Blog
Scroll through our blogs contributed by various Faithful Organizers.
Angie Hyche, CPO®, July 2024 Organizer of the Month
MEET ANGIE HYCHE!
Angie Hyche is an author, speaker, podcaster, and certified professional organizer (CPO®), and the owner of Shipshape Solutions in Kingsport, Tennessee. Angie shifted from working with clients to content creation in January of 2023, and she loves teaching about the challenges of clutter and disorganization and the freedom and peace that order can bring, especially from a faith perspective.
Angie is the author of two books, Uncluttered: Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most (published June 11, 2024 with Scrivenings Press) and Unholy Mess: What the Bible Says about Clutter (self-published in 2020) and is a featured author in Faithful Organizing: Devotions for a Christ-Centered Business. She is also the co-host of the podcast Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most.
Angie is currently working on a play featuring a professional organizer who is trying to help her reluctant mother downsize with the working title “Downsizing Diaries.” Because Angie has been acting in community theatre for over 20 years and credits a volunteer organizing job at a local theatre with helping her discover her passion for organizing, she is hopeful that she could see this play performed at this same theatre when she finishes.
Angie’s goal is to help listeners and readers simplify their lives so they can focus on what's most important and spend time doing what they love.
Contact Information:
Email: angie@shipshape.solutions
Phone: 423-967-2016
Website: Ship Shape Solutions
Social media handles:
FAITHFUL ORGANIZERS’ INTERVIEW WITH ANGIE HYCHE
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
Get Unstuck: Convert “I can't” into “I don't want to”.
Blog post by Kate Bosch, Certified Professional Organizer® owner and founder of Kate Bosch Organizing, Providence, Rhode Island.
Barbara* and I were sitting at her kitchen table considering how to tackle several stacks, baskets, and folders full of old papers. “Do you know what my therapist said to me?” she asked. “She said, ‘What’s the worst that could happen if you just shredded the whole pile?’”
“But I just can’t do that,” she said with a wide-eyed look of horror. “I just CAN’T!”
Barbara likes to be on top of things in her life, but in the past few years, she had lost a loved one, moved into a smaller place, and weathered the pandemic. Understandably, the paperwork (bills, receipts, tasks, notes, etc.) had just gotten away from her.
“Well, technically, you can, right?” I gently asked Barbara. “I mean, you’re physically capable of throwing them away. It’s really that you don’t want to."
"You’re a very conscientious person and that pile represents things you feel you should do, know about, or save. You want to be a person who takes care of your incoming papers, but life got stressful and the papers piled up. Now you have a backlog to deal with and you’re anxious about handling it the right way.”
Barbara nodded. “That’s right,” she said. “I like to take care of things in a certain way. I like to be aware of what’s coming in and make sure I’m doing things the right way.”
“So,” I asked, “If you don’t want to throw all the papers away without looking through them, what do you want to do instead?”
I CAN, BUT I DON’T WANT TO
As Barbara and I brainstormed, the scared look left her face. She was now back in control and ready to come up with a solution.
When presented with a drastic proposal, we often put up the roadblock of “CAN’T,” which leads to paralysis. In reality, it’s not that you “can’t” do something, it’s that you don’t want to do it.
When you say “I can’t,” the situation is controlling you. “I don’t want to” acknowledges that you can choose what to do. Saying “I don’t want to” puts you in the driver’s seat.
WHY DON’T I WANT TO?
To move forward, figure out why you don’t want to do it. Here’s why Barbara didn’t want to pitch all the papers:
I like to know what everything is before I get rid of it.
I might find something I was missing.
I fear getting rid of something important.
I want to be a person who does things the right way.
Knowing Barbara’s motivation for wanting to look through all the papers sped up the process. We defined what she could let go of and easily recognized the special things she wanted to save.
Once you know your motivation, you can come up with a better solution that works for you.
In the end, Barbara did decide to throw away an entire stack of papers without having to examine each one because they all belonged to the “notes to self” category that she decided she could live without. The confident smile on her face as she tossed them into the “shred” bag was priceless!
Post written by Faithful Organizer member Kate Bosch. Kate is a Certified Professional Organizer®, and owner of Kate Bosch Professional Organizing. As a Certified Professional Organizer®, Kate helps her clients sort through their things, determine what they really value and want to keep, and find simple, creative ways to store everything neatly so they can maintain it with ease.
Her eclectic background — B.A. from Yale University in Art History, Assistant Buyer of Bras and Shapewear (aka girdles! at Filene's, milliner (hat maker) and owner of shoe and hat store Head Over Heels in New Hampshire, stay-at-home mom of two girls, and wife to her great artist/professor husband makes her able to organize all different kinds of homes and situations. She’s juggled lots of different things in her life, so she gets that you're struggling with things too!
Contact Information:
Telephone: 401-699-4878
Email Address: kate@katebosch.org
Website: Kate Bosch
Kate Bosch, CPO® , June 2024 Organizer of the Month
Meet Kate Bosch!
