So You're Moving

Congratulations! You’re in good company. Millions of Americans have moved since the start of the pandemic—around one in five (!!) according to a July 2020 Pew Research Study.

Moving is exciting yet undeniably disruptive to your routine, no matter how well-executed the move. Many people rate moving more stressful than divorce! Professional organizers can play an important role in minimizing this stress and helping you make a smooth transition.

We’re NOT movers, so what exactly is our role?

For local moves, we always conduct an on-site consultation to determine the scope of the project. For clients moving from out of the area, we set a video call, ideally before their items are packed. It’s very helpful to see your belongings to assess and plan.

Here are some of the key ways SK Organizing serves clients who are moving:

• Pre-listing: If you are selling the house while living there (as opposed to moving out first), you will want to declutter and depersonalize to maximize the appeal of your home to prospective buyers. We’ll help you put away family photos and minimize the “stuff” on horizontal surfaces (countertops, desks, tables, floors) even at the expense of your cabinet space. Boxes often go into the closets, the garage or short term storage. We’re glad to coordinate with your Realtor regarding what needs to be out of sight.

• Pre-move edit: It’s tremendously costly and inefficient to pack, move, unpack, and organize things that you no longer want or need. We’ll review your items together and advise on sell/ donate/ discard options for whatever isn’t coming with you. We have close working relationships with auction houses, consignment stores, charities, and junk haulers to facilitate this process.

• Pre-move sort: If you are sending things to multiple destinations (i.e. split between storage and your new home, or split between family members), we will employ a color-coded post-it system, label everything, and physically group the smaller items according to where they are going.

• Move management: We work closely with several moving and storage companies and can check availability, gather estimates, assist with booking, secure parking permits for the moving truck, coordinate with buildings and gated complexes (collecting COIs, ensuring moving rules are followed), as well as supervise movers during packing, loading and unloading (especially if the client cannot be present). The moving contract and payment is always between the client and the mover directly.

• Vendor management: We have an extensive network of service providers to help with moving-related needs like deep cleaning, art and TV installation, rug and upholstery cleaning, debris removal, new furniture assembly and other tasks. We can provide referrals or book services for days when we will be organizing on-site. We do not up-charge any outside services.

• Unpacking & organizing: There’s no need to live with boxes for weeks or months! We efficiently unbox and/or put away your belongings, optimizing the space for your lifestyle. We can also source organizing products like bins and drawer inserts as needed.

Not every client needs every service, of course. You might just want us to set up the new kitchen. Maybe you’re moving long distance, and only need help editing and sorting. Or maybe you’re juggling full-time responsibilities or can’t be in town and need us to execute the entire move. Each circumstance is unique and it’s a privilege to support our clients through the process.

Let us know how we can help make your upcoming move a success!

So You Want to Be an Organizer

The professional organizing field is expanding even in the midst of 2020’s difficult circumstances. Here are the questions I hear most often from prospective organizers, along with my brief advice…

1. How do I get experience?
First, offer your services to family and friends to build skills and confidence. Collect photos and testimonials! These will be helpful when it comes to creating your website. Also consider working for an established organizer or organizing company. Once you’re ready, start taking clients of your own.

2. Where do I find clients?
Create a website and social media profiles. Don’t let perfectionism stop you! Any web presence is better than none. Attend networking events in your community and with colleagues in the organizing industry. Consider paid advertising — experiment with different platforms to find the best fit. Consider paying for leads with services like Thumbtack or Porch. I found some great clients through Thumbtack in my first year of business.

3. Do I have to be Certified?
The short answer: no. Certified Professional Organizers® have 1,500 hours of documented, paid, hands-on experience and take a computerized exam. The credential is independently accredited and held by fewer than 500 CPOs worldwide. If you’re just getting started, and might be interested in Certification down the road, track your work hours on a spreadsheet.

