Rowena List is getting things done. And her passion is helping others to do the same. Everything in its place becomes your mantra indeed when Rowena adds her touch and arranges everything to help create an environment where you can thrive. Known as the “the de-clutter queen”, Rowena takes 25+ years in sales and her own noted ability to sort through the mess in order to invite order into your life and business. Based in Canada, she is the Founder of Getting It Together. Let’s meet her.
How did you come to start Getting It Together? I started off in the direct selling profession what I was 19. I quickly moved up to senior management and had a team. While training this team I realized that the missing component for most was being organized. I started going in to my consultant’s homes and helping them get their office and closets organized and it quickly turned into a business. I could see the need and I filled it. That was almost 15 years ago.
Have you always been organized and detailed oriented? Yes, I have always been organized and detail oriented. As a teenager I use to organize my room and set up systems. Then I would invite my mom in for a visit even though she was only just downstairs. I do truly believe that people can learn the art of getting organized.
What is your most popular service with women 35-55? Home organization, cloths closets and home office organizing are the most popular services. On top of that many of my clients enjoy the benefit of also being coached/consulted by me.
Can you share one way with our readers our stress levels and clutter are related? If you can’t find what you’re looking for in 20 seconds or less you are considered disorganized. If you are running late for a business meeting and can’t find your car keys or the important documents your stress level will automatically rise along with your blood pressure. Generally speaking, the more stressed you are also means you are over booked, busy and rushed which in turn means you don’t have the time to stay organized.
You are based in Canada but do you travel for speaking engagements? Yes, I do travel for speaking engagements. I love to do so. Who would like to book me next and to where?
There is this “myth” that the messier the desk, the more work that is getting done but honestly what is it really indicative of? Your mess is your message. You may know where everything is however it is probably causing a lot of clutter and stress in your mind. Not to mention the dust that is collecting in those piles. It is a myth for a reason. Some will say that they can find what they’re looking for in all the piles and cannot find what they’re looking for if their desk is neat and tidy. I help people set up systems based on their personality style.
What is a misconception about the importance organization in your life/workplace? As long as I am happy it doesn’t matter what my place looks like or I can get this cleaned up in no time flat. People do not realize how their clutter is affecting them until they start to de-clutter. Families have been pulled apart because of it. Health has suffered because of it. Finances have been destroyed because of it.
“People do not realize how their clutter is affecting them until they start to de-clutter.”
Anything to add? It didn’t get disorganized overnight so it will not get organized overnight. Getting organized and clearing out your clutter takes time. Everything has an emotional attachment to it. A story. A memory. It is dealing with those things on top of tossing and donating.
GETTING TO KNOW ROWENA
Tell us about your home life, family.
-I am recently single after a 20-year relationship. I helped raise four stepchildren and contributed to the lives of five step grandchildren.
-I was raised by a single mom who could make a penny stretch.
-I am the youngest of two.
-I have an amazing nephew whom I love to spend time with.
-I was born in England and my family immigrated to Canada when I was two years old.
-I live in a clutter free condo with an amazing view.
-And spare time to enjoy the things I like most because of not being held down by stuff.
-My work is my mission and passion. I feel so grateful for that.
Any hobbies? I enjoy skiing, golf, writing, bike riding, travel, hiking, cooking and hanging out with friends and family.
Rowena was quite literally ‘born to organize’. Dubbed by her clients and friends alike as “the de-clutter queen”, she believes that being organized in all areas of life can help us to reach our goals, mitigate stress and be the best versions of ourselves. Whatever that means for each of us. For more information, please visit www.gettingittogether.ca
