According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO):

• 71 percent of those polled said their quality of life would improve if they were better organized.
• 65 percent described their home as at least moderately disorganized.
• 27 percent said disorder keeps them from being effective at work.

As millions of people vow to get organized as part of their New Year’s resolutions, it is no surprise that January has been dubbed National “Get Organized” month, a 7- year-old event, sponsored by NAPO, an organization that represents well over 4,000 members in the U.S. and beyond.

Long after the celebratory confetti is swept up,  many people will once again make an all out effort to plow through their piles, manage their files, clear their clutter and make more room for themselves in an effort to feel happier at home and more productive at work.

And before the end of the year, as predictable as the sound of popping champagne corks, many will resign themselves to yet another year surrounded by clutter in their homes, on their desks and worst of all, in their heads.

Excepting New Year’s resolutions, the decision to get organized is usually precipitated by an event or changing life circumstance. Examples include moving, expecting a new baby, sending kids off to college, getting a new job or keeping up with the demands of an existing one. Even a loss of health, money or death of a loved one can be the deciding factor in getting organized “once and for all.”

Whatever the precipitating cause, it is wise first to assess whether or not you have the time, skill, and motivation to manage the resulting organizational tasks by yourself. If not, seeking the help and guidance of a professional organizer could mean being able to check  “Get Organized” off your to-do list.

Ultimately the question of whether or not you would benefit from the help of a professional, can best be answered by you.  Here are 11 questions that will help you decide if hiring a professional organizer is right for you:

1. Do I want to get organized but have no idea where to start?
2. Am I moving and need ideas on how to set up my new home or downsize from my old one?
3. Is my disorganization or lack of productivity holding me back from success or costing me money?
4. Is the clutter in my home or office weighing me down?
5. Is there someone in my family who messes up all my attempts to get organized?
6. Have I lost or misplaced documents that cost me late fees and unnecessary finance charges?
7. Do I frequently apologize for ‘the mess’ to guests who come to my home to visit?
8. Have I tried to get organized but never seem to make any progress then slip back to my old ways?
9. Am I feeling stuck because my living or work space makes me feel unfocused and distracted?
10. Do I want to be more organized but just can’t get motivated?
11. Am I feeling frustrated, overwhelmed or stressed by my mess?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you will most likely benefit from the services of a professional organizer.  To find one in your area check out the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) website or visit mine at www.letsmakeroom.com.

Posted November 29, 2010 by Lis McKinley, M.A., CPO®