Ask the Organizer - Simplified Living Solutions, Inc.

					Sue Anderson Professional Organizer

WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER?

According to the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), a Professional Organizer enhances the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and by transferring organizing skills. A Professional Organizer also educates the public on organizing solutions and the resulting benefits, as well as helping individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, their paper, and their systems for life. When you hire a NAPO Professional Organizer, you are hiring a skilled professional. NAPO provides its members with quality education, exposure to cutting edge trends in organizing, the latest product knowledge, and access to top organizing industry manufacturers.

HOW WILL I BENEFIT BY WORKING WITH A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER?

          By hiring a professional, you are making a commitment to work toward creating the environment that you have always dreamed of. Professional Organizers provide hands on help, guidance and expertise, as well as encouragement and support in a confidential & non-judgmental atmosphere. Clients realize many benefits by working with a Professional Organizer, some almost immediately (like finding the floor and counter tops again!). Benefits include:

* Increased Productivity         * Reduced Stress          * New Sense of Freedom       * Peace of Mind
* Greater Sense of Control     * Find Things Quicker    * Improved Quality of Life         * Reduced Clutter
* New Ideas & Solutions        * More Free Time          * Pay Bills on Time                 * Joy

I NEED HELP, BUT MY HOUSE IS SUCH A MESS THAT I'M TOO EMBARRASSED TO CALL YOU, MUCH LESS LET YOU IN MY HOUSE. ANY ADVICE?

I completely understand how you are feeling. As a matter of fact, everyone that has ever called me has expressed that they felt the very same way. It's normally because some aspect of their home or life wasn't working for them. So the feelings you are having are very normal. Let me assure you that, as a professional, I do not see "the mess" through the same eyes as you see it. I see the possibilities of what it will be. The biggest step is the first one. Say a little prayer, take a deep breath and then call me. You'll be sorry you put it off so long.

SHOULDN'T I BE ABLE TO GET ORGANIZED BY MYSELF?

Absolutely not. People of all different backgrounds and ages use Professional Organizers. People in the midst of life changing transitions, overworked parents, as well as busy successful professionals make up some of our clientele. A Professional Organizer is similar to other professionals you use in life that help you successfully solve life challenges when you are not able to, or simply don't have the time or energy. Personal Trainers (just like Professional Organizers) motivate, encourage, educate and keep their clients on track towards reaching their goal. If people who joined a gym were already educated on the gym equipment and worked out on their own, there would be no need for Personal Trainers.

WILL YOU FORCE ME TO THROW EVERYTHING AWAY?

The decision about what stays or goes is completely up to you. By taking the time to talk about what your goals are for the space at the onset of the process, you'll be better able to make your decisions to accomplish those goals. If things are important to you and you have the room to keep them, we simply find a suitable way to store them. If we can accomplish your goals without getting rid of much by simply using your space better, we will. For those things that you choose to part with, I will provide you with a list of resources that accept donations or recycle.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET ORGANIZED?

Every person and every organizing job is unique. Many factors come into play: size of the area to be organized, amount and type of clutter, how many people are working on the project and how quickly you make decisions, to name a few. It generally takes longer to organize papers than it does to organize objects. The same stack of papers might take one person 15 minutes to go through and another person hours. Getting organized, and staying organized, takes time and commitment. Patience is essential. It wasn't cluttered in a day and it won't go away in one appointment. By working with a partner, you will get through the process much more quickly than if you go it alone. If you're willing and able to do "homework" between sessions, the process will go faster and be less expensive. If you stay committed to the process, the results are more than worth it!

HOW DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?

I offer a free 30 minute phone consultation. There is no charge for travel time or expense. I charge an hourly rate, with a three hour minimum. Payment is requested at the end of each session.