Friday, January 28, 2011

Uh-"O" is for Organization

I am a self-diagnosed clutter-aholic, chronically disorganized individual, and I believe I am starting to display hoarding tendencies. I am starting this blog to help keep me accountable and document my progress from clutterbug to an organizing junkie.
The beginning:
I think that if I go back to pinpoint where my disorganized self evolved from, I would have to say that it happened when my parents got divorced, and I got two rooms. I had two full bedrooms full of stuff from the time I was 11 years old. I had two full closets of clothes, two places to display knick-knacks, and more room to keep things than most 11 year old have. I had lots of storage space for a little girl, and I was able to keep more things, because I had the space for it. Having two houses also meant that I had to keep a mental account of what I had at what house. I needed to bring certain items back and forth, like gym clothes, shoes, school books etc. I have always had to think about where a given item was, when I would need it next, and if I needed to take it back and forth. So this, is my guess as to where the disorganization comes from. Now, you may ask why I didn't just implement a system that was easy to keep track of these things so that they didn't cause frustration and more mental focus than I should had to put forth. Why? Well, because my dad was disorganized, and I seem to have learned his bad habits, rather than the neat-freakedness that my brother got from my mom (and yes, I am jealous).
Now:
I will let you all know some very personal things about me that I do not share with any persons close to me, because honestly, they will think that I am crazy. Maybe I am, but my psychologist doesn't seem to think so. Yes- my first secret is that I am undergoing therapy with a psychologist. I go weekly, and it helps to lessen the burden of things on my mind to an individual who will not judge me. In a way, he is my mental cleaning for the week, and I feel much better since I have started seeing him. I primarily started seeing him to deal with grief, and the loss of my dad. He has helped me with so much more already. I am sure more secrets will unravel their way into the words of my blog, but that isn't the intention of this first blog post. I believe that one of my sessions has opened my eyes to the fact that I need help. Physical help, not mental, I am already working on that.
Is there a 12 step process for this? I feel like I have fully achieved steps 1 & 2 in my own set of steps.
I have admitted that I have a problem with disorganization. I have admitted it to myself, my family already knows it, so there. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH DISORGANIZATION. Loud and clear, I am ready to admit it. Step 2: I have enlisted professional help to get me through this problem. Yesterday I found the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). I contacted several of the certified professionals in my area. I have spoken with some and I think I have found my professional. We will meet on Monday. The reason I am utilizing a professional organizer is to help me jump start. I often feel overwhelmed by the tasks that lie ahead of me. I have a problem getting the motivation to do it myself. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but I feel that it will ultimately save me time, money, and peace of mind.
I also found a blog by a woman named Laura. orgjunkie.com   I think I am really going to like her website. I spent hours last night reading her tips. I am buying her book today!
So, in a nutshell- I have found the motivation to get help. I have found great resources to help me get started. I plan on working this weekend through some of the smaller areas that I can manage on my own. I am about to give Freecycle a workout this weekend with the items I need to purge.
Thanks for reading (and hopefully not judging too much!)
For now it is back to the weekend purge. I will update with pictures. I completed one project in the bathroom this morning, and already feel better.

6 comments:

  1. I commend you for this blog. I think this should help you on your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Way to go, Heather! I will be praying for you. It sounds like you've taken a healthy, mature, first step. And, I can totally relate to what you write about...the clutter seems so overwhelming...I have resolved to face my closets and garage head on but I have to step back and realize that it just can't happen in one day! I plan to follow your blog, pray for you on your journey and, who knows, I might enlist a professional, too!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Heather,

    Sounds like you are off to a great start. Take some photos along the way and keep us updated on your progress. Good luck with the professional organizer. I'm a bit jealous ;)

    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  4. A-mazing, Heather! I look forward to reading about your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Way to go Heather, definitely no judgment here. I'm so glad you found my site helpful and I'm so happy for you that you are going to work with a PO. You won't be sorry you did!

    Looking forward to following your journey and encouraging you along the way. Woohoo!
    Laura

    ReplyDelete