I'm sure many of you aren't familiar with the term 'professional organizer'. Heavens knows, I get a lot of blank stares when I mention the name.
Perhaps the easiest way to explain what a professional organizer is/does is to start at the top of the hierarchy. Ever heard of the popular TV show 'Hoarders'? It features people who obsessively collect 'things' until they are literally digging tunnels through their piles of stuff in order to access limited areas of their home. Many times, this clutter causes health issues as well as emotional and spacial problems.
Cue a professional organizer.
This being the most extreme, and probably complex, of scenarios, a professional organizer would come in to the home to both sort through the massive amounts of clutter and to help the hoarder sift through their emotional attachment to it. They help with cleanup/organization of both the home and mind.
However, professional organizing does not need to be so dramatic.
Many professional organizers choose to deal with small home or business clients in need of simple storage and/or filing solutions without becoming involved in the emotional aspects that surround the human need for 'things'. They simply contact the client, discuss their wants/needs and complete the set arrangement.
Although becoming a professional organizer does not require earning a degree, many are certified through the National Association of Professional Organizers. Surveys have also shown that professional organizers tend to hold degrees in a wide range of other fields but, for some reason or another, have decided to focus their efforts on helping the world and its inhabitants become more organized.
Believe it or not, NAPO has been around for quite some time: more than twenty years to be exact. This may come as a surprise to some, considering that the general population is in ignorance of its mere existence.
Now you are well versed in the rapidly growing field that is professional organization. Be proud. Very proud.
Perhaps the easiest way to explain what a professional organizer is/does is to start at the top of the hierarchy. Ever heard of the popular TV show 'Hoarders'? It features people who obsessively collect 'things' until they are literally digging tunnels through their piles of stuff in order to access limited areas of their home. Many times, this clutter causes health issues as well as emotional and spacial problems.
Cue a professional organizer.
This being the most extreme, and probably complex, of scenarios, a professional organizer would come in to the home to both sort through the massive amounts of clutter and to help the hoarder sift through their emotional attachment to it. They help with cleanup/organization of both the home and mind.
However, professional organizing does not need to be so dramatic.
Many professional organizers choose to deal with small home or business clients in need of simple storage and/or filing solutions without becoming involved in the emotional aspects that surround the human need for 'things'. They simply contact the client, discuss their wants/needs and complete the set arrangement.
Although becoming a professional organizer does not require earning a degree, many are certified through the National Association of Professional Organizers. Surveys have also shown that professional organizers tend to hold degrees in a wide range of other fields but, for some reason or another, have decided to focus their efforts on helping the world and its inhabitants become more organized.
Now you are well versed in the rapidly growing field that is professional organization. Be proud. Very proud.
Corin, I love this organization blog of yours!! You need to write on here more often. It's pretty helpful and you've got great ideas. :) And, some people may find organization a boring subject, but there are many people like us out there who are fascinated with this stuff. Plus, plenty of others who need all the help they can get. Please keep it up. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Stefanie! I really appreciate it. :)
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