When people hear I am an organizer they think “Is that actually a job?” or actually say out loud “Oh that’s nice, you help people with their kitchens and closets.” I respond, “Not really I partner with people to live better their lives, whatever that means for each client.” I have helped people create systems for all kinds of lifestyles to be happy, productive people. I have helped people see new possibilities for themselves, reach goals for grades or home life, and to have more peaceful surroundings. Being organized is a relative term but it basically means being able to function wherever someone lives or works. It isn’t always sweet; there are tears, exhaustion, and overwhelm. I help guide them through major life changes. I am an organizer coach.
According to NAPO (the National Association of Professional Organizers (PO), who are currently voting on a name change) the definition for professional organizer is as follows:
A Professional Organizer enhances the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and through transferring organizing skills.
And the definition of a professional coach is as follows:
A trained professional who partners with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
Hiring a PO can be life great for many. Clients learn new ways to manage their space and time. POs work in different situations. Some teach techniques, develop systems, provide guidance and support, assist in sorting stacks of paper, files, toys, clothing, memorabilia, family heirlooms and other forgotten treasures in attics, basements and the ‘spare’ bedroom that doubles as a catch all room.
For many people, finding a home for everything isn’t enough. In order for them to obtain long-term maintenance of their spaces and their time, they need to dive deeper into the whys and the hows. An Organizer Coach may spend in-person sessions or phone calls clarifying long-term goals, bringing awareness of how disorganization is impacting their client’s life, connecting actions with long-term goals in addition to everything else a PO does but with a partnership in mind instead of an expert.
Coaching is not therapy, nor is it intended to replace therapy. Your organizer coach may want to work in conjunction with your therapist if you have one.
The word partner in the definition is important. Organizer coaches will not come in as expert telling you how to organize but will help you discover what will work with you. The combination of organizing and coaching can be powerful. Bringing results that just may change your views about yourself, your relationships, your work, your joys and everything else in your life.
If you think the combination of organizing and coaching would be beneficial to you, please find someone who is well trained in both coaching and they type of organizing you need to be done. You want an organizer coach who is trained to International Coach Federation standards for coaching that will have the skills required to ensure your coaching work is in line with your needs, values, strengths, goals and situations. There are no standards for the professional organizer part so look for someone who has invested time in training.