What We Didn’t Cover on Jamestown Ope’n Forum: Behind the Scenes at Good Help Organizing

I was honored to be a guest on a recent episode of the Jamestown Ope’n Forum podcast through the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce. Warren, Vincent, and I enjoyed a great discussion of all things Chamber and Good Help Organizing (and a few other things too!). Check it out next time you have 25 minutes. 

When I was (over)preparing for the podcast, I thought of some of the questions I’ve gotten over the last couple of years. But because the podcast is short and sweet, there are plenty of things we didn’t get to discuss. I’m answering some of those questions in today’s post.

How did you know you wanted to start an organizing business in Jamestown, ND?

My family moved to Jamestown 10 years ago when my husband got a job here. I homeschooled my kids for six years and once they were all in school, I decided to turn my blue flame into a business. If you haven’t heard of a blue flame it’s a concept by author and stand-up comedian Jennifer Fulwiler. A blue flame is a God-given gift that you are meant to share with the world, and that also fills you with energy when you use it. I have skills in organizing, don't get overwhelmed by big piles, and it's also a flexible way to support my family. 

What types of organizing jobs have you done?

I have done the organizing jobs you might expect like closets, kitchens and pantries, bedrooms, offices and paperwork, and unpacking. I’ve also organized a Google Drive, a business break room, and a craft room. I love the the wide variety of organizing jobs keeps me on my toes and teaches me something new every session.

The jobs that were the most rewarding for me were helping empty homes where the elderly were downsizing or a family was transitioning to a different chapter.

What is one actionable tip or mindset shift some can implement today to start tackling the overwhelm?

People can feel a lot of shame about letting clutter build up, but we live in a consumer culture here in America. Clutter builds up and can be a burden, but your value as a person doesn't come from how tidy your home is and how many or how few items you own. I'm always saying progress is better than perfection. So there's my little mindset soapbox!

As far as an actionable tip, just start somewhere. Not with your grandma's photo albums or baby clothes, but something easy. Pick one surface, drawer, or closet, and set a timer for 10 minutes. Start small. Assess what you have, remove any trash, and you’ve already made progress! Put like items together and you’re on your way. Scroll down and sign up for my emails to get my free download of 15 things you can declutter in 15 minutes if you need more inspiration. 

Why would I pay someone to do this when I could just buy some plastic bins at Walmart and clean my own house on a Saturday?

That's a valid question! After I remind you that I do decluttering and organizing rather than cleaning, I’ll say that I’ve actually had a client express a similar sentiment. The client told a family member, “well she didn’t do anything I couldn’t have done myself.” And the family member replied, “You're right, you could have done it yourself... but you didn't.”

This client also likely would have gotten overwhelmed part way through the project and quit with a bigger mess than she started with.

Some people definitely do have the skills and follow-through to DIY their organizing. Yay!

Those people might also be too busy to do it themselves. And other people might have executive function challenges, physical challenges, or other circumstances that lead them to get help. Some people just need that session time set aside on their calendar to actually get the work done.

What’s an everyday example of how organizing can reduce someone’s mental load?

Something I've learned is that big problems make you feel like you need big solutions and if we can make the problem smaller, we're more likely to find a real, workable solution.

One tiny thing that I received multiple follow-up comments about was when I was organizing someone's kitchen with them and I suggested we move the coffee pot, coffee mugs, and coffee supplies from three separate areas of the kitchen to one cupboard and the counter directly below it. Such a small thing, but the client mentioned to me multiple times how much smoother it made the mornings for her family because they weren't leaving things out , leaving cupboards open, or having to push each other out of the way during the morning shuffle. Small solutions, big rewards. 

What questions do you have?

If you ever have questions you’d like me to cover on the blog, in my emails, or in person, don’t hesitate to let me know. My contact info is below or you can click on the photo for the quickest way to get in touch! You can be the boss of your stuff; I can help.