As a Certified Professional Organizer®, Kate helps her clients sort through their things, determine what they really value and want to keep, and find simple, creative ways to store everything neatly so they can maintain it with ease.
Her eclectic background — B.A. from Yale University in Art History, Assistant Buyer of Bras and Shapewear (aka girdles! at Filene's, milliner (hat maker) and owner of shoe and hat store Head Over Heels in New Hampshire, stay-at-home mom of two girls, and wife to her great artist/professor husband makes her able to organize all different kinds of homes and situations. She’s juggled lots of different things in her life, so she gets that you're struggling with things too!
FAITHFUL ORGANIZERS’ INTERVIEW WITH KATE BOSCH
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
Check out Kate’s June blog featured on the FO website here, titled, "Get Unstuck: Convert: “I can't” into “I don't want to”
Laura Ray, May Organizer of the Month
Meet Laura Ray!
Laura Ray is a professional organizer and founder of Laura Ray Organizing, LLC. Laura says that she was “born organizing”. That’s easy to believe since she bought her first filing cabinet in the sixth grade!
She has been helping busy people their homes and offices, for more than 18 years, and her offer to clients is “Find anything in your home or office in 15 seconds or less.”
She is a past president of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals – Georgia Chapter.
Laura brings 16 years of professional experience from her previous career in public relations with the hospitality industry, the American Red Cross and BellSouth, where she organized campaigns and events, served as a spokesperson, and advised more than 100 executives.
An expert in her field, she has been featured in two books, and has been on numerous Atlanta television and radio shows, including TrustDale and Fox 5’s Good Day Atlanta.
Contact: Laura Ray
T: 404-630-7212
Social Media Handles:
Facebook: Laura Ray Organizing | Atlanta GA
LinkedIn, Laura (Gondolfo) Ray
FAITHFUL ORGANIZERS’ INTERVIEW WITH LAURA RAY
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
Top 5 Spaces to Organize in Your Home for 2024
Blog post by Laura Ray, Owner and Founder of Laura Ray Organizing, LLC , Marietta, GA.
Face the day with peace of mind and confidence by organizing daily-use spaces in your home. Start first with the space that would make you the most happy. Many times we think I “should” do this space or that space first, but it will build your momentum and confidence to do the space that will lift your spirits.
1) Kitchen — It’s the heart of the home and usually where everything lands when it comes in the door. If the kitchen is in chaos due to mail, school bags and recent purchases, it can add stress to your day and be a barrier to family meal time.
2) Pantry — An organized pantry can save you money. Know what you have and find it before it expires. It also makes compiling your grocery list easier.
3) Master Closet — It’s one of the first things you see before facing the day’s demands. Organize your closet, so that the first feelings of the days are positive.
4) Master Bedroom — Make your bedroom a sanctuary. Organize this room to have only the things you love around you.
5) Garage — A main entrance to your home and often over-looked, the garage can also impact your day and your family. Seeing a messy garage at least twice a day can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. You can try to ignore it, but you still know it’s there.
Which space are you going to start with?
Contact: Laura Ray
T: 404-630-7212
Social Media Handles:
Facebook: Laura Ray Organizing | Atlanta GA
LinkedIn, Laura (Gondolfo) Ray
Welcome to the Cure the Clutter Blog
Blog post by Carolina Harvey, Owner and Founder of Cure the Clutter, Harrisburg, PA.
I am Carolina Harvey, wife to a great man, mother of 3 boys, mama to about dozen adopted MHS (Milton Hershey School) girls, professional organizer and productivity expert, Latina, and lover of Jesus. I am thankful for life each day and treasure that I get to do what I love!
Each month, I will come to you with tips, ideas and encouragement for your everyday life. I wanted to take this first post to introduce myself and share some basic everyday tips for organizing your life. These are things I do daily and many successful people that I read about and I know personally, do it too.
#1. Make your bed. It gets your day started off right and you have something accomplished in the first 5 minutes of your day.
#2. Make a manageable to-do list. Put a deadline behind each one so that you give yourself a goal to complete the task.
#3. Schedule your hardest things for each day for the time of day that you function at 100%.
#4. Be one task minded. Make sure you finish one task before you move to another. Multi-tasking is not what you want to do. Stay focused and you’ll accomplish more.
#5. Start and end your day with gratitude. It’s such a powerful thing to remind yourself how much you appreciate events and people in your everyday life.
Go get your day started and show it who’s boss!
Carolina Harvey
Founder and Owner, Cure The Clutter
T: 717.229.6890
E: carolina@curetheclutter.net
Social media handles:
Carolina Harvey, April Organizer of the Month
Meet Carolina Harvey!
