(NAPSA)—Each January, people set resolutions for the New Year, but according to U.S. News & World Report, approximately 80 percentofresolutions fail by the second weekof February. If organizing is your Achilles’ heel, the solution is to tap into local professionals to help guide you through the process and give you the tools necessary to sustain order. Whether you commit to downsizing a storage unit of inherited items,wantto find morefamily time, or desire to design a more peaceful living space, a Professional Organizer or Pro- ductivity Consultantcan help youtackle these tasks when you don't know where to begin. “Studies prove that a decluttered environmentcontributes to productivity and happiness, so getting organized shouldbe at the top of yourlist of res- olutions” explains Ellen Delap, CPO’, president of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO).“Finding andhiring a productivity professionalis no different than choosing an accountant, personal trainer, or doctor. You'll want to work with someone whotakesthe timeto get to know you, understands your needs, and hasthe expertise to advise you and help you achieve yourgoals” January is Get Organized & Be Pro- ductive (GO) Month, an annual initia- tive sponsored by the National Asso- ciation of Productivity & Organizing Professionals. To help, Delap offers this advice on howto get organized with the help of a Professional Organizer or Pro- ductivity Consultant: Get specific about your needs. Pro- fessionals offer a wide range ofresi- dential and business services, so make a list of what you want to accomplish. Areyoujust clearing out yearsofclutter or do you need someone experienced in dealing with a mental health or traumatic situation? Do you need help organizingyouroffice or guidance PSB Shear ep You don’t havetolive with clutter andchaos; a professional organizer can help. placesoitis critical to have a good rap- port. An experienced professional will ask questions about you and your needs and dig into the issues that thwarted yourpastattempts to move forward. Set a budget. As with most profes- sions, fees vary widely based on experi- ence, geographic location, and the type ofservices rendered. Some profession als may charge by the hour or project, while others offer packages ofservices. Avoidselecting someonestrictly onprice. Investing in a consultantwith the personality andskill set that match your needs willoffer greater, andfaster, returns. Identify an expert. We all have friends and neighbors whopride them- selves on beingorganized butthis isn’t a job for your mom! Hiring a certified professional or one who hasaligned him-orherselfwith a professional orga- nization that has a codeofethicsoffers an added levelof security. Applaud yourself for taking the first step! Your choice is not irreversible. If you begin working with an organiz- ing or productivity professional and are not happywith responding to his or her style, speak up. You are rarely under obligation to continuetherelationship. on how to manage your time more effectively? Make a connection, interview candidates and be honest.It is in your best interest to beas candidas possible about Morethanlikely, he or shewill be happy to recommenda colleague. Whenyou are readyto find a pro- ingthis person into your homeor work- NAPO.net. yourneedsand goals. Youwill be invit- fessional, you can check out the NAPO Professional Organizer and Produc- tivity Consultant Search Tool at www.
