Q&A with a Professional Organizer - Debbie Jordan Kravitz

Debbie Jordan Kravitz – York, PA – www.VirtuallyOrganized.com

1) How long have you been a professional organizer?
I officially began my business in 2006.  But I was a chronic organizer well before that! I was always the one who had a written, detailed plan and list for everything I did. I also enjoyed helping my friends and family get better organized in their homes, and was often enlisted to help with their projects and organizing issues.

2) What inspired you to become a professional organizer?
I love watching decorating and organizing shows, and I had always thought being a Professional Organizer was my ideal dream job. But for a long time it was just that. . . a dream. In 2004, I battled breast cancer. This experience taught me that life is too short and unpredictable to waste. So I found the courage to try something new and started the process of establishing my very own professional organizing business. I have a degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, but I knew I needed more specialized training in the organizing industry, so I joined the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). Between my natural organization and the many courses I took from both (NAPO) and the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD), I have managed to develop a strong foundation in the theories and strategies of getting people better organized.

3) What is the most common organizing project you’re hired to do?
People often hire me to help them deal with their endless piles of paper, but once I get in there, we quickly discover that their piles are just a symptom of more elaborate organizational issues. Once we deal with the problem in its entirety, they find that maintaining their newly organized space becomes an easy and natural process.  I also do a lot of kitchen and home office jobs, helping my clients to create better work flow and productivity.

4) What is the most common organizing challenge people have?
I think most people struggle with just knowing where to begin. They have good intentions, but before they even get started they get overwhelmed with what to do and how to do it. They may have goals and dreams of creating an organized home, but they struggle with exactly how to get from a state of chaos and disorganization to a state of control and calm.  And that’s where a Professional Organizer can step in and really guide a client through the maze of getting better organized. 

5) If you had to pick ‘your’ biggest organizing challenge, what would it be?
I would have to say that my biggest organizing challenge is saying “no.”  I tend to have many projects brewing at once. Whether they are personal responsibilities, work projects, or volunteer commitments, I enjoy keeping busy. But sometimes I take on too much and cause myself unnecessary stress trying to keep on top of it all. Achieving a good balance is crucial to maintaining a simplified life, and this is an issue I often struggle with.

6) What tips would you give to people who are trying to get organized?

1. Develop a plan before you jump into any organizing project.
2. Avoid the temptation of cute and pretty organizing containers. Determine what storage options you need first, and then hit the stores.
3. Avoid overwhelming yourself.  Instead, divide your project into small, manageable chunks.  It’s better to lower your expectations about how much you can achieve in one session and set yourself up for success, rather than take on too much and feel like you’ve accomplished nothing.
4. Forget about perfect organization and instead settle for “organized enough.”
5. When in doubt, hire a Professional Organizer.

7) How can potential clients get in touch with you?
Potential clients can visit my website and blog at www.VirtuallyOrganized.com. In addition to organizing tips and the opportunity to join my monthly Procrastination Challenge, I have pages that describe my on-site organizing services in the south-central Pennsylvania area, as well as information about my Virtual Organizing Services. I also have a form to sign up for a free coaching call to check out the benefits of working with me virtually to solve your organizing dilemmas.