"I realize now that organizing isn't just a one-shot deal but more of an approach." Terry Williams Lowell, MA
"Kelly, just wanted to say thanks for helping me. Within a few hours I was able to set my goals and on my way to achieve them. Kelly is great at what she does. She has an idea or answer for anything that comes her way. She is wonderful!" Cynthia Sharp Hudson, NH
My XtraHands Organizing Experience by Virginia Barrett-Leach
Recently, my home was rearranged to accommodate an extended visit by my mother. My art studio became the easiest place to store unneeded items. When I finally opened the studio door again, I was faced with a daunting task - reclaim my space.
Not wanting to keep moving stuff from one pile to another, move it from here to there and back again, I decided that I needed help.
I found a business card for XtraHands, a local personal organizer. Kelly Santos answered the call and listened to my problem. Kelly suggested some storage options and made a few recommendations over the phone. She explained her fee and I asked her to come to my house. I really needed some “extra hands” to tackle this room.
Kelly arrived promptly at the agreed time. She was friendly and carried her “bag of tricks” over her shoulder. We got right down to business.
Kelly wasn’t fazed by the condition of my studio. She put me at ease and didn’t make me feel uncomfortable about the terrible state of the room. We set right to work by separating the room into art-related, not art-related sections, and began moving everything into those areas. This initial step really made me focus on my ultimate goal of reclaiming my studio. Next, Kelly asked me how I used the room. Where I set up my work, my collection of books, stacks of papers, boxes of props, and miscellaneous tote bags came under scrutiny of Kelly’s objective questions. “What purpose does (this) have? How do you use (this)?” She quickly developed a vision of the room that gave me new options. Kelly suggested the bookcase be moved next to the easy chair for a relaxing corner to enjoy my art books. She recommended relocating the prop table in front of my work table –a much better perspective for a still-life setup. We pushed these things around and I became very excited by the new life this room was taking on.
The bureau and wicker basket were the last reminders of the guest room. They were filled with sheets, blankets and extra clothing. Kelly suggested “re-purposing” them to store my papers and project bags. The bureau is now a file cabinet. Each drawer has a category of paperwork: inspirational material, business/marketing related, and magazine/catalogs. The wicker basket can store several bags for out-of-the-studio classes and presentations. I never would have thought of that on my own!
Now, we had room to work in. The pile of not art-related things couldn’t be ignored any longer. Kelly helped me sort those into Keep, Discard, and Recycle. She never told me what to decide; she never told me that I couldn’t keep anything. Rather, she simply asked “Do you need (this)? “ Now, need is a funny thing. It is personal to each person. Everything in that pile had a story; certainly I needed them at one time or another. But, I had to answer Kelly’s question honestly. No, I could “re-purpose” most of them – to use the word-of-the-day. Kelly was never judgmental in my decision to keep certain treasures. Her role was to pose the tough questions that I was reluctant to ask myself. Do I really need this? Surprisingly, the answer was ‘No’ and I began to feel lighter, un-tethered to ‘things’ and had a sense of space around me.
All this in only three hours –I was organized, inspired, structured, in-control and motivated. The room had more possibilities than I could have imagined. It felt good.
Kelly recommended a short break. We sipped a cold drink and she asked how I was doing. She knew that our task was tough and can be troubling to some of her clients. I was touched by her concern for what I was experiencing. It was difficult to put into words; it was like having organizational therapy. I was in-control and free at the same time.
I asked Kelly about her business. I had to know if I fell into the “worst” category. She assured me that more challenging situations existed. Although, mine was the first art studio that she encountered, she first determines the client’s purpose and utilizes her principle for organization – the purpose for an item.
We spent the last hour removing trash and Recycle items. For a small additional fee, Kelly took all of the Recycled items to a charity of my choice. I was left with “re-purposing” the few remaining items throughout my home. What an accomplishment!
Today, sitting in my studio, I reflect on the experience. Yes, I could have tackled the room on my own. But, when; I would have procrastinated and just shoved everything into one big, hideous pile. Placing that call to XtraHands was the best thing I could have done. The change in my art studio was done quickly, thoroughly and opened the room up for bigger and better projects. I am back to work and can find things without searching the entire room. I am definitely getting more done in less time thanks to Kelly Santos and XtraHands.
Virginia Barrett-Leach
Art Room Reading Area Before Art Room Reading Area After
“I had the pleasure of working closely with Kelly for years in a faced-paced, highly customer-service oriented environment. She continuously proved that she is committed to getting her job done to the best of her ability and always making sure that the customer is happy. Kelly’s work ethic, along with her genuine concern for helping others, is truly something to be admired.” Sarah Rose
"Just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed working with you and how profoundly your service has impacted my daily life. I learned so much from you and will be forever grateful. Thanks again." Satisfied Client
"I worked with Kelly Morrison at a previous employer. I was very impressed by her "do what it takes" attitude. She applies her ability and skills to the best of her knowledge, and always strives to do her best in her work." Brian Holland
"Kelly Morrison has the personality, professionalism and passion that is required in having the responsibility of helping people organize their lives. In the year I've known Kelly she has always been more than willing to help me with difficult tasks and planning. Kelly is trustworthy and dependable. She will be an asset to your life and all the important matters in it." Amy Lopez
“You were professional, non-judgmental, punctual, encouraging and pleasant. We accomplished a lot and I appreciate your work.” Satisfied client