Carolina Harvey is founder and owner of Cure the Clutter. As a professional organizer and productivity expert, she has led clients in reaching their organizing and decluttering goals for over 15 years. Her years of experience with hoarders and the chronically disorganized along with her compassionate and caring nature have given her the ability to serve, coach, and encourage her clients into having spaces and lives they can thrive in and enjoy.
Carolina can be seen on the Emmy Nominated and Critics Choice Television Award winning series "Hoarders" on A&E. She has filmed for 4 seasons and is the newest addition to the show as a Lead Organizing Expert and recently filmed in the newest show of the Hoarders series called “Where Are They Now?”. Carolina resides in Pennsylvania with her husband of 24 years and her 3 sons.
Contact:
Carolina Harvey
Founder and Owner, Cure The Clutter
T: 717.229.6890
E: carolina@curetheclutter.net
Social media handles:
FAITHFUL ORGANIZERS’ INTERVIEW WITH CAROLINA HARVEY
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
Practical Tips for Downsizing as an Older Adult
Blog post by Sulena Long, Owner of SO UNIQUE Concierge LLC, Baltimore, MD.
Downsizing can be a liberating process for older adults seeking to simplify their living spaces and embrace a more manageable lifestyle. However, it can also be a daunting task that requires careful planning and organization. Here we will explore practical tips to help older adults navigate the downsizing journey successfully and create a more streamlined living environment. From making tough decisions about possessions to unpacking in a new space, these tips will guide you toward simplifying your living space and embracing the benefits of downsizing.
Start Early and Plan Ahead
Downsizing is not a task to be rushed. Begin the process as early as possible to allow ample time for sorting through belongings, making decisions, and organizing your move. Create a detailed plan that outlines specific tasks and timelines, ensuring you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the process.
Assess Your Needs and Prioritize
Before you start downsizing, assess your needs, and prioritize what is most important to you. Consider your new living space, lifestyle goals, and the items that hold sentimental value. This will help you make informed decisions about what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Remember, downsizing is about simplifying and creating a more comfortable and manageable environment.
Streamline Possessions
As you go through your belongings, adopt a systematic approach. Sort items into categories, such as keep, sell, donate, or discard. Ask yourself practical questions like "Do I use this regularly?" or "Does this item hold significant sentimental value?" Be mindful of the space limitations in your new home and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy.
Seek Support and Assistance
Downsizing can be an emotional and physically demanding task. Don't hesitate to seek support from family, friends, or professional organizers who specialize in helping older adults through the downsizing process. They can provide guidance to older adults, offer a fresh perspective, and assist with practical tasks, such as packing, unpacking, space planning and organizing your new living space.
Envision Your Future
Downsizing is an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to create a living space that aligns with your current needs and aspirations. Embrace the positive aspects of downsizing, such as reduced maintenance, enhanced accessibility, and the freedom to focus on what truly matters. Emphasize the benefits of a simplified living space, which can contribute to your future of a more relaxed and stress-free lifestyle.
Contact Information:
Website: So Unique Concierge
Social media handles:
Sulena Long, March Organizer of the Month
Meet Sulena Long!
Sulena Long was born and raised in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. She migrated to the United States to attend college in New York City while she worked as a staff and freelance paralegal at various large law firms. She also has 10 years of experience in interior design, which she combined with her natural born organizing skills with her passion to serve the older adults population. She started her business in 2019, SO UNIQUE Concierge, which ministers to assisting older adults and their loved ones. She's a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. Her friends and family know her for her effervescent personality and willingness to extend a helping hand. Faithful Organizers® is a community of Christian Professional Organizers whose mission is to shine God’s light on the organizing and productivity industry. We seek to fulfill our calling by supporting our members in spiritual and professional growth through education, fellowship and accountability. Whether you are looking to hire a Professional Organizer or currently in the industry, we hope you will be inspired to reach out.
Contact:
Sulena is based in Baltimore, MD and can serve clients in person or virtually..
Call: 443-434-0982
Email: info@souconcierge.com
Website: Senior Concierge Services in Baltimore, Maryland
Social Media:
FB: Facebook
IG: Instagram
Candy Speight, February Organizer of the Month
Meet Candy Speight!
In 2011, after 32 years in Corporate America, the Lord fulfilled my dream to start my own business, Order Your Steps LLC. As a professional organizer, for more than 10 years now, I've organized various living spaces for my clients, which will always remain my passion. But now, as I continue to move forward, as a life coach, I will inspire, encourage, motivate, and empower women to be the best that they can be, by un-cluttering their minds and un-cluttering their spaces.
In 2019, I self-published my first book, Order, Organize, & Obedience, an autobiography, as I share my journey to becoming a professional organizer, plus it’s an organizing tips guide. In 2021, I wrote a short eBook which you can download here.
Contact:
Candy currently serves clients in the Maryland and DC areas.
Call/Text: 301-437-4610,
Email: candy@ordersteps.net
Website: Order Your Steps
Social Media:
FAITHFUL ORGANIZERS’ INTERVIEW WITH CANDY SPEIGHT
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
What Does an Organized Life Look Like?
