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When to Hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer: 7 Signs to Get Outside Help

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If you feel like you’re overwhelmed and drowning in “stuff” or you never have time to get anything done, it’s time to hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer.

 

A Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach can help you make a plan for getting organized, avoid time-wasting mistakes, and save you a lot of money in the long run! If attempts to get organized on your own have not led to the desired results, it may be time to get professional advice.

 

I strongly suggest you keep reading if you relate to any of the following areas:

  • Moving or renovating your home
  • Going through a major life change
  • Feeling stuck and unmotivated in life
  • Feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the amount of “stuff
  • Never have the time to get organized in your home or workspace
  • You’re ready to take your organization to the next level

 

Then now is the time to call in an expert!

 

When to Hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer

 

 

Hi, I’m Sherry Borsheim, Founder of Simply Productive! I’ve been a Professional Organizer for over two decades and a Productivity Coach for 18+ years. My expertise is in helping working professionals, business owners, and busy moms calm their chaos at home and get organized at work so they can have more time, freedom, and calm in their lives.

 

 

I have truly seen it all over the years; from mountains of loose papers, 1000s of archive boxes, digital file chaos, to-do lists on notepads for years, homes literally filled to the front door, books piled against walls, overflowing closets, toys and legos scattered all over the house, and so on.

 

It doesn’t matter how much chaos and disorganization is in your space, I’m here to help you in person or virtually. As your Coach and Consultant, I’m on your team working to get you from point A → point B faster than you could do it alone!

 

 

Do’s and Don’ts of Seeking Professional Help

 

If I can tell you one thing it’s this – Do not wait until you NEED TO get it done.

 

The most frequent calls I get from clients are when a crisis hits or an important deadline is fast approaching. That’s when I get the panic text, frantic call, or email desperately searching for help.

 

My goal is to help you get organized before the pressure hits. If you know a life change is going to be approaching soon, be proactive and hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer to get prepared beforehand. Dealing with a big emergency, sudden loss, or strict deadline is already a lot on its own. Throw in the pressure of decluttering or getting organized in a tight timeline and you’ve got a recipe for a stressful burnout!

 

Doing your future-self a favour early on makes these inevitable transitions smoother and a lot less stressful. Plus you’ll save yourself time and money along the way!

 

Procrastinating on the First Step

 

The ultimate goal we’re aiming for at home and in our workspace is to create more joy, peace, and freedom in your life. And you already practice this!

 

When your computer crashes and you need tech support, you call an expert to help solve your problems. If your fridge suddenly stops working, you bring in a technician to diagnose and solve the problem. So why does it take so long to ask for help and hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer when it comes to clutter, disorganization, and digital disorder?

 

Often, people are embarassed, they simply don’t know how to find the right type of expert for the problem they want solved or who to call about it. But they will know the feeling of being stuck, not sure where to start, and growing tired of wasting time looking for things. This is the time to ask for help!

 

 

What is a “Professional Organizer?”

 

Professional Organizers specialize in specific areas of physical and digital organization, as well as productivity.

 

An expert Organizer may specialize in moving + downsizing, ADHD, closet organizing, closet design, performance + productivity, paper management, digital file management, and many other areas.

 

There are also common traits of Professional Organizers. The most important of which is that they are problem solvers, non-judgemental, goal-oriented, and can see through the clutter. They will help the client through the sorting and decision-making process by advising on what to keep and what to let go of.

 

Organizers are experts with a special set of skills and knowledge in both organizing and setting up systems. They are trustworthy, respectful, and there to help create order either in person with you or collaborating virtually. They also have a special skill set to see past the clutter and help to create the desired organized space. Continue reading to learn about the different services you may require when you go to hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer!

 

 

A Productivity Coach + Professional Organizer in One

 

A Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach creates personalized organizing solutions for the client, making sure that they are able to maintain the systems for years to come. When you hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer you will likely only receive help in areas of their individual expertise. By hiring someone with experience in both areas, you get the best of both worlds!

