A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER

With more than 15 years’ experience as Naples, Florida’s Premier Professional Organizer, my days are filled with transforming spaces and helping my clients achieve a clutter-free, simplified and organized lifestyle. But there’s more to my day than just organizing. My diverse interests in current affairs, the arts, theater, travel, reading, exercise and sports enrich my interactions with clients and make the experience enjoyable and engaging for them. Let me take you through a typical day in my life.

Morning Routine: Setting the Tone for the Day

My day starts early, at 6:00am, with a quiet moment to myself as I savor my one and only cup of coffee and read the paper online. This not only keeps me updated on current events but also helps me start the day with a sense of calm and purpose.

I walk the talk! After coffee, I make my bed (every day), do a load of laundry, and complete at least cleaning task, such as vacuuming or dusting. Doing one small cleaning chore each day ensures that my home remains organized and clutter-free, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Physical fitness is crucial for maintaining the mental and physical stamina required for my job. Depending on the day, I either head to a boot camp session or enjoy a game of tennis. On days when I have a household move scheduled, I’m on-site by 8:00am knowing that I’ll be getting more than enough exercise during the day.

Client Sessions: Transforming Spaces

I typically work four to five 8-hour days per week, occasionally splitting the day between two clients. My work involves a variety of tasks, including: decluttering, organizing, downsizing move preparation, and organizing paperwork. Because each client’s needs are unique, and I tailor my approach to suit their specific situation. The beauty of my job is that no two days are the same, which keeps things interesting.

Decluttering and Organizing: I start with a thorough assessment of the client’s space, understanding their needs and goals. This involves sorting through belongings, making decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard and creating efficient and functional solutions.

Space Planning and Storage Solutions: I design layouts that maximize both utility and aesthetics, advise on furniture arrangement and implement innovative storage solutions. From custom closets to creative shelving, I ensure that every inch of space is optimized to fulfill my clients’ needs and wishes.

Marketing, Bookkeeping and Administrative Duties: The afternoon is when I work on my blog, YouTube videos and content for my social media. I understand the importance of surrounding myself with experts to keep me on task and to help with the things that are not my forte and therefore work closely with a digital marketing company and SEO team. I also spend at least ten minutes each day staying on top of any bookkeeping tasks that need to be completed.

End of the Day: Wrapping Up and Personal Enrichment

As a business person, I’m a firm believer in the power of communication and the importance of replying to all inquiries within 24 hours. Once I’m home and have regrouped, I catch up on emails, voicemails, contracts and paperwork, ensuring that I am fully present and focused when with clients during work hours. My job doesn’t end when I leave a client’s home; staying connected and responsive is a crucial part of my service.

Evenings are reserved for personal enrichment. I enjoy going out with friends for dinner, to the theater, exploring new travel destinations, immersing myself in a good book and taking a two to four-mile walk most nights. These activities not only provide relaxation and joy but also enhance my ability to connect with clients on a deeper level. My familiarity with various subjects, from theater and film to books and travel, makes it a pleasant experience for clients to work with me. We often find common interests to discuss, making the organizing process more enjoyable and engaging.

The Broader Impact: Enhancing My Clients’ Lives

The work I do goes beyond simply creating organized and functional spaces. It significantly impacts my clients’ lives in several ways:

Increased Productivity: An organized space allows clients to find what they need quickly, saving time and reducing frustration. This enhances my clients’ ability to focus on tasks, whether at home or work.

Reduced Stress and Peace of Mind: Knowing their space is orderly and that they have easy-to-maintain systems in place reduces mental clutter. Simplified daily routines make life more manageable and less stressful.

Improved Quality of Life: A beautifully organized home is more enjoyable to live in and can enhance overall well-being. Reducing clutter can improve physical health by minimizing dust and allergens and an organized home fosters a more harmonious living environment.

Conclusion: A Day Well Spent

Being a Professional Organizer is not just a job; it’s a passion that allows me to make a significant difference in people’s lives. My day is a blend of physical activity, creative problem-solving and personal enrichment, all aimed at providing the best service possible to my clients. My diverse interests and knowledge add depth to my interactions, making the process enjoyable and engaging. I LOVE what I do!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter or simply want to optimize your space, consider enlisting the help of Naples’ Premier Professional Organizer. Our expertise and support can make a world of difference, turning chaos into order and helping you achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Marla Ottenstein is Naples’ Premier Professional Organizer and Certified Move Manager. Renowned for her exceptional expertise in helping clients declutter, consolidate, downsize and transform their spaces, her passion for organization and her commitment to providing unparalleled customer service is unmatched. With more than 15 years’ experience in her field, she is the foremost authority in professional organizing and relocation services in SW Florida. Licensed & Insured. Member: National Association of Professional Organizers. For more information, please call 239.860.7847 or visit www.ProfessionalOrganizerFlorida.com.