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Twenty years ago, November 2000, I founded An Organized Approach. In tech terms, that’s like the Stone Age! Most people I knew didn’t have home computers. Social media popularity was still a few years away.

As November 2020 ends, I have mixed emotions about my company’s 20-year anniversary. Here’s a look back.

So many people are overwhelmed by disorganization. Knowing how much easier my life has been simply by being organized, I became a professional organizer to show people how to simplify their lives, personally and professionally, save money and greatly reduce stress through organization. Being raised by two organized parents, I’ve always been organized. Unfortunately, my parents didn’t live to see the business I created from what they taught me.

A TV spot I hadn’t seen gave me my future. In the late 90s, a friend called to ask if I saw the organizing segment on TV’s Dateline. I’d watched the show but, being organized, skipped that part. Tom said there are professional organizers who get paid to organize people. OMG! That very instant I’d found my passion and my future!

Starting my research, I learned there was a National Association of Professional Organizers (now, National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals). At Borders, I bought a couple of organizing books from their pitiful selection. I got a computer and set up my home office. I joined NAPO and the local chapter. I was ready!

For my first potential project to organize a business office, I was up against an experienced organizer. I got the job and loved it! Since then, I’ve worked with corporate execs, business owners, moms, dads, kids, seniors, people with ADHD, OCD, chronically disorganized and hoarders. I love figuring out underlying issues causing disorganization and helping clients overcome them.

Relationships were created. Clients share intimate details they’ve never told their spouse or best friend. I’m proud to have earned their trust.

In 2004, I started home staging, preparing homes to sell quickly for top dollar. Few people knew about staging. It took time to catch on. I started getting great results for homeowners on the sale of their biggest asset! Another passion!

With a love of writing, I’ve written monthly articles with tons of tips related to organization, newsletter turned blog, since 2004. The last few years are on my website’s Blog page.

I’m honored that An Organized Approach was voted Best Organization & Personal Assistance Company, Montgomery County, PA 2016-2019! So proud.

Today the organizing industry is everywhere – TV shows, magazines, news stories, books, social media, retailers and manufacturers all touting benefits of being organized. If only these resources were available when I started!

Twenty years ago I founded An Organized Approach. Reaching 20 years in business is quite an accomplishment that should be a milestone to celebrate. But I haven’t been in a celebratory mood. Since March, Covid-19 has prevented me from doing onsite work. But I’m grateful for good health, a comfortable home, food to eat and wonderful clients who’ve supported An Organized Approach for the past 20 years. When a Covid vaccine is widely available, I plan to return to onsite work. In the meantime, I’m doing Zoom presentations for corporate clients. Zoom sessions work well for individuals and groups alike if you’d like help to make positive changes in your life from a 20-year veteran pro organizer. Visit organizedapproach.com.

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