 

It is not sufficient to introduce organization to a space without having a system to keep up with it. This is where the expertise of a Productivity Coach compliments the abilities of an Organizer perfectly!

 

These types of Coaches are accountability partners while you’re going through each phase and truly want the very best for you, your team, and your family. They usually work with clients over many years to help level up, optimize, and maintain the organizing systems as life is not stagnant and things will always keep coming in. We all know how busy life can get!

 

A Productivity Coach works with you either in person or virtually and is an expert in several of these key areas: 

    • Time management
    • Project planning and prioritizing
    • Paper and digital file organizing
    • Calendar and to-do list balancing
    • Email systems and management
    • Systems and processes for businesses
    • Organizing Projects
    • And so much more!

 

Hiring a Professional: 7 Signs to Get Outside Help

 

Let’s take a look at the top 7 reasons that may drive someone to hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer, or a combination of both:

 

  1. Overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

  • This is the #1 reason people call me!
  • Want a fresh perspective, someone who’s non-judgmental, help to overcome the mountain of clutter and chaos
  • Don’t know where to begin decluttering or organizing
  • Analysis Paralysis
  • Stuck in a cycle of → feel depressed or anxious due to the clutter → want to do something about it → beginning → lost motivation before project completion

 

  1. Don’t know what to keep and what to get rid of.

  • Decision Fatigue (on average, we make over 5000 decisions each day)
  • Lots of sentimental items that are difficult to let go of
  • Quitting within the first 30 minutes from frustration and confusion
  • Don’t know which things you may need later in life
  • Not sure where to donate, recycle, or discard of certain items

 

  1. Life changes, transitions, or deadlines.

  • First baby on the way or adding an additional member to the family/household
  • Taking care of a loved one
  • Health changes or illness
  • A new job, temporarily not working, or retiring
  • Beginning a new school year
  • Teenagers leaving for college, university, or moving out for the first time
  • A loved one passes away
  • Moving and home renovations (believe it or not THERE IS a deadline, and most leave their panic to the last minute)

 

 

→ Ask for help today and minimize the stress in your life! Hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer here.

  1. Shiny Object Syndrome.

  • Buying all the latest trending organizing products with high hopes but lacking action
  • Downloading the latest trending productivity apps but not being consistent with using them
  • Hoping something new will come along to solve their problem but it never does
  • Taking out and enjoying old photos, then realizing they’re spread all over the place and they aren’t sure how to organize them
  • Digital chaos – files and photos spread all over the place physically and digitally (on their phone’s camera roll, Dropbox, Evernote, Reminder apps, Google Drive, Google Photos, Apple Photos) with no system for organizing files and photos

 

  1. Information overload.

  • Way too many important papers to keep track of (but the clearer that gets, the better organized your workspace and home become!)
  • When they’re taking on too much, saying yes to everyone, and their schedule is beyond full, everything important takes 2nd place and piles up fast
  • The limitations of their existing systems have been met and they need to level them up
  • Getting information organized for their Life Change, Transition, or Deadline
  • A change of job
  • Move to a new home or city
  • Medical condition change
  • How to fit everything they own into a smaller home or micro-condo

 

  1. Ready to make a lasting change.

  • Have had enough of the way their life currently is and it’s no longer working for them
  • They are open-minded and ready to embrace new habits and organizing skills
  • Wanting to teach their children these life-changing skills that they will utilize in their adult life
  • Longing for personalized systems that work for them

 

  1. Not having systems in place or routines to follow.

  • Consistently can’t find important things like keys, glasses, wallets, health records, passports
  • Can’t find important digital files
  • Can’t find important business files
  • Email inbox is flooded with 1000s of emails
  • Forgetting and losing track of appointments, events, or important dates

 

 

Organizing is less about perfection and more about reducing stress and increasing efficiency. Hiring an organizer saves you time, money, and improves your quality of life.

