Decluttering alone can be daunting. And finding ways to keep your home organised can be a constant struggle. No wonder more and more people are seeking professional help. And for many, virtual organising is an ideal option.
Since the global pandemic turned our lives upside down, we have become accustomed to online activities that seemed barely imaginable a few months ago. From medical consultations to music lessons, cookery classes to community gatherings, we’re accessing a wider variety of virtual services than ever before. And while virtual organising has been available for a while, there’s recently been a dramatic upsurge in demand.
So what is virtual organising and how could it help you?
What is virtual organising?
Nowadays you no longer need to be in the same room as a professional organiser to benefit from their expertise and support. An increasing number offer virtual services,speaking to clients via online platforms such as zoom or even by phone. Contrary to some expectations, it doesn’t require sophisticated technology. Even without a camera, virtual organising can motivate and mobilise you to create impactful changes in your home and in your life.
How could virtual organising help you?
1. Decluttering your home
As I often say, clutter is a subjective concept – only you can decide how many handbags or handtowels you really need. But making countless decisions leads to overwhelm. By guiding you gently through the process, a virtual organiser can help you to clarify criteria, weigh up risks and stay focused on goals in order to develop and apply decision-making skills.
So much of the stuff we accumulate – books, clothes, photos, gifts – take on multi-layered meanings, linking us to memories of the past or aspirations for the future. That’s why it’s often so useful to discuss decisions with someone impartial, supportive and sympathetic. A virtual organiser also helps to consider exit strategies – where to donate items that you no longer want or need, or how to recycle or reuse them.
2. Organising your space
Virtual organising helps you to gain (or regain) control of your home by reviewing where and how you store belongings. This might involve talking about the impact of lifestyle changes such as working from home at the kitchen table.
A virtual organiser also empowers you to establish systems and develop routines to stay organised. From meal planning to laundry schedules, virtual sessions can focus on simple, practical ways to manage time and space. They might also help you to facilitate discussions with others about organising roles and responsibilities.
3. Time management and productivity
As with decluttering and organising, time management and productivity involve important skills that can be practiced and improved. Some virtual organisers specialise in helping busy clients to declutter their schedules as well as their space.
Virtual sessions often explore specific challenges such as how to plan and prioritise, or how to break down an organising project into manageable,actionable steps. Clients also learn how to reduce overload by setting boundaries, delegating and letting go of perfectionism.
4. Additional support
Virtual organisers are adept at researching charities or services and have access to professional networks such as the Academy of Virtual Organising who share resources to help clients. If you need an upholsterer to makeover a tatty sofa or are ready to donate your wedding dress, your organiser can probably point you in the right direction.
And if your virtual organiser happens to live nearby, they might offer to shop for storage products or collect unwanted goods from your doorstep to deliver to charities.Occasionally virtual organisers team up to recommend colleagues who provide on-site organising.
How do virtual organisers work?
Broadly speaking, there are three different ways of working virtually. During an initial consultation you’ll discuss goals and explore these approaches
1. Working sessions
Throughout these sessions, the client engages in practical organising or decluttering tasks while talking to the virtual organiser. The client can either position their camera to let the organiser observe or remain off-camera,providing a running commentary. Either way, the role of the organiser is to keep the client on track, to discuss any problems they encounter and to cheer them on.
2. Strategy sessions
Some clients prefer to use virtual sessions to discuss organising or decluttering goals (longer-term and short-term) and to plan strategy. This might involve a ‘deep dive’ into emotional obstacles or logistical challenges.Coaching-style conversations lead to a plan of action with the client committing to ‘homework’. This provides structure and accountability which many clients find invaluable.
3. A hybrid approach
For many people, a combination of methods is ideal. This might mean setting a timer, allocating ten minutes for the client to sort through some papers(either on or off-camera), then reporting back, reviewing how it felt and planning next steps. Another option is to alternate working sessions with strategy calls. Sometimes it can be refreshing to take a break from practical work to revisit broader goals or to untangle thorny issues.
What are the benefits of virtual organising?
· Health and safety
Working online clearly eliminates any risk of infection to you or the virtual organiser, especially if a member of your household is unwell or clinically vulnerable.
· Privacy
Organisers who belong to professional associations such as APDO commit to a code of ethics that includes strict confidentiality. Many of us are also registered for data protection. However, there are occasions when it’s more appropriate for you or your family to consult an organiser online rather than on-site.
· Choice
Wherever you are in the world, you’re no longer restricted to hiring an organiser in your area. Virtual organising opens up more possibilities to find the right professional ‘match’.
· Flexibility
Virtual organisers offer a range of appointment options, including shorter, more frequent sessions. Timings tend to range from 45-minutes to two hours, often with short breaks, but can vary
· Cost-effectiveness
Since virtual organising sessions tend to be shorter than home visits,costs may be more affordable.
· Boundaries
Sometimes it’s easier to discuss sensitive topics from a distance rather than in person.
· Empowerment and motivation
With the expert guidance and support of a virtual organiser, you’ll gain key skills that enhance confidence and self-esteem.
Where to find a virtual organiser?
If you’re ready to speak to a virtual organiser or just curious to find out more, check the APDO website and search for organisers who offer virtual services. Or contact me at the Academy of Virtual Organisers and I’ll gladly help.
