Questions & Answers

I recently sent out a questionaire to find out how people felt towards clearing out the clutter and getting organized. These were their comments (in black) along with my answers (in brown):  

Asking for help, and paying someone to do it, just seems like it is something that I should do myself. How do I get past this feeling of guilt?
"Most anyone can get the job done, but in today’s world, the key factor is finding the time. You need to decide whether the time you would spend is worth the cost of hiring a professional to come in and just get the job done, leaving your time free to accomplish other tasks or personal enjoyments."

I’ve given away things that I later wanted back. How do I deal with these feelings?
"By understanding that what you have given away is now used by somebody else who needs it and will cherish it. This is part of giving back to others less fortunate than yourself and to those people who will appreciate the items that you no longer needed or wanted at that time. Try to be at peace with your original decision."

My issue is finding some help to lift and load heavy items.  Also, then having a way to haul items away and distribute to charitable organizations.  How do you handle this?
"No problem on moving most heavy items by using furniture mover sliders or a hand truck.  Your professional organizer can suggest charitable organizations and arrange for their pickups, organize dumpster setup, or trash pickups."

I’m having a tough time to “Just Do It”. How would you get me motivated?
"It takes one step at a time and you have to understand that some of us are better at this than others. Your professional organizer will meet with you to discuss your needs and set up a plan that’s workable for your schedule and mindset."

I hate to get rid of things, thinking I might use it “someday” … hating to let go because of the initial cost of the item.
"You don’t have to let go of these items if you utilize your attic or storage room. The attic is the most under utilized area of a home. If you don’t have the flooring…have one installed. This is fairly inexpensive to do and cost effective when weighing the benefits of your peace of mind in getting rid of the clutter. I can suggest a good handyman that can install this for you."

My biggest problem is letting go of the memories. How do you suggest I deal with this?
"This is one of the biggest issues among people today.  I personally do not think you have to let go if you are not ready to, but do keep just the happy memories. There are ways to preserve your memories in a non-cluttered fashion. I can make suggestions based on your needs for storage or completely organize your scrapbooks, photos, videos, momentos and collectibles where you can get to them easily. One other alternative that I like is to design and set up a ‘Memory Room’ for you. This can highlight a special loved one, travel adventures, family gatherings, timeless events, a child growing up,  grandparents room, etc. The themes are endless. These things are you and a big part of your life and a 'Memory Room' can create a wonderful peaceful surrounding for you on a daily basis."

I want to give things that I don’t use to people who need it. How do you go about this?
"Your organizer stages an area in your home or garage just for suggested charitable items. You will need to go thru these one last time. These items are then recorded in an Excel spreadsheet for your tax purposes. A pickup can then be arranged with my ‘suggested’ or ‘your choice’ of charitable organizations."

What Tricia Molloy talks about in her book Divine Wisdom at Work: Cleaning out the clutter. Freeing our selves up. There is a certain peace of mind having things there that we might need or can use for a different purpose ie: I’m recycling chipped crystal glasses as vases for azalea/dogwood arrangements this spring. What are your suggestions for storage on items like this.                                                                             "Recycling chipped crystal is a great idea and the attic or basement is the best place for storage, if you do not have a work room, since this hobby is seasonal. Likewise, I use my attic for storage of all seasonal decorations, wrapping paper, props for plays, memorabilia, antique  furniture to be repaired, lamps, toys, empty boxes for presents and shipping, drop cloths, etc.  If you do not have an attic, a freed up closet just for hobbies would work beautifully and you might even consider installing some inexpensive shelves."

If I ever move again, I would need lots of help packing and unpacking and getting things organized, but the key would be finding someone that would know where to put the proper things. I think this is daunting to everyone and, especially as we get older, we all have more "stuff"!   How do you know where to put things for my lifestyle? "Placement of your things in the proper place should not be a problem once I get to know who you are and understand your work habits, as well as your lifestyle habits. We will do this in the consultation part of our meeting. If you have decided to have me handle the project on my own, without your presence, then I will either call you to discuss any questions I have or leave a note for you at the end of the day."

I think most people want to feel secure with a person who is doing this.  Also, someone who understands why you want to keep something that you are attached to, that looks like junk to someone else. I  think that some people don't want to think of "arguing with a contractor" over what they should toss or keep, but it would be easier for them to do if they had professional help.  Trying to do it alone can  be so OVERWHELMING. I also know that after having two incidents of having things stolen, I cling to things that I “now have” to replace the things I "used to have.”
"My philosophy is that the client is always right. I will only suggest items that you might want to consider getting rid of…if you don’t want to, then I will suggest a place to store these items, so you can get to them later down the road."