I have a online friend, (let’s call her Amy). You would never realize she has a problem. I’m not going to call it “hoarding” or even “clutter”. Amy is simply o.v.er.w.h.e.l.m.e.d.
She recently told me what I believe is true of more people than we can imagine. She has an online presence that looks fabulous - cute Instagram videos of the family, pictures of someone on her sofa or at the kitchen counter inside of her house or outdoors on the porch.
Amy contacted me and confided, “It’s what you don’t see that has my stomach tied up in knots….the kids’ rooms, their toys, my laundry room, my bedroom, my closet….and my basement. I can fix meals and keep the dishes washed, but the rest of the house is a war zone. I know I have too much stuff and I know the kids have too many toys, but I don’t know where to start or what to do with all of it.”
Amy is a perfect candidate for Virtual Organizing.
She knows where she needs to start but doesn’t know HOW to keep going. Even though Amy lives several states away from me, through FaceTime or Skype, I can help her. She wants to start in her daughter’s room. After our initial phone conversation, I will develop a plan for Amy and will give her the ideas she needs to conquer the clutter in that room. This plan will include ideas for sorting through her daughter’s clothes and toys and how to decide what to purge and what to keep.
We are going to figure out what day and time Amy wants to work on the room and I will be there there on FaceTime with her, checking in with her periodically to measure her progress. I’m going to be Amy’s cheerleader and help her stay motivated!
Amy loves this idea because I can come into her house, right into that room without actually walking inside. She wants to check in with me 3 or 4 times that morning and then she plans to work on the room after her husband and kids go to bed that night! She is a night owl and wants to be able to work after 10:00 pm and through the night so she won't be interrupted. I’ll check back in again with her the next morning to see how she’s doing and we’ll take it further from there.
If you live outside the greater Roanoke, Virginia and Greensboro, South Carolina areas, Virtual Organizing would be the perfect fit for you too. Call me and let’s chat about what you need help with! I’ll create a plan for you and be your favorite cheerleader to help you turn the clutter into calm!
What is a manageable way to begin?
Choose a project that can be seen clearly on camera and completed in stages. Keep a donation box, trash bag, and temporary relocate basket nearby so each decision has a next step.
How do you make the change last?
Use the new setup during a normal week and pay attention to what still feels difficult. A system is allowed to change. If putting something away takes too many steps, simplify the category, move it closer to where it is used, or reduce what the space has to hold.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to finish the whole project at once?
No. Completing one defined area is more useful than creating several unfinished piles. Progress can be small and still be meaningful.
Should I buy organizing products first?
Usually not. Sort and measure first so any product you choose solves a specific problem instead of becoming one more item to manage.
What if I feel embarrassed asking for help?
You do not need to clean, organize, or apologize before asking WOW Organizing for support. We begin with what is happening now and work without judgment.
If you would like help applying these ideas in your own home, learn more about our Virtual Organizing.
Ready for a more manageable next step?
Tell us what is creating the most pressure. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you choose a realistic place to begin.
Request a Free Consultation