Many people assume a Professional Organizer will straighten up their closets, garages, kitchens and pantries. That’s true. But some, like myself, have taken the profession to the next level by helping clients organize and simplify their lives—not just their closets.
Take control of your life
Getting your paperwork in order, creating easy-to-maintain systems, de-cluttering, consolidating, downsizing and transitioning into the different stages of life are all integral to the big picture. The simple act of paring down and taking control of all the “stuff” in your life can and will help you achieve peace of mind.
Be prepared
I always tell my clients to protect themselves and prepare for the worst. This means creating a detailed password and autopay spreadsheet listing every single account (utilities, airlines, banks, insurance, investments, Medicare, doctors, software and online shopping sites, etc.) that you do business with.
Organize your files
If your children offer to help, it’s because they love you and not because they don’t think you can do it yourself. I tell my clients: If you’re sick, call a doctor. If you need legal advice, call a lawyer. If you need help getting organized, hire a licensed and insured Professional Organizer.
Organize your life
The greatest gift you can give your loved ones is to put your life in order, including: organizing and decluttering paperwork, old photos and memorabilia, and clearing out expensive off-site storage. When the inevitable happens, your family will have more than enough to do.
Peace of mind
If you don’t want your kids to fight over who gets what when you’re gone, get organized now by sorting through all the “stuff” and putting your wishes in writing! Sticking a Post-it Note on a painting or piece of jewelry is not the answer. Remember, just because something is in writing doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind later on.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
The sense of accomplishment and calm you’ll experience once the process of getting organized is complete will make you wonder why you waited so long. Everyone, no matter how young or old, and no matter if you’re married, single, divorced or widowed, should have:
Password and autopay spreadsheet
List of safety deposit boxes, safes and off-site storage units (with location of keys and/or combination numbers)
Last Will & Testament and Trust(s)
Up-to-date Durable Power of Attorney & Advance Medical Directive
Letter with burial and post-burial instructions, including funeral/memorial plans
Detailed description of all valuables, including a notarized letter with clear instructions describing how you want your possessions distributed
List of contacts to call in case of an emergency
Finally, as my father used to say, surround yourself with a team of professionals – lawyer, accountant and financial adviser – whom you trust and respect and who, in return, respect you. That way, when the inescapable occurs, you, and/or your loved ones, will have a team in place to help you through the tough times.
Marla Ottenstein, owner
Professional Organizer Florida
239.860.7847
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