Most people don’t understand that organizing isn’t a “one size fits all” type of business.
Each client is different… in what they want, how they want it done, what they need to have done and how we teach them to become organized.
As a “Professional Organizer” I belong to numerous organizations, including NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers and NGGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization). I take my job and my “organizing” passion very seriously.
Most people don’t realize that organizers have certification programs and attend numerous seminars on various topics.
I have a “Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization”. Which means that I passed an exam and am serious about my “profession” and learning everything that I can about the subject.
When most people think about “professional organizers” they think about “closets”. Or now they might think about “hoarders”. Both of which I do.
But organizing is more than that.
Let’s just talk about closets for a minute. Think about “kids” ….those short people. They can’t reach very high. So when we are organizing a closet for a child we need to think about them being “vertically challenged”. But we also need to think about the future and the fact that someday … they will be taller and can reach higher.
Now let’s think about “seniors”. . Maybe they can’t reach very high because of arthritis. So the closet rods should be lower. And they can’t do a lot of physical labor for long periods of time… so your organizing sessions might need to be shorter.
See how closets aren’t just “standard” ?
Or what about people with ADD ? They don’t see things the way the rest of the world does. They might not “learn” the same. They might be “visual” people. So if you are talking about filing or organizing…they might not “get” the logic behind what you say. Or their attention span might be a lot shorter.
So you have to think of “different” ways to get your point across to them.
Or people that are in a “life changing circumstance” ? It could be someone that just lost a spouse or someone that is going through a “life altering” experience. They might not be able to make those “organizing” decisions as easily as they did before their life changing circumstance.
Or “hoarders” …… they aren’t just “messy”. They have a whole lot of “psychological problems” that you need to deal with or at least acknowledge.
“Organizing” isn’t a cut and dried service.
Organizers use different techniques for each different type of client.
And as an organizer it’s important to be continuously learning about the varying needs of our clients.
And as a client you should be able to depend on your organizer to acknowledge your varying needs and come up with solutions for “you” …. Not their “last” client.
The world of “professional organizing” is ever evolving. And we have to keep up.
Not only do we teach our clients about being organized…. but they teach us about “life”.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE
Being “organized” isn’t just about clearing out the clutter in your closet. It’s about everyday life.
Being organized is a life style. It’s a life “choice”.
People can walk through life aimlessly. Going from one crisis to another with no plan. Or they can have a “life plan” and know what they want and how they are going to get there.
Don’t get me wrong… it’s not always easy. Even if you have a “plan” the road can be very rocky if not impossible.
But without a plan… a course of action… you will never get there and never achieve your goals.
It’s sort of like building a house. You have to decide what “kind” of house you want to build. What style? What do you want it to look like? How many bedrooms? Where are you going to put the windows and doors? What type of flooring? Who is going to build it? Who is going to do the electrical and the plumbing?
Lots of questions.
And you have to have answers.
The house won’t get built without your input and answers.
And after you make the decisions…. You have to live with the consequences.
So if you haven’t thought things out carefully you might end up with a window in your closet but no door to get in. Or the kitchen is not big enough for the subzero refrigerator that you wanted.
If you know your end goal and you have a plan for what you need to do to get there you can just check off each step as you go.
But if you skip ahead to the end….without a plan… you might be very disappointed with the end result.
Even with a plan you will need to be flexible and have “alternative” options. Because if you don’t and life throws you a curveball you might get too rattled to continue the game.
Life is a challenge. And sometimes you will need to ask directions.
Be prepared. Have a map. And a compass.
You never know when you’ll learn something new.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Being organized is a life style. It’s a life “choice”.
People can walk through life aimlessly. Going from one crisis to another with no plan. Or they can have a “life plan” and know what they want and how they are going to get there.
Don’t get me wrong… it’s not always easy. Even if you have a “plan” the road can be very rocky if not impossible.
But without a plan… a course of action… you will never get there and never achieve your goals.