4. Do I have to start a business?
It’s not legally required, but along with your business insurance and your client agreement, helps to limit your liability. Also, a taxpayer ID number will be needed to open a separate bank account in your business name, so you can keep your professional and personal finances separate. In my area, the least expensive way to start a business is by filing a DBA (“doing business as,” or fictitious business name), which I did before becoming an LLC.

5. How do I know what to charge? Should I charge the same amount for different types of work? For consultations? For cancellations?
There is no one-size-fits-all pricing, which varies with geography and level of experience, among other factors. Take a look at the websites of organizers in your area — some will list rates. (In NAPO, we don’t discuss pricing, which is a violation of our anti-trust policy, but whether or how to charge for consultations and cancellations are topics we can and do discuss.) What’s best for you and your business will change over time!

6. Are organizers working during COVID?
This also varies company to company. Some organizers are only working virtually, some are working on-site with new COVID safety policies and procedures. It’s up to individuals/ businesses to follow the laws, assess the risks, and adapt to local conditions. My team has been working masked during the pandemic. In our experience, demand for organizing and move management services is higher than ever!

7. Will clients work side by side with me for the whole session, or part of it, or not at all?
My clients want all different degrees of participation in the process! Decide for yourself to what extent you will require their involvement, and make sure to communicate your expectations upfront. It may vary by the type of projects you do (i.e. unpacking vs. decluttering.)

8. How do I know what to bring?
A lot of organizers have basic supplies that they bring on all jobs like trash bags, post-its and Sharpies. You can find blog posts and videos about what’s in their “kit” including mine. When it comes to “product" like containers, you will want to communicate clearly with clients in advance about whether you are bringing these or plan to use what they have, and whether and how you are charging for shopping time and returns, or passing along trade discounts.

9. How do I know how long a job will take?
If only there were a magic formula! While you’ll get better at estimating with experience, there are a lot of unknowable variables — especially the the pace at which the client will make decisions. The challenge of judging the duration of projects is one reason many organizers work on an hourly basis.

10. Should I pay for training?
First check out lots of great, free resources and then I highly recommend joining NAPO and taking the NAPO University “Going Pro” Professional Practices classes. Once you’ve joined the national organization, you’ll be eligible to join your local chapter, which is where you’re most likely to gain hands-on experience with other organizers. My NAPO training and connections accelerated my career path by years!

Best of luck and let me know how it goes!

The Bag Problem

Unpack your bags. Yes, all of them. 

In my work with clients, it is not unusual to come across shopping bags full of forgotten purchases; suitcases still packed from long-ago trips; handbag upon tote bag of papers, business cards, candies, tissues, makeup, and money. These bags are not in active use. They have been brought inside and neglected. They are filling up closets and cabinets and sometimes entire rooms. 

Do you have unemptied bags? Do you remember what’s inside them? Of course, the higher the number of bags, the harder it is to keep track of what they contain. These forgotten and unfindable things become “clutter” regardless of their actual value. What is going on here? Are the bags a contributing cause of disorganization, or a result? It seems like a circular problem.

The solution is to unpack your bags. Put away your purchases when you arrive home and you’ll save yourself from buying duplicates and triplicates. Unpack your suitcase immediately after a trip and you won’t have to tolerate a dreaded eyesore in the corner of the bedroom while you frantically search the closet for a shirt you took on your last vacation. Empty the contents of handbags or briefcases you’re not actively carrying and you might well discover long-lost treasures.

Like with any other habit, the habit of unpacking your bags will take practice. Why not make it part of a routine that you do each time you come in the door: i.e. take off shoes, wash hands, empty bags. At first you might need to work on assigning “homes” for categories of items (including types of bags). Enlist the help of a professional organizer if you get stuck. If the habit is easy to execute and you can be consistent about following it, it will gradually become automatic. 

What about bags in active use? Even these – work bags, school bags, gym bags, purses, diaper bags – need to be emptied and repacked regularly. You’ll find things to throw out and others that need to be restocked. And bags of travel-size toiletries? If you want to keep a packed toiletries kit for travel, I recommend limiting yourself to one. Empty it after each trip, toss the trash and repack and replenish the necessities, so it’s ready to go for next time.

