Category: Services

5 Reasons You’re Afraid to Contact a Professional Organizer (And Why You Should Do It Anyway)

We’ve all been there. You can’t find your keys… for the third time this week. Where did you leave that other shoe? You’re already running 15 minutes late for work. Perhaps all your friends and family know 8 p.m. really means 8:30 when planning social events. Maybe you hate doing laundry because folding just isn’t your thing. Or maybe you’ve moved into a new place, without setting aside time to figure out how to make your new living space truly feel like home. The following five reasons are common obstacles that may be preventing you from contacting a professional organizer.

1. You never knew home organizing professionals existed.

Like cooking, carpentry, and decorating, home organizing is a learned skill that can be greatly enhanced by natural talent. There are people who possess the skills to perform these services for themselves. There are also people who are naturally drawn to these tasks and are motivated to help others by turning their skills into highly sought-after services. Home organizing is no different. Professional organizing began to rise in popularity as an industry in 1984. Los Angeles receives credit as the birthplace of the home organizing profession. Today, professional organizing has expanded around the world, and home organizers are available in most major cities. Even those who live in mid-sized cities and smaller towns have access to professional home and office organizing services in their communities.

2. You feel embarrassed about needing help with organizing.

People generally feel ashamed of their clutter. Some people are secretly afraid their unorganized space will be criticized as a personal failure. Executives who work in high-ranking positions are also more inclined to view their own disorganized desks and cluttered closets as a shameful secret that contradicts their carefully curated professional image. Some people anxiously believe others will equate their disorganization to general irresponsibility or even a lack of morality.

The good news is all these notions are generally false. For most people, the challenges they experience in maintaining an organized home are the result of never having learned a system for organizing that was personally effective. In order for a system to be effective, it must be compatible with your personality, your habits, your learning style, and, ultimately, your lifestyle. There is no singular way to stay organized. Working with an organizing professional can help individuals who struggle with maintaining an orderly space identify strategies that can make it possible to achieve their organizing goals and maintain positive, lasting results.

3. You aren’t sure how to communicate your needs to a professional organizer.

Sometimes we know our struggle, but we are unable to imagine what an effective remedy may look like. Professional organizers are able to help those who struggle with organizing understand the underlying causes of their difficulties and identify effective solutions. The first step toward addressing an issue with organizing is to contact a professional to discuss your current struggles and your lifestyle goals. Organizers are generally able to identify causal relationships and envision solutions you may not otherwise perceive in the absence of professional guidance.

4. You don’t know where to find a professional organizer.

The best place to learn more about professional organizers and to find one nearby is a basic Google search. Look for customer feedback on search engines, business directories, and social media platforms. Remember to read each review critically and to look for common complaints or common points of praise. Real estate agents, home renovators, and moving companies are other valuable resources that can often recommend a professional home organizer in your city.

5. You are convinced you cannot afford a professional organizer.

Each professional organizer’s target clientele and price range varies. The same is true of each organizing professional’s methodology and service offerings. Some organizers offer consultations that allow the client to take the knowledge he or she gains from the organizer and DIY his or her own space. Other organizing services allow the client to be completely hands-off. These services often include all necessary organizing supplies and a team to complete the project without much interaction with the client. Reach out to multiple professional organizers to determine whether they are able to offer the level of guidance and service you require to achieve your desired outcome.

The idea of inviting an organizing professional into your home may seem intimidating as people generally consider their homes to be their intimate space. Nevertheless, you can rest assured that professional organizers generally maintain a standard of professionalism. Therefore, they generally do not pass judgment, nor is the aim to deliberately make you feel uncomfortable. If you are feeling anxious about working with a professional organizer, we recommend having an honest conversation about your concerns prior to allowing the service provider to enter your home.

We offer professional, courteous, and discrete service to corporate Executives, entertainment industry professionals, and business owners in the New York City area who would like to create a more organized, balanced, and peaceful living space, workspace, and lifestyle. Visit our Services page for more information.

