Virtual organizing and its benefits hadn’t actually crossed my mind until these past few weeks. My business focuses on encouraging balance and calm through decluttering and streamlining household systems during major moments in life. I find joy in being alongside clients as we break down projects into actionable steps. Together, we accept and acknowledge that overwhelm and stress are present in life transitions, but that we won’t allow them stop us from achieving a peaceful living environment. (Leave it to a worldwide pandemic to show up as one of the most intense emotional moments for us all…)

Turns out, virtual organizing is a well-established field and differs from in-person organizing in only a few small ways: there’s much less showing how and much more listening how. I’m quite impressed at how much coaching and education occurs during a virtual session, as well as how many fewer distractions and interruptions occur. Working virtually bridges physical distance, but it also allows for our interpersonal relationship to grow at a more measured pace.

The Benefits of Organizing Virtually

Scheduling flexibility is one of the key benefits of virtual organizing. Sessions last for one hour (instead of three) and can be completed in the evenings or on weekends, instead of during the busy weekday. You target the one time of day where kids are napping, playing video games, or a partner is available to supervise, and we get started!

The hour together is then followed up by an hour of individual work. Clear directions and reasonable goals are outlined for this individual hour with accountability follow-ups afterwards.

Virtual organizing is more cost effective and affordable because of the shortened session duration. Instead of the in-person minimum, the session is based on an hourly rate. Many of you simply need questions answered, a little inspiration or motivation, or a body-double to see a project through to completion.

An hour together can get a pantry design in place, time management or scheduling advice initiated, or a decluttering project off the ground.

Also, the knowledge and skill transfer is quite high during virtual sessions which encourages your long term chances of staying organized. For folks that learn best by listening and doing, this is huge. Guidance is step-by-step, with room for feedback and conversation.

This ensures that you’re learning how to care for your space and repeat the process in other areas of your home. With frequent sessions, you will gain confidence in your own ability to declutter and organize.

Projects tend to be micro-focused (such as clearing the clutter on a desktop) due to the focused listening as well as the scope of the camera view.

As the client, you have more control of your space, and you can show as much or as little of your home as desired. This lessens the initial anxiety (and possible discomfort) of inviting someone into your home.

We all have a multitude of feelings tied to the objects we own, and it takes a level of trust to share the entirety of our apartment or home.

With spring decluttering upon us, we’re all looking for a little refresh. Whether it’s through a new closet or kids’ playroom design, we’re wanting to see our homes in a new way. It’s time to take a second look at the linen closet, underneath the sinks, prepare donations of worn or outdated clothes, and truly consider what we use on a regular basis.

If you’re looking for help activating an idea or guidance on where to begin, consider a virtual consultation with your local professional organizer. It’s a beautiful thing to be home, to be alive, and to be sheltered, so start small and begin to embrace an organized life.

Ready to get started? Check out my free resources before you do.