Q: Why organize?
A: It allows you to use the space and time you have more efficiently. Having their belongings organized has allowed my clients to be able to locate items easily, which saved them time & energy, and sometimes, money.

Q: What do you mean by de-cluttering?
A: De-cluttering means removing excess or unwanted things. I recommend throwing things away (ie: broken items); donating items (unwanted/unused items) or storing items (saving items for use later).

Q: Do I have to buy anything?
A: Not necessarily; it depends on how much you have, how much you purge, and whether or not you have some place or system that will accommodate what you choose to keep. Oftentimes, we’re able to put an existing item to a new or different use.

Q: Where do I begin?
A: Identify the problem area(s), and make a plan; and set goals. By breaking down the task into manageable assignments, it is easier to do the work.
Some people need to start slowly and begin with the easiest area. Others do better starting with the worst problem. Once that is tackled, the rest is easy.

Q: Do I have to participate in the process, or will you do it for me?
A: I will do whatever my client prefers. In the long run, it’s better when the client works alongside me to get some tips and learn new skills so that they will be able to stay organized.

Visit the National Association of Professional Organizers for additional information.

DAILY MONEY MANAGEMENT (DMM)

Q: What is a DMM and what do they do?
A: We are individuals, or companies, that offer personalized administrative and business assistance to clients, mostly in the form of check writing and bill paying, maintaining bank accounts and tracking insurance claims. For more information, call the American Association of Daily Money Managers toll free, 1-877-326-5991 or visit their website.
Also, some local governments provide these services for free, or on a reduced fee basis for low-income clients, as does AARP who can be reached at 202-434-6276.

Q: Why would I need these services?
A: Some individuals are unable to manage their personal finances. Cognitive disorders, disease, injury or illness prevent many people from being able to write checks or understand their bills or even their financial condition. Others travel for business or vacation for extended periods of time and want to be sure their bills are being paid. Some are busy and prefer to have free time to spend in ways that bring them enjoyment.

Q: Do you have access to my bank account?
A: Usually, no, but information about the account balance needs to be accessible to make certain that there is enough money to cover the checks that are written. My clients have always signed their own checks, although they are unable to write the details onto the checks or in the registers.