April

We just hosted a booth at this year’s Home & Garden Show. We had the opportunity to meet so many people, and friends I hadn’t seen in a very long time. We had the best people working and making the best of spending the weekend in a booth at the show.

As we saw people come and go over three days, we asked hundreds of people, “Are you interested in organization?” The expressions and reactions of people were quite humorous. There were some who would walk by and pretend that we were not there at all, with a tinge of guilt covering their face. Others would ease a little closer, interested in what Consider It Done is all about. Or a spouse that would offer a snicker or laughter and wink, “Well I’m pretty good, but now my husband (or Wife) needs your help”.

It seems like everyone knows someone that needs a little organization. The truth is, we all can use some organization at one time or another. I have never heard anyone say, “I want to be disorganized when I grow up”. Life just happens to be overwhelming at times, and we fail to keep priorities in check, we get lost and cannot find our way back. What I have learned in our own journey in helping organize others, is that first, one must recognize that there is a problem, that life is not functioning very well. I have met with many family members who want help for their parents, and yet the parents do not, will not and will refuse any help from their own kids, much less myself. Change is scary, especially if they have the understanding that their things are going to be thrown away, or that they are losing control in some manner. Which I want to make clear, if you have had these internal thoughts, we do not want to throw away or get rid of anything that you are not really using or that you place a high value on. For an example, what may look like to me, as a broken toolbox, might just be the great granddad’s box that he made for a son generations ago, that has been handed down with stories told about the furniture that was made with it. Trust me to know that those stories are important, and they need to be retold!

Secondly, if your spouse or parent is upset that you mentioned the thought of anyone else coming into their office or house, then they probably are not ready for us organizers to come for a visit, even though it might the best thing ever for them. Sometimes, unfortunately, our best life lessons are learned by going through difficult times. As a family member, you can “own” what is yours and your responsibilities, and allow your spouse or parents, etc. to own what is theirs. Encourage and support what you can, and know even in adult parent and child relationships, tough love is sometimes needed.

Lastly, just get over yourself! I cannot tell you how many times I have heard, “I would be so embarrassed for you to see….”. I have seen extreme hoarders, and have heard every excuse in the book as to why a place looks like it does! No one lives at “their best” when there is clutter in your life, whether it’s emotional, mental or physical. When you realize that you no longer have control over all the clutter, then admit it and know that there are professionals to help you, so that you can move on with your life in peace and get past all the things, issues or thoughts that are standing in your way.

When you know in your heart that it’s time, and calling Consider It Done, is not as scary as you thought it would be. Call us, and we will help you back to peace, one step at a time.

Lori