Search:

Amber’s Home and Office Organizing Blog index

Helping Family Members Find Organization

How to Help A Family Member Get Organized

I often get calls and emails from family members and friends who are concerned for their loved ones disorganized situation. This is common and my heart goes out to them. I applaud them for taking the first steps, researching organizers, and truly learning how to best approach the situation. There are many factors and realizations that are important to understand before proposing or purchasing an organizer for a family member or friend. Take time to think through these critical facts.

1. Each person views clutter differently. What might feel like hoarding to you, may not feel like hoarding to your loved one. Your view could give a false interpretation to a professional organizer. It’s best to get the outlook and view of the person who owns the home and owns the stuff. That will give the clearest picture to the professional organizer.

2. Never “surprise” someone with organizing. Organizing is such a personal service and can be too vulnerable or overwhelming for some. The person who’s stuff needs to be organized, has to be able to trust, confide in, and work alongside a professional. They will only feel comfortable and on board if they’ve had a say in who that professional might be.

3. If possible, do not pay for the organizing services for your loved one. The family member needs to own the process, embrace change, and be “on board” with the process. If they are not financially participating in the process they really have no incentive to continue to organize and maintain organization. They have nothing to lose. Again, I applaud family members that are willing to pay for the organizing, I just recommend paying for only half or a portion of the bill each time.

4. Finally, refrain from passing judgment or accusing family members or friends. Each person struggles with different areas in life. Judgment doesn’t encourage or bring hope to a person who’s overwhelmed and backlogged with clutter. Instead, ask how you can help, encourage and support the person to start making changes.

 

 

*Screen Name:
Question or comment:
This is a private message or question
	* denotes required field