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5 Tips to Transform Your Home Into a Weekend Self Care Oasis

Self care: it’s something our friends, our doctors, our therapist, and perhaps our life coaches all recommend. However, most of us have come to the conclusion that implementing self care is easier said than done.  Going home to a peaceful, quiet setting may especially be difficult among the confined spaces and abundance of noise in large metro areas like New York City. Nevertheless, virtually anyone can transform an ordinary room into a relaxing, rejuvenating refuge from the outside world, even if the world outside houses the rumbling trains and noisy crowds that characterize Manhattan.

1. Set the tone with lighting.

Migraine sufferers and people who are otherwise sensitive to light can attest to the impact of feeling overstimulated in a brightly-lit room. When your objective is to wind down, the lighting in the room can have a direct impact on your ability to power down. If you don’t have a light dimmer installed, you can make simple changes such as exchanging bright, everyday light bulbs with bulbs that are of a lower wattage. For an even easier hack, simply utilize a small lamp to illuminate the room instead of using standard overhead lighting. Himalayan salt crystal lamps have become increasingly popular to achieve a spa-like, ionized atmosphere. Candle lovers may even opt to forgo electricity altogether and simply light candles to achieve the perfect level of brightness. Scented candles may further enhance the setting by adding a calming fragrance to the room.

2. Wake up your sense of smell.

Aromatherapy is often overlooked in Western cultures as a means of encouraging the mind to enter a more relaxed state. Placing essential oils in a diffuser, placing a few drops of oil on a washcloth in a scented steam shower, spritzing a room with a favorite fragrance, or drying off after a bath with warm towels infused with scented oil are just a few ways naturally calming fragrances can be implemented into daily living. Some of us are aware of smells we associate with happiness or favorable times in our lives or places we have visited. However, there are specific scents that are traditionally associated with positive emotions and optimized mental performance. For example, lavender, ylang ylang, and chamomile are natural oil fragrances that stimulate calmness and enhance relaxation in the mind.

3. Surround yourself with soothing sound.

We are affected by sound more than we may realize. Similar to smells, sound may also be used to induce relaxation and to enhance mental performance. There are some sounds we associate with positive memories and emotions while other sounds add to our tension and stress levels. While it may be tempting to blare top 40s hits all weekend, if your goal is to relax and unwind, it is best to choose slow tempo music with lyrics that do not distract or evoke strong emotions. Nature sounds will also help contribute to your home spa atmosphere. If you feel most relaxed on rainy days and nights, simply include a soundtrack of falling rain as part of your self-care routine.

4. Go off the wireless grid.

High-tech personal devices are more widely available to us now than ever. Untethering ourselves from the electronic devices that have become heavily integrated into daily life can be a challenge. More and more people are establishing personal rules to periodically spend time away from their personal devices to allow for reconnection with the environment and with personal relationships without distraction. Scheduling a tech-free time during your weekend of self-care is essential to fully putting aside all the stress of the work week as well as the feelings of FOMO many of us experience during our free time. If you have dependent children or friends and family members who frequently call, it is advisable to inform people ahead of time before going off the wireless grid. Informing those closest to you about your planned downtime will not only prompt everyone to avoid unnecessarily interrupting your self-care weekend, but doing so will also inform the people in your life that there is no need to panic if they attempt to reach you and find that you are unavailable. It is not necessary to disconnect from all technology and communication for the entire weekend. However, going off the grid for several hours will allow you to more fully focus on self care.

5. Leave guilt at the door.

Self care is as necessary as medical care. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with guilt when we allocate time, energy, and focus toward restoring ourselves. While you may not be able to immediately change your mindset toward regularly engaging in restorative practices, you can adopt a rational approach toward battling your feelings of guilt. For example, before beginning your self care weekend, resolve that you will not entertain guilty feelings regarding your self care during the weekend. Instead, simply remind yourself that you can reflect on your new approach to caring for yourself and evaluate your feelings after you have completed your relaxing weekend. While engaging in your self-care activities, try to remain present and focus on healing and relaxation.

white pillar candle
Photo by Alesia Talkachova on Pexels.com

 

For more information on self-care and strategies you can use to achieve a more favorable work-life balance, contact us for a time management and lifestyle coaching consultation. Our services are available to corporate executives, entertainment industry professionals, and business owners worldwide.

