A significant part of what I’ve been doing recently is educating people on what services I offer as a Professional Organizer. I have encountered a number of myths about Professional Organizers while scooting around with my new car decals. They clearly list the types of services I provide and yet, I’ve been asked 1) Are you a tattoo artist? and, 2) Are you a party planner? Sadly, the answer to both of these questions is “No”. I may have a few pieces of ink but I can’t draw worth a darn. I don’t specifically plan parties, although, I am known to throw a rollicking boat shed extravaganza.
Additionally, I was asked if I perform another type of *specialized* service by an Instagram follower. Um, hard no. Obviously, there’s some work to be done when it comes to promoting my business as well as the professional organizing industry. There are some common misconceptions that I’d like to clarify. Join me as I spill the tea on the five biggest myths about Professional Organizers.
Myth #1-Hiring a Professional Organizer is EXPEN$IVE
REALITY: Hiring a Professional Organizer may seem out of reach or oppulent. However, most forward-thinking Professional Organizers work with all different budgets on all manner of organizing projects. Not all Professional Organizers charge the same way. Some charge hourly, in packages or by the assignment. Ultimately, by hiring a Professional Organizer you have decided to make an investment in yourself and your space. There is more than a financial cost when it comes to disorganization-it affects us mentally, physically and emotionally.
Myth #2-Professional Organizers Throw Away Your Stuff
REALITY: Absolutely not! The key word here is “YOUR”. Professional Organizers will encourage you to cut down on clutter but NEVER force a client to throw away something they want to keep. As an Organizer, it’s my job to help you make smart decisions about what keep and what to throw away. In the end, the decision is always yours. Think of me as your cheerleader, minus the skirt and pom poms (that’s extra). Kidding.
Myth #3-A Professional Organizer JUDGES You
REALITY: Professional Organizers are not going to be shocked or think you are a bad person. No, it’s not the worst that I’ve ever seen and there’s very little that will surprise me. It’s like this, an Organizer comes into your space to help you, not to judge you! If you are anxious, many Organizers offer free consultations. If your sink is leaking or your washing machine breaks down, you hire a professional, right? An Organizer is a professional who helps fix your organizing problem(s). We offer guidance and help you learn skills that you can use after we’re gone.
Myth #4-Professional Organizers Can Organize Without Me
REALITY: Wrong again. Unless you want someone else making all the decisions about your things, you need to be present. Organizers are capable of deciding what stays and goes, where to place things, and how to display and store items. BUT, only you know what’s important to you. A scrap of paper that looks like garbage to me might be a cherished memento to you. This process belongs to you. You can expect to play an active part in sorting, purging and organizing all belongings. The Organizer is there to assist and encourage you along the way!
Myth #5-Once a Professional Organizer Leaves, I’m Done!
REALITY: Nope! Organizing is an ongoing process. It’s not a do it once and it’s done forever situation. The good news? Once you get organized it’s much easier to maintain and keep it that way! A Professional Organizer aids in creating organizing systems that work for you and your current lifestyle. Circumstances change and you may have to adapt your organizing strategies along the way. However, modifying your systems won’t take as long to re-organize or tweak once they are implemented.
BONUS Myth-Professional Organizers Must be REALLY Organized
REALITY: Well, yes. And, no. I’m human, just like you! I have multiple demands on my time and resources. Pressures like: active kids, an aging parent and a demanding boss. Wait a minute, I am the boss! Yep, still stands. Demanding boss. Organizing can be learned, often times out of necessity. I’ve had to discover effective ways to manage my household, business and life. Guess what? I’m still able to squeeze in some fun! My goal as a Professional Organizer is to create efficient and functional organizing systems that work for YOU!
Still not sure what a Professional Organizer does and does not do? A Sorted Affair Inc. is happy to respond to any misconceptions or myths about Professional Organizers that you might have! Leave a comment below or contact kelly@sortedaffair.ca or (902) 209-3939. Let’s sort it out together!
Yours in All Things Sorted,
Kelly
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Nice to know these myths.
There are quite a few. I’m happy to bust them! 😉