Blog post by Candy Speight, Certified Christian Life Coach and Professional Organizer and Founder of Order Your Steps, LLC
Copyright: alenkasm
As a professional organizer for more than 10 years, I believe that there are two major components that define an organized life:
The amount of stuff we have in our living spaces.
The amount of stuff that’s in our mind, thoughts & emotions.
An organized life is not meant to be rigid and uncomfortable. However, there should be a degree of routine & predictability. Our lives are not meant to be perfect, nor should we expect them to be, but there should be some semblance of peace, harmony, and Divine Order.
“Life is like an ocean, always moving, changing, developing and we need to be like a well-seasoned captain of our vessel.” CSRoth
We must invest some time and thoughts into our future by determining how we will achieve an organized life, an uncluttered mind and an uncluttered space. It is very difficult to change something, without understanding our current state and our desired outcome. It is not always how the situation looks, it is how we look at the situation. In order to minimize the chaos and cultivate an organized life, we must learn to plan for, and manage change in ourselves and our environment.
Over the years, I have found that some people want change, but most people are used to doing things the same way. We don’t always have to make change happen, we simply must allow it to happen and not resist it! Otherwise, major changes in our lives will cause an inordinate amount of stress and anxiety, for example, new house, new job, new baby, etc. All of these situations should allow us to assess our life as it is and consider making slight adjustments, as we prepare for our next season.
We want life to be flexible and spontaneous.
We want life to be simple and not too stressful.
We want some control, but not utter chaos
We want to have fun and enjoy life at its fullest, every day!
All of these things require some degree of organization… So, how do we get there?
Here are a few suggestions that will help:
Jot down some notes on how our lives and atmosphere look and feel today.
Take a look at those things that we would like to see changed in our surroundings, big and small.
Ask yourself whether clutter of any kind, will have a negative impact on those changes?
For example, we may think we just need a bigger house, but we might be amazed at how much more room we already have when we simply unclutter and organize our living spaces.
Although there may not be just one answer, an organized life will look different to different people, but we all must start somewhere. So, let’s take one step at a time, one day at a time…
Contact:
Candy Currently Serves Clients in the Maryland and DC areas.
Call/Text: 301-437-4610,
Email: candy@ordersteps.net
Website: Order your Steps
Social Media:
Karen Wright, January Organizer of the Month
Meet Karen Wright!
Karen’s love for organizing began at an early age. As her dad will tell you, she was born organizing. At just five years old, she started organizing her own closet and bedroom. The other areas in the house soon followed.
Karen created Life Simplified in the spring of 2008. The company is a natural outflow of her desire to build newer, better, and simpler systems of organized living for others. She specializes in creating and implementing organizing solutions that are simple to use and easy to maintain by her clients.
Thankfully, Karen does more than just organize. Her God-given talents truly improve people’s lives. She equips her clients with new, necessary skills in order to help them keep their homes organized long after their projects are complete. Karen is committed to helping every client achieve their organizing goals at their own pace and in the most efficient, cost-effective manner possible.
To Karen, the most fulfilling part of each project is creating organized spaces people love to use, where they know what they have in their home and where to get it when they need it. She loves seeing the burden removed from people’s lives when they can see and feel order in their home. Karen feels blessed to see the joy in their faces, knowing she and the Life Simplified team helped make it happen.
Karen is continually learning, refining her skills, and improving her knowledge and abilities. Outside of Life Simplified, she enjoys home improvement projects, relaxing with her husband, and being entertained by her three playful dogs.
Social Media & Website:
Website: Life Simplified
LinkedIn: life-simplified-llc
FAITHFUL ORGANIZERS’ INTERVIEW WITH KAREN WRIGHT
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
It's Time to Get Organized
Blog post by Karen Wright, Professional Organizer and Owner of Life Simplified LLC, Huntsville, AL.
The Importance of Time
“Lost time is never found again.”
Benjamin Franklin
Time is a scarce resource that cannot be recovered after it passes by. The best way to make the most of your time is by being intentional. Consciously choosing to be intentional is one thing, but channeling that intentionality through your actions is another thing altogether.
Procrastination and distractions are battles that we all face. The best way to face these challenges is to have a plan. You know yourself better than anyone. Whether it’s listening to music or a podcast, talking things out with a friend, or making written lists… find the best action you can take to help you refocus on being intentional.
Take the TIME to Get Organized
“For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned.”
Benjamin Franklin
One of the best things you can do with your time is to get organized. Easier said than done, right? We know getting organized is a process that doesn’t happen overnight and can be overwhelming at times. Regardless of the process it takes to get organized, the benefits of getting organized are endless.
Before you begin getting organized, create a plan. Remember, having a plan helps you refocus and stay on track. Create a list of specific, actionable ways you plan to get organized.
