Challenging Disorganization and Hoarding Expert Ellen Hankes

Repetition for Success

Repetition is a strategy that successful people use to master many challenging tasks. An artist or composer may use variations of a single theme to please the viewer of the artwork or listener of the music.

Repetition can be boring or interesting depending on the frequency of the repeated theme or statement. Visually, repetition can bring a rhythm that is pleasing to the eye and easy for the mind to process. Frequently shoppers are pulled into the artful retail display of many similar objects and make an impulse purchase. The variations of color within a single theme such as notebooks may cause displeasure with "just one" item and propel the buyer to select one in every color!

As professional organizers, we help people separate the artful repetition from the non-productive repetition in work areas and living spaces. On a personal note, I do not need three calculators, but my five-vase holder is splendid for summer blooms.

What repetition works for you and what repetition gets in the way of a better life for you? I would like to hear your thoughts!

Why Do People Consult Professional Organizers?

Too much clutter is the top reason professional organizers are hired, according to the 2009 NAPO Member Survey. Results of the national survey were just released by The Organizing Authority®--the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). The top three reasons people ask for help from an organizer are:

1. Clutter (75%)
2. General disorganization (71%)
3. Help in making decisions about keeping or discarding (53%)

Companies and non-home offices most often consult an organizer  to implement systems to improve general employee productivity.

Reasons businesses most frequently hire organizers are:

1. Improve productivity (66%)
2. Maximize office space (58%)
3. Improve employee organizational skills (55%)

A professional organizer is often called in as a last approach rather than a part of a strategy for better living and higher productivity. Relationships may already be damaged, health and safety can be compromised, and a high degree of frustration could exist by the time an organizer is consulted. First-time clients are often surprised at the non-judgmental approach used by the professional organizer who adheres to a code of confidentiality and ethical, trained approaches. New clients are also amazed at the differences in their lives as they celebrate what they have learned working with a professional organizer.