 

Are you thinking you want to hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer, but feeling like you need to clean up before you call? Then you need to know this – the help you choose to hire actually BENEFITS from seeing the mess as it naturally is! This is because it helps to see what’s working and what’s not working.

 

Reach out to an Organizer or Productivity Coach with your concerns! They can answer any questions you may have and help you calm the worry in your mind about what to expect.

 

Remember, an organized way of living brings peace and calm to your home, office, and life… so as soon as you make that first call, you’re on the right track!

 

 

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FAQ

 

Q: Does clutter really cost me time, money, and space?

 

A: Have you tried getting organized before? Maybe you’ve read a how-to book or bought a bunch of organizing products to get started, only to realize that they didn’t fit or work like you thought they would? There’s a reason so many desire to be organized and reduce the clutter in our lives. Consider the emotional cost clutter weighs on you. Financial costs like late fees, buying mistakes, purchasing unnecessary duplicates, misplacing bills, missing important deadlines, monthly storage locker fees, and so on. When you hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer expert, it’s worth the additional cost as they will get the job done faster than you can do it on your own!

 

 

Q: What is a Professional Organizer’s process?

 

A: Each Organizer will have their own way of doing things in their unique organizing process. Are you looking to solve a particular problem or have concerns about working on a certain space? Your best chance to find a Professional Organizer with the skills you need is to talk with a few different providers and ask about their process.

 

Typically there’s an assessment either done over the phone or in person. Then, an Organizer or Coach shares the next steps, available packages, and an estimated timeline with you before scheduling dates to get started.

 

 

Q: What are the fees of a Professional Organizer?

 

A: Organizers charge for their services either by the hour or on a project-by-project basis. For in-person organization services, they typically have a minimum on-site session of 3 to 4 hours. Professional Organizers may offer a free initial consultation by phone or charge for an initial on-site assessment. To be sure you receive exactly what you are looking for, make sure to ask what’s included in the cost of their service.

 

Some things to consider regarding the costs of these services are:

  • Will they be working with a team?
  • Do they charge for deskwork at their office?
  • Will they provide product sourcing and pickup services?
  • Do they deal with your consignment and donation items?
  • Will they dispose of any unwanted items or arrange a removal service for you?
  • Do they have a travel fee?
  • Do they purchase products on your behalf?

 

 

Q: What hours do Professional Organizers work?

 

A: Depending on the Professional Organizer in question, most typically work weekdays, some weekends, during the day, and/or evenings. If you work during the day, an Organizer can spend an hour with you making decisions and planning the project, then they will deal with the sorted piles while you are out picking up kids from school, doing errands, or have a meeting to be at. Just know that when you hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer, they should be more than willing to work around your available times!

 

 

Q: What are “On-site Organizing Services?”

 

A: On-site organizing services involve a Professional Organizer coming into your physical home or office to help declutter and optimize your space. These experts work closely with you to develop personalized plans that streamline spaces based on your needs, create easy-to-maintain storage solutions, and enhance the overall serenity of your home or office. Their aim is to transform your chaotic areas into tidy, functional spaces. This makes it easier for you to find what you need and manage your time better. Hiring a Professional Organizer for on-site service is ideal for those facing clutter or time management challenges as it helps you bring your organizing vision to life effectively and reduces your stress.

 

 

Q: What are “Virtual Organizing Services?”

 

A: Experienced Professional Organizers and Productivity Coaches are able to help you create organizing plans of action virtually as well. This service is perfect if you want to implement the plan of action on your own and just need help with a strategy and planning the next action steps. Also, if you live in a remote area, have time constraints, or are looking to work with someone specific who is not otherwise available in your area.

 

Virtual organizing works best when you are motivated to deal with the sorting process yourself and just want expert guidance and accountability on setting up your own organizing systems. They can also help you source products which will save you a lot of your own time and money! Working with a Professional Organizer or Productivity Coach can help you virtually create personalized organizing systems that will work for you, your family, your business, and your team.

