“In desperate need of getting my garage in order after moving, I contacted Dawn Cannon of Finely Organized. I had met Dawn before when I was reluctant to admit I needed help in organizing. I found that I had to admit my limitations and finally gave Dawn a call. She returned my call immediately and we set up an appointment for the following week. While I was anxious going into the experience, I was delighted with the results. Dawn was professional in every way. When I needed to let go of stuff I had kept forever, she was understanding and not judgmental. Her demeanor was calm and reassuring. I relaxed as she guided me through my thoughts about holding on to things. It was obvious she knew her stuff. We made huge progress. At one point she could see I was getting tired and sent me inside to take a break while she continued working. She is a workhorse. I could have sat back and let her do the whole project.
My garage is now functional for my family’s needs. All my shelves are labeled and organized by category, I now have empty boxes (with lids!) for future use. I can finally park two cars in the garage at night. When it comes to peace of mind, hire a Professional Organizer; hire Dawn Cannon of Finely Organized. You will not be sorry!”
“I decided to use a professional organizer when I had to pack up and sell my mom’s home after her medical issues put her into a board and care facility. I had NO idea where to begin. I contacted Dawn after looking at other websites, as she seemed the most kind, caring, as well as professional. She arrived early on the appointed time and worked as if she were twenty people! Here was a house that had thirty years of clothes, knick-knacks, and memories. We provided boxes, bags and at times, tears. Dawn provided tireless work, laughter, and a shoulder to cry on. The work was completed in no time. I was so impressed with her, I gave her name and number to my realtor and plan on using her again in the near future. Thank you Dawn, you came, you saw, and you conquered… the best decision I made in my life!”
“When I called for your services, the “clutter” was so out of control that my house was running my life instead of the other way around. Before I knew it, I reached my breaking point because it had started to debilitate me. I knew you’d be able to organize my home but I was doubtful it would last very long because none of the “solutions” ever did. I also knew I would have to change to adapt to your system (and ultimately fail) but I was desperate. I didn’t know what to expect on our first day but I didn’t expect you to be THAT good! You didn’t make me change anything because you took the time to really get to know me – to see the kind of person I am and what goes on in my house every day. You listened to and observed everything I said and did and created systems that worked for me. Finally, it wasn’t the other way around! You held my hand through every step of each process, teaching me the necessary skills to continue on my own. I wanted to tell you that for the first time in decades, I faced today without anxiety from looking around my house and desk area, not knowing which fire to put out first. For the first time in decades, I didn’t panic and started (and ended) my day in peace. Working with you has literally been life-changing. I can’t thank you enough because even then, I don’t think you will ever understand just how much of a difference you’ve made in my (and my family’s) life.”
“I was referred to Dawn by a reputable person who had used her capable services to organize her business office, following my divorce of 20 years. I was informed that she was not only bonded and insured but that she was a top notch professional, who has the highest integrity in her relationship with her clients. Based on the recommendation I received, I called Dawn and made arrangements to meet with her. I was embarrassed by the amount of clutter I had gathered over the 20 years plus so was apprehensive and embarrassed on the state of my personal belongings.
When we met, we discussed what I wanted to begin organizing and we got to know each other and how we would be able to work together on clearing out the things that were literally suffocating me and causing immeasurable stress in my life at that time. Also, I would add that I was unable to even begin the decluttering on my own, it was absolutely overwhelming me and causing me to be stuck in my life. On a health level, it was adding additional stress to my life that was already way over the top for me at work and in creating my new life as a single person. I had hung on to paperwork that was neither necessary or needed, that only reminded me of a past that was long gone.
