When you think of a Professional Organizer you may think of the TV shows like Clean Sweep, Clean House or Mission Organization. These shows have really brought the organizing industry to the forefront. However, what you see on TV is just the tip of the iceberg. You see what I consider conventional organizing. However on a day to day basis, Professional Organizers in the “real” world use unconventional organizing tactics.

What we do is not always about making things look neat and tidy. In fact, we do so much more. We identify a persons learning styles and develop systems based on their specific needs. We pinpoint obstacles and develop solutions to reduce them. We empathize with a persons emotional needs and guide them in the right direction. As a result we unconventionally organize our clients.

Allow me to explain,,,,,Recently I had an initial consultation with a new client who needed help at his office. We had spoken on the phone about his needs, but as usual, I was not quite sure what I might encounter when I arrived. Once I entered his office it was pretty typical. Nothing abnormal… at least in relation to what I usually see. So we sat down and began chatting. Instantly my client began drawing as he spoke. Not doodling, but actually drawing maps of his ideas and thoughts. I call them mind maps. Instantly, I knew that this was a client that was a visual, and possibly a kinetic, learner. A visual learner learns more effectively by seeing. A kinetic learner learns best when in motion or surrounded by motion. I believe my client enjoyed drawing while he spoke because his body was in motion and he could envision his thoughts as he thought them. As a result he may be more likely to remember and follow information. Making this identification can help tremendously in applying good organizing habits. Therefore, as we work together I make sure to draw all our plans using mind map software. And I don’t consider it strange if my client gets up from his chair and talks to me as he paces. In fact, I encourage it.

This is just a small example of an unconventional organizing tactic. Not everyone has the same needs, feelings, desires, or obstacles when it comes to organizing or learning. I consider a good organizer to be someone who can be creative, identify a customized approach, and tweak it as needed. But it isn’t always necessary to have an organizer help with unconventional organizing tactics. Anyone can do it. It just takes a little bit of imagination, creativity, fearlessness, patience and an open mind. I have heard of some organizers using zip lock baggies to hold papers. They hung them using hangers and that was their file system. I have even recommended to clients that they stop using dressers all together to store their clothes. I tell them to use hooks all around the room to keep their clothes off the floor and always visible. It works.... for them.

So when it comes to organizing try something completely wild and wacky and unconventional. You may find staying organized can be easy and even fun.