 

 

Summary

 

If you find yourself drowning in household clutter, overwhelmed by digital disorganization, or constantly battling against the clock at work, it’s time to reach out for help. There is no shame on either end when you hire a Productivity Coach or Professional Organizer!

 

Bringing in a Professional Organizer or Productivity Coach can be the key to regaining control of your life. They’ll offer you valuable assistance in creating a plan for getting organized, guide you to avoid costly mistakes, and manage your time for more peace of mind.

 

If you relate to any of the scenarios we’ve discussed – from major life changes to the never-ending battle with “stuff” – now is the perfect moment to take that important step! Remember, seeking professional guidance is a proactive choice to improve your life. Don’t wait until a crisis strikes; support your future-self today and invest in your own well-being. As soon as you make that call, you’re on the path to a more organized and stress-free life!

 

 

 

 

 

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7 Important Questions to Ask When Decluttering Your Digital Photos

By Blog, Digital Minimalism, Digital Organizing, Quick Organizing Tips No Comments

In today’s age of technology, decluttering your digital photos is more pressing than ever!

 

We could just rely on cloud storage, external hard drives, and all our old phones and laptops to store these photos. But when you’ve got 5 dinosaur phones and no chargers to fit them, maxed-out hard drives, and really old laptops, and are paying a ton in cloud storage fees, are you in control of your photos? Or does it seem the other way around?

 

Our lives are now beautifully documented through digital photos. From capturing family vacation highlights to preserving holiday moments with loved ones, our digital photo albums have become more like time capsules.

 

However, as these libraries grow, so does the challenge of managing and organizing our photo collections.

 

So as you’re beginning this project, make it a habit to start by working a little bit on them each day. Ask yourself these 7 important questions to decide which digital photos should stay or go!

 

 

7 Important Questions to Ask When Decluttering Your Digital Photos

 

 

  1. Is This Photo Meaningful?

The first question you should ask when you start decluttering your digital photos is, “Is this photo meaningful?

 

This basic question alone can make a significant difference in the bulk of your photo library. Just like in a physical closet, digital clutter accumulates over time and often without us noticing until it’s really full.

 

As you are decluttering your digital photos, be honest with yourself and let the “just in case” stories go. If the photo doesn’t hold any special significance to you, then it’s just taking up space on your phone or in cloud storage and it’s time to delete it.

 

 

  1. Will I Ever Use or Share This Digital Photo?

Decluttering your digital photos is not easy to do, especially when you think you might use or share them someday. However, “someday” rarely ever comes, so it’s important to assess if these intentions are realistic.

Think about how likely it is that you’ll actually use or share a particular photo. If you’ve had it stored away for years without thinking about it, it’s not likely you will need it any time soon.

 

Focus on only keeping the photos that you genuinely plan to use or share in the future!  I often say, “Keep the best of the best!

  1. Does This Photo Contribute to My Story?

Your digital photo collection tells a story of your life, loved ones, and memories. Since each photo contributes to this timeline in some way, you’ll need to evaluate whether a photo adds value to your overall story.

 

Think about whether the photo makes sense to be in your collection and if it enhances your memory of that particular experience. If it doesn’t add value to your memory or experience, it’s probably better to remove it.

 

  1. Is This a Good Quality Photo?

Quality matters when it comes to digital photos! As you go through your collection, pay attention to the overall photo.

 

Are there blurry parts? Is the photo flattering to the subject? Is anyone cut out of the frame? Is the lighting bad? Are there duplicates with minor-to-no variation?

Snaps with significant quality issues should be deleted. After all, what could you do with them? Keeping only high-quality photos will help you maintain a more organized and polished-looking digital photo library.

 

  1. Does This Digital Photo Have Duplicates?

The main culprit of digital clutter is often multiple photos of the same subject. These photos often occupy valuable storage space without adding much unique value.

 

Search for duplicate or near-identical images within your collection. Pick your favorite version and delete the extras.