You've Got Time: Working from Home During Covid19

Hello from Day 10 of self-quarantine. I was exposed to coronavirus and am very lucky and grateful to be healthy. I am less grateful to be stuck at home. I miss working side by side with my team and clients and the sense of accomplishment we enjoy from seeing the tangible results of our efforts.

There are several worthwhile operational projects that I’m hoping to tackle during this break from being able to offer on-site services. But being productive at home, with its many distractions (including terrifying news of the virus), is especially challenging when we are unsure of how long we have to get things done.

You might have heard of Parkinson’s Law:

Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.

This was the first sentence of an essay published in The Economist in 1955, but it’s certainly been true for a lot longer than that!

I am among the many people who find it challenging to get motivated and stay focused without deadlines and timeframes. I work best under pressure. And how long will we be sheltering in place? Nobody knows. We must get creative to overcome Parkinson’s Law.

Here are a few things I am doing to improve my chances of success:
- Keeping it realistic by focusing on one non-negotiable thing I am going to accomplish each day;
- Keeping myself accountable by telling someone my task in the morning, and having them follow up with me in the evening to check that I did it;
- Keeping to a daily routine (consistent wake-up, mealtimes, and bedtime);
- Keeping track of my progress on a wall chart; and
- Keeping “treats” like TV and sweets as rewards for getting things done.

Creating a conducive workspace is also important. Consider what tools/materials you need as well as your level of physical comfort (chair, lighting, height of the work surface) and the volume of distractions. There isn’t a right or wrong spot. I’ve been preferring working at my kitchen counter instead of my desk. Plenty of my clients work at their dining room tables. Go with what feels best as long as it respects the needs of others in your household.

Is clutter getting in the way of your productivity? Start with clearing your immediate desktop or horizontal work surface of everything except the essentials. The project of organizing the remaining items – sorting like with like, discarding what you no longer want or need, and assigning homes for what you’ll keep – can become one of your daily projects. If it seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller chunks. Try setting a timer. Did you know that working in 25 minute intervals is known as the Pomodoro technique?

Finally, let’s keep things in perspective. This is a very difficult time and we are under tremendous pressures. It’s okay not to be at our most productive. There are brighter, busier days ahead.

You Asked, Shara Answered

Q: Is your own home, like, perfect?

A: I don’t think there’s any such thing as perfection: just the right amount of belongings and level of organization to make you feel at ease. For me, that means having an assigned home for every item. (As they say, organized people are just too lazy to look for things!) There might be dishes to unload, laundry to put away, or mail to process, but I know where it all “lives” and it doesn’t take very long to set in order.

Q: What do you think of Mari Kondo?

A: I am grateful for the boost she has given the industry! More people than ever are aware of professional organizing and its life-changing potential. We love working with clients who have been inspired by Kondo to get started on their organizing journey, but find they could use some hands-on support, or a different method, in order to reach their goals. And while a decluttering sweep through the whole house isn’t always realistic or necessary, we’re big fans of expressing gratitude for the things we’re letting go. And of file folding: it’s a game-changer.

Q: Are you going to tell me to get rid of all my stuff?

A: Definitely not! Being organized isn’t about owning a set number of books or shirts or screwdrivers. It means keeping what you want, knowing what you have, and being able to find and access it. If we’re working on letting things go – because you want to, or in order to respect the limits of a certain space – we’ll be asking questions to determine if you like or use something, and to assess together where it belongs. The decision of what to keep is always your own.

Q: Can I give you things? What if it would look really cute on you or one of your team members?

A: No, our policy is not to accept things from clients: if we are helping you decide what to let go of, we don’t want to have any interest in keeping it for ourselves. On the other hand, we understand that it can be easier to let things go knowing that someone else will make use of them, and we will gladly suggest donation or resale options.

Q: How do you find clients? Are they all celebrities?

