Shipshape Organizing

How we work with you

Organizing involves several major processes, which are often intertwined:

Assessment

  • Helping you determine your organizing goal, so we know what we are working toward and when we have accomplished it.
  • Finding out what systems and spaces already work well for you, so we can build on those—along with discussing what isn’t working and what you’d like to change.
  • Asking questions to find out what you get stuck on, or (for the packrats among you) why your clutter accumulates. For example, maybe you have trouble making decisions; maybe you have items that don’t yet have homes; or maybe the items’ homes are inconvenient.

Sorting and decision making

  • Side-by-side, hands-on sorting of your papers and possessions.
  • Helping you clarify what is most important to you, so you can more easily decide what you want to keep and what you can toss or give away.
    • The decision to keep or toss is always yours. I might encourage you to let something go, but you always have the final say. After all, your belongings are yours!

Storage and systems setup

  • Setting up storage and paper-handling systems that accommodate your personality, work style, and surroundings.
  • Helping you get organized in a way that makes it easier to stay organized. (It always takes some effort, but we try to minimize it as much as possible.)

Follow-up and ongoing support, as needed

  • Encouragement, maintenance sessions, tune-ups—whatever helps you stay on track.