Getting Rid of Clutter Doesn't Make Your Office Organized

Having a neat desk doesn't make you organized. To boost your work performance you need systems that help you contain, find and retrieve items and information. The International Association of Professional Organizers offers helpful tips to get your office organized for good and information on how to find a qualified organizing professional. Getting organized can increase your income, your reputation and could even save your job.

(PRWEB) September 4, 2004 -- The International Association of Professional Organizers (IAPO) is looking -- once and for all -- to end the misconception that professional organizers are glorified cleaners.

Too many people -- even some beginning organizers -- assume that once youve straightened up an office and thrown away the clutter that means the workspace is organized," said Elizabeth Losher, IAPOs Executive Director. Losher says there is a big difference between an office being neat and being organized. Your work space may look like a picture from CEO Magazine, but without systems to contain, find and retrieve items and information, you're not truly organized."

Even hidden clutter can still wreak havoc in your business performance. Thats why Losher offers these additional tips to help you get your office organized for good:

Tips For Getting Your Office Organized For Good
• Know your reasons: Why do you want to get organized? What will you do with the additional time you save? What goals are you looking to achieve? With a clear idea of what it is you want, youll be better able to stay focused as you get organized.

• Know how you use your space and items: The most effective systems for you will depend on your work style. Any system you apply will provide little more than a bandage effect unless it fits the way you work.

• Work your systems: Like anything worthwhile, getting used to being organized takes a personal investment from you. Invest the time to work your systems for at least one month to see how they work for you. Even the best system, if it does not work for you, will fail. Being organized means there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. Make sure everyone in your office is trained to know where everything goes.

• Become willing to let go: Getting organized often means making changes. What are you willing to let go of? The more youre willing to release in your office, the better organized youll be. This goes for files, meetings, even long-held beliefs about why you keep certain items.

• Get outside help: Contact an organizing membership organization like IAPO for a referral to a qualified professional organizer in your area. IAPO is the only non-profit membership organization within the professional organizing industry to require standards of education and experience for its members.

• Look for competence: Choose a professional organizer with the certification that indicates he or she is ethical and has met standards of professional organizing competency -- the Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) certification. Be sure to ask: Are you certified?

• Check the organizers background: Contact IAPO (212-920-1440 or OrganizingTheWorld.org) to determine if an organizer is currently authorized to use the CPO certification marks or has ever been publicly disciplined by the CPO Certification Board.

IAPO is dedicated to setting and maintaining standards of excellence for professional organizers worldwide with professionalism, integrity and compassion. IAPO provides advanced education, professional development, certification, industry promotion and disaster relief organizing assistance. For more about IAPO, visit www.organizingtheworld.org.

Source: International Association of Professional Organizers, CPO Certification Board
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