A: We’re fortunate that our clients find us, about half of them through referrals or word of mouth and the other half online through search engines, social media, or various directories. Being in LA, many of our clients do have ties to the entertainment industry but you certainly don’t need to be a celebrity to work with a professional organizer! We’ve organized homes from one-bedroom apartments to luxury estates, as well as commercial spaces. Our business organizing clients come from fields as diverse as a hair salon, a superfoods startup, a furniture brand, an event-planning agency and a café. No project is too big or too small. We look forward to hearing about yours!

Letting It Go (part 2)

Feelings of guilt over things going to waste can be enough for many of us to put off much-needed edits of our belongings. When tackling a project that involves letting things go, SK Organizing likes to identify ways to minimize what ends up in the trash without over-complicating the process. We choose a handful of destinations that can accommodate different categories of items no longer serving our clients.

In the previous post, we talked about options for selling and giving things away. Now let’s look at donating and recycling: two important ways to support our communities and the environment while creating the space we desire.

DONATING: Depending on your location, there are probably a variety of local charities that will accept your unwanted goods. They’re typically interested in lightly-used, sellable items only. Some charities will pick up if you submit a request and send pictures of large items (like furniture). Plan in advance! If you live in a multi-unit building or gated complex, it’s a good idea to check the association rules and insurance requirements before scheduling a pickup.

If making a donation of significant value, talk to your tax professional about how to assess that value and what documentation you will need. Working with a professional organizer? Make sure to communicate about whether and how they charge to drop off your donations, where donations will be taken (especially if you have specific destinations in mind), and what kind of record you’re looking for: a donation receipt specifying how many bags or boxes of each category, or a detailed inventory with pictures of each item? Keep in mind that this choice will affect the pace and therefore cost of the project.

SK Organizing frequently donates to:

• Goodwill for clothing and household goods

• National Council of Jewish Women for clothing and household goods

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore for furniture, home décor, and building materials

• Rebookit for collections of 200 or more books

• The Lange Foundation (animal rescue) for towels and blankets

• Big Sunday’s The Big List is a great resource for matching a specific donation to a charity that needs it.

Donation alternative: If you don’t need a tax receipt, or don’t have time to drop things off or wait for a pickup, consider giving things to neighbors for free by listing on sites like Nextdoor.com, Facebook Marketplace, and Freecycle.

RECYCLING & HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE: As you tackle your downsizing and organizing project, you might be surprised how much space is being occupied by cardboard packaging and other items that can be easily recycled. Consider scheduling your clean-out for the day prior to your regular pickup, as bins can fill up quickly. But when it comes to electronics and other items that need special handling, it’s worth a bit of extra effort to dispose of them properly. A professional organizer can help!

SK Organizing’s go-to resources include:

• UCLA S.A.F.E. collection center for oil, batteries and household chemicals

• Earth911.com to search by zip code for where to drop off 350 different types of material

• Homeboy Recycling for electronics (they also restore and rent out vintage electronics)

• Madewell for denim (recycled into insulation for new housing with Habitat for Humanity!)

• Certain CVS locations and hospital pharmacies for prescription medications

Extra credit: More and more retailers and brands are offering recycling-for-rewards programs for whole categories of merchandise (i.e. H&M for clothing, DSW for shoes) or specific to their own items (i.e. MAC cosmetics, Eileen Fisher clothing, Nespresso coffee pods; see also this helpful directory by Terracycle). If you are loyal to certain stores or products, a store drop-off or manufacturer mail-in program may be worthwhile!

Lastly, make a mental note of what you’re letting go. Being conscious of what we no longer want or need can help inform our buying habits going forward. Spend less money, create less waste, and have less to keep organized!

Letting It Go (part 1)

We encourage clients to say goodbye to things that they no longer want or need, but letting go doesn’t necessarily mean putting things in the trash. In fact, seeing lots of stuff headed for the landfill can be one of the biggest downers of working as a professional organizer.