  1. Does This Photo Hold Strong Sentiments?

We often use our digital photos as a way to capture emotional moments. While some may hold sentimental value, others might bring back negative emotions and memories.

 

As you are decluttering your digital photos, evaluate whether they provoke positive or negative emotions. It’s okay to let go of photos that bring negativity or discomfort. Your future self may even thank you for not having to see them again.

 

Focus on preserving photos that make you feel happy, inspired, or nostalgic for a great time!

 

 

  1. Does This Photo Bring Me Joy?

Ultimately, the most important question to ask is whether or not a photo brings you joy. Just like with physical items in your home, your digital photos should make you feel positive, uplifting emotions!

 

Go through your collection one last time and assess each photo’s impact on your mood. Keep the ones that bring a smile to your face and help you reminisce precious moments. If you’re indifferent to any, think about whether they’re important enough to keep or if you could be okay with letting them go. Then let go of the rest that don’t make you feel your best and enjoy a clutter-free, happy digital photo library!

 

When you’re decluttering your digital photos frequently, you’ll be able to easily find and enjoy your favourite memories.

When you curate your digital photo collection, you’re not just creating a tidier virtual space; you’re crafting a visual representation of your life that’s easy to revisit and share! The moments you love most are now at your fingertips, ready to enjoy whenever you please.

 

Your memories are meant to be celebrated, and an organized digital photo collection ensures you can do just that. Let go of the burden of unnecessary photo clutter today and make your digital albums a place you actually enjoy scrolling through!

 

Looking to improve your digital organization in other areas, too? Check out our new Digital Declutter Training!

Visit Training →

 

When will you schedule your next digital decluttering session? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

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Sorting Paper Clutter With The F.A.S.T. System

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It’s easy to get through sorting paper clutter with the F.A.S.T. system!

 

I’m so excited to unveil this tried-and-true strategy that I’ve perfected over the past two decades. This approach has helped 1000’s of my clients navigate through years of paperwork.

 

From collections of the tiniest scraps to entire storage rooms filled with archive boxes, I’ve seen it all! I’m here to guide you through the steps of this simple and effective method for conquering your paper clutter.

 

As someone who has dedicated years to organizing and streamlining paper systems, I’ve developed a handful of techniques that allow you to swiftly sort without feeling overwhelmed. The goal is to make paper organization a manageable – and even enjoyable! – process 🙂

 

Did you know that people spend a significant amount of time each day searching for information amidst clutter? Imagine what it would be like to reclaim that time… maybe it’s an hour a day, which builds up to five whole hours a week. What would you do with all that extra time? You could finally be able to redirect it toward activities you truly enjoy but never have time to do or a side hustle you’ve been trying to get off the ground for years!

 

So let’s dive right into my top 10 strategies for decluttering your spaces and taming those unruly paper piles.

 

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Sorting Paper Clutter With The F.A.S.T. System

 

 

  1. Start with the Visible Piles First

When tackling paper chaos, begin with what’s right in front of you. It’s tempting to dive into hidden storage spaces that we know are the fullest. But visible clutter is actually the perfect place to start as it will help our minds feel the best throughout the rest.

 

Whether it’s your kitchen counter, home office desk, or any other surface, designate one spot as your starting point (to make this even more efficient, gather all the scattered piles into one location, like a laundry basket). This strategy is about seeing quick and immediate progress. As you clear the visible piles, you’ll start to feel motivated by the transformation of the newly cleared surfaces! Starting with this visible clutter sets a positive tone for the rest of the process, and you can visually enjoy all your hard work along the way. Let those shoulders drop and release.

 

  1. Gather Your Supplies

 

Before you dive into the actual sorting process, ensure you have the right supplies at hand. Grab a few boxes, baskets, or bins – even a shoebox will do. You’ll also need post-it notes and a pen. Label each box: “File,” “Action,” “Shred,” “Recycling,” and “Other Room.” Setting up your sorting station streamlines the process and helps you make quick decisions about each piece of paper. This is because you’ll already have a place to categorize them for the next step.

