Now that you’ve chosen an organizer, what can you expect during the organizing process?
You should expect your organizer to be respectful, knowledgeable, competent, a good communicator, and always be mindful of confidentiality. After that, what should you expect?
Each person will experience the organizing process and results differently. You may find the work to be energizing, interesting, frustrating or exhausting. You may feel several or conflicting emotions. Clients have sometimes told me that they have pleasant, unpleasant, or unusual dreams or thoughts after an organizing session. It makes sense that sorting through personal items would trigger memories and bring a mix of emotions to the surface. Your feelings may change from session to session. Even though the work may feel uncomfortable at times, as long as you feel respected and supported in your organizing goals I would encourage you to embrace the process.
The organizer and client must be in alignment, both working together for the benefit of the client. The pace may be faster or slower at times, but the client’s needs are always at the forefront of every decision. If you work with an organizer on a long-term basis you should notice that communication improves and trust deepens. Your organizer will gain more insight into your unique learning style and personal preferences and will tailor services to suit you.
Once you’ve decided to work with an organizer, know that it may take some time to find a level of comfort with that person. If you find success in working with your organizer, but she/he lacks expertise in a certain area, she/he may research the topic for you or gladly refer you to other organizers with specialization in that area.
It’s always wise to talk to your organizer if you feel that things aren’t going the way you’d hoped. She/he should listen and make adjustments or refer you to other organizers. The most important thing is that your needs are respectfully acknowledged and that you are making progress in the areas that are important to you.