you hire someone to help you lose weight? To do your taxes? To mow your lawn?
There are many tasks and projects we probably could do ourselves without help but these projects are not getting accomplished, and we are feeling overwhelmed. We can’t do it all.
Let’s look at five reasons to hire a professional organizer:
1.You want to get unstuck, reduce stress, and alleviate that feeling of overwhelm
You may walk into your home and feel stressed that your living space is not relaxing and comforting. Getting organized, especially if this organization covers multiple areas of your life, can reduce stress levels. There will be less last-minute scrambling sessions looking for car keys, your purse, or your papers needed for the day. There will be less stress getting dressed in the morning from your organized closet. You will have less stress preparing meals in your organized, clutter-free kitchen. If you hire a professional organizer, they can lead you to develop habits and routines that set up maintainable organizing systems.
2. Having organized systems in place saves you time and money
One in every five Americans misplaces something important every week. Not only is time lost but the search may result in being late for work, missing appointments or worse yet missing that flight! If your paperwork system is stacks of paper all over the house, you lose time looking for important papers and often end up paying late fees on bills. Having help from a professional organizer to set these systems in place may cost money, but the return on your investment is huge.
3. You have a deadline on a large project and are feeling desperate
An organizer will help you work efficiently and will provide extra hands to meet your deadline. An example of this is an upcoming move. An organizer can help you develop a timeline and carry through with the details so that the move becomes exciting rather than stressful. Another example is needing to clear out the estate of a family member. Or you might need help setting up a home office quickly because of needing to work professionally from home. Professional organizers can set you on the right path and even bring in teams to help you accomplish your task on time.
4. You need help making decisions on what to keep and let go
Some decisions are hard to make without some guidance. If you just can’t decide you tend to just walk away from the item, and it becomes clutter. Professional organizers know how to ask leading questions to help you make decisions. We have no emotional connection to the items which makes it easier for us to come up with ideas. Once areas in your home are opened, it is easier for you to see how you can use the space in a way that matches your current vision.
5. You develop skills to keep your home organized
Professional organizers do more than help you set up great systems. They also transfer skills so that you can maintain the systems. Once you work hard to get an area or zone just the way you want it, the last thing you want to see is clutter slipping back in. A good maintenance plan keeps that from happening.
One of the biggest benefits to hiring a professional organizer is how you will feel once the project is done. It feels so great to know exactly where things are when you need them. It is a wonderful feeling to know that your home is always guest friendly and that when you come home after a busy day, your home will welcome you.
If you want help or just some accountability in working your organizational plan join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space For You clutter support group. Click here to read more blogs on this topic.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, author of four books as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing, virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.
Yes, yes, and yes. All of these are true! I’ve worked with clients for these different reasons. One of the most common is actually simply, “I just won’t do it on my own.” I say I am sort of like the personal trainer. You may know how to do the pushups, but you won’t actually do them unless I am standing there saying, “1, 2, 3…”. Sometimes we just need the accountability and externally imposed, focused block of time! Of course, we bring the expertise as well, so hopefully the process not only happens, but happens well!
Hiring a professional organizer is like hiring a supercharged, unbiased prefrontal cortex – sometimes we’re just too close to the problem to effectively solve it ourselves. That’s why POs often hire other POs, for a fresh set of expert eyes!
I totally agree! My clients are mostly people who need me there to make them accountable for getting rid of their stuff. They usually are getting ready for a move or planning on downsizing. But, anyone with a life-changing event would benefit from these services. No need for them to judge themselves when they fail at completing the tasks – just hire a professional organizer to help keep going and get it done! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
First of all, I LOVE the photo of you two! What a dynamic team you are! I love how you’ve ventured into yet another collaboration together with your latest book and are up to all kinds of creative projects. You nailed the five compelling reasons to hire a Professional Organizer. Heck, I’m an organizer, and it makes me want to hire one. Great job!
You hit every point! Those are all excellent reasons why a professional organizer is so valuable. I especially liked your last reason why, “They also transfer skills so that you can maintain the systems.”
I always thought that if I did my job right, my clients would be able to maintain the systems set in motion. So much of what we do is how we teach.
I couldn’t have said this better myself, Jonda! You’ve identified the reasons why people struggle on their own and illustrate exactly how professional organizers can help them overcome inertia, conquer overwhelm, create skills and systems, get support, and benefit from accountability. This is a fabulous — and TRUE — post, and I am loving the photo of you and Diane!