May 2016 – Rolanda L., Professional Organizer

Hiring a Professional to Pack for Your Move

While most households instinctively call a moving company to transport their furniture, clothing, and housewares during relocation, many people are unaware of the time, expense, and stress they may be able to save by hiring a professional to pack their belongings prior to the move. Rolanda L. offers specialized packing before moving and unpacking upon arrival at the new location.

How a Packing Session Works

Planning ahead greatly enhances the likelihood of achieving a smooth, low-stress move. Generally, my first step is to take a look at the client’s home and the items that will need to be packed. If requested, I provide guidance and recommendations for packing supplies and moving box sizes and quantities in advance of the actual packing session. After assessing the client’s desired timeline and goals, the packing can begin.

Rolanda L. vs. The Moving Company

Several moving companies also offer packing service. While it may be tempting to allow the transportation company to also handle packing, there are a few things clients should consider before making a decision with their dollars. First, moving companies generally specialize in loading, unloading, and transporting boxes and large items. Smaller, more delicate wares will likely require handling with a more delicate touch. This is especially true of high value artwork and heirlooms. When moving a very unique, expensive item, such as a high-end piano, I typically suggest contacting a separate service provider who specializes in securing and moving the particular item in question. In addition to requiring more attention to detail, the task of packing requires organization. Oftentimes, boxes that have been packed by moving companies are mislabeled, or they may contain items that should not necessarily be packed together. However, Rolanda L. is able to strategically pack and label housewares and clothing, not only to minimize damage, but also to make unpacking and getting settled a virtual walk in the park.

Save Time and Energy

Most people have work and family responsibilities. Finding time to pack for an upcoming move may seem virtually impossible. Enlisting the help of a professional can reduce the amount of disruption moving inevitably has on a person’s daily routine. Parents are able to be more attentive to their family’s needs, and busy professionals are better able to keep up with work responsibilities.

To learn more about how Rolanda L. can play a role in easing the stress of your move, send us an email at organiseme123@gmail.com or book your appointment online!

DIY Drawer Dividers

A particular client in Inwood needed an effective storage solution for her foldable items. I was able to accommodate her more casual clothing in two dressers that were located in her bedroom; however, I was concerned that she might not be able to keep the items neatly compartmentalized throughout the course of her busy work week. At that point, I remembered an idea I’d seen on Pinterest, and I repurposed one of her cardboard moving boxes and made drawer dividers. I often recommend drawer organizers to clients for underwear, t-shirt, and sock drawers especially. However, in a pinch, virtually anyone can easily make his or her own custom dividers from rigid cardboard. In this case, I was working quickly and simply placed the dividers temporarily. Gluing the edges of the cardboard together will create compartments of a permanent size.

DIYDrawerDividers

Anxiety and Disorganization

Though my clients come from various educational, career, and cultural backgrounds, there are a few common threads I repeatedly observe. One of them is anxiety. Oftentimes, a person who suffers from general anxiety, may find that the struggle is spilling over into his or her perceived ability to maintain an organized environment at home or at work. Many people who struggle with organizing find that they feel overwhelmed the minute they attempt an organizing-related task. Others are able to begin work, but may lose their sense of direction and motivation while in the middle of completing the task. The following steps can help virtually anyone begin, continue, or complete organizing projects that may at first seem endless and cumbersome or downright overwhelming.

Before beginning, think about the project in terms of manageable phases. Set a clearly defined end goal, and establish a realistic timeline. Don’t forget to think about how much time you would specifically like allocate to completing each phase in addition to creating an overall project deadline.
If possible, approach each phase of the task with a clear mindset and adequate rest. Pausing to take periodic five-minute breaks can be extremely helpful. If time management is a concern, setting a timer may be an effective way to appropriately set boundaries between “working time” and “break time.”
No negative self-talk. It’s true that we are oftentimes our worst critic. Instead of focusing on what you are afraid you will not accomplish, acknowledge small victories throughout the process, and look forward to completing each phase and starting a new one.
If panic begins to set in, take a few deep breaths, and actively tell yourself not to panic. Oftentimes, remaining calm is a matter of slowing down, taking a step back, and making a very conscious decision to maintain a positive, peaceful focus.
Take baby steps. Most of my clients begin to see progress when they begin by taking small steps toward “reclaiming” and improving an area of their home or office. I am always amazed at how quickly they become motivated to tackle larger and larger organizing projects, often without my supervision. More importantly, by slowly and deliberately working through the organizing process, they are able to self-identify any habits that may serve as obstacles to maintaining an orderly space, and they are eventually able to modify their behaviors and correct themselves by employing the tools and techniques they learn during our sessions.