I Hired A Home Organizer And Was Surprised To Learn…

Yep, I hired a pro organizer. This isn’t something I’ve done in the past but it’s something I’ve wanted to do to realize my vision for a perfectly organized home. And you’re thinking: “isn’t your place already perfectly organized?” The short answer is no. I’m generally organized and tidy. But even an organized person needs a refresh once in a while.
So, after living in our place for about 14 months, I decided it was time. I was itching to do some version of spring cleaning. So I figured– why don’t I treat myself to what I offer others day in and day out? It was time to reevaluate the things we brought into our home to determine if we still use or need them.
And here’s what I learned:
We all have too much stuff and we’re not using a lot of it. I already knew this, but now, I really know this. In my house, we found far too many hair care products, body lotions, sunscreens and cosmetics expiring under my bathroom sink, and cluttered closets filled with unused items. Organizing these spaces has had a transformative impact on our lives, making our home more functional and enjoyable. We also rediscovered a slew of at-home COVID workout equipment: a water weight and free weights, exercise bands and booty bands, a pilates ring and jump ropes. And quite a few specialty spices we haven’t cooked with since moving in.
We are drawn to the things we like and feel good in, including cosmetics. I threw out lotions that made my face feel tacky and serums with a scent I found unappealing. It was liberating to let go of the feeling that “I should be using these things” just because I spent money on them. It’s also empowering to know what cosmetics or [fill in the blank] I like and I stick to them. And jeans. Years ago I may have wrestled my way into a pair of jeans that looked good but surely didn’t feel good. But after two years of living in PJs, I now want my jeans to feel as close to yoga pants as possible. Comfort is key.
If I’m not using it, it’s not really useful or valuable to my life.
Even as a pro organizer who helps others do this everyday, I found it difficult to understand why I was holding onto things that I perceive as valuable or useful (even if I wasn’t using them). So I tried to remind myself: if I’m not using it, it’s not really useful or valuable to my life. There’s someone else out there that might find value in what I have. And then it’s up to me to decide: should I donate or sell? I listed a few things on the spot (like the entire set of workout equipment above). I donated everything else.
A tip: If you’re going to sell something, set a limit on how long you’re willing to hang on to said item before you donate it. Ask yourself what’s more important: the money or the space. For me, creating space in our 900-square-foot bungalow is more important than making money off my unused stuff. So if I don’t sell the stuff within a week, I’ll donate it or list it on my local Buy Nothing Facebook group.
- It was invaluable having someone there to keep me accountable. This was the most insightful part of the experience. Even though I’ve decluttered and organized my own home before (without external help) and I do this daily for other people, it was much more efficient to have someone there. She kept me on track and asked the right questions to get me to take action. Remember humans are hardwired to resist change. It’s easier and more comfortable to stay the same than to change. Having an accountability partner can be all we need to create the space or become the person we desire.
Anyway, I just wanted to share this experience to give you perspective. We all need help sometimes.
Understanding Your Organizing Style
Understanding your organizing style is crucial to creating a space that truly works for you. Everyone has a unique approach to organization, and what works for one person may not work for another. To determine your organizing style, consider how you approach tasks, how you like to categorize items, and how you prefer to maintain your space.
Do you like to approach projects little by little each day? Or prefer to dive in all at once? If you can’t see your items, are they “out of sight, out of mind”? Or are you someone who gets overwhelmed by visual clutter?
There are several common organizing styles, including:
The “Neat Freak”: This person values order and precision, and likes to keep their space tidy and organized at all times.
The “Piler”: This person tends to accumulate piles of items, such as papers or clothes, and may struggle to keep their space organized.
The “Categorizer”: This person likes to group similar items together, such as books or kitchen utensils, and may use labels and categories to keep their space in order.
