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	Choosing A Professional Organizer
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

BACKGROUND AND CREDENTIALS

• How long have you been a Professional Organizer?
• What is your educational background?
• What kind of work did you do before becoming an organizer?
• Why did you become a Professional Organizer?
• Are you a member of NAPO? Any other professional groups?
• Do you have any relevant certifications or distinctions?
• Can you provide me with 5 client references that I may contact?

METHOD OF WORKING

• Do you have a "minimum" size job?
• What is a standard length session? How often would we meet?
• What is your organizing philosophy?
• What is expected of me during work sessions? What can I expect of you?
• Do you provide supplies? Will you shop for supplies? What is the fee?
• Do you bring in assistants or work alone?
• Can you refer me to other related services if I need them?
• Do you assign "homework" between organizing sessions?
• Would we work in person or over the phone?

POLICIES AND FEES

• Do you charge by the hour, the day, or the project for your services?
• Do you charge for travel? How much?
• Do you guarantee your work in any way?
• Do you have a cancellation policy? What is it?
• Do you charge extra to work nights or weekends? Any other fees?
• Do you offer a free on-site consultation? If you charge for it, how much?
• Do you have a written contract or letter of agreement?
• Are you insured or bonded?

SERVICES

• What business or corporate organizing services do you provide?
• What residential organizing services do you provide?
• Do you put on workshops or speaking engagements?
• Do you work with seniors? Children? Students?
• Do you work with ADD / ADHD or chronically disorganized clients?
• Do you work with disabilities? Learning disorders? Traumatic brain injury?
• Do you work with groups or just individuals?

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

"Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook."

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