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 and a link to www.RamonaCreel.com.

Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. 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. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook profile, and subscribe to her blog feeds.

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