Is It LIT? (aka Spark Joy)
Get it? In other words, do you think your belongings are LIT? Lit is a current word that means something is really good, intense, fun, or exciting. (Yes I have a teenager.)With Americans everywhere asking themselves, “Does this spark joy?” so I thought I’d coin a new, trendy phrase. Do you think it will catch on? Probs Not. (Whoops, I slipped into teen jargon again!) If you don’t know what I’m talking about, let me fill you in. Since January, Marie Kondo’s new Netflix show, Tidying Up has been causing quite a buzz. I have watched a few episodes and read Marie’s first book a few years back. It is interesting revisiting this method years after I read her book and after I became a CPO®. I thought I’d explore where KonMari and TSO methodologies meet and diverge. No right or wrong with each, just unique. Each organizer is a unique person so we all have our own experiences and education that has formed our opinions. Things I like about the KonMari method and watching the show:I like that she focus’ on what you want to keep rather than what you should get rid of. Where BTO diverges from the KonMari method:I have on occasion sort/purged by category with clients. This can work well, particularly with clothes. She does not seem to be concerned that you review all your pants at once, whereas I find it helpful for clients to review by type with clothes. This helps them see they have 10 pair of black pants so they can pair down. Of course this is a bit more of a practical approach verses spark joy approach. What would happen if no black pants sparked joy – they’d end up with none and need to shop! Oh, The Questions!Since I’ve only been exposed to some of her style and teaching, I have many questions: In a recent article from the StarTribune, people are changing shopping habits to ask, ‘Does this spark joy?’ before they purchase. This is great awareness. One of the easiest ways to head towards less clutter is to not even let the items in the door. When my clients tell me they have a hard time resisting sales I remind them, “It’s 100% off if you don’t buy it!” You can’t beat that deal. The sparking joy trend that Marie Kondo has inspired is needed in our post-modern society. It’s sparking reflection on how we live our lives and what we value. Do we value our time? People? Rest? Peace? The amount of belongings we manage impacts all those things. Many people are digging a little deeper into their life, their habits, their environment and their STUFF to realize there is hope. We don’t need to live overwhelmed by “stuff”. There’s hope. So kudos to you, Marie. Well done!
What EXACTLY does a Professional Organizer do?
The Organizing industry is truly a hidden gem. I couldn’t believe I didn’t know the industry existed until a couple years ago. Of course, I was actively avoiding places like The Container Store. I knew if I set foot in there it would be all over. Poverty would follow. I knew I would love it and I’d go broke in 6 months. Truly. I had never been in the store until after I decided to go into this profession. And yes, I love it. In the crazy world we live in, there are endless ways to help our clients. Most folks are at full, or over, capacity trying to keep all the plates spinning with their day-to-day lives. How can they keep up? How can they learn all the processes and tricks to manage their lives more efficiently and reduce their stress? How do they know how to declutter a closet efficiently and thoroughly? Enter the organizing profession. You may have wondered how I ended up in this industry. The Business Analyst role did not entirely fit me. The analytical aspect as well as creating order was suitable. Mostly I was motivated with activities such as improving processes, streamlining and documenting procedures, and organizing online data. Then I had a conversation with a friend. We were talking about projects around the house and I was saying that I was doing some organizing and said something to the effect of, “I wish I could do this for a living! ” She said, “You can. That profession exists.” WHAT??!!!! (mind blown) And life has never been the same. During my research, I discovered there are several different national and international organizations that exist to support this industry. Who knew? One of their primary missions of these organizations is to get the word out that this industry exists and how our expertise changes lives. My research initially landed me at the NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) website. Here, as you can imagine, I relished every word and thought I discovered the “mother ship” for my people. Believe it or not, this is worldwide phenomenon. Other countries have national organizations as well like Canada, the UK – even if they spell it “organise”, and of course Japan (as many of us are familiar with Marie Kondo and her book about tidying – which really just means organizing.) There is an organization that supports organizers who are helping clients that are challenged with chronic disorganization. There is even an organization that seeks to unite the various national organizations worldwide called the International Federation of Professional Organizing Associations (IFPOA). Who knew, right? When I decided to become a Professional Organizer, I really didn’t understand the depth of the industry I was jumping into. My decision was based on my business-world skills, my natural bent (thanks Mom & Dad!), and life experiences of figuring stuff out while I managed my life and household. The industry thrilled me but I had to learn exactly what all is involved in helping others with their challenges. I found that there is A LOT more to this career than that meets the eye. The reach of our industry knows no bounds. It reminds me of physicians and how they have many specialties. Many organizers are generalists, but most also have specialties as well: hoarding, closet installs, garages, moves, residential, photos, ADHD/OCD, transition, time management, kitchens, eco-friendly, new moms….the list goes on and on. It’s funny that when you have an aptitude for something, you originally think that everyone must think like you do. I distinctly remember an experience of organizing with someone before I “turned pro”. I was thoroughly enjoying myself feeling pumped as I was getting more organized. I passed them in the hall and said, “Isn’t this fun?” to which they snarled, “No, it’s torture!” What? You may be thinking the same thing as you’re reading this. I get it. You don’t think organizing is fun. You hate it and find any excuse to do something different. We are all created differently. Thank goodness! When I have to do things involving say money, I look for all the distractions I can find. Squirrel! What Do Organizers Do?Some people think Organizers just put things away –like somebody’s mom (sorry I just had to). Others think we are administrative assistants, some think we plan events. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word organize as “to arrange or order things so that they can be found or used easily and quickly : to put things into a particular arrangement or order”. That just barely touches on the industry. Currently, there are two main types of Organizers: Residential & Business. Business organizing focuses on positively impacting businesses. Taking on goals such as gaining efficiencies, streamlining workflow, improving paper and electronic files, and coaching are typical offerings. Residential focuses on the home. For the purposes of this blog, we’re focusing on residential organizing. I recently read an article about getting organized that basically told people the key is, “Things need to go where they need to go.” Well yes, but this doesn’t address the challenge many have in setting up an effective system of where things go. It doesn’t address busy lifestyles, multiple people in the same space, special needs, feelings of being overwhelmed or stuck. I could go on and on. I was really saddened by this person’s lack of understanding and compassion for the challenges of getting organized and staying organized. It reminds me of my bitmoji (app where the avatar looks like you). This brings up a basic philosophy in this industry: No judgment. Compassion and understanding are the tenants on which our industry is built. Most Organizers number one goal is to help. Does a personal trainer look down on someone 20 lbs overweight who wants to get healthier? Of course not or you wouldn’t hire them. Organizing is the same way. We exist to bring about desired change, to help our clients achieve their goals, to watch the excitement as their world expands and the fog lifts.