It’s sort of like building a house. You have to decide what “kind” of house you want to build. What style? What do you want it to look like? How many bedrooms? Where are you going to put the windows and doors? What type of flooring? Who is going to build it? Who is going to do the electrical and the plumbing?
Lots of questions.
And you have to have answers.
The house won’t get built without your input and answers.
And after you make the decisions…. You have to live with the consequences.
So if you haven’t thought things out carefully you might end up with a window in your closet but no door to get in. Or the kitchen is not big enough for the subzero refrigerator that you wanted.
If you know your end goal and you have a plan for what you need to do to get there you can just check off each step as you go.
But if you skip ahead to the end….without a plan… you might be very disappointed with the end result.
Even with a plan you will need to be flexible and have “alternative” options. Because if you don’t and life throws you a curveball you might get too rattled to continue the game.
Life is a challenge. And sometimes you will need to ask directions.
Be prepared. Have a map. And a compass.
You never know when you’ll learn something new.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, August 2, 2010
RANDOM ORGANIZING IDEAS
Pack up items that you haven’t used in a while and store them in the basement / attic. Put a date on the box. After three (3) months have passed and you haven’t missed the item…. get rid of it ! Obviously you didn’t really need it / use it….so why should it take up valuable space in your house.
Look at your calendar and make a list of all of the birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions that you have during the year. Count them up and buy the appropriate number of cards for each occasion. Go to the store and buy all of your cards at one time.
Use a pendaflex file organized by month and insert the cards into the appropriate month. At the beginning of the month fill out that months cards (address & stamp). You can put the actual date in a corner or back of the card. At the beginning of each week pull the cards that need to be mailed for that week and put them in the mail.
Keep a basket of healthy snacks in a basket for your kids on a kid level shelf. That way they can help themselves to snacks and you know what they are eating.
Use shelf dividers in your kitchen to double the space in your cabinets.
Check your medicine cabinet for expired medications. Don’t forget to look at non-prescription bottles and lotions.
Check your make-up. There are guidelines for make-up expiration. Be safe. Be healthy.
Create a spot near the door for your purse, keys, briefcase / backpacks…so that you can find things in the morning.
Plan all of your errands for the day before you leave the house so that you take the most direct route and don’t drive aimlessly from one side of town to the other…over and over again.
Sit down with your family Sunday night and go over the weekly schedule so that everyone is on the same page and there are no surprises during the week.
Have everyone in the family make a list of their five (5) favorite meals. Then put them on the calendar for the month. By doing this everyone gets a turn getting their favorite meal. For added “family time” have them help make that meal. Or you can have them make a list of all of the requirements for that meal so that you have a grocery list all ready.
Pick a day and have everyone in the family go through their closet and gather clothes that they no longer wear or that don’t fit. Remember to donate them and you can get a tax write-off !
Have a set spot for mail. Have 3 baskets. Whoever gets the mail should immediately divide it into: bills, personal mail, other. That way the bills don’t get lost or forgotten and you can deal with them immediately (at least put them in the appropriate bill spot for paying bills). Junk mail should immediately be put in the trash.
Trade “chores” with your neighbors or friends. If they take the kids to sports practice you can run your errands …alone… and get them done faster. When they need to do something you can swap kid duty with them…. or any other chore…. If they like mowing the lawn but hate weeding…and you like weeding because it’s relaxing….trade with them. Lots of possibilities….
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Level II CD Specialist Certificate Announcement
Karin E. Fried Earns Specialist Certificate In Working with Chronically Disorganized.
(Cleveland, Ohio) Karin E. Fried of Organizational Consulting Services has earned her Level II Chronic Disorganization (CD) Specialist Certificate from the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD).
This Specialist Certificate provides in-depth information on chronic disorganization and how to help CD clients manage more effectively in relation to getting and staying organized. In order to earn this certificate, Fried first had to receive her Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization. She was also required to complete extensive educational requirements including reading several books and publications, attending numerous teleclasses, and passing a general exam based on her coursework and general knowledge of CD.
