Hello and welcome to our new series on Mastering Organizing Project Management! This series is designed specifically to help you learn how to manage large organizing projects.
People look to professional organizers for their complex and multi layered projects. The idea of a daunting task may prompt them to reach out for help from someone who can think logically through the process and take the burden away from them. By taking on large organizing projects, you have an opportunity to greatly increase your earning potential!
However, I know a lot of professional organizers that will turn down large organizing projects because they don’t know how to manage them well. By learning the skills and tools that are needed to successfully execute such projects, you will be able to take on these projects with confidence.
In this series, we are going to break down each of the steps required to successfully manage a large organizing project. From renovations to moves to downsizing, and with the right skills and planning you will be equipped to handle them all!
We will cover each of the following steps:
- Step 1: Planning
- Step 2: Budgeting
- Step 3: Coordinating
- Step 4: Scheduling
- Step 5: Communicating
- Step 6: Supervising
In order to manage these types of projects, you will need to excel at all of these areas.
So, here we go with Step 1: Planning
It is important to start your project with a plan. To create a plan you must make sure you factor in every aspect of project. Be sure you’ve asked the right questions in your consultation, so you know what your plan must include.
For example: If you are helping a client downsize, you must first understand what the client has, where they are coming from and where they are going to live. Do they need help with decision-making on items to keep and give up? Will other members of the family want items and will they be taking them promptly? Will the client need a mover? There are many possibilities for what might be asked of you and no two situations are the same.
To create an effective plan, you’ll need to map out the project from start to finish, detailing the activities, timeline and the resources and supplies needed. Start with a list of everything and everyone you’ll need and map it out from there.
The plan should be written and available to all the players involved, including the client, so that everyone is on the same page and can refer to it throughout the project. You’ll also want to fill everyone in on any sensitivities or specific needs that the client may have.
The plan may change as you go, so remember to always provide everyone with updates as changes are made.
To help you get started, download our free Project Assessment Form. This form will help you ask the right questions, define the client’s goals, outline your project areas, create a timeline and develop an action plan.
Next up is Step 2: Budgeting
**Want to learn it all now? We have a special program: How to Work with Organizing Clients that includes a comprehensive course on Organizing Project Management. You’ll learn everything you need to know to become an awesome project manager!**