To help you as you get organized, we created an acrostic for the word ‘time.’ We hope this small but powerful word will act as a reminder for you to be intentional.
T: Ten Minutes
That’s right! Set a goal for yourself of at least ten minutes a day spent organizing. It doesn’t seem like long, but it will add up over time.
Telling yourself you need to spend 10 minutes organizing is also much less daunting than telling yourself you need to organize an entire room. There may be certain high traffic areas in different rooms that you want to organize. Work a little at a time on areas high on your list to organize.
Lastly… remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day! It is going to take time for you to reach your organization goals, but the only way to reach your goals is by starting… no matter the time amount.
I: Insert Products
Products are your best friend when organizing! They help contain clutter and maximize space.
Often times, people have great intentions about establishing organization in their home, but every time they try to get organized, things go right back to being messy. Creating systems by using products is the answer to this problem.
Products are so easily customizable to fit the space in your home. They can also provide an added touch to the style within your home. Whether its baskets, bins, turntables, or tubs, inserting products is an important step of incorporating organization into your home.
Labels are also a necessity. They help everyone in your home find the items they are looking for. Also, if people can read where things go, they can help you clean up and maintain the organization in your home.
M: Maintain Goals
Creating and maintaining goals you set before yourself will empower you to accomplish even more. Be honest with yourself when creating goals. Evaluate your lifestyle and make your goals attainable. If the goals you set feel impossible to attain, you will never reach them. Setting realistic goals will improve your chance of success.
Another way to help you reach your goals is by sharing them with someone. Sometimes when we keep our goals to ourselves, we get overwhelmed and then stop working toward them. A spouse, relative, or friend will encourage you and help keep you accountable.
It is so easy to get discouraged and stop working toward reaching a goal. Remember to be determined and persevere… you’ve got this!
E: Establish Routines
The best way to maximize your time spent organizing is to establish routines. Otherwise, you may get discouraged when spaces become unorganized.
What if you spent a week organizing a room and then didn’t touch it for months. Would it be spotless? Or would everyday life have turned it into looking like a war zone? The clutter in our homes can so easily take over and leave us feeling overwhelmed. To counter this, do what is within your power to maintain the organization.
Establishing even the smallest routine can help fight the battle of clutter. Check out some ideas below:
Create the routine to clear the kitchen sink before bed. Waking up to a clear sink may help you feel like you are starting the day on a positive note.
Create the routine for you and your spouse to put on a song or podcast and spend the entirety of it picking up items that may have gotten out of place over the course of the day. Alternate who gets to choose what plays while you declutter.
Create a family routine to have your kids put their toys up before they go to bed. Make a game out of it, and reward the person who finishes first with getting to pick the bedtime story for that night.
How Will You Spend Your Time?
After reading this, we hope you feel encouraged to be intentional with your time. It is a precious commodity that needs to be spent wisely.
If you need some help planning out how to get started decluttering your home, check out our 30 Day Decluttering Challenge.
If you or someone you know needs help taking the time to get organized, contact us or call 256-316-1655 to schedule a consultation. Our team would love to help you like we have helped countless people across North Alabama simplify their lives.
10 Things a Professional Organizer Will Never Say
Blog post by Deborah Zechini, Professional Organizer and Owner of Order in the House
Have you ever heard of someone who feels the need to clean his or her home before the cleaning lady arrives? I often find folks thinking similarly when they’ve hired a professional organizer—wanting to get things squared away, cleaned and organized before I arrive to help them with…well, the squaring away, cleaning and organizing!
But honestly, that’s the last thing I want you to do. You’re hiring me to help you, which means you don’t have to work on organizing anything before I arrive. So in the spirit of releasing you from this and other misplaced or preconceived ideas regarding working with a professional organizer, here are 10 things you’ll never hear me say, either before I get there, while we’re working together, or after we’re finished.
1. “This is the worst mess I’ve ever seen.”
First, trust me, I’ve likely have seen worse. More importantly, nothing about your space or your disorganization will prevent me from accomplishing what I’ve come to do—help you achieve order and harmony out of chaos and disorganization.
2. “Clean your house before I come.”
In fact, quite the opposite is true. Believe it or not, viewing your space as it normally is allows me to assess what organizational challenges you typically face, and what roadblocks always seem to end up in your path. This information assists me in forming a game plan that will offer you the greatest organizational victories.
3. “Just purchase a book.”
Are books about organization helpful? Sure, they can be. But most folks find more organizational success when someone is sitting and organizing right by their side, in their specific space, and according to their particular needs.
4. “I’ve never seen so much paper.”
I promise, you are not the only one with paper piles. In fact, 85% of the clients I work with are challenged by papers—what to do with the mail when it arrives, where to put papers they need to take action on, where to keep papers that need to be kept, how long to keep significant papers, etc. So don’t worry; we’ll find homes for all of them, and when the next batch arrives, you’ll know just what to do with those too.