There are often alternatives including:

• Selling

• Giving away

• Donating

• Recycling

It’s a thrill turning your discards into money – sometimes offsetting the costs of organizing and beyond. There is satisfaction in passing things on to those who can use them or benefiting a worthy cause. And we all rest better when potentially harmful things are disposed of safely and properly.

The flip side of this is that it can quickly become overwhelming to find a destination (let alone the BEST destination) for each and every item being let go. In fact, many people we work with know exactly what they want removed from their space, but aren’t sure how to make it go away.

In order to keep the organizing process on track, we limit ourselves to choosing a handful of destinations for different categories of items. Here are some of our go-to resources.

SELLING: Getting our clients cash for unwanted items? Yes, please. We turn to…

• Trove.LA for local consignment of clothing and home décor

• The RealReal for online consignment of luxury items in mint condition

• ThredUp for online consignment of apparel including mall brands

• Regeneration for upfront sale of vintage apparel and accessories

• Abell Auction Company for estate sales (art, high-end furniture, décor)

• Roxbury Jewelry for appraisal and sale of gold and fine jewelry

• Amazon Trade-In for electronics and some media

• OfferUp for selling furniture locally (exercising caution not to spend more time than a thing is worth)

• JLF Appraisal Services for coins and collectibles, or if otherwise stumped!

GIVING AWAY: It’s a generous impulse to give things to friends and family, coworkers or household help, but let’s consider:

• Who is the recipient? Only save things for a specific person who agrees to take them.

• What are they taking? Be mindful that the things you’re giving are truly wanted or needed, so your clutter doesn’t become someone else’s problem.

• How are the items getting to their destination and who is paying associated costs?

• Where are you keeping things until they are picked up or shipped?

• When is this happening…is it scheduled?

More to come! Stay tuned for resources for donating and recycling in Letting it Go, part 2.

It's In the Bag

We like to be prepared and never mind a Mary Poppins joke! Our standard organizing kit currently consists of two shoulder bags and a few larger items.

1.     The bag of tricks: The bag itself is a Baggallini, a line designed by travel agents to be the ultimate carry-ons. We love all the compartments!

-  Outside pocket #1: DYMO Label Manager 280 and charger (no worrying about batteries)

- Outside pocket #2: Eco-friendly all-purpose wipes

- Inside, in labeled gallon baggies, in a variety of sizes, colors, etc.:

• Tapes & adhesives

• Bags & baggies

• Tags & ties

• Hooks

• Post-Its

• Label tape cartridges

• Protective equipment (i.e. gloves, shoe covers, masks)

• Picture hanging kit

• Magic sliders & felt pads

2.     The bag of tools:

- In an Art Bin:

• Scissors

• Utility knives

• Cordless screwdriver

• Folding 24” ruler

• Rotary cutter

• Hammer

• Rubber mallet

• Hole punch

• Pliers (for moving shelf pegs)

• Lemon oil (for removing stickers)

• Tape measures (hard and soft)

- A folder with card-stock & large printable labels

- Office supply kit: sharpies, pens, pencils, highlighter, oil pen, binder clips, paper clips…

- Micro-fiber cloths

3.     The bigger stuff:

- Lifetime 4’ adjustable height folding table(s): these raise up to 36,” key for working while standing

- Step ladder

- Contractor bags: our favorite are the Target brand

- Large clear recycling bags, such as Ultrasac

- Stackable hampers for sorting

4.     Just when needed:

- Rolling garment racks

- Instant camera

- Laminating machine

- Home office shredder (we call a shredding truck for bigger jobs)

Want sources for anything that’s not linked? Are we missing your favorite organizing tool? Let us know!

SK Organizing may be rewarded as an Amazon Affiliate for purchases made via some of these links.

So You've Hired a Professional Organizer

Congratulations! If it’s us, we’re so looking forward to working with you! Here are a few suggestions for what to expect and how to make the most of your investment in getting organized.

***

Please don’t: apologize for your “mess” or ask us to compare you with other clients. We’re not judging you – we’re here to help.

