Working with a Professional Organizer...and beyond

In deep frustration over all the crap I've brought into my home, and the resulting stress-inducing piles that seemed to be taking over, I did it! I hired a professional organizer. It cost me $$, but hopefully that was just added incentive to toe the line now that the funds have run out, the organizing is over and I'm on my own again.



Paying hourly had me so money conscious that I talked really fast, like Joe Isuzu in those old TV commercials. It was rather funny. And weird. I think I had Organizer Deb's head spinning. Let's just say that after only three or four trips to my house, she knew me really well!



Deb taught me how to reassess the way I do things. In fact, I'm already changing two behaviors that I think will be a big help in keeping order around here. First, I haven't been putting things away as soon as I'm finished with them. I'm not the only one in this house who does that, but I'm a big offender. I have a lot of stuff and I tend to keep whatever I've been working on around me like little scouts at a campfire. But now that I've asked someone into my home and she has noted the problem, I'm committed to working on it. Secondly, Deb helped me see that all my little piles are a result of indecision. I could tell she has this 5 second rule with things she gets her hands on, ya know? She must really be able to fly through her daily chores.



In case you're curious, here's how we worked together:


Deb picks up one of my key chains: "What is this?"


Mel: "Well, see, I had this thing for key chains a few years back. And then my friends found out, and started giving me some, and suddenly I had a collection. I don't want them anymore, but--"


Deb: So, you're no longer collecting them?


Mel: "No, but--"


Deb: "Get rid of them."


Mel: "Well, I was thinking I could sell them on eBay. But I really hate doing eBay lately. It's such a hassle, so I--"


Deb: "So get rid of them."


Mel (looking dubious): "I guess I *could.*"


Deb: "Give them to me. I'll take them away for you."


Mel (eyeing the tiny Barbie, the ant farm, the mini barrel containing Yahtzee dice and even a little pad and pencil)


Deb picks up two handfuls of key chains and deposits them in her purse


Mel wonders briefly if Deb is going to give them out as party favors or a birthday gift, but then tells herself that's crazy. Deb has already had them 5 seconds longer than she would like to have them

Deb (turning, brow arched): "And what is in that chair?"


Mel: "Sweaters. I got them at the thrift store."


Deb (nodding knowingly, after having already heard "thrift store" from Mel at least 50 times): "Of course you did."


Mel: "See, I thought I'd felt them and make them into purses. I already washed them, and then I have to cut them out, and I don't have the handles for them yet. So--"


Deb: "You don't need another project." (hairy eyeball) "Get rid of them."


Mel: "Okay." Looks a little worried, but puts the sweaters into a "Giveaway" pile.


Deb: "Good girl."


Mel smiles over the praise and is totally okay with letting go of her crap


And *that* is how it goes, people. Things have been flying out the door, thanks to Deb my wonderful organizer. You, too, can purchase clutter-freeing hours with her, from her website at organizerdeb@charter.net. I've made a little parody of Deb's and my working together here, but the bottom line is, she helped me tremendously in just 12 short hours. She rocks!