Organizers Get Organized

A group of local Professional Organizers came together in October to form the Professional Organizers Association of Southwest Florida. Their mission is to educate, support, and empower Professional Organizers in Southwest Florida to better serve the needs of their clients and to raise awareness of the organizing profession.

"It’s taken two years to formalize our group, and we are excited about the opportunity to connect with other organizers in the area and provide education and community outreach," says Professional Organizers Association President Jane Samargedlis of Designed 2 Organize (Naples).

Other board members include Vice President of Membership Tracy Colleran of Straighten Up, Inc. (Naples); Vice President of Public Relations Shannan O’Brien of Ultimately Organized (Cape Coral); Secretary Connie Kippycash of Easy Does It Professional Organizing (Fort Myers); Treasurer Karen Bucy of The Paper Tamer (Bonita Springs); and Roxy Hambleton, CPO®, of Positively Organized (Fort Myers) who serves as the group’s Ambassador.

All are also members of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), the leading organizing authority. According to NAPO, Professional Organizers design custom organizing systems and teach organizing skills to help individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, and their lives. The industry has grown steadily in recent years as more consumers turn to professional organizers for help.

The Professional Organizers Association invites Professional Organizers in Lee and Collier counties to contact Tracy Colleran at (239) 404-2721 for more information on becoming a member of this local group.

Ask me about NAPO in the Schools

As a member of the National Assocation of Professional Organizers, I recently completed training for the NAPO in the Schools program. NAPO in the Schools is a community outreach program that brings professional organizers into the schools. In a totally interactive classroom presentation, professional organizers teach students the benefits of being organized and basic organizing principles. The program was developed by a task force of NAPO members who have a passion for working with and educating students.

Organizing a Children's Craft Space

My oldest son starts Kindergarten next week, so paper, pencils and other arts and crafts supplies have been on my mind lately. I decided my children's "craft closet" was in need of a make-over, so I converted an enclosed computer desk into a kid-friendly craft storage space. Here are a few ideas I use to keep things organized:

1. 1. Cylinder drink mix containers were converted into cubbies for pencils and markers. These cylinders are the perfect size and they can easily be covered with craft paper or fabric for a decorative look.

2. Magazine holders corral coloring books and educational workbooks.

3. A three-tier storage bin keeps smaller items visible and accessible by little hands.

4. Inexpensive plastic storage boxes house play-doh, stickers, and small puzzles. Tip: Cut the picture off the top of the puzzle box and put it along with the pieces in plastic zip lock bags. It saves space, makes them portable (I can throw one in my purse for easy entertainment at a restaurant), and still keeps the pieces in one place. I've labeled the boxes, but also chose clear plastic so my youngest can find things fast.

5. Simple stackable plastic letter trays organize various types of paper. I love that this shelf (which used to house a printer) pulls out for easier access.

6. Paint, chalk, crayons and dry erase markers are stored in various sized plastic pencil boxes.

As you can see, I've left plenty of room for any new items.