If I recall correctly, we began working on my closet full of clothes and those in my dressers. We tackled that area and I began to get relief and actual breathing room. The process was as painless as it could have been under the circumstances. She obtained containers and labeled everything so I could see where things go and keep ahead of the clutter that I would create by the way I put things away. I learned from her so much in eliminating extraneous things, putting things away in the area they belong.. I had to take many mini brakes as it was overwhelming and overstimulating.. After the clothing we tackled paperwork in my office. That was incredibly challenging for me, I learned from Dawn what was important and necessary to keep and what needed to be tossed out. This was another area of my life where I was overwhelmed. She set up files and labels and I slowly learned how to keep things organized. We also worked on pictures, and keep sakes. She was able to organize all of that and showed me how and the reason for doing everything she recommended. She streamlined the effectiveness in the manner she showed me where as time went on I was managing my clutter to a minimum. I also learned from her how to eliminate paper, which I collected concerning anything I thought was important, and slowly learned to let it go. I was reminded that most of what I needed is available online and can be retrieved in minutes, reducing the stress I created for myself in the ‘old’ way I use to do things.
In all our interaction, she always was respectful, professional, and encouraging. When I would become self-conscious of the clutter I had collected, she was always supportive in my efforts to learn the newer way of taking care of things in my life. Over time I gained self-confidence, pride and great joy that I could create a life with less stress, and grew as a human being in learning from her as we worked together. I knew at that time, that it was the most important process of my life and found Dawn to be everything I could have hoped for in a gifted professional organizer.
I would like also to mention that I was at the lowest ebb of my life and was sinking, she literally ‘saved’ me from my own cluttered life. Dawn observed the stress in my personal and professional life and was supportive in each phase of it. If there was any shame I experienced she quickly dispersed it, by the proactive work we were doing in cleaning out the clutter and organizing my life. We were able to work together in a way it was no longer an ordeal but an exciting adventure, my new organized life. I am forever greatful for her time, talents, and gifts. And would call her in an instant for additional help. I recommend Dawn with the highest confidence and guarantee that anyone would be ultimately satisfied in obtaining her for her services and that she can work with anyone, with professionalism and respect. Giving yourself the gift of her services is the highest form of love anyone can give themselves.”
“I have always tried to ‘get organized’ on my own. I have spent so much money on so many bins, files, desk organizers, etc… I seemed to get the same results every time. I would try to organize everything, but within a short amount of time I was unorganized once again. A friend gave me Dawn’s name and I hesitantly called her. When she came for her consultation with me I was horrified that I was not allowed to clean up ANYTHING. Dawn wanted the real picture. It was very humbling for me. I liked Dawn’s ideas and approach, but it just seemed like way too much money to spend for someone else to come organize me. I should be able to do this myself, right? I realized I needed help and I needed to spend the money to get it. I hired Dawn and the days before she came, the guilt of spending the money overwhelmed me. I almost cancelled on her. Thank goodness I didn’t.
We spent two full days purging, organizing, etc… The results have been amazing not only for me but for the entire family. We have 4 children and our oldest was getting ready to graduate from High School. It was a very busy time around here and lots to do. The two days I took out of my busy schedule to work with Dawn to get organized have made the last two months so enjoyable. For the first time in I don’t know how long I feel relaxed, in control, and ORGANIZED. I now have a place for every piece of paper and if there is not a place I have learned how to create one.
Being organized is not just about having a clean desk, it’s about having a clear and peaceful head. I now walk into my office and feel good, not overwhelmed. The money I spent to have Dawn has come back tenfold because I don’t waste time any more looking for things, redoing things and being frustrated with myself. It has been two months since we did this process and it is just as organized as the day we finished. I have taken the techniques she taught me and used them in other rooms in the house.
I am so thankful for Dawn and what she has done for me and my family.”
“Working with Dawn was such a great experience! I admit that I was initially embarrassed to let her see the mess I had made of my office closets and drawers. She didn’t even flinch! She went right to work and began helping me to make decisions about what to keep and what to throw away. She asked me simple questions about how I used my space and which instruments I needed to keep close at hand. She organized my files in such a way that I can find anything I want instantly!
