Ms. Efficiency organizing business relocates to Sussex

Amy Fisher, also known as Ms. Efficiency, is a professional organizer with over 17 years’ experience helping clients declutter their homes and simplify their lives. Fisher, who recently moved to Sussex County, grew up in Nebraska, lived in Colorado for 35 years and now loves the beach life.

Fisher has simple solutions to tackle all sorts of trouble spots – closets, pantry, garage, attic and mudroom. These solutions help create a place for everything and keep everything in place!

Piles of never-ending paperwork taking over the dining room table and kitchen counters? Fisher has proven strategies for handling incoming mail, paying the bills and filing papers, even kids’ school-related paperwork and artwork.

Fisher’s goal is to help clients get started and break through the feeling of being overwhelmed. Getting and staying organized do not come naturally to everyone. She helps keep her clients focused, so they stay on task and get the job done. Working together, Fisher and clients come up with a game plan that works for them and their family.

She will never make people get rid of everything. As a coach, she supports clients in making decisions about what to keep and helps them give themselves permission to let go of things they have been holding onto for the wrong reasons. It really does help to have an unbiased third party there to talk it through.

No preparation is needed for the initial consultation. Fisher needs to see the space as-is so she can make an accurate assessment of each situation. Clients need not worry about any judgments from Ms. Efficiency; she has seen it all. Due to the nature of organizing, the amount of time required varies from job to job. Some clients are ready and willing to let go of the clutter, and others might need a bit more hand-holding.

Fisher charges by the hour, and she is happy to give an estimate during the initial consultation, then let clients know as they progress if that needs to change.

Confidentiality is of the utmost importance. She will ask permission before posting any before-and-after photos and testimonials from clients. She even offers a confidentiality agreement if a client so desires. References are available upon request.

Fisher offers tried, true and tested tips for decluttering and organization.

• People should first tackle the hot spot, or the place that aggravates them the most. That motivates them to continue.
• Organize like with like – having light bulbs in multiple locations creates a chaotic environment.
• Be decisive – don’t think about an item too long or put it in a “maybe” stack. If it’s not needed, get rid of it.
• Get it off the floor – the floor is not a storage option.
• Sort items into three categories – donate, recycle/trash and keep.
• Try the 15-minute method – set a timer and be amazed what can be accomplished in 15 minutes.
• Look for unused space – install another shelf in the closet; use under-bed storage tubs or hooks on the back of the door.
• Schedule time each day to work on that one to-do list, not multiple sticky notes all over the house. Try to tackle at least one action item each day.
• Never set the mail down – go straight to the recycling bin and toss the junk. Mark events on the calendar, put coupons in an envelope in the car, catalogs and magazines on the coffee table, and bills in a designated spot to pay. To stop junk mail, go to www.dmachoice.org and www.optoutprescreen.com.
• Space bags can be used to store bulky items like down comforters. Thin, flocked hangers free up closet space. Acrylic shelf dividers can prop up handbags, sweaters and T-shirts.

From personal experience and from 17 years of client feedback, Fisher knows how liberating it is to clear the clutter, reduce excess and organize the rest. Now that kids are back in school and summer guests have gone home, it’s the perfect time to complete a few chores from that to-do list. The holidays are right around the corner.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, email ms_efficiency@hotmail.com.