Free Your Space: I could never let a professional organizer into my house

The title of this article is a sentiment that I hear frequently once someone finds out what I do for a living.  The reaction normally sounds something like this:  “You mean you help people get rid of clutter and get their homes organized?  Oh, I need you.”  And then, “Your home must be perfect.”

Since I belong to the National Association of Professional Organizers and actively participate in the Greater Philadelphia chapter, I know for a fact that this is a response that every organizer has come to expect when meeting almost anyone new.

Yes, helping people free themselves of clutter and get organized is a good way to sum up what I do.  Although, I have to admit that some of the time I’m asked if I organize rallies or weddings.  I don’t.

Even though this profession has been around at least since the 1980s, it is relatively new to the general public and just beginning to be understood. Reality TV shows have given a glimpse mainly into one small area of professional organizing — hoarding.  The industry is actually so much broader than that.

There are professional organizers who specialize in office and paper management, productivity, downsizing, digital organization, move-management, ADHD support, senior support, families and children, special needs and so much more!  So, when someone says, “I need you,” they’re probably right.  Everyone could use a professional organizer in some way or another, whether to help manage their homes, their businesses or their lives.

Finally, to address your curiosity about whether our homes are perfect, I’d like to share a story from my recent trip to New Orleans to attend the NAPO annual conference.

Having spent a full 9-to-5 day in training courses, an evening of networking with other organizers from around the country, and then preparing for the next day’s training, I was exhausted.  It was the beginning of the week, and my roommate, a fellow organizer from my chapter, had just arrived.  I was so happy to see her and yet apologetic because I had to admit that I sometimes snore at night. In response to my obvious embarrassment, she responded, “Oh, you’re human?  Good.  I’m human too.  I was hoping to get a human roommate.”  We laughed and then set out for a walk to the local 24-hour drug store to buy earplugs.

And this, my friends, is one of the most valuable benefits you will find if you hire a professional organizer.  We’re human and we expect that you are, too.  No judgment, no shame, no outrageous expectations.  We are simply there to help, support and guide you in creating a peaceful and joyful space.

Yes, my home is organized.  And no, it’s not perfect.  I don’t waste my time on perfectionism.  My time is better spent keeping a home that is happy and healthy, comfortable and efficient so that the people who live and enter into it feel the precious value of their worth.

* Annette Reyman is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO®) and board member of its Greater Philadelphia Chapter. To contact her for organizing work, professional unpacking, productivity support, gift certificates or speaking engagements in the Greater Philadelphia area call 610-213-9559 or email her at annette@allrightorganizing.com. Visit her website at www.allrightorganizing.com or follow All Right Organizing on Facebook.

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