 

 

Why You Need a Rest Day

All over social media, I see entrepreneurs and professionals who boast about their 7-day work weeks and 12 hour days as if these things are the bragging rights of working for yourself. Hard work should be rewarded, celebrated, and praised. But are people who work non-stop ultimately cheating themselves? Their families? Even…their careers and businesses? I would venture to say yes. Here’s why.

Human Beings Are Not Machines

The title of this section is probably obvious to most of us. Nevertheless, it bears repeating: human beings are not machines; therefore, they need rest. We need rest. Furthermore, even most machines go on standby or require time to cool down or to be powered off. You and I are no different. When we work non-stop, there is a point at which we become less “sharp.” We become tired, and our mood deteriorates. We have to stop for food because we get hungry (and you reallllly should take time to pay attention to what you eat, chew your food properly, etc for health and nutrition reasons…but I digress).  Over time, you will not be at your best; this inherently means that while you are giving 100% of your time to your business (or career), you are very likely giving much less than 100% of your competence. Don’t cheat yourself, your teams, your customers, and don’t cheat your business or career out of being it the very best it can be. Rest.

Multitasking Kind of Sucks

Pardon my language. But the ability to multitask is another capability about which many of us love to brag. The truth is if you’re multitasking, you’re probably not focusing, which also means you’re likely cheating someone out of receiving your full attention to detail and level of competence. If you are giving time to your family, set that time aside and focus on them. If need to write important emails, schedule time to do that outside of listening to webinars, participating in conference calls, etc. Otherwise, you will retain only a fraction of the information that is conveyed during the webinar or call, and you also run a high risk of sending an email that lacks coherence or is missing important details and will ultimately frustrate the person on the receiving end. Let’s eliminate these errors by giving our full attention to whatever we’re doing. In fact, doing so will help you complete your tasks faster and more efficiently so you can move on to the next task much sooner.

But, Rolanda. How Am I Supposed to Do All This?

 

One word: planning. If you haven’t taken a look at some of my posts on scheduling and time management, check them out. As a first step, I recommend everyone spend a few days to an entire week keeping a time journal. Keep track of everything you do in a day, and note the how long it takes you to complete each task. Most people readily discover there are small pockets of time they waste throughout the day; these small pockets often add up to hours. Moreover, simply taking inventory of how you utilize your time and having the data on paper can be eye-opening on its own. Having a written account of how you spend your days allows you to interact with the concept of time more tangibly and to visualize different ways you can spend it. Once you’ve discovered exactly how you are spending your time, set boundaries. Set a bedtime. Schedule time for meals, family, and even idle time…because you need time for yourself. By setting a schedule and sticking to it, you will feel more balanced and recharged when it’s time to work, and the added efficiency will help you eliminate the need for those seven-day work weeks and 12-hour days.

 

If you need assistance with time management and scheduling, message me to inquire about my productivity coaching services available to individuals in all locations.

Please also join my new Facebook group to connect with individuals who are also determined to manage time more effectively and to achieve their goals in 2018!

 

A Tale of An Inefficient Workplace

Employee A arrives at work and immediately feels a familiar sense of dread. She sits down at her cubicle and promptly begins checking messages in her company email account. She comes across a message from her supervisor requesting that she print several documents and prepare them for the late morning department meeting. As Employee A proceeds to the printer to pick up the documents, the printer chimes to signal an empty paper tray. Employee A redirects her path to the storage closet on the other side of the office where the printer paper is stored. Upon retrieving more paper, Employee A hears the phone on her desk ring. She returns to her desk, recognizes the number as that of her supervisor and answers. Her supervisor asks whether Employee A has seen another email referencing a spreadsheet she has been tasked to create by noon. Employee A jots down a few notes regarding edits she will need to make to the spreadsheet’s layout and dutifully returns to the print station to refill the paper and to finally retrieve her documents. After returning to her desk with documents in hand, Employee A reaches for her stapler and discovers it has run out of staples. She sighs and returns to the supply closet, located across the office, and realizes she is only 15 minutes into her workday and is already beginning to feel exhausted. Employee A repeats a similar sequence of events several times for the next seven hours.

