I’m still on holidays but while I’m away I’ve got another great entry into my Summer Organizer Spotlight series to share with you. Today we welcome Lauren Silveira to the blog. I do hope you are enjoying this series and the answers these fabulous organizers are providing.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Business Name: Organized for Life
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Website: http://www.organizedforlife.us/
Number of Years in Business: 2
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Career Highlight:
Being told by my first client that they could now sleep better knowing that the space was organized. Knowing that I had allowed for mental clarity was such a validator as to why I organize.
What is your favorite space to organize? Why?
I love to organize bedroom closets! Whether its a child’s or adult’s closet it’s always a joy for me to see the before and after. I love working through the clutter and allowing the client to see the transformation taking place. By sorting through items to donate, working in systems to allow for more function and creating a closet space that is free of what no longer serves them is a joy. I love that transformation!
What is one of your favorite organizing products? Why?
Over the door organizers, with clear pockets, that have labels are my staple item! I love multi-functioning items and these always do the trick. I have placed these in homes and small businesses to store anything from shoes, to hats, mail and even diapers. They are a true space saver and work in any room!
What do you find is the toughest part about being an organizer?
The emotional aspect of it can be difficult. A client may have an attachment to something and letting them know that the memory attached to the item will not go away if they part with it can be hard.
Do you think you were born with the organizing gene or have you developed the skills over time?
The organizing gene was without a doubt a trait I was born with, inherited from my mom a master organizer. I can remember as a child loving to clean my room and being a bit obsessive about the quality of my chores. I’d always be sure to have a place for everything and make it a priority to keep it that way. My skills have certainly strengthened over time as each new organizing mission presents itself, and I embrace any new opportunity to grow within the field.
What area of your own home do you find the most difficult to keep on top of?
I incorporate systems I use for my clients in my own home and have a place for everything however the one area would be the junk drawer. It is constantly a challenge to stay clean! I have drawer separators, labels and compartments for each misc. item. By the end of the week everything seems to have ended up elsewhere once my family has gone through it! I’d say I organize that draw every week!
What do you have a collection of? How do you display/organize it?
My biggest collection is my books. I never caught on to the e-book readers. For me there is something old fashioned and a bit magical about keeping a collection of books years after you have read them. They have taken me on so many adventures. I use my book collection as art rather than seen as clutter. I display the books in my home office within wooden cube storage and floating shelves. I add interest to the collection by placing interesting book ends by them and sorting by color. I have made a couple of trips to the local library to donate some but the majority has stayed.
How would your mom describe your room as a kid (in terms of organization)?
My mom has always said out of her three children whenever she asked one of us to clean up the toy room, our bedroom or even the kitchen she could always tell when I did it. The toys would be lined up perfectly and categorized. Every dish in the kitchen would be dried and out of the sink, and I always paid attention to cleaning details!
Do you have an organizing mantra for yourself and your clients?
My organizing mantra is part of my business name- Organized for Life, making your favorite spaces come to life. This means creating spaces within your surroundings that have purpose and meaning. Ridding yourself of what no longer serves you so that when the clutter is gone you feel the positive mental benefits of organization.
In a few sentences, can you tell us what your approach is for taking clients from overwhelmed to organized?
The first process is always purging through the clutter with patience and focus. Deciding with the client that yes this space will be functional and work for you, it’s only a matter of time. Once the task of purging is completed it’s simply a matter of creating zones by setting up a space for everything. Most important is working with the client on how to maintain the system unique to their needs.
What is one thing you want others to know about working with a Professional Organizer?
We do not judge you and want to help because everyone deserves a space they can feel relaxed and at ease in. Taking that first step in becoming organized with the help of a professional organizer is truly a great way to learn lasting organizational skills. We love what we do and want to work with you never against you!
Before and after pictures are so motivating. Could you share an example of your work with us and tell us a little about what you did?
These photos are of a child’s bedroom I organized for a client. The couple I helped to get organized were in the process of downsizing. They have a son with a baby girl on the way and both the baby and their son would be sharing the same room. I created a closet space for both children as well as drawer space. I incorporated sizing details in the closet to keep up with purging items as they no longer fit, and utilized a double hanger for both children. I was able to free up draw space, closet space and leave plenty of room for the new baby girl. It was very rewarding to know both children will be comfortable in the shared spaced and to help the family in their transition.
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Jill Robson says
Hi Laura
Love this spotlight on Professional Organizers, as I am new to the business, but not to organizing(I think i was born with the gene also) it is very inspiring. To hear what someone has to say who is already working in the business, and I recognize myself in alot of the answers, lets me know I am on the right path.
Have a great summer vacation.
Jill