Ask Gayle

Gayle is always happy to answer questions. Use the form below to send her yours.

1. What is "rightsizing"?

Rightsizing is a term that has been used in business to mean "paring down to the essentials". Author Ciji Ware has written a wonderful new book "Rightsizing Your Life" and she defines rightsizing as a process, not an event, "...taking positive steps to create a living environment filled only with the household goods - as well as people and activities - that we love, along with surroundings that suit our life."

It may be time to review the way you and your family are living in your home, as well as ask yourself if your home and your possessions will truly support you in each phase of your life. If you find that you are spending the great majority of your time keeping up a home instead of living your life, it may be time for change, which may or may not lead to moving, but does lead to an examination of how you want to spend your home time.

2. My spouse is having trouble understanding what being organized means, what a professional organizer does, and why we should invest the time and money to get organized, can you explain?

I believe that being organized means being able to find what you need when you need it, knowing where things "live" so they are not hanging around and getting in the way, either physically or visually, and having a general sense of order and control about the house.  Julie Morgenstern says that "organizing is about identifying what is important to you and giving you access to it".  Kathy Waddill says "you are organized when your systems fit the life you are living right now."

If your home is your most important investment and your possessions are your most valued tools and treasures, then investing in taking the best care of them and getting the best service from them is just as important as getting the oil changed and a tune-up for your car.  If you are tripping over papers, bags and boxes when you open a door, if you are constantly searching through drawers, closets and cupboards looking for items you know you have but can't find, if your kitchen counter is buried under a mountain of mail or if your $30,000 car is sitting in the driveway because you can't get it in the garage, then what value are you getting from your house and what is your quality of your home life?

While organizing is a skill that can be learned, it is also a talent that some of us are simply born to and then with study and practice have honed over the years. We call on specialists all the time - we take our car to a mechanic and we go to a dentist to work on our teeth - so why not hire a professional organizer to improve the quality of our home life by maximizing space and giving us systems to keep our home and possessions from overwhelming us.

3. Will you be able to tell me how much my project will cost and how long will it take?

Over the years I have found that every project comes with its own set of challenges and concerns and this is why my service is very personal and customized to each individual's needs. In most cases, I will be able to give you an estimate of time and cost so that you will know what to expect. If your project has a budget then I will work with you to determine the best use of my services so that you receive all the benefits of my professional expertise. Additionally, I offer my "Go Plan" to get you on the right track with your project, whether you are organizing, downsizing or moving. See the Contacts page for details.

4. We have lived in our home for 15 years and are planning to downsize into a condo later this year. When should we start packing?

I think it's never too early to start. In 15 years you have probably accumulated more things than you realize in the back of your cabinets, closets, attic and your garage. Start the process of sorting and donating or discarding in those areas NOW.

First pack the items you will not be using like holiday decorations, picnicware, and seasonal clothes, etc. Leave the items you use daily to pack last. Downsizing to a condo will require your strict adherence to the "Do I really need this? Do I really use this?" policy.

5. Our Realtor has suggested that we should organize and stage our home for the sale, but we think it is fine the way it is now. Why should we spend the extra money?

One way to get proof of the value of staging is to tour some homes for sale in your area. Ask your Realtor for a list that includes staged homes, empty homes, and those being sold "as is". Then you can see for yourself what a difference staging a home can make. 

When I bought my own condo, I had the choice of my small unit and a unit that was larger and less expensive. The larger unit was being shown "as is" and it was a mess! The unit left me wondering what else was lurking under the mess. Were there hidden problems I would find once the place was empty? I decided to take the smaller unit, which was beautifully staged, because I could see myself living there more comfortably from day one.  

Another big incentive: Hiring an organizer/stager to prepare your home for sale is a tax-deductible expense. (Be sure to check with your accountant for the proper way to record your deductions.)

6. I see that you are a Golden Circle member of NAPO - why is that important to me?

NAPO stands for the National Association of Professional Organizers. We meet monthly for educational seminars and workshops. We network with colleagues and share advice on solving organizing issues. When you hire a NAPO organizer, you are assured your confidentiality will be kept, as we adhere to a strict code of ethics and must meet specific standards for certification. The Golden Circle designation is acknowledgement that I have attained an elevated level of experience and expertise in my profession.

 

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