What is a professional organizer?
The National Association of Professional Organizers
(NAPO) defines a professional organizer as "a person who will help individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, their paper, and their systems for life." We evaluate and pinpoint the root causes of the disorganization. After we analyze and strategize, we methodically execute the transformation. We recommend systems and techniques that are customized to your life circumstance, work style, goals, resources, and abilities. Along the way, our goal is to transfer our skills to you.
Typically, professional organizers have strong project management skills. We see the big picture without losing sight of the details. For example, we know how each page in a book must combine to create an entire book, right down to the punctuation and spaces between the paragraphs. In addition to superior organization skills, we are truly passionate about contributing to the happiness and success of others.
How will I benefit from a professional organizer?
We all can benefit from a professional organizer at different times in our lives. Life transitions and unexpected circumstances can be overwhelming, and a professional organizer can help by addressing these challenges systematically. You will gain new insight and form new habits. You will have less stress and gain clarity, energy and momentum.
What if I don’t want to get rid of something?
We will always make space for something that is precious to you. But our role is to remind you of your vision and goal. If your goal is to create an office space and you have a collection of Royal Dalton figurines that are very significant to you, we will find a home for them that gives them the significance they deserve. We will never judge because we understand that some items are too precious to let go.
What qualifications does Melody Oshiro have as a professional organizer?
We encourage you to review Melody’s profile on
LinkedIn. You will see she has diverse experience and education. She has worked in professional offices for over 25 years, and offers expertise with a degree in Communications, a Certificate in Project Management, and from numerous courses and study in the professional organizing field. She knows the importance of developing consistent business/rules and processes so information can be obtained quickly and so the best decisions can be made. Her organizing best practices and tips will improve the operations of any office or home.
What about confidentiality? I am very private.
All conversations will be confidential from the moment of our first phone call. Melody abides by the Professional Organizer of Canada Code of Ethics, (
POC), and will ensure your interests and well being are always a priority. It is her practice to take photos of your space to help with the analysis and review. Before and after photos will only be used outside of this purpose with your written permission.
How long will it take? I am on a limited income.
The time it takes can vary because there are so many variables. One big variable is how quickly you are able to make decisions because clutter is really a form of delayed decision making. Melody will work hard to move through the process and provide homework for you to do between sessions, so that we can work within your budget. She would also like to point out, that there is often a return on investment for organizing services. People who are organized are less apt pay late fees and miss out on tax deductions, and less apt to buy food and clothes they do not need. We recommend starting with an evaluation to determine your needs and goals. The initial assessment is a flat rate of $25. You can decide after the assessment if you wish to move forward.
What do we do with the stuff I want to get rid of?
We will be able to recommend many options to you, but we are not valuators of items. The choice will be yours whether you dispose, recycle, donate, sell, or give away. The sorting and decision process can indeed be challenging, and we will guide you through this process. We will have a list of places in your community that will accept your items for donation or profit.
Do I have to help you?
The choice is yours if you wish to physically help, but you do need to be available to make decisions during the sorting and purging process. We will be customizing the space to work for you, so would want your feedback throughout the process.
Is Melody Oshiro a member of Professional Organizers of Canada (POC)?
(POC) is a non-profit group dedicated to developing, leading, and promoting professional organizers and the industry. Melody is a member of this organization and is actively involved with the Vancouver Island Chapter.
What areas do you serve?
Melody Oshiro is a professional organizer serving Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Lady Smith, Parksville, Qualicum and surrounding areas. Virtual organizing or administrative projects can be arranged remotely. Contact Melody for more details for these arrangements.
If, however, you prefer a hands-on organizer in an area we do not serve you may search using the
Find My Organizer Directory
