What's It Like: The Interview, Part II

Goodwill to the rescue! For certain Middle Tennessee zip codes you can schedule a home pickup for large or bulky loads. Visit http://giveit2goodwill.org/pickups/

(Side note:  Amanda had a lot to conquer.  We worked steadily for several sessions, and she was totally dedicated to the process.  We even contacted Goodwill to come do a huge pickup (this in addition to my taking at least 3 van-loads of items myself).  She was able to sell many items, and trips to the trash can were numerous.   By the time our sessions were completed, we could both see the potential in the newly cleared out space.  She told me several times that she felt like she was getting rid of the old Amanda, and ushering in a new chapter of her life.)

S:  OK, be honest - were you pleased with the overall results?  Would you hire a professional organizer again if the need arose?

A:  I was more than pleased with the overall result. There were a couple of sessions where it was mentally and sometimes emotionally exhausting, but you encouraged me to take breaks and regroup. I feel like you taught me so much about what to keep and how to more effectively organize what was in the basement. I didn’t just invest in a personal organizer, I think I invested in a new friend, someone I know I can go to for some quick advice or maybe a future resource. You showed compassion and were so patient with me because of my circumstances and for that I will be forever grateful!

---

---

In our last episode, Amanda was considering hiring me to help with de-cluttering and organizing her basement.  We had just gotten to the point where she called me to get more information.  Did Amanda take the plunge and bring me on board?  What happened next?  Did she get that basement cleared out?  We join our heroine as she waits for my arrival at our first appointment...

S:  How did you feel immediately prior to me arriving for our first meeting (nervous, excited, embarrassed, etc.)?

A:  I was excited. I remember you told me not to try and make things look “presentable”. I left everything like it was and knew we would conquer it all together.

S:  I think that is a common feeling, although others may feel varying degrees of anxiety...or even shame.  And it was important for me as an organizer to see how things were in their normal "un-presentable" state, so that I could really understand what you were dealing with.  Hiding or changing the clutter is like trying to not cough or sneeze when you go to see the doctor.

Was the first organizing session different from what you had expected?  If so, how?

A:  No, not really. I knew we had a lot of work to accomplish. I was excited about getting through the tools and all that “man” stuff that I had no clue how to sort or organize.

And I am grateful to Amanda, for being willing to open up and share her experience with you.  If you're on the fence about whether or not to seek assistance for an overwhelming project, I hope her words might encourage you to feel less embarrassment and more hope.  Reaching out for help could be just the thing you need.