We’ve already heard about the top organizing trends, and now it’s time to put that into action. If organizing isn’t quite your forte, a professional organizer may be your best bet when it comes to cracking down on clutter and getting ready for spring cleaning.
We sat down with organization expert and Senior Brand Manager for Rubbermaid, Betty Schmal, to learn about the world of professional organization and how DIY organizers can tackle storage tasks.
What made you interested in the world of organization?
I was a custom closet design consultant in a past life. I loved that job. It’s so rewarding to help others get organized. There’s a sense of freedom associated with not being weighed down by clutter, and I loved helping to free people from closet chaos.
What kind of people are great organizers?
People who have the ability to think systematically and have a good understanding of spatial planning will find organization much more intuitive. You don’t have to be an engineer to organize your spaces, but you do have to have some sort of vision as to how items can be pieced together.
For those looking for help, finding a professional organizer may be a good first step. Can you tell us about professional organizers?
Professional organization started in the 1970s, but really became popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s as the housing market strengthened and the economy boomed. Homeowners had increased wealth and, in turn, an increased amount of “stuff” that needed to be stored.
One of the main priorities of a professional organizer is to help homeowners reduce excessive clutter by designing functional storage solutions—solutions that companies like Rubbermaid make that are easily accessible to organizers and homeowners alike. In recent years, the popularity of television networks like HGTV has had a huge effect on the industry by showing homeowners how impactful a good storage system can be in improving both the aesthetic and functionality in their homes.
How have products for organizing progressed through the years?
These days, there are so many options to create custom storage solutions using store-bought systems. The most notable progression is the addition of stylish features. It’s not just about function—it’s beauty too. Sure, consumers want a very functional space that maximizes storage, but they want it to look good.
Starting a new organizational project can feel a bit overwhelming. Do you have any best practices for getting started?
The perfect organization requires three P’s: Purge, Prioritize and Plan. First, Purge unnecessary items. Then, Prioritize the things you actively and regularly need to access by storing them at eye level. Things you only access monthly or yearly should be stored up high or down low. Doing the first two steps make it easy to then Plan and buy the right products.
