Expert Advice Tip Sheet -- The Organizing Process -- OnlineOrganizing.com

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	The Organizing Process

	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.

REASONS TO HIRE AN ORGANIZER

organizing is more than just cleaning out
if you don't understand why you accumulate, it will come back again
Professional Organizers serve as holistic "clutter doctors"
eradicate the cause of disorganization, as well its symptoms
create a lasting change in your environment and your organizational habits

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS

learn practical, useful, concrete information
(easy-to-understand organizing techniques that you can implement yourself)
acquire and learn to use the appropriate organizing supplies
(containers, shelving, racks, desk accessories, drawer dividers, etc.)
set up proven, effective, easy-to-use organizing systems
(standardized methods for handling paper, workload, and daily activities)

THREE COMMON PRINCIPLES

Professional Organizers come in all varieties
focus on all areas -- home, office, paper, space, time, etc.
despite differences, all organizers apply 3 common principles to work
1) the reduction of all forms of clutter
(getting rid of anything that wastes time, space, energy, or money)
2) the creation of systems that make everyday jobs easier
(developing effective routines and standardized procedures)
3) the simplification of daily responsibilities
(reducing the amount of time and energy spent on routine activities)

WHAT PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERS DO

can help you change a disorganized environment
(re-organizing storage, home or office layout, cleaning out the "clutter")
help change behaviors that cause disorganization
(procrastination, failure to plan ahead, accumulation of "excess stuff")
monitor and encourage your ongoing progress
(through follow-up visits, phone calls, coaching, "homework" assignments)
teach organizing techniques -- also keep clients motivated and focused
wear many hats -- educator, resource, coach, cheerleader, project manager

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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