My ongoing education allows me to work with clients who are chronically disorganized in a very specific manner,” said Fried. “The benefits of this continuing education are immeasurable as they enhance the quality of service I can provide to my clients.”
The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization is a non-profit group for professional organizers and related professionals. Its mission is to benefit people affected by chronic disorganization. The NSGCD explores, develops and communicates information, organizing techniques and solutions to professional organizers, related professionals and the public. For more information, please visit www.nsgcd.org.
Organizational Consulting Services provides both business and residential organizing services. Whether your needs are for basic organizing services, chronic disorganization, hoarding or anything else, we can help. For more information, please visit www.organizationalconsultingservices.com or call (440) 666 – 9326.
(Cleveland, Ohio) Karin E. Fried of Organizational Consulting Services has earned her Level II Chronic Disorganization (CD) Specialist Certificate from the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD).
This Specialist Certificate provides in-depth information on chronic disorganization and how to help CD clients manage more effectively in relation to getting and staying organized. In order to earn this certificate, Fried first had to receive her Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization. She was also required to complete extensive educational requirements including reading several books and publications, attending numerous teleclasses, and passing a general exam based on her coursework and general knowledge of CD.
My ongoing education allows me to work with clients who are chronically disorganized in a very specific manner,” said Fried. “The benefits of this continuing education are immeasurable as they enhance the quality of service I can provide to my clients.”
The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization is a non-profit group for professional organizers and related professionals. Its mission is to benefit people affected by chronic disorganization. The NSGCD explores, develops and communicates information, organizing techniques and solutions to professional organizers, related professionals and the public. For more information, please visit www.nsgcd.org.
Organizational Consulting Services provides both business and residential organizing services. Whether your needs are for basic organizing services, chronic disorganization, hoarding or anything else, we can help. For more information, please visit www.organizationalconsultingservices.com or call (440) 666 – 9326.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Being Organized – An Investment in Yourself
A lot of people think that being “organized” is expensive. That you will have to go out and spend a lot of money buying a new closet system or a ton or “organizing” products. That’s not the case.
And in today’s economy a lot of people can’t afford to spend extra money.
But…. What is the cost of being disorganized?
If you can’t find the things that you need…whether it’s at home or in the office….that’s a problem.
You might buy something that you don’t actually need….because you can’t find what you were looking for. And then later….guess what…you found it! So, there goes money….out the window.
Yes, you had a pair of black pants already. You didn’t need an extra pair. But you couldn’t find them when you needed them.
And that report that your boss wanted. The one that you couldn’t find. And spent hours searching for. And then had to re-create. Time wasted.
Being disorganized has a cost. Calculate out that cost and you will be shocked.
For an easy example….let’s say that you had a bedroom that you never used because it was so cluttered and disorganized and couldn’t really function as a bedroom.
If your house cost $200,000 and it was 2,000 square feet it means that the cost per square foot was $100.
If your “disorganized bedroom” was 10 x 10…. that’s 100 square feet.
That means that it is costing you $10,000 to use your bedroom as a “storage room”. Pretty expensive storage fee isn’t it.
By investing in “yourself” you can increase your productivity and decrease your stress. You can save time and money.
How do you feel when you walk into your house that’s “disorganized” ?
How do you feel when you walk into your friend’s house that is “organized” ?
I’ve had people say to me “it’s so calm here”. Yes, it is. Because everything is in it’s place.
By being organized you feel proud of yourself. You feel better about yourself. You feel more in control.
By creating a “usable” space …. Uncluttered and orderly…. You automatically create a sense of calm.
Invest in yourself. Become the organized person that you want to be. If you can’t do it on your own there are “professional organizers” out there that can give you guidance. Let your home or office reflect the way you want people to really see you.
Remember …… LESS CLUTTER = LESS STRESS SM
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
And in today’s economy a lot of people can’t afford to spend extra money.
But…. What is the cost of being disorganized?
If you can’t find the things that you need…whether it’s at home or in the office….that’s a problem.