5. “You probably have ADD.”
I’m not a therapist, doctor, nurse, or any other member of the medical community (and I don’t even play one on TV!), therefore I’m not trained to diagnosis such things. But what I can tell you is that the organizing methods I sometimes utilize for the unique thinking and processing patterns of those diagnosed with ADHD often work for the non-ADD as well. So it really doesn’t matter because either way, we’ll incorporate a system that helps you come out on top.
6. “Buy random containers before I come.”
Not necessary because as our work together progresses, the systems we’ll put in place for you will most likely evolve as our work together continues, and we’ll use what works best for your personal system. Additionally, I often find that we can successfully repurpose what you’re already using and thus, we may have no need of additional containers.
7. “I can do this without you.”
I really can’t. As an organizer, I don’t know what is okay to throw away, what you need to keep, or what items you treasure. So I’ll need you with me during the purging and re-purposing process. Just as important, working side by side allows me to discern how you process information and organization so I’ll know what kind of system best meets your needs and processing style.
8. “There’s no rest for the weary.”
Not true. I actually want you to be well rested before I come because organizing involves making many decisions, and that can be mentally exhausting. So since we’ve got an important task ahead of us, it will help if you are well rested, energized, and focused so we can make timely progress and efficient decisions.
9. “I’ve got one system that works for every one.”
Except I don’t because it wouldn’t. Everyone is different—personalities, living styles, processing styles, physical space, etc.—so we’ll establish an organizing system that offers you the most personal success.
10. “Let’s keep everything.”
Now you know I’m not going to say that, right? In fact, that’s probably one of the reasons you contacted me, because we need to find workable homes for the things you need and want to keep, and part ways with the things you shouldn’t. And since progress is the name of our organizing game, it will include letting non-essentials go to make space for what really matters.
What You Will Hear:
The bottom line is that whatever it is you might think I’ll say about your current state of disorganization, I won’t. In fact, when I walk into a messy space, I don’t see the chaos—I see the possibilities. I see the puzzle waiting to be solved, and I know the disorganization is not a reflection of the person standing before me. So what you’ll really hear me say is, “I can’t wait to work with you to create the peaceful, orderly environment you’ve been longing for.”
Social Media & Website:
Deborah Zechini, December Organizer of the Month
Meet Deborah Zechini!
Deborah Zechini is the owner and founder of Order in the House in Cary, NC. She provides services in the Triangle and across the USA.
“As long as I can remember, I’ve loved organizing—things, rooms, and people. That came in handy when, by being the first girl in a family of seven kids, it fell to me to assist my mother in the day-to-day household responsibilities. Thankfully, my mother was also a very organized person (she had to be with seven children!) and I learned daily from her how to create organization out of chaos and establish processes for maintaining organization.
I’m a former airline employee and have always loved traveling—for fun and for organizing jobs. I’ve flown from LaGuardia (LGA) to Los Angeles (LAX) and just about everywhere in between.
Throughout my organizing career, I’ve completed 150 hours of extensive, specialized organizational training, and received certification to be an organizer coach. To be honest, that training was a challenge due to my own ADHD. However, through insights gained in those classes and beyond, I’ve discovered an additional passion for helping others also dealing with ADHD, and I offer unique and innovative solutions for the home organization challenges they face. Whether you are ADHD challenged or not, I provide an ongoing range of services and solutions to help cut through the clutter of your home organization projects and needs.”
Social media & website:
FAITHFUL ORGANIZERS’ INTERVIEW WITH DEBORAH ZECHINI
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
Personal Loss Leads to Professional Pivot
Blog post by Mollie Johnson, Professional Organizer and Interior Designer at Called to Order
As we approach the holidays, many of us slow down a bit to focus on upcoming family gatherings and reminisce about the past. When pondering what to write for this November article, I couldn’t help but get nostalgic, myself.
Tragedy Hits Home
Life as I knew it changed forever in July of 2015. My 45-year-old brother, Mark, had died within three months of his cancer diagnosis. Our grandparents lived well into their 80’s and 90’s, so the thought of losing a sibling never even crossed my mind. Like ever. I was devastated.
I remember when most of the family was finally together in Tennessee to begin the lengthy grieving process. While I could recount endless details here of that time, I want to jump ahead a few weeks. After the funeral, everyone made their way back to their respective homes and my parents remained at Mark’s house. There was much to do and they had driven down there from Washington on a previously scheduled road trip, so there was no specific timeline to wrap up his estate. I can assure you, they never thought this is how they would be spending their retirement.
My son and I stayed for a while to help clear out my brother’s two-story home to include 40+ years of collecting. Four decades of borderline hoarding that he just couldn’t conquer. I loved that he asked me to help get his daughters organized when they first moved from Oregon to Tennessee. It was so important for him to help them feel settled in a totally new environment. He had big plans for the house and we were able to tackle some of those projects together years earlier.