 

Photo @traceyaytonphotography
Styling @la_concepts

  1. Implement the F.A.S.T. Method

 

Here’s where the magic happens🪄

 

F.A.S.T. stands for “File,” “Act,” “Schedule,” and “Toss.” So as you are sifting through your paper piles, apply this acronym to each piece. Does the paper require filing away for future reference? Is there an immediate action to take? Should it be scheduled into your calendar for a specific date? Or is it something to get rid of through recycling or shredding? The F.A.S.T. system cuts through the drawn-out decision-making process, making sorting much more efficient. Simply File, Act, Schedule, or Toss – repeat this mantra as you go through your papers, and watch your piles disappear.

 

  1. Pick Out The Bulk

 

To make the most significant difference in your paper piles, focus on thicker items first. Gather all magazines, binders, file folders, and bulky documents. By addressing these items early on, you’ll see a noticeable difference in the physical volume of your stacks. This visual progress serves as a great motivator to keep you going!

 

 

  1. Create Your “Action File System”

Designate a space for your “Action File System.” This will be the area for papers that require action but not immediately. Whether it’s a bulletin board or an in-tray, this simple system keeps your pending tasks front and center. Nearby, keep a stack of post-it notes and a pen handy. Each paper should have its next steps outlined clearly on a post-it note or written directly on the paper itself. These clear action steps ensure you don’t miss important tasks, won’t forget what you had to do with something, and help you to stay organized.

 

 

  1. Designate a Command Center

 

Establish a command center for new incoming papers. This central location (which could be a section of your kitchen counter, entryway table, or shelf) is where you’ll manage all the paper that enters your home. When deciding where this will be, think about where your most common “drop zones” are. Keeping an “in-tray” or basket here for mail makes it easy to sort as soon as it arrives, plus you’re already autonomously dropping papers there anyway. Easy habit change! By handling incoming paper at your command center often, you prevent clutter from spreading throughout your home and can streamline the sorting process.

 

 

  1. Going Paperless

 

Where possible, transition to a paperless system. Opt for digital statements, bills, and receipts when you can. Utilize your phone or a scanning device to digitize existing paper documents. While going fully paperless takes time, the long-term benefits in terms of reduced clutter are undeniable! If you’re a business owner like me, going paperless can even allow you to work remotely. Since I’ve been committed to going as paperless as possible, I’ve done about 80% of my business just through my smartphone.

  1. Stick to a Consistent Routine

 

To maintain an organized paper system, establish a regular routine to keep up with it. Designate a specific time each week to process your paper. Whether it’s Sunday evening or a half hour after work each day, setting aside time for paper management will ensure tasks don’t pile up and become overwhelming again.

 

 

  1. Schedule Time to Tackle Backlog

 

If you’re dealing with a backlog of papers, take a methodical approach. Set aside some time in your schedule to address this backlog whenever possible. Aim for an hour each week, then increase it to a few hours a week, or as much time as you’d like to dedicate to the paper project. Remember, this is an ongoing process, so be patient with yourself and your progress. as you work on solidifying these habits. It may take a while to reach your goals, but each day you make progress is another day closer!

 

 

  1. Involve Family Members

 

Share your paper management system with your family members. Ensure they understand how the system works and encourage their participation! Organization is a great thing to bond each member of a household and keep everyone on the same page. Plus it is a great skill to teach little ones!

Conquering paper clutter is 100% an achievable goal, and implementing these strategies will set you on the quickest path to success!

 

The key is consistency and customization. Tailoring your approach to fit your preferences and lifestyle will help you incorporate these new habits without a rough adjustment period. As you clear the paper piles and establish efficient systems in your home and office, you’ll be sure to enjoy more organized and stress-free living and working spaces!

 

Which strategy will you be implementing today? Comment below!

 

 

 

 

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