How to successfully partner with a professional organizer
Asses fit - Finding the right partner to organize your home is as much about their skill and experience as it is about personality fit. Ask how your perspective organizer works, what their process, approach and overarching philosophies are and make sure you are aligned
Decide how involved you would like to be - If you have a lot of personal effects that require your input to go through (i.e. a closet project which requires you to weigh in on what stays and what goes) decide how much time you can commit to working with your organizer before they can work their magic independently
Chunk off small stretches of time - For bigger projects (i.e. garage spaces) we often encourage clients to only commit to a four hour block of time per day. This helps to avoid mental and physical burn out and sets everyone up for success
Remove clunky junk - If there are pieces of old furniture, construction materials or the like that need to be removed before you can achieve your desired outcome, consider having a hauler take these items aways prior to getting started so it’s smooth sailing from the start
Think of organization as an investment - This process is more than a tidy linen closet. It’s a journey toward giving your home and space the respect it deserves. Keep this in mind as you’re considering your budget for both time and products and budget accordingly
Do your homework ahead of time- If you’re hoping to reduce your organizer’s billable hours but want the same finished product, the solution is simple. If you can commit to purging and sorting your belongings prior to the project starting, you can save money and time once the project starts in earnest
Be willing to let go - If our clients are unwilling to part with unnecessary clutter, it’s challenging to move forward. To really see that change you want to see, you have to be willing to be the change, which brings us to…
If you’re not ready, that’s okay - If you’re realizing that the process is causing more anxiety than providing a benefit, it may be a sign that you’re not quite ready to dive in. Perhaps it’s a scenario where it’s still too painful to go through the possessions of someone you lost or you’re working through a difficult transition or change in your life. Be honest with yourself and about where you are and commit to revisiting in the near future.
Are you ready to partner with a professional organizer?