But now, here we were without him . . . grieving, sorting, laughing, crying and making countless trips to Goodwill. Because I had started my organizing business seven years earlier, I was able to somehow switch to “business mode” and approach the process methodically and keep us moving forward. I can be a pretty intense workaholic, though, so I had to be aware when I was pushing too hard. My best memory is going through the memorabilia Mark had saved from his childhood. We sat in the living room with my parents one evening looking through photos, toys and trinkets. Looking at those things sparked some memories which brought smiles and laughter. I immersed myself in the task at hand. There was no time to sit and process the weight of it all. That would need to happen later.
It took a week or so of nonstop work for us to empty the house. We had the usual decisions to make (keep, toss, donate), but knew that the “keep” pile couldn’t get too big. On the other hand, I didn’t want to push my parents to make any permanent decisions they weren’t ready for. Yes, we had to be out of Mark’s house at some point, but there were things my mom simply couldn’t part with yet. Let’s just say the UPS store started to recognize us. My mom and dad drove 3,000 miles in a truck, but definitely couldn’t haul all of the keepsakes cross country. My son was very close to his uncle and this was an equally difficult time for him. He was a huge help when my mom asked him to photograph the items she wanted to keep. The idea was she could hold on to the photo and let go of the item.
Business Pivot
This was a turning point for me and my business. Watching my parents endure one of life’s greatest heartbreaks was a helpless feeling. Over the next couple of years, my heart really started pouring out to those clients who were experiencing grief due to loss of a loved one and/or empty nesters who were overwhelmed with decades of sentimental stuff that had just consumed their homes and lives. And they are often simultaneously dealing with the estate of parents who have recently died. It took some time for me to really notice this change in my business. Looking back, I can see this was when my focus started to shift.
Six months after Mark died, I bought a work van and added a little tribute to him on the inside. He would have thought it was pretty cool that my business had grown to the point of reaching this milestone. He was very proud of both of his sisters and he had his quiet way of showing it. On the other side is Scripture that reminds me Who I do this work for.
New State, New Chapter
My husband and I relocated last year. After 15 years in Louisiana, we are starting over…again. I won’t necessarily turn down “regular” organizing jobs, but I am using this opportunity to niche down and connect with fellow empty nesters who could use some help and a fresh perspective as they navigate their next phase of life. There is so much to look forward to and be thankful for. And I have learned, living with less can really help you focus on the life you want.
There are countless blogs out there that do a stellar job offering tips on how to effectively downsize. After years in this business, I know that not everyone is equipped or motivated to DIY it. Let me take this opportunity to suggest why hiring a professional organizer to assist you in this process is a worthwhile investment:
1. Organizers guide you through the process, offer helpful advice to aid in decision-making and keep you from getting bogged down.
2. If you are downsizing for a move, we can make sure you focus on what you will have space for in your new, smaller abode.
3. When family or friends offer to help, it often ends up being more challenging for you. Their intentions are well-meaning, but they can’t remain emotionally detached. An experienced organizer will be empathetic, yet still able to get you to the desired result.
4. At the end of each work day, we haul away donations so that you can see and feel the weight being lifted.
I am aware that the holidays can be a difficult time for some, but this story was not meant to bring you down. God used a terrible loss in my life and through His healing gave me a greater sense of purpose moving forward.
Mollie Johnson is the owner of the interior design and professional organizing business Called to Order. She recently moved back to Washington state after running her business in Louisiana for the past 15 years. Mollie specializes in empty nest organizing and commercial design remodels.
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Contact Info: (509) 539-4564
Mollie Johnson, November Organizer of the Month
Meet Mollie Johnson!
Mollie is a professional organizer and designer who founded Called to Order in 2008. After many years of doing everything in the organizing field, her primary focus is on helping other empty nesters purge decades of accumulation while designing dream spaces for them to enjoy in their new season of life. Commercial design is also a big part of her business. Mollie loves spending time with her husband and considers raising their son her greatest accomplishment.
Faithful Organizers’ Interview with Mollie Johnson
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
Carol Sanborn, October Organizer of the Month
Meet Carol Sanborn!
Before this dream career, my work life revolved around the hospitality and administrative industries. Jobs included Waitstaff, Sales Support, Tour Director, Events Coordinator, Pastor’s Secretary, Office Manager, and School Administrator. That translates to lots of people skills, fine details, and a high level of confidentiality. Through the years, I’ve become adept at creating simple yet efficient ways to accomplish everyday tasks, routines, and special events.
Raised in Los Angeles, I now reside in San Diego with my magnificent college kids and a feisty cat. I am a loyal, funny, and encouraging Jesus follower, daughter, sister, mother, auntie, friend, and volunteer. Between guiding clients along their organizing journey, I make time for family & friends, inspiring books, swimming, and luxuriating in fresh air while marveling at God’s majesty.