You might buy something that you don’t actually need….because you can’t find what you were looking for. And then later….guess what…you found it! So, there goes money….out the window.
Yes, you had a pair of black pants already. You didn’t need an extra pair. But you couldn’t find them when you needed them.
And that report that your boss wanted. The one that you couldn’t find. And spent hours searching for. And then had to re-create. Time wasted.
Being disorganized has a cost. Calculate out that cost and you will be shocked.
For an easy example….let’s say that you had a bedroom that you never used because it was so cluttered and disorganized and couldn’t really function as a bedroom.
If your house cost $200,000 and it was 2,000 square feet it means that the cost per square foot was $100.
If your “disorganized bedroom” was 10 x 10…. that’s 100 square feet.
That means that it is costing you $10,000 to use your bedroom as a “storage room”. Pretty expensive storage fee isn’t it.
By investing in “yourself” you can increase your productivity and decrease your stress. You can save time and money.
How do you feel when you walk into your house that’s “disorganized” ?
How do you feel when you walk into your friend’s house that is “organized” ?
I’ve had people say to me “it’s so calm here”. Yes, it is. Because everything is in it’s place.
By being organized you feel proud of yourself. You feel better about yourself. You feel more in control.
By creating a “usable” space …. Uncluttered and orderly…. You automatically create a sense of calm.
Invest in yourself. Become the organized person that you want to be. If you can’t do it on your own there are “professional organizers” out there that can give you guidance. Let your home or office reflect the way you want people to really see you.
Remember …… LESS CLUTTER = LESS STRESS SM
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, July 19, 2010
BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZING FOR COLLEGE KIDS
College aged kids have different “organizing” needs / issues than grade school or high school aged kids. Obviously (this is where my daughter would roll here eyes and say “really Mom ?”).
Yes, really.
You don’t have to worry about making sure they have socks and school clothes and notebooks and such…. College aged kids pick out their own clothes.
But….there are the issues of “what do I need to buy for the dorm” ?
There are numerous lists out there….but some basic things you might need:
* New sheets for the bed. Plus a mattress pad !
* Blankets / pillows
* Bath towels
* Desk lamp
* Small refrigerator
* Small Microwave
* Coffee Maker
* Small T.V.
* Alarm clock
* Basic medical kit (Band-Aids, Neosporin….)
* Basic sewing kit
* Laundry detergent
* Change for the laundry
* Plastic bowls
* Coffee mug
* Bath caddy
* Water bottle
* Some non-perishable food (popcorn, granola bars, rice cakes, peanut butter, crackers, canned soup….)
* Day-Timer / planner….. or some type of scheduler to keep them on track and on time
Some important things that you need to remember….is that you have to make sure what is or is not allowed in the dorms. There are size restrictions on refrigerators and other items.
If your child is living in an apartment…and you have to buy furniture or beds…. You need to make sure that you measure the area where you will be placing the furniture. Not just “guess” ….because it “looks like it will fit”.
If your child is going to a school more than a few hours away or out of state…. planning and organizing is even more crucial for a smooth transition.
Plan ahead and avoid some of the stress that moving brings.
Kids grow up fast. Make these “stressful” times more enjoyable by being organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Yes, really.
You don’t have to worry about making sure they have socks and school clothes and notebooks and such…. College aged kids pick out their own clothes.
But….there are the issues of “what do I need to buy for the dorm” ?
There are numerous lists out there….but some basic things you might need:
* New sheets for the bed. Plus a mattress pad !
* Blankets / pillows
* Bath towels
* Desk lamp
* Small refrigerator
* Small Microwave
* Coffee Maker
* Small T.V.
* Alarm clock
* Basic medical kit (Band-Aids, Neosporin….)
* Basic sewing kit
* Laundry detergent
* Change for the laundry
* Plastic bowls
* Coffee mug
* Bath caddy
* Water bottle
* Some non-perishable food (popcorn, granola bars, rice cakes, peanut butter, crackers, canned soup….)