Disorganization Contributes to Fatigue

Many employees find themselves experiencing fatigue, not solely due to the extent of their workload, but also as a result of attempting to work efficiently in a disorganized setting. Overcrowded file drawers, illogical layouts, and the hunt for misplaced supplies can add up to a non-obvious losses in productivity as employees must divert their time and energy to secondary tasks.

Maintaining an Organized Workplace Improves Productivity

A professional organizer who specializes in office settings can help businesses identify these “productivity vampires” and recommend solution to make the workday less taxing and more efficient for workers. By working with a professional to identify and address pain points, companies may significantly reduce worker fatigue and enable their employees to focus more of their time and energy on performing essential job duties.

Introducing Virtual Organizing Sessions!

Afraid to hire a professional organizer? Don’t quite have the budget for a comprehensive reorg? Transform your home one room at a time by booking a convenient eOrganizing Session.

Virtual organizing Sessions work especially well for people who are motivated and are more DIY-inclined. To schedule a session, simply contact us, to submit photos or video of the area you would like to have organized. Within 24 hours, you will receive a free consultation, at which point you will be asked your specific goals and desired outcome for the project. You will also receive a link to purchase your virtual session should you choose to do so. Upon receipt of payment, you will receive a detailed, illustrated plan with detailed steps to help you achieve your goals specified during the consultation.

Remote virtual organizing sessions are perfect for individuals who are short on time, but simply require an overall layout, plan, or professionally-designed organizing system to help keep them on track.

Click here to speak to us about setting up your first virtual organizing session. Mention the code REORG, and receive a 50% discount on your first remote session!

What is Professional Organizing?

Simply stated, professional organizing is a process through which a system is put in place to help individuals and businesses become more orderly. It is one of many very effective ways to improve quality of life and boost productivity.

What is the Rolanda L. Method?

Disorganization is typically a symptom of a larger disruption in an individual’s life. Sometimes the cause of the disruption may be minor and temporary like moving to a new residence or redecorating. In other cases, disorganization may have a root cause that is very chronic and persistent. Regardless the cause of a disorganized home or office, Rolanda L, Professional Organizer seeks to address each individual situation at its origin and to design and implement solutions that will ultimately set the client up for continued success. The Rolanda L. Method is a holistic approach to organizing!

What Can Be Organized (…Professionally)?

Closets, cabinets, shelves, paperwork, filing systems, you name it! Rolanda L. is also available to assist with furniture selection, room layout, and color coordination. Our clients also love our specialized relocation packing service, which makes moving to a new home or office much more efficient and generally more secure. Having a highly detail-oriented professional organizer handle packing during a move makes the entire process much faster and easier from start to finish.

But I Always Seem to Find Myself Needing to Reorganize… 

Solution: Work with a professional organizer to implement a system and/or layout that works well with your lifestyle and behavioral habits…We happen to know one if you’re interested!

If you are unable to work with an organizer, simply take inventory of your daily routine (even if it is somewhat erratic), and ask yourself if you have designed your home and everything in it in a way that supports you in achieving your daily objectives. If the answer is no, walk through each aspect of an average day in your life, ask yourself what could be improved to increase efficiency and peace of mind. Then modify your environment accordingly. Keeping a journal of observations and changes may be helpful.

Also ask about our affordable workshop events, where you can learn organizing strategies in a supportive small group setting led by Rolanda!

Put me in touch with your pro.

Why certainly! Click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNOUNCING: All-Inclusive Relocation Service

Rolanda, L. is pleased to offer a new service to clients who are planning an upcoming move! For a flat rate, you can count on us to handle every aspect of the moving process, from procuring supplies to packing and coordinating transportation from your existing home to your new location. In addition to getting your valuables from Point A to Point B, we will even unpack, set up, and organize your belongings in your new home!

Leaving the legwork to us means less time away from your career, loved ones, and leisure activities! Contact us to learn more about the “Executive Move,” our new service offering that will help ensure that your next move is the best move.

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!