Clearing Space (Literally) For Spring Time

Spring is a time for “Spring Cleaning”, new beginnings and a fresh start. Many times a fresh start means letting go of things in your past, both emotional and physical, (or tangible), and allowing room for new things and experiences.

As a Professional Organizer, I derive great satisfaction from helping and mentoring my clients with their sometimes overwhelming organization projects. I just finished working with an 81 year-old woman, who had been unable to use either of her walk-in closets because of a 19-year accumulation of clothes. Walking into both the closets was impossible, yet Sarah continued buying new clothes. Where did she put these new clothes? On rolling racks in front of her bedroom windows so that eventually she was unable to raise the shade or open the window. After a number of sessions of working with Sarah, her closets became functional. With my guidance and mentoring, Sarah made the decision to let go of many clothes that she no longer wore. She felt liberated and excited when we transferred her newer clothes into the closets and raised the window shade for the first time in years. Sarah donated 15 bags of clothes to Goodwill, and I have made consignment arrangements for her for several of her nice articles of clothing. When they sell, Sarah will get the check. Sarah feels good about the space she has created, and now her grown children are eager to stay with her when they visit her.

Some people have difficulty tackling clutter without the assistance and direction of a Professional Organizer. If you are overwhelmed by the prospect of decluttering, consider hiring a Professional Organizer. It may be one of the best investments you’ve ever made!

As an active member of NAPO (the National Association of Professional Organizers – www.napo.net), I also have an opportunity to give back to the community. NAPO designates January as “Get Organized” month, and last January the South Florida group of NAPO members spent two days at Allapattah Middle School in Miami organizing books and shelves, so that the teachers would be able to locate needed text and reading books quickly and efficiently. Since the teachers had no time for creating a system of organizing the books, our group took the task on. The teachers and staff members were thrilled with the results we achieved.