If you’re one of the many who love reality shows – or have just gotten caught up while channel surfing, you’ve probably stumbled across at least one reality show about getting organized. There are many of them. When I talk to people about my chosen profession, these reality shows invariably come up. “Do you really put everything out on the front lawn?” (No, not unless you really want me to.)

The reality of organization, though, is usually not made-for-TV viewing. Don’t get me wrong; I love these shows as much as the next guy. They have done a good job of educating the public about the upside of an organized life. And you can get some really good ideas from these shows. (Putting all of your belongings on the front lawn wouldn’t be one of them.)

Real (as opposed to reality) organization is about having what you need, where you need it, when you need it. Each “organized life” is going to be unique – just as each person/family/business is unique. An organization system that works for me might not make any sense to you. For organization to stick and become second nature, your space and things must be organized to your style.

A professional organizer is trained to guide you to find that organized life — to set up those systems that will serve you instead of you serving the system. A professional organizer will also help you develop the habits that will help you maintain your system and will work with you to tweak the system when things are just “not quite right.” A professional organizer isn’t about hauling all your “stuff” out for the world to see; we take confidentiality very seriously. And we’re not about making you throw away everything. A professional organizer will question you – and help you decide what items you need, love, and don’t want to let go. And then find good homes for the things you do decide aren’t part of your future.

So… Welcome to my blog. I hope you sign up with us or stop back often. I’ll be writing about organizing principles, fun products I’ve found, people I follow, events you might want to check out – whatever happens to be “front and center” at the time. If you have a question, let me know about that, too, and I’ll do my best to address it. My only promise – I won’t put your belongings on the front lawn – unless you want them there.