Please do: give us a chance to win over your skeptical partner. Some of our most enthusiastic clients started out as the reluctant spouse or colleague. As long as we have their consent to organize shared belongings, we look forward to showing them what we can do.

***

Please don’t: straighten up in advance of our visits. In fact, seeing the typical state of things helps us determine the right solutions.

Please do: (if possible) make arrangements for kids and pets to be out of the space where we’re organizing. Adorable as they are, it’s better for their safety and our efficiency if they can be elsewhere during the session.

***

Please don’t: panic when you see the contents of a closet or a room all spread out. It will look worse before it looks better. Sorting is a key step of the process.

Please do: communicate! The more you share with us about your goals, style, and habits, the better we can customize the results. If there is something misplaced that you’d be excited to find, please tell us so we can alert you if it’s discovered…we enjoy the treasure hunt, too!

***

Please don’t: worry about us getting rid of your stuff. We will always obtain your permission before donating or disposing of anything.

Please do: make time during our appointments to review and give feedback, if not in person then via text or video call. If you prefer to work side by side with us, please expect that it can be physically and emotionally draining (more so when it is your own belongings). You’ll want to be well-rested, fed and hydrated and take breaks as needed.

***

Please don’t: confuse the pace of reality TV for reality. Our project will not be completed in the 30 minutes it takes to remodel, redecorate, or reorganize a house on television.

Please do: expect to see real progress with each session! Organizing takes work but the payoff is relatively quick and tangible (compared with exercising, for instance) and we’ll be documenting what we achieve.

***

Please don’t: despair over “backsliding.” Life happens and your level of organization can take a hit. If you need help keeping things on track, we can schedule routine maintenance (monthly, seasonal or twice yearly) or set refresh appointments as needed.

Please do: make an effort at maintaining the systems we create. Like other things, organization gets easier with practice and can become routine.

***

Please don’t: stay silent if there’s something we suggest or do that isn’t working for you. We want to know so we can address it.

Please do: spread the word if you’re happy with our service! A referral is the highest compliment you can give.

Why Organizing Matters

Sure, an organized space is aesthetically pleasing. Matching bins and printed labels make for beautiful “after” photos. But organizing is important for reasons far beyond aesthetics. What keeps me so excited about my work is the transformational effect on my clients’ quality of life.

For instance…

Time: What’s the value of an extra 91 hours? This is the amount of time you’ll save over the course of a year if you shave 15 minutes off your morning routine by being more organized in the closet, bathroom, and-or kitchen. Think of how much faster you get ready when traveling because you’ve narrowed down your options and everything is close at hand. It’s very achievable to mimic this at home by eliminating clutter and arranging things efficiently, i.e. storing like with like and keeping things close to where they are used, with everyday items getting place of priority.

Money: There are literal savings to be achieved in not buying duplicates of things you know you own but cannot find, or have forgotten about because they are pushed to the back of an overfull cabinet or drawer. Your items will last longer if they are stored properly and it will be easier to maintain them if they’re easily accessible. You’ll save on storage, you’ll save on your next move. If issues with paper organization are resulting in late fees and interest charges, perhaps even impacting your credit score, getting organized can be of major financial benefit.

Stress: Disorganization is stressful. Piles of stuff on your desk, table, counters or floor signaling to your mind that your work is never done? Running late because you left something behind? Perhaps clutter is impacting relationships with family or others who share the space. It might be making you feel bad about yourself. Organizing on your own or with a pro will take an investment of time and effort, but the process should yield a calmer, less stressful environment

Heath: A better organized space is easier to keep clean, which means breathing in less dust and dirt and avoiding pests. Clean countertops and organized pantries can promote healthier food choices by inspiring you to cook with fresh ingredients. Letting go of expired food and medications can prevent serious illness. Less stuff in the bedroom may lead to better sleep, and thereby help your mind and body function at their best.

Organizing can be truly life-changing. Don’t get me wrong. I like containers, too. But it’s not about the containers.