False Assumptions About Professional Organizers

What is your first thought when you hear someone say "I am a Professional Organizer"?   Did you have some preconceived judgment about them?  Did you think they were too perfect?  Well, here are some false assumptions about Professional Organizers and the reality of what we do and who we are.  To show you I am not the only one who hears these assumptions, I have included feedback from 6 colleagues.  Feel free to click-through and check out their website when you have a moment.

"People assume I will make them get rid of all their stuff." by Hazel Thornton

The reality is:

When purging, you only need to get rid of the stuff you don't use or want any longer.  The items you love are readily available to you and not blocked by things that are useless and unwanted.

"People assume my house is spotless!" by Christina Tuggey Hidek

The reality is:

The difference between an organized home and a disorganized home is not about only about cleanliness.  It is about having a home that is working effectively where possessions have their place and is accessible when needed and out-of-the-way when not in use.

"People assume my kid is organized and always cleans up his toys and keeps his room tidy." by Sarah Soboleski

The reality is:

Well, let me just say Professional Organizers are great at setting up systems but kids will be kids and they don't necessarily remember where things go.  As parents, we tell our children over and over before they get it. I always say that organizing is a skill and must be taught. Anyone can organize.

"People assume I only work with extreme hoarders." by Nicole Ramer

The reality is:

PO's are willing to help with small or large jobs.  It doesn't matter. Whenever someone feels overwhelmed with their situation, contact a Professional Organizer. Getting contribute to defining your systems is necessary to maintain every space.

"People assume we are housekeepers." by Samantha Pointer-Foxx

The reality is:

I just have to say I don't like cleaning.  So, I know this isn't true for me.  I clean out of necessity, not enjoyment. I clean to reduce dust in the home and improve air quality. I do mention it to the client that they should clean off the dusty shelf, but if they don't care about that, I don't push the topic.  It's their home.

"People assume that I look down on them because their home is not neat and tidy." by Andi Tormohlen Willis

The reality is:

I know for me and probably all the organizers I have quoted here, we want to help people get their home organized, and their lives simplified.  We are not there to judge others; we are there to help.

"People assume that I was born with parents that taught me how to organize." by Sabrina Quairoli

The reality is:

Every Professional Organizer has their reasons for becoming one.  Mine wasn't because my parents were organized. It was because they weren't organized. I needed to feel more in control when I was a teenager by making my systems; it helped me stay on top of my schoolwork, my job, and my bedroom.  Everywhere else in the parents' home was not organized.  It got to the point where my mom was in awe at how I kept my room that she would show my bedroom organizing systems to the company as a treat.  How embarrassing, right?  I didn't mind.

I hope this shows you how POs are misunderstood by just saying the phrase, "I am a Professional Organizer." The bottom line is we are people who specialize in many areas and want to be of service to others who need that little extra help.

What is your assumption about Professional Organizers?  Leave a comment below.