Cleaning is NOT organizing!

Dr. Amie Ragan of the Psychology of Clutter, a wonderfully insightful blog, recently posted on the difference between cleaning and organizing.  I couldn't have written a better post myself so I won't!  I'll just link you to her post : ) 

I address this issue on my FAQ's page on my services website as follows:

"In deciding to work with a professional organizer, realize that we are not a cleaning service, nor are we simply hired hands to assist you in rearranging stuff. You are hiring a professional organizer for expertise, recommendations, and to teach you new ways of doing things. A good professional organizer should focus more on helping you change your habits, and achieve a lifetime of staying better organized, than on your stuff."

When I work with clients, I do wipe down surfaces we've just cleared, because it only makes sense to clean up before you put things back and I do love things to be clean. In fact, I always bring dust wipes with me.  I learned to do this early on when many of my clients would pick up something and blow an inch of dust off it!  Sonetimes right in my face!  I got a lot of sinus infections at first.  Using the dust wipes has really helped with that because most of the dust sticks to the wipes.  Much better than breathing it all in! 

As an aside, I actually don't mind cleaning my own home but I don't feel it's a best use of my time so I have a cleaning service.  To be honest, I don't love spending time organizing either!  What I love is the results!! That's why I come with really creative and simple ways to organize.  I really prefer spending my time hanging out with my husband & cats, learning, gardening, writing, traveling, and helping people, etc. To me organizing is a means to an end, it's the way to live your life the way you want to - with your mind freed up for thinking about really matters most to you!

Comments

[Monica Ricci]

Ariane you couldn't be more right. I appreciated Dr. Ragan's post as well!
~Monica

[Jessica Duquette]

right on, sister! And yeah, Amie's post was on the mark. I haven't had too many clients expect me to clean, though...

The worst is when they want me to "straighten up" their clutter. I don't do that!

I once had to fold 130 tablecloths for someone, it took me HOURS. That was the very last time I was willing to do that kind of work.

A professional organizer charges usually at least twice as much for a reason---we are experts at space and lifestyle management!

hugs,

Jessica from It's Not About Your Stuff.

[Suzanne McLoone]

I am so glad I am not the only person who finds that amongst her clients. Thank goodness I have the mom "look" down pat when my clients ask that I clean, although they do enjoy using the word "organize" when they want me to clean. Loving it!

[Ariane Benefit]

Thanks for your comments, Monica, Jessica & Suzanne.

S- I'd love to see that Mom look! I find clients also love to say we are "cleaning" the room when we are really "organizing" it!

J- I get that too and I hate folding! I tell clients "you really don't want me to pay me to fold, because I'm not that good at it. That's why my husband does the laundry. But I will show you how to fold really fast." They love it!