I was amazed at how quickly she turned my chaos into a functional working environment that serves my needs beautifully. Everything I need is right where I can access it and use it easily. Everything I didn’t need… is gone! I honestly couldn’t have done it without Dawn’s help. My greatest appreciation AND my highest recommendations!”
“You’re the greatest! Last fall you walked into my home and a few minutes later our hopelessly useless ” junk drawer” was orderly. All these months later it is still organized and useful. When you tackled our ‘junk’ room and closet I wanted to die of shame, but you just calmly waded into the disaster and a few hours later the room was clean and attractive.
Best yet, I can now find things quickly because of your labeling system. Just a few days ago my husband was doing an electrical repair and I was able to direct him to the electrical ‘fixits’. No more time-consuming trips to the store to purchase things I already have. Now a quick trip to that organized closet and the job gets done. What a gift you have! Thank you!”
“Having Dawn come into our house and do a complete ‘once over’ was just heavenly. It’s like getting your house completely remodeled. We have more room than we thought possible and got rid of stuff we were never ever going to use. A fantastically addictive experience.”
“Dawn organized my sample library which had all been just dumped in a drawer. Now all my resources are at my fingertips, making my life so much easier. I loved what she did in my office so much that I’m having Finely Organizedsm do my vacation home in Tahoe too.”
“I was amazed when I saw my daughter’s bedroom, the first room Dawn organized. I said, ‘You have to do our whole house!’
Now I open closets and cabinets and find everything neat and labeled – I never thought my house could be so organized!
They truly perform miracles.”
“I can’t thank you enough for getting me so organized. The last few days I have used the system like crazy as I have a lot of irons in the fire and need to get items filed correctly. It’s made a huge difference in my sense of feeling in control of my life, which I haven’t felt for a long time. You’ve also helped me get used to throwing items out. Thanks ever so much!”
“Thanks again Dawn. I know I paid you, but I just have to say thank you. You have really made a difference in my life already! My students, partners, and Principal were all very impressed. Plus, maybe because we worked so hard, today the class was still pretty darn clean when they left. Anyway, count me in as a satisfied customer! Your work ethic is very impressive! Thank you Thank you!!”
“You helped me get organized a few years ago. The hubby and I went from a huge 3 bedroom house with garage to a tiny 750 sf apartment and a storage unit. Anyway, we have moved to another city and I can’t tell you how much I wish you were available here! I just hired an organizer down here to help me out and so far I am not so impressed. Maybe it is the tiny space, but she doesn’t have the same vision of how to create systems that you seemed to have and I think she may be as overwhelmed by the tiny space as I am. So anyway, I have a new found appreciation for the work you did and if I could, I would hire you once again. You were amazing!”
“The Salvation Army truck was pre-arranged by Dawn to come this past Thursday after our marathon session on Tuesday. Dawn began the day with a very low-key projection of the workload: “Oh, this one will be easy!” And she followed through 110 percent and voila, it was done by 430pm. For those unfamiliar with the process, it is straightforward and begins with a basic question: “Keep or donate?” Then, you methodically are led through your junk (or treasures?– sorry!) and your answer to that question determines the fate of every single thing in the garage. So, your hard work is completed in 2 hours or so (which flew by for me!) and then you are dismissed (I went inside, got an N.A. beer and retreated to my backyard) while Dawn begins the hard work of creating order. Once her magic is performed, you are summoned to see for yourself what your garage make-over looks like, and it was nothing short of spectacular!
So, as you begin your week, take a look around…. Do I need this? Does my stuff literally suffocate me, or does it serve a useful purpose? This is actually not as easy as it looks, especially if you cling onto things like I do… a sentimental man, but one who wants to live a life now, and not buried in a past that is ultimately left behind as we continue on this life journey realizing that God has a great plan for us (and it’s not in a garage where you couldn’t find anything before–except maybe some old pics of your once “dream girl” Cindy Crawford (DONATE!) BTW… the Cheap Trick records and memorabilia are safe, though (KEEP-hehe!).”