Linda Richards, Professional Organizer, and A&E “Hoarders” Geralin Thomas

Linda Richards, Professional Organizer, and A&E “Hoarders” Geralin Thomas are pictured at the 2010 NAPO conference in Columbus, Ohio

Geralin Thomas and I are both members of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD). Geralin has been on the A&E “Hoarders” tv show, sharing her Professional Organizing services. It has been interesting for me to hear her (& other Professional Organizers who have worked on the show nationwide) share 'behind the scenes' experiences.

The organizers I have met who work in extreme hoarding environments are kind, compassionate and knowledgeable professionals. Since I prefer to work with hoarders who have ‘very mild to mild’ hoarding situations, I have a great respect for PO's who work in environments that are in great decay, dangerous and unsafe for individuals and families to live in.

Which brings to mind a question that was asked during one of the sessions at the 2010 national conference for NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), ‘Why are shows like “Hoarders” so popular?" and "Is it ‘good or bad’ to have shows like that?” I can personally say I almost never watch tv but do feel that if a show helps people know they are not the only ones with special needs and also educates them about resources available to help them change their lives, it can be a good thing, if it is done in a compassionate, professional manner. Many people are now learning about the help available for hoarders as a result of shows like “Hoarders” so I can say that is one benefit.

What do you think about shows like “Hoarders”?

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Linda Richards with NAPO president Laura Leist at the 2010 NAPO national conference in Columbus, Ohio

I always enjoy the annual NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) conference, there are many reasons why, such as getting to meet presidents (past and current) of NAPO and other organizations, who have donated so much of their personal time and energy to a cause they believe in.

Another reason is that I also enjoy getting to know PO’s from all over the world. I had fun asking what type of client the people sitting near me (in workshops, meals, in the elevators, etc.) liked to work with. It amazed me to see the variety of niches that were mentioned.

You might be interested to see the list I came up with during the conference, about the different niches Professional Organizers can have:
· downsizing
· seniors/’elders’
· estate sales
· moves
· space planning residential
· space planning commercial
· closets
· garages
· homes
· families
· parents with young children
· students
· college professors
· executives/CEO’s
· shopaholics
· chronic fatigue syndrome
· hoarders
· AD/HD and CD (Chronic Disorganization)
· businesses (various sizes)
· corporate
· large business
· small business
· entrepreneur
· solopreneur
· productivity training
· ‘mental’ organizing
· time management/procrastination
· mobile workers /those who travel full-time
· large ‘net worth’ clients
· small spaces (apartments, full-time RV’ers, etc.)

As you can see there are many niches Professional Organizers can have. If you (or someone you know) needs organizing help, go to the NAPO site, put in your zip code and contact the organizers who service your community. If none do, try to find one that does virtual organizing (using the phone, computer, etc.) in the topic you need help in. In addition to traditional ‘hands on’ organizing, with my Organize and More business, I also offer virtual organizing to the types of clients I serve, which is anyone but particularly those with AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and CD (Chronic Disorganization) or anyone who feels overwhelmed with their stuff, time/calendar and papers.

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Linda Richards joins small group of Professional Organizers worldwide

Linda Richards has joined a small group of Professional Organizers worldwide to have earned all 10 of the NSGCD Certificates of Study. This is from the business announcement I sent the Gainesville Sun announcing I had earned the Life Transitions certificate. I completed it in December 2009 but chose not to post it until later because I was busy with another exciting certification, which I'll let you know about another time.

I enjoy learning and being one of only a handful of organizers in the world to have received all 10 of these Certificates of Study is just 'icing on the cake'. I always hope that something I learn will help my clients. The Life Transitions material was a very interesting topic, as you can see from the NSGCD description below:

This certificate covers the specialized needs and issues of working with the CD client during a time of transition. Life transitions include but are not limited to entry into the work force, single to married, widowed, empty nest, divorce, death, and moving.

In case you are curious about the other 9 Certificates of Study I've earned over the years they are:

1. Chronic Disorganization
2. Basic ADD Issues with the CD Client
3. CD Client Administration
4. Basic Physical Conditions Affecting the CD Client
5. Understanding the Needs of the Elderly CD Client
6. Learning Styles and Modalities
7. Basic Hoarding Issues with the CD Client
8. Understanding the Needs of the Student CD Client
9. Basic Mental Health Conditions and Challenges Affecting the CD Client

I enjoy taking as many classes as I can, because I'm always searching, like a detective, for techniques or ideas that might help my clients. It is nice to constantly add more 'tools' 'to my 'tool box' of organizing skills.

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