FAITHFUL ORGANlZERS’ INTERVIEW WITH CAROL SANBORN
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
Dare to Dig Deeper
Blog post by Carol Sanborn, Professional Organizer and Owner of The Seasoned Organizer, San Diego, CA
“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go inand live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how itwill be with this wicked generation.” ~ Matthew 12:43-45
As PO’s, we understand the importance of an ordered environment. We thrive on the clarity, focus, freedom, energy, creativity, pride, improved relationships, better sleep, and reduced stress that spring from living in an organized home. We understand and embrace it so well that we’ve made careers out of it.
As Christians, we also understand the importance of replacing the lies, guilt, and embarrassment that our clients believe and feel with truth. Matthew 12:43-45 talks about an evil spirit returning to inhabit a home that is ordered, but empty. Unless we take time to delve deeper into their clutter, this is what happens for our clients, in the physical realm.
At first, our clients only see the clutter. They feel its ill effects, but can’t articulate why it bothers them so much. “It feels like the walls are closing in on me.” “I wake up full of energy, but as soon as I go downstairs and see them mess in my kitchen, I want to go back to bed.” They are desperate for relief, and if we only cleared out their mess, they would be thrilled. Theirs would be a home “unoccupied [with Truth], swept clean and put in order.”
But not for long. Soon, without a change in their mindset and behavior, the clutter would return. Unless we help them uncover what lies beneath all their stuff, they are chained to a life of stress and mess.
As PO’s, our job is to help our clients not just eliminate, but to process the clutter. It might look like this:
Q: This Thing: do you like, love, need, want, or use it?
A: Uggg. That.
Q: Where did this item come from?
A: This was my Grandma’s Christmas Plate.
Q: What does the item represent for you?
A: Reminds me of Grandma.
Q: How did that event/person make you feel at the time?
A: My Grandma made me feel loved and special.
Q: How do you feel about that event/person now?
A: I miss her so much
Q: I noticed that you don’t seem to really enjoy this Thing. When you think about letting it go, how does that make you feel?
A: I feel like I’m throwing away my Grandma. I might forget her if I don’t have this Thing.
Q: Is that true?
A: Well, no, I’m not technically throwing her away. But I’m being disrespectful by giving away something that she loved.
Q: Do you love this Thing?
A: No. That makes me feel guilty, too.
Q: Do you think your Grandma would want you to hold on to something you didn’t like?
A: Probably not. But this Thing represents her to me.
Q: Is there something else, perhaps smaller, from your Grandma that you can keep?
A: Yes, I have her wedding ring.
Q: Do you like it?
A: I LOVE it!
Q: Can we replace this 12” Christmas plate with the wedding ring as a reminder of Grandma?
A: Yes.
Q: Feel better?
A: Yes!
Processing the clutter takes time, complete presence, and sensitivity. It slows down our job and the final outcome. It’s uncomfortable and sometimes not well-received. AND, it is so necessary because it gives our clients perspective, insight, and clarity about their stuff, their story, and its significance in their lives.
As they learn to question their clutter, they have more awareness and confidence to make decisions with deeper conviction. NOW they are empowered to continue the process at a faster pace, as well as to adopt a new mindset about their belongings and what they bring into their homes.
Let’s commit to serving our clients not just with know-how and muscle, but with tools to help them stay organized when our job with them is done. Let’s dare to go deeper in helping them think through their resistance so that space can be opened and organized, change can take place, and hope can rise.
Blog written by Faithful Organizer member Carol Sanborn, professional organizer and owner of The Seasoned Organizer. From Carol Before this dream career, my work life revolved around the hospitality and administrative industries. Jobs included Waitstaff, Sales Support, Tour Director, Events Coordinator, Pastor’s Secretary, Office Manager, and School Administrator. That translates to lots of people skills, fine details, and a high level of confidentiality. Through the years, I’ve become adept at creating simple yet efficient ways to accomplish everyday tasks, routines, and special events.
Raised in Los Angeles, I now reside in San Diego with my magnificent college kids and a feisty cat. I am a loyal, funny, and encouraging Jesus follower, daughter, sister, mother, auntie, friend, and volunteer. Between guiding clients along their organizing journey, I make time for family & friends, inspiring books, swimming, and luxuriating in fresh air while marveling at God’s majesty.
Find out more about Carol and her services here: The Seasoned Organizer
Yve Irish, September Organizer of the Month
Meet Yve Irish!
Professional organizer Yve Irish has been helping clients in Rochester, NY to organize their space and time since 2006. Besides clearing the clutter, Yve is dedicated to teaching her clients new skills to maintain newly organized spaces.
Since joining the NAPO in 2010, Yve has been an active volunteer within the Upstate NY NAPO Members Group.
Faithful Organizers’ Interview with Yve Irish
Interview hosted by Sangita Evans, Clear and Hear
Check out Yve Irish’s September blog featured on the website: “Downsizing - An Emotional Journey”.