By understanding your organizing style, you can tailor your approach to fit your needs and preferences. For instance, if you’re a “Neat Freak,” you might thrive with a minimalist approach, ensuring everything has its place. On the other hand, if you’re a “Piler,” you might benefit from designated boxes or bins to keep your piles contained and manageable. Recognizing your style can help you create a space that is not only functional but also enjoyable to be in, whether it’s your kitchen, living room, or home office.
The Benefits of Professional Organization
Hiring a professional organizer can have a transformative impact on your life and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits:
Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Clutter and disorganization can be overwhelming and stressful. A professional organizer can help you create a peaceful and calming environment, reducing the mental load of a chaotic space.
Increase Productivity: A well-organized space can help you stay focused and productive, allowing you to accomplish more in less time. When everything is in its place, you can spend less time searching for items and more time getting things done.
Improve Your Relationships: A cluttered and disorganized space can be embarrassing and stressful for friends and family. By creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment, you can enhance your social interactions and make your home a place where everyone feels comfortable.
Enhance Your Quality of Life: A well-organized space can improve your overall quality of life, allowing you to enjoy your home and your life more fully. When your space is in order, you can focus on the things that truly matter, whether it’s spending time with loved ones or pursuing your passions.
Professional organizers provide valuable guidance and support, helping you develop a personalized organizing plan that meets your unique needs and goals. They can teach you effective organizing techniques and strategies, and help you create a maintenance plan to keep your space organized over time. Investing in professional organization is an investment in your well-being and your future.
Organizing for Different Ages and Stages
Organizing needs can vary significantly depending on your age and stage of life. Here are some examples:
Young Adults: Moving into your first apartment or dorm room can be both exciting and overwhelming. A professional organizer can provide guidance on how to create a functional and efficient space, helping you make the most of your limited square footage.
Families with Young Children: As your family grows, so does the amount of stuff you need to manage. Organizing toys, clothes, and other child-related items can be a challenge. A professional organizer can help you create systems that make it easier to keep your home tidy and organized, even with little ones running around.
Seniors: Downsizing and organizing belongings as you transition to a smaller living space can be a daunting task. A professional organizer can help you sort through your possessions, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard, and create a space that is both functional and comfortable.
Regardless of your age or stage of life, a professional organizer can help you create a space that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. They can provide guidance on how to create a functional and efficient space, develop a maintenance plan to keep your space organized over time, and make the most of your space, regardless of its size or layout.
Organizing for a More Sustainable Lifestyle
Organizing can play a significant role in creating a more sustainable lifestyle. By reducing clutter and waste, and creating a more efficient and functional space, you can:
Reduce Your Environmental Impact: Clutter and waste can contribute to environmental problems, such as pollution and waste management issues. By reducing clutter and waste, you can help minimize your environmental impact. For example, organizing your kitchen can help you avoid buying duplicate items and reduce food waste.
Save Time and Money: A well-organized space can help you save time and money by reducing the need for duplicate purchases and minimizing waste. When you know exactly what you have and where it is, you can avoid unnecessary shopping trips and make more informed purchasing decisions.
Improve Your Health and Well-Being: A cluttered and disorganized space can be stressful and overwhelming, negatively impacting your health and well-being. By creating a peaceful and calming environment, you can improve your overall health and well-being. A neat and organized space can also make it easier to maintain a clean and hygienic home.
A professional organizer can help you create a more sustainable lifestyle by providing guidance on how to reduce clutter and waste, helping you create a more efficient and functional space, and offering tips and strategies for maintaining your space over time. By making small changes to your organizing habits, you can make a big difference in your environmental impact and your quality of life.
Organizing for Your Well-Being
Organizing is a process that can have a significant impact on your life and well-being. By understanding your organizing style, hiring a professional organizer, and creating a space that is tailored to your unique needs and goals, you can:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Increase productivity
Improve your relationships
Enhance your quality of life
Regardless of your age or stage of life, a professional organizer can help you create a space that is functional, efficient, and enjoyable to be in. By investing in professional organization, you can create a space that supports your well-being and helps you live your best life.