* Day-Timer / planner….. or some type of scheduler to keep them on track and on time
Some important things that you need to remember….is that you have to make sure what is or is not allowed in the dorms. There are size restrictions on refrigerators and other items.
If your child is living in an apartment…and you have to buy furniture or beds…. You need to make sure that you measure the area where you will be placing the furniture. Not just “guess” ….because it “looks like it will fit”.
If your child is going to a school more than a few hours away or out of state…. planning and organizing is even more crucial for a smooth transition.
Plan ahead and avoid some of the stress that moving brings.
Kids grow up fast. Make these “stressful” times more enjoyable by being organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Monday, July 12, 2010
BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZING
Well – it’s only mid-July. To early to think about school? NOT !
Get a head start and start making your lists now.
Clothes – what do the kids need? Start with the basics. Go through their drawers and check their supply of socks (have fun finding the matching pairs) and underwear. Are they in good shape and do they fit? Do they have enough and the right kind? For everyday and for sports.
Make a list of what they have, how many they have and sizes.
Shoes – school shoes, tennis shoes, boots (you don’t think you are going to find boots in the winter do you?). Take into consideration that they might grow before winter when buying boots and they will also have on thick socks.
Winter coats, scarves, gloves/mittens, hats. You should always keep a supply of extra gloves on hand for when they get wet (since they take forever to dry). And gloves are like socks. They disappear.
If your kids are in a growth spurt be sure to buy the coat with extra room so that by winter time it’s not too small. Also, be sure to remember that in the winter they will be wearing sweaters under their coats. Leave enough room if you are buying the coat when it’s still warm out and they aren’t wearing a sweater when they try it on.
Check the newspapers for sales, then immediately go to get the best selection and avoid the crowds of parents that waited until the last minute.
School supplies. Most schools have lists. Get them as soon as they come out. Check them against the list of supplies that you have on hand (from “Schools Out” article). Go to the stores and get all of the supplies.
You can break it down and buy school supplies one day and clothes on another day. Or if you have more than one child you can break it down by child and make a “one-on-one bonding moment” complete with lunch or dessert.
Yes, it can be a “fun” bonding moment…. IF you plan ahead instead of waiting until the last minute.
That’s the beauty of organizing….it reduces / eliminates the stress and allows you to enjoy even the most mundane task.
Kids grow up fast. Make these “stressful” times more enjoyable by being organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Get a head start and start making your lists now.
Clothes – what do the kids need? Start with the basics. Go through their drawers and check their supply of socks (have fun finding the matching pairs) and underwear. Are they in good shape and do they fit? Do they have enough and the right kind? For everyday and for sports.
Make a list of what they have, how many they have and sizes.
Shoes – school shoes, tennis shoes, boots (you don’t think you are going to find boots in the winter do you?). Take into consideration that they might grow before winter when buying boots and they will also have on thick socks.
Winter coats, scarves, gloves/mittens, hats. You should always keep a supply of extra gloves on hand for when they get wet (since they take forever to dry). And gloves are like socks. They disappear.
If your kids are in a growth spurt be sure to buy the coat with extra room so that by winter time it’s not too small. Also, be sure to remember that in the winter they will be wearing sweaters under their coats. Leave enough room if you are buying the coat when it’s still warm out and they aren’t wearing a sweater when they try it on.
Check the newspapers for sales, then immediately go to get the best selection and avoid the crowds of parents that waited until the last minute.
School supplies. Most schools have lists. Get them as soon as they come out. Check them against the list of supplies that you have on hand (from “Schools Out” article). Go to the stores and get all of the supplies.
You can break it down and buy school supplies one day and clothes on another day. Or if you have more than one child you can break it down by child and make a “one-on-one bonding moment” complete with lunch or dessert.
Yes, it can be a “fun” bonding moment…. IF you plan ahead instead of waiting until the last minute.
That’s the beauty of organizing….it reduces / eliminates the stress and allows you to enjoy even the most mundane task.
Kids grow up fast. Make these “stressful” times more enjoyable by being organized.
Organizational Consulting Services
http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
