Photo/NAPO - Southeast Michigan

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has designated January in Michigan as "Get Organized Month." 

Gov. Granholm recently signed a proclamation supporting the work of Michigan's professional organizers and highlighting the benefits of being organized. In the Metro Detroit area, the 42 members of National Association of Professional Organizers - Southeast Michigan Chapter (NAPO-SE-MI), are using their talents to help individuals, businesses, schools and non--profit organizations become more organized in 2010.

"By getting organized, residents of the state of Michigan can use their newly found skill to provide valuable goods to charities and non-profits and aid the environment by recycling, reusing, and reducing the purchase of duplicate and unnecessary items," according to the proclamation.

Getting organized is at the top of many lists this time of year.  According to a recent NAPO survey, 96 percent of respondents felt that they could save at least some time each day if they were more organized at home and 91 percent felt they could be more efficient at work if they were better organized.  Overall, 71 percent indicated their quality of life would improve with more organization.

Professional organizers can help clients find new ways to clear clutter and meet their organizing goals. "Oftentimes we organizers are our clients' anchors and task managers.  I am there to work side by side with my clients and keep them moving forward, give them support and to not let them get discouraged," said Betty Huotari, NAPO-SE-MI chapter president,

"Get Organized Month" is also a time for chapters to give back to their local communities. Schools, local businesses, and community agencies have all benefited from their local chapter's help to get organized, streamline processes, and reduce clutter.  This year, the Southeast Michigan chapter will make a difference during "Get Organized Month" by volunteering its services to Michigan residents.

Throughout the month there are many free and nominal cost activities planned.  These activities will provide tips and information for those who want to create more free time, experience fewer hassles and have clutter-free homes and offices.

Informal sessions with organizers at area coffee shops, presentations at libraries, and meetings at bookstores are planned throughout January.  Events have been planned in East Lansing, Okemos, Fenton, Birmingham, Rochester, Novi, Yale, Williamston, Sterling Heights and other locations.  Visit www.napomichigan.com  for more details. 

For more info about NAPO-SE-MI and Get Organized Month:  Contact Karen DeClark (586) 746-8141 karen@kdorganizing.com

National Association of Professional Organizers - Southeast Michigan members in photo:

Front row (left to right):

• Karen De Clark  - KD Organizing LLC, Sterling Heights, MI
• Ann Marie Moore - Moore Organization LLC, Coldwater, MI 
• Carol Seneker - Simple Organizing Solutions, LLC, Northville, MI
• Nancy Varbedian - Absolute Home Organization, Birmingham, MI
• Angie Weid - Organized Solutions, LLC, Temperance, MI
• Marti Murdock  - M2 Services, Dearborn Heights, MI

Middle row (left to right)

• Michael Ann Rose - Sort It Out , Ann Arbor, MI
• Treva Berends - The Organizing Specialists, Grand Rapids, MI
• Theresa Brune - Simplify It LLC, West Bloomfield, MI
• Ann Anderson - A Plus Organizing , Howell, MI,
• Cindy Greenleaf - Inkster, MI
• Debbie Stanley, CPO-CD - Red Letter Day Professional Organizers LLC, Clinton Twp, MI
• Cynthia Gentit - Eat That Elephant! Organizing Services LLC, Farmington Hills, MI
• Candy Peterson - Inner Spaces, Pinckney, MI
• Cindy Tyner - Functional Spaces LLC, Ann Arbor, MI
• Mary Lynn Badr - Imagine-It-Done LLC, West Bloomfield, MI

Back row (left to right)

• Stacy Rafalko, CPO-CD - Organize to Optimize LLC, Commerce Twp, MI
• Susan Hunsberger - Strategize Organize LLC, Ann Arbor,MI
• Mal Hillman - Stessa Services LLC, Farmington Hills, MI
• Rita Petranovic - Free At Last Home Organizing, Lake Orion, MI
• Jo from Jo's Shelving, Sterling Heights, MI
• Betty Huotari - Logical Placement LLC, Fenton, MI
• Trish Krebs - Orderly Oasis Professional Organizers LLC, Troy, MI

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