Being a professional organizer doesn’t sound like a dangerous job, does it? I mean, what’s so treacherous about folding clothes and donating knickknacks? If you have any experience organizing in someone else’s space, you know it’s easy to get yourself into tricky situations quickly. Here are some helpful safety tips for professional organizers!
What’s so Dangerous about Organizing?
We have another fantastic guest post for you today from another fantastic professional organizer. Michelle Hillel, owner of the professional organizing company Beauty of Home based in Israel, is sharing safety tips for professional organizers. We wonder how many of these tips she had to learn the hard way!
Professional organizers do it all. We pack and unpack boxes, rearrange furniture, carry things, and install shelves. We’re also doing this in tight, chaotic quarters as we try to work our magic. The combination of clutter, weight, time restraints, and unfamiliar environments can sometimes lead to accidents. Twisted ankles, bruised shins, broken nails and scratches often come with the territory.
Luckily, there are quite a few precautions you can take to prevent injury.
Safety Tips for Professional Organizers
The following safety tips are helpful guidelines to use in working environments and when using tools on the job. Your physical safety should always be a priority — after all, your business would be in trouble without you!
Working Environment Safety Tips
Check your environment – make sure that all the surrounding objects are stable and not prone to falling. This is especially important with tall furniture, such as hutches. Some homeowners simply rest the top shelves of a furniture unit on the base without securing it. Moving a tall, heavy item like this can cause very expensive mistakes or injuries.
While working, make sure there are no cables or other obstacles on the floor. When packing items up and moving heavy boxes, having a clear path is essential.
Carpets and area rugs are big tripping hazards. Fold carpets and rugs before starting work so you don’t get stuck on a corner. It can also be helpful in preventing damage to the rug if there is a spill.
When working in a kitchen or other area with cabinetry, make sure that all overhead cupboards doors are closed – to prevent head injury. Have you ever stood up quickly into the corner of a cabinet? Ouch!
While organizing, exercise discretion when placing heavy objects on shelves and surfaces, especially in glass cabinets. Confirm with the homeowner that a shelf is sturdy enough to hold objects. The shelf breaking and falling off the wall will cause property damage that you do not want to be liable for.
Try to avoid having food and drinks around your work area. If you keep a water bottle handy, make sure the cap is sealed. Food should also be kept in leak-proof containers. This will help prevent someone from slipping and it will keep the space clean.
Finally, if you’re working in a new house that is not fully finished -be extra cautious. Sometimes clients
may expect you to work in a dangerous environment such as homes that have live electricity, no running water, no railings in stairways, or other contractors you may not know working at the same time. Do not agree to work in these conditions, as they may endanger your wellbeing.
Tool Safety Tips
As a professional organizer, you know there are certain tools that make your job run smoother, like a utility knife, step stool, or ladder. Here are some way to stay safe with these items.
- Use an appropriate item for the job. Don’t use scissors when you need a utility knife. Don’t use a screwdriver when you need a hammer. Using the wrong tool for the job may cause injury or damage to items.
- When using a utility knife, always be extra cautious. Keep the blade away from you (no opening a box towards yourself) and open the knife to the minimum size possible. Close the knife between uses and put it in a pocket, bag or apron.
- When using a ladder or step stool, always make sure the ladder is open all the way and be sure to stand it on a steady, level surface. It’s also a good idea to have someone hold the ladder for you.
- Avoid placing ladders in front of doors. If this is necessary, lock the door to avoid someone opening it while you’re standing on the ladder and knocking you over.
- If no ladder is available and you’re forced to use a chair, make sure it’s a sturdy chair that had a soldi base (do not step on rattan or wicker chairs).
Safety Tips for Lifting
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could avoid lifting heavy items as professional organizers? Unfortunately, if often comes with the territory and can lead to injuries.
When lifting heavy loads, try to do so in a way that does not strain back (bent knees, using your lower abdomen). It is important to maintain judgment regarding the weight of the boxes you are carrying.
If an item is too heavy, ask for help.
Do not lift something while climbing the ladder. Work in a team so that one person is on the ladder and the other hands him things.
Related Post: 9 Signs it’s Time to Hire Help as a Professional Organizer
Self-Care Safety Tips for Professional Organizers
Finally, when you’re on the job as a professional organizer it’s essential that you take care of your #1 asset — you!
Be sure to plan a rest break in any project that lasts over 4 hours. Make sure you get plenty of water and eat properly. When you’re not taking breaks, hydrating, and keeping yourself fueled up, you’re more likely to make mistakes and hurt yourself.
It’s also important to remember to dress appropriately for the job. Wear clothes that are durable, comfortable, and practical. Closed shoes are essential, but skip anything with dangling ribbons and flowy sleeves.
Safety Tips for Professional Organizers
These safety tips for professional organizers will help you stay safe and avoid injury when working with clients. Safety should always be a top priority. Would you add anything to this list? Leave a comment below and let us know!
About the Author: Michelle Hillel
Michelle Hillel, founder of Beauty of Home based in Israel. While the professional organizing industry in Israel is still up and coming, Michelle has been working hard to connect professional organizers in Israel so the business owners can grow and learn from one another.
