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Last month I blogged about Senior Move Management and the Coronavirus. It is no question that COVID-19 has brought about change to our entire world. We live differently, we work differently, we school differently. Today, I’d like to share how it has impacted Organized Haven.
Let me start by saying that we will always be here for you! We are dedicated to serving our clients with professionalism, efficiency, and compassion! We strive to remove the stress from any individual who is facing a downsizing and move project, or anyone who is simply tired of living or working in chaos! Our services often include a certain level of off-site management, but for the most part, we serve our clients in their spaces – their home or their office. That has not changed and will never change. It’s the nature of our work! So, you ask, “What are you trying to say to us, Nicole?” Okay, so here’s the scoop:
Three years ago this July, we moved out of my home office and into a perfect little space off of 1st Street in Winter Haven. This space allowed our team a professional location in which we could communicate with our clients, meet as a team, keep our records organized and secure, and so much more! The best part about it was that it was an upgrade from my 9 x 10 home office that was basically a large closet located in the one bathroom of my Winter Haven home! Yes, I said my bathroom! The house was built in 1935 and this added-on space was never separated from the bathroom with it’s own access door. I don’t need to tell you how awkward that was to have to leave my “office” when my husband or son needed to use the bathroom and I was on the phone with a client! It was a welcomed change to be able to have dedicated office hours and staff to take care of our projects outside of my home!
Fast forward to a time in which we have to limit our human contact, meet remotely, and find ways to work more efficiently with the use of online platforms such as Zoom. Living in Lakeland now, homeschooling my 8-year-old son, and caring for my 7-month-old daughter, I found it impossible and unrealistic to drive to the office daily or even weekly… not to mention stay-at-home orders were in effect. So, with most of our processes and documentation already being digital anyway, we successfully managed our client’s projects from our home offices! Although, I have to be honest, it wasn’t the easiest feat for me with all that I’m juggling with the kids at home!
If you haven’t already guessed, this long story is leading to the decision we made this week to move out of our beautiful office and continue working out of our home offices. This is a bittersweet, BIG move for Organized Haven! It seems that every April something big happens for us, and this year, this is it! Although it might seem like a big step backwards, it is actually just a stepping stone to something bigger and better for us and our clients! “Is that all?”, you say. No, that is not the only change this virus has created for us. Here is a list of what is to come from all of this:
- further training and development with NASMM, the National Association of Senior Move Managers for all of our Organizers and Move Managers (thank you, Paycheck Protection Program)
- further training and development with NAPO, the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals for all of our Organizers and Move Managers (thank you, Paycheck Protection Program)
- development of an online downsizing webinar to reach seniors needing tips on how to get started at a time in which they are practicing social distancing for their health and safety
- less administrative overhead and expenses for us, helping to limit a need to increase our rates
- time saved with less commuting to and from office
- smaller carbon footprint
Today was our last day at 635 1st Street S. We have loved this space, our landlord and property manager, and our neighbors. This week was probably the most emotionally draining week since this virus began to impact Polk County, our business, and our community. It was even tough on little Danny as he watched me shed tears that naturally fell as we packed up our stuff. I’m a person who has always felt that change is good. Between that and the fact that my entire team has been supportive of this decision, I am confident that we will continue to grow and serve our clients well – better, in fact, than ever before!
How has the virus impacted you, your family, or your business? I understand that it’s not over yet. Some of those who read this may have a sick family member, or worse, have lost a family member to COVID-19. I hope and pray that this invisible enemy leaves as quickly as it came!
Give us a call at 863.268.4041 if we can help you with your next BIG move!
Helping You Organize Through All of Life’s Stages,
Nicole Ramer, SMM~C / Owner
Organized Haven
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