There is often fear and uncertainly that goes with the decision to hire a professional organizer. In the years I’ve been helping people get organized, I’ve heard many reasons why it takes someone so long to pick up the phone and call for help.

Embarrassment. You don’t want anyone to see all your clutter.

Organizers are professionals that are there to solve a problem, not pass judgment. They are compassionate and understand how someone can fall into the traps of disorganization.  In fact, it’s very important you don’t clean up before your organizer arrives so they can see exactly where your trouble spots are. I often tell people, “I’m not coming as your guest, so don’t rush around and hide things to make your home look neat.”

Shame. You feel badly because you should know how to organize on your own.

When clients bring this one up I tell them, “Organizing is not taught in school. Unless you had a very good role model along the way, it can be hard to know how to organize.”  This is especially true if you are more of a right-brain, creative type personality or have ADHD. It often doesn’t come naturally for you to categorize, which is an important skill when organizing.  The good news is organizing is a learned skill. An organizer can help you create systems, making it easy for you to find things.

Fear. You’re afraid an organizer is going to make you throw everything away.

Organizers do help you make tough decisions, but they can’t make you do anything.  As an organizer, I like to find out three things about my client so I can better serve them. I ask, “Who do you want to spend time with, what’s on your bucket list and what makes you happy?”  Once I know this, it’s my job to help you decide which items will help you reach your goals. Everything else you own will keep you from living the life you planned.

Confidentiality. You’re worried because an organizer will know your personal matters.

Organizing is about relationships. Just as therapists wouldn’t have a good business if they gossiped about their clientele, neither would an organizer.  Don’t know where to start. Just as you would rely on your surgeon to know how to carry out your operation, organizers know the process of getting organized. Once we find out your goals and tour your home or office, we’ll know where to start and will guide you through the process.

Too expensive to hire someone. What is disorganization costing you, physically, emotionally and financially?

Hiring an organizer is an investment. Organizers will teach you life-long skills so you can continue to organize long after they have gone.  Most organizers offer a free phone consultation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in your home or office, call an organizer, share your fears and be ready to roll up your sleeves and get started.

Lori Firsdon owns Forte Organizers in Centerville. She does onsite organizing and speaking engagements. For more organizing tips, visit www.ForteOrganizers.com.

ORGANIZING CLASS

Lori Firsdon will teach an organizing class Saturday, January 23, from 10:30-Noon at the Jamestown Library, 86 Seaman Dr. Jamestown 45335. It’s titled “Super Systems: Organizing for a Stress-Free Life.” For information, call 937-352- 4005.