Read more about the author here
Decluttering alone can be daunting. And finding ways to keep your home organised can be a constant struggle. No wonder more and more people are seeking professional help. And for many, virtual organising is an ideal option.
Since the global pandemic turned our lives upside down, we have become accustomed to online activities that seemed barely imaginable a few months ago. From medical consultations to music lessons, cookery classes to community gatherings, we’re accessing a wider variety of virtual services than ever before. And while virtual organising has been available for a while, there’s recently been a dramatic upsurge in demand.
So what is virtual organising and how could it help you?
What is virtual organising?
Nowadays you no longer need to be in the same room as a professional organiser to benefit from their expertise and support. An increasing number offer virtual services,speaking to clients via online platforms such as zoom or even by phone. Contrary to some expectations, it doesn’t require sophisticated technology. Even without a camera, virtual organising can motivate and mobilise you to create impactful changes in your home and in your life.
How could virtual organising help you?
1. Decluttering your home
As I often say, clutter is a subjective concept – only you can decide how many handbags or handtowels you really need. But making countless decisions leads to overwhelm. By guiding you gently through the process, a virtual organiser can help you to clarify criteria, weigh up risks and stay focused on goals in order to develop and apply decision-making skills.
So much of the stuff we accumulate – books, clothes, photos, gifts – take on multi-layered meanings, linking us to memories of the past or aspirations for the future. That’s why it’s often so useful to discuss decisions with someone impartial, supportive and sympathetic. A virtual organiser also helps to consider exit strategies – where to donate items that you no longer want or need, or how to recycle or reuse them.
2. Organising your space
Virtual organising helps you to gain (or regain) control of your home by reviewing where and how you store belongings. This might involve talking about the impact of lifestyle changes such as working from home at the kitchen table.
A virtual organiser also empowers you to establish systems and develop routines to stay organised. From meal planning to laundry schedules, virtual sessions can focus on simple, practical ways to manage time and space. They might also help you to facilitate discussions with others about organising roles and responsibilities.
3. Time management and productivity
As with decluttering and organising, time management and productivity involve important skills that can be practiced and improved. Some virtual organisers specialise in helping busy clients to declutter their schedules as well as their space.
Virtual sessions often explore specific challenges such as how to plan and prioritise, or how to break down an organising project into manageable,actionable steps. Clients also learn how to reduce overload by setting boundaries, delegating and letting go of perfectionism.
4. Additional support
Virtual organisers are adept at researching charities or services and have access to professional networks such as the Academy of Virtual Organising who share resources to help clients. If you need an upholsterer to makeover a tatty sofa or are ready to donate your wedding dress, your organiser can probably point you in the right direction.
And if your virtual organiser happens to live nearby, they might offer to shop for storage products or collect unwanted goods from your doorstep to deliver to charities.Occasionally virtual organisers team up to recommend colleagues who provide on-site organising.
How do virtual organisers work?
Broadly speaking, there are three different ways of working virtually. During an initial consultation you’ll discuss goals and explore these approaches
1. Working sessions
Throughout these sessions, the client engages in practical organising or decluttering tasks while talking to the virtual organiser. The client can either position their camera to let the organiser observe or remain off-camera,providing a running commentary. Either way, the role of the organiser is to keep the client on track, to discuss any problems they encounter and to cheer them on.
2. Strategy sessions
Some clients prefer to use virtual sessions to discuss organising or decluttering goals (longer-term and short-term) and to plan strategy. This might involve a ‘deep dive’ into emotional obstacles or logistical challenges.Coaching-style conversations lead to a plan of action with the client committing to ‘homework’. This provides structure and accountability which many clients find invaluable.
3. A hybrid approach
For many people, a combination of methods is ideal. This might mean setting a timer, allocating ten minutes for the client to sort through some papers(either on or off-camera), then reporting back, reviewing how it felt and planning next steps. Another option is to alternate working sessions with strategy calls. Sometimes it can be refreshing to take a break from practical work to revisit broader goals or to untangle thorny issues.
What are the benefits of virtual organising?
· Health and safety
Working online clearly eliminates any risk of infection to you or the virtual organiser, especially if a member of your household is unwell or clinically vulnerable.
· Privacy
Organisers who belong to professional associations such as APDO commit to a code of ethics that includes strict confidentiality. Many of us are also registered for data protection. However, there are occasions when it’s more appropriate for you or your family to consult an organiser online rather than on-site.
· Choice
Wherever you are in the world, you’re no longer restricted to hiring an organiser in your area. Virtual organising opens up more possibilities to find the right professional ‘match’.
· Flexibility
Virtual organisers offer a range of appointment options, including shorter, more frequent sessions. Timings tend to range from 45-minutes to two hours, often with short breaks, but can vary
· Cost-effectiveness
Since virtual organising sessions tend to be shorter than home visits,costs may be more affordable.
· Boundaries
Sometimes it’s easier to discuss sensitive topics from a distance rather than in person.
· Empowerment and motivation
With the expert guidance and support of a virtual organiser, you’ll gain key skills that enhance confidence and self-esteem.
Where to find a virtual organiser?
If you’re ready to speak to a virtual organiser or just curious to find out more, check the APDO website and search for organisers who offer virtual services. Or contact me at the Academy of Virtual Organisers and I’ll gladly help.
Read more about the author here
