Though the vast amount of my time spent organizing is side by side with the client, there is the occasional situation where I find myself sorting solo if a client simply can’t be with me throughout the entire process. There are also the cases where we are sorting the items and papers of a client’s loved one without them being present.

Do you have a story about an item that was (or still is) unbearable to part with from a loved one who has died? Is it something you suspect you’ll be able to let go of one day, but not yet? Did you ever have a moment where you knew it was the right time to part with something of theirs? What happened that allowed you to let it go?

Before sitting down at your desk or approaching your to-do list or cleaning a basement that could take weeks, ask yourself first "What does done for today look like?" There are many opportunities to reach "done" before the entire home is organized.

2023 was my 22nd year as a Professional Organizer and this is my 12th year-end post! 22 years in, I'm still learning so much - more than I can ever collect here with these annual round-ups. This work still gves me life, expands my heart, makes me laugh, and exposes me to the human experience. Thank you to all of my clients who let me into your lives! It's my pleasure.

Have you noticed that the final step of trashing/donating is a significant speed bump in your decluttering process? Do you already have a "stairs concept" in place? If not, what are your ideas for cutting off this last step?

Discover the secret to effective organization: it's not about products, it's about practices! Read how a simple change in habits transformed clutter into order. Avoid unnecessary purchases; embrace smart strategies instead.