Organization now comes with help
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Linda Groat

Stuff. Most everyone has it. Some can keep the clutter under control, others ponder the thought years before they do something about it.

For those who don't know where to start there is help. Williamsville resident Linda Groat, professional organizer and life coach, recently started her business, Simply Back to Basics, to assist those in need.

"I help people who feel overwhelmed and don't know what they need to do to start," she said. "It can be about organizing things or organizing their life."

Groat said she doesn't just help people sort tangible items, but works with them on the emotional clutter in their life as well, if needed.

"I help people with transition, whether they are emotionally or physically stuck," Groat said.

A school psychologist for 16 years, she said she uses those skills when working with clients dealing with disorder in their lives.

Approximately five years ago, Groat started thinking about a life and career change. She wanted a flexible schedule to have time with her children and she had always dreamt of owning her own business that let her work with people.

She became accredited with the National Association of Professional Organizers and started Simply Back to Basics in October 2006.

Groat was recently named a semi-finalist in the Rolodex Office Makeover Challenge Contest, sponsored by Sanford Products. She will attend the National Association of Professional Organizers' annual conference April 25-28 in Minneapolis. There she will compete with one other contestant for the grand prize, which includes a weeklong vacation in Vail, Colo., Boca Raton, Fla. or Maui, Hawaii.

Groat's goal is to zero in on each client's style and tailor a plan to that person.

"It's about what they want, what works for them," she said. "They want their belongings at their fingertips."

To start, she works with finding the items the client wants to keep and what can be donated or thrown out.

"People feel regretful," she said about getting rid of items. "They represent a tie to the past, either for the positive or negative." She said she helps clients make those decisions, and empowers them to be able to let go without guilt. If the feeling connected to an item is negative, Groat said that energy is gone when the item is gone and the person is left feeling freer.

It's about prioritizing, reducing stress and becoming more efficient, she said.

For more information on Simple Back to Basics, call 631-5619 or e-mail linda@simplybackto basics.com. The Web site is, www. simplybacktobasics. com.