Organizing Hints: Hiring a Professional Organizer for a Fraction of the Cost

Know C.H.A.O.S? Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome?

Hi Geralin,

I’m not sure if you will get this letter in time or not. I hope so.

I would love to hire a professional organizer, but there is no way I can afford one. All the TV shows are inspiring, the magazines are fun to read and books are helpful, but, I have very specific questions about very specific issues unique to my home, my kids, my lifestyle and my way of doing things.

I’m Jewish and the holidays are right around the corner. It’s my turn to have the family visit. That means I need to get organized—sooner, rather then later! I’ve put off doing things and now I need advice–quickly! Are there any resources out there for people like me?

P.S. I (heart) your post on organizing shoes last month…even the shoe in the picture looks pretty—it caught my eye right away. Is that your photo?

Bobbie

Hello Bobbie,

Yup, it’s my shoe and my photo; thank you!

Sounds like you have a case of what FlyLady (flylady.net) calls, C.H.A.O.S (can’t have anyone over syndrome)! Here is a fact: Everyone can become organized, regardless of whether or not they hire a professional organizer. But, with the holidays right around the corner, if you need a quick fix, here is my idea: A colleague of mine, Certified Professional Organizer, Lorie Marrero from Texas, has developed an amazing on-line program, The Clutter Diet, that is based on the Weight Watchers model. She offers an on-line organizing program with numerous resources – audios, workbooks, videos, and message boards staffed with real-live-7-days-a-week-professional organizers (including yours truly!) who answer readers’ questions.

I’m proud to be part of the Clutter Diet team and can’t say enough good things about the program, its subscribers, and, the fresh, creative, detailed information available on the site. Sometimes, the Clutter Diet members’ questions are technical and are accompanied by photos. Sometimes, the organizing challenges are situational. Other times members are “weighing-in” with good news about the progress they’ve made. There is never a dull moment on the chat boards!

One of the best things about the Clutter Diet is, not only does a team of professional organizers answer each post, but, other members chime in with helpful tips too. Some use their real names and others prefer to remain anonymous; doesn’t matter–either way is OK.

It’s an impressive, resourceful community of like-minded individuals in various stages of decluttering from around the globe—not just the USA.

It’s a subscription-based site; if you want to join more information can be found on my website at www.metropolitanorganizing.com To my knowledge, this is the best way to get personalized help with whatever type of organizing challenge you are experiencing. It’s a lot of bang for the buck. Plus, it’s seven days a week!

Bobbi, if you get going & stay motivated, you may actually have the time and energy to enjoy having your family in town with you this year. Happy Holidays!