Dr. Phil Deals with "Chronic Hoarding"

I hope you saw the Dr. Phil show on Friday, February 25. Dr. Phil showcased several families that are dealing with the issues associated with chronic hoarding and disorganization. I frequently encounter clients with these special needs in my professional organizing business and wish he had emphasized the help a Professional Organizer can lend to people struggling with this difficulty. The "control" idea he conveyed cannot be overemphasized. I often find that my clients are dealing or have dealt with circumstances such as health crises, death or loss, huge life changes, a controlling spouse or family member or other such life events that precipitated their own hoarding or disorganization crisis. There are several very good books on the condition that I will discuss in a forthcoming message.

Decision Making to Conquer Clutter

Nearly everybody has trouble getting rid of their excess "stuff". If you find that is an issue for you when trying to get organized, using this strategy might just work .
Use a journal to write about what you value and what kind of life you see for yourself.
Visualize and write about your "ideal" environment. Paint a picture with words that depicts your home or office in the way you would like it to be.
Decide if your "stuff" contributes to your progress toward creating that type of living environment for yourself or if it gets in the way of what you ultimately want for yourself and your family.
Remember, a disorganized and cluttered environment is very closely related to time management issues, the ability to focus and be productive and keeping your home or office clean and welcoming. Try asking yourself some of these questions as you sort through your accumulated "stuff":
When is the last time I used/read/wore this item or might use it again?
Does it convey the image I want to show to the world?
What is the attachment I have to this particular item?
Is this so special I want to give it to somebody special?
Do I know of a charity that could use this item or a person in need of it?
Could I make money from this by either selling it or getting a tax deduction?
If I absolutely, positively must have this item in the future, is there some other place I could get it (such as the internet, Ebay, the library?
Will my life change in any way if I get rid of this?
What is the worst that could happen if I got rid of this?
As a photo album and scrapbook artist, I usually recommend to clients that they try to satisfy their desire to keep an item by taking a photo of it and recording their special memories of the item (especially if its an antique, has some particular significance or was given to them by a person they want to remember).
If you decide to keep an item, article or document, store it based upon the most logical place you would look for it again.
Helpful hints provided by Organize This!
www.Org-This.com
518-435-9948

Organize This! of Albany, NY Launches its Brand New Blog

Thanks to the sage advice of one of my newest and, hands down, most interesting clients I have decided to share my organizing expertise with anyone who is interested in learning some basics for making life easier at work and home. Your comments and questions are welcome.