24 Seven November 2020

November 2020 Issue
Virtual Organizing:
Not Just for a Pandemic
Written by Gayle M. Gruenberg
A
After sheltering in
place for the majority of 2020, and
in anticipation of functioning in an
environment that continues to be
uncertain, clients are looking at their
homes and offices as places where they
can still exercise a modicum of control.
Creating systems, being organized, and
feeling the attendant sense of peace is
crucial to that exercise. But how is that
possible if we can’t let people into our
homes or workplaces?
Enter Virtual Organizing (VO), which
uses technology to connect an organizing
professional with client. Over a video
platform, or even with still photos and
a phone, the professional can guide the
client through the organizing process, as
long as the client is physically able to do
the work.
A virtual session can be useful when
someone needs to create a new system
at work and internal guidance is nonexistent,
is still working from home and
balancing personal and professional
lives, or may be comfortable with video
technology but shuts down when faced
with having to create a digital file system.
VO is good for clients’ physical and
mental health. Many of my clients are
chronically disorganized and/or have
brain-based conditions that inhibit
their ability or desire to get organized.
Depressed clients may take to their
beds and not get up for days. Result: a
neglected house.
A virtual organizing session forces the
client to get out of bed. It gives a purpose
to a person’s day, gets their blood flowing,
and encourages him or her to get things
done. Moving around, doing the actual
organizing, brings oxygen to the brain,
promoting focus and enhancing mood.
People with Hoarding Disorder or
OCD can get help without having to let
someone in.
The organizer sees only a screenor
photo-worth of space, saving the
client from feeling embarrassed or
ashamed. For people who live alone,
Virtual Organizing is a lifeline. Studies
have shown that social isolation and
loneliness can contribute to premature
death. The virtual session may be the
only social interaction a client may have
that day.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to
reorganize itself by forming new neural
connections, essential for coping with
a constantly changing environment.
VO creates new neural pathways. Since
the client must physically participate
in the process, she/he learns new skills;
during on-site sessions, the organizing
professional may do most of the work,
and the client may tune out or get
distracted.
Repetition is the key to building neural
pathways. VO sessions are often shorter
and more frequent than on-site sessions
and focus on organizing concepts.
This serves clients with attention
challenges by keeping the momentum
going, preventing backsliding, creating
more structure and accountability,
and supporting clients to overcome
procrastination. The organizing process
is sped up, and clients gain insight into
their thought processes, emotions, and
perspectives.
About The Author
GAYLE M. GRUENBERG
Gayle M. Gruenberg, CPO-CD ® , CVO, is the
chief executive organizer of Let’s Get Organized,
LLC, an organizer coach, and the creator
of the Make Space for Blessings system.
To Learn More Visit:
www.LGOrganized.com