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BEN'S TIPS TO ORGANIZING YOUR HOME & SMALL OFFICE
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June 21, 2001
Save Yourself Money.
Don’t Waste $$$ Buying A New House.
Quit Blowing Your Dough Renting A Storage Space.
Get Organized!!!
Look, if I can do it, anyone can.
Seriously...we all need more space, but in almost every instance, it’s really just a matter of blowing out all of the garbage you don’t (and won’t) use, and getting the essentials organized in a way that works for you the best!
Here’s what you’ll find in this section of my site
- My choice for Personal Organizer
- My one-stop shop for all of the stuff you’ll need to get your world in order
- Some helpful information and questions you need to ask before you hire anyone to help you try to organize your home, home office or office...courtesy of the National Association of Professional Organizer [NAPO].
- So let’s get started and get your world organized before you bury yourself any deeper.
My picks for help and organization resources?
Simple...the most important choice you’ll make is who to hire to help you get organized. If you can do it by yourself, you wouldn’t be reading this page now, would you, big shot? Let’s assume you’ve got stuff "saved" that you’ll never use again, or a system in place that makes the city dump look like a library. It’s okay I’m right there with you! I know the feeling, especially as an entrepreneur. I feel [and share] your pain. Here’s the two most important choices you’ll be making:
Personal Organizer: Easy! Call Tiffany Pine at In Order...(214) 904-9034. She’s not the cheapest, but I think she’s the best. She works fast and really understands what your needs are, then works around your criteria to get you on track, once and for all. Tiffany is a no-brainer choice for those of us with home offices...she’s an entrepreneur’s dream. And when it comes to organizing kitchens, closets and the rest, you’re wasting your time going anywhere else. Do it right the first time and call Tiffany.
Supplies: Good tools for the organizing trade are a must. Sure...Home Depot, Wal-Mart and other like stops on the deal trail might offer a little cheaper pricing, but what’s your time worth? Get everything you need in one place with one-stop shopping: Visit any of The Container Store's five Metroplex locations or call (800) 786-7315 for more information. Or since you’re web-savvy, check out their site: www.containerstore.com to place an order, get advice or to create a customized storage and organization plan with their free, online "Plan A Space" feature.
Why do people NEED to get organized?
The following information has been provided courtesy of the National Organization of Professional Organizers a/k/a NAPO. Wanna know more? Check out their website: www.napo.net
There are several reasons why individuals want to get organized:
- The need for simplicity. They are paralyzed by their environment and want to simplify their lives. This includes learning to manage their time and their belongings.
- Traditional roles in the workplace and family have changed.
- We are a fast paced culture. With the growing trend in telecommunications of email, faxes, phone etc. our world now operates at a faster pace. Because it is faster individuals are finding a need to be more organized to keep up with this new environment.
How much do organizers charge?
Usually professional organizers charge an hourly rate ranging from quoted $40-50 on the low end to $150-200. Individual fees vary according to the area of the country, how long each organizer has been in business, and whether they specialize in residential or corporate organizing.
How long does it take?
It depends on the type of services needed and the commitment level of the Client. Most professional organizers provide consultations to assess what is needed to improve the individual homes and/or company systems.
What do organizers do?
There are various specialties within the organizing industry such as; Computer consulting, Closet Designing/ Closet, Organizing, Collections/ Memorabilia, Errands/ Personal Shopping, Estate Organizing, Event Meeting & Planning, Filing Systems, Financial/ Bookkeeping, Garages/ Attics/ Basements, Home Offices, Kitchen Designing/ Organizing, Moving/ Relocations, Office Organizing, Procedures and Policies Manuals, Records Management, Space Designing/ Organizing, Time Management/Goal Setting
Do more people want offices or homes organized?
Based on a survey of NAPO members in May of 1998, the top sources of revenue were from home offices and offices. However, there is also a high need for residential organizing.
How do you choose the right organizer for you?
The process of hiring a professional organizer is similar to that of choosing any provider of professional services. It is important for you to feel comfortable about anyone with whom you choose to work.
What questions should you ask when hiring an organizer?
- How long have you been organizing professionally?
- Could you explain what you actually do during a consultation and what we would accomplish during our first appointment?
- What is your fee structure?
- Can you provide a list of references?
- With what professional associations are you affiliated?
- How do I need to prepare for our first meeting?
Do you have any statistics about your membership?
Yes, according to our 1998 member survey. The following results were found:
- 96% of members are female
- 43% have college degrees
- 96% own their own organizing business
- 52% have operated their own business between 3-15 years
- 42% gross an annual income of $30,000 or above
- 25% hire subcontractors to work as organizers
What type of education and training do organizers have?
Professional organizers represent a large and diverse segment of the professional and business community. Their education and professional experience is varied and may include business administration, management, entrepreneurial, financial, legal, and more. Most professional organizers utilize their prior education and experience, to transition into a career as a professional organizer.
With respect to specific organizing education programs, NAPO offers its members continuing education programs at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels at its’ annual conference, regional seminars and local chapter meetings. NAPO is also currently developing a Certification Program, where qualified professional organizers can achieve a "Certified Professional Organizer" designation.
There are also several veteran professional organizers who offer training programs on specific areas of organizing specialties. And many business training and higher learning institutions are exploring the possibilities of developing a standardized formal education curriculum focused on the development of organizing skills that can be offered to professional organizers.
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