The RIGHT Way to Organize

Recently, I was working on site with a client when he stated, “I brought you in to help because I want to do this the ‘right’ way.”  And while I was honored to be a part of his organizing process, to guide him in finding solutions that would work for him, it hit me that there is an impression of only one, correct way to become organized.  It also struck me that as an organizer, I should have all the answers.

So there are two truths here:

1 – There is no 1 right way to organize

2 – Organizers don’t have all the answers

Let’s look at both of these in turn.

First, there is no 1 right way to organize. I bet you hoped there was.  You could learn it, apply it and your organizing challenges would be solved.  There is no one solution and there is no magic wand.  An experienced professional organizer will never come into a client’s space and dictate the exact way to get the job done.

But the good news is that are strategies that will work for you, for your unique situation.  And, as frustrating as it may be to have to work out the solution from all the options, in the end you will have a lasting result.  There are a few over arching principles that are great starting points for any organizing project.

Organization is at it’s very simplest these rules:

•    Grouping like items together
•    Giving each item a home
•    Putting items away when you are finished.

If you are stumped as to where to start, check out this post.

To fill in the gaps, check out articles from your favorite organizing company, go online to Pinterest to pick up a book like ADD Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life that has tons of great solutions.

Second, professional organizers do not have all the answers.  It is sad but true. We even get overwhelmed sometimes when we start a new client.  We, sometimes, don’t know exactly what the next step will be in a project.  Thankfully we don’t have to know everything to do a great job and to help you do a great job.  There is a coaching principle that people are ‘naturally creative, resourceful and whole.”  This principle absolutely applies in the organizing field as well.  Your professional organizer will take the time, with you, to draw out solutions that you have within you to solve the challenges you are facing.  Isn’t that empowering?  Even though you don’t know the path right now, you have it within you to determine your path.

So, while there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ organizing solution, no ‘right’ way to organize and organizers do not have all the answers; together you can create solutions that are lasting and effective.  And remember, it is okay to start where you are.

Go forth and organize!