OK. I give up.
My house is slowly -- bur surely -- becoming an organizational nightmare. I'm finally ready to admit that I need help. Does anyone know of local people who come in and put order to the chaos (and not charge a fortune)? And if they do, how to I make my husband and kids keep it that way? Do you have any good tips on where to start? I've purchased every system or boxes and files known to man, but I never use them the way they are intended. They usually end up in the garage. Oh, and I should warn you, don't come near my garage. If you go in, you may never find your way out. It's that bad.
Am I the only one with this problem? I'd love to hear from anyone with advice or success stories.
-Robyn

I am a do it yourselfer and the first thing to do is to sort through your stuff. If you haven't used it in 6 months, toss it. Make 3 piles. Keep, give away and trash. Sort through the clothes. If it is too worn, toss. if it's too small pass it to someone that can use it. Toss any magazine that is more than 3 months old. Pass books on to Goodwill that you have read. It takes time but if you do a little each week, don't try to do it at once or you will just be overwhelmed. Do a small cleaning each week then a thorough cleaning every 3 months. The clutter will be gone in no time. For every new item you buy, get rid of something you haven't used. Check with the "Closet" stores and they can give you more pointers. It takes baby steps

That's great advice.
I need one of those super-garage organizer systems so I have a logical place to put things. We tend to just toss things in one corner or another -- and then it piles up.
Has anyone ever used a professional organizer?
Robyn

Yes, I would like to know that too. Is there a professional organizer that can come in at a reasonable price? I really do need help and I would like to get it done before the baby comes. Thanks for the help!

I can come whip you into shape. lol I'm pretty organized (though my house isn't looking it lately! My husband is the exact opposite.)
I know someone who used to be a professional organizer but am not sure who is actually doing it now.
I did just see an ad the other day for a garage organizign system. I don't have it anymore but I think it was like $300 installed?

It's not hard to keep organized once you have a system and keep the habit up of placing things in there designated spots once your organized..The tricky part is sorting,organizing,and getting rid of those things you've been holding onto maybe with or without reason.

Robyn if you are really serious about getting it taken care of I would be willing to take a look and give you an estimate and a hand.One question do you still have any organizers and or shelving units?

Ahhhhh, I LOVE this topic! I'm super-duper organized and so wish that I had "gone into" professional organization in college...... do they even offer that?? hmmmmmm? Anyway, my hubby always makes fun of me. He says things are constantly "put away" but atleast I know where they are! With a 4 year old, husband, dog and new baby due in about 5 weeks, organization is KEY for my sanity! If I get a new shirt, give one away,...... go through kids toys and get rid of any that are no longer age appropriate or that he/she now longer has interest in...........have storage baskets/totes at kid level so that they can put things away, and don't have LOTS of toys! Kids get overwhelmed with TOO much and can only play with so much, anyway.

A great place to learn organization tips and routines is Flylady.net
She takes you through 'babysteps' to get your house in order and deal with things. I love it. I am getting there. Some of the things she says sound so strange ...Like wear lace up shoes daily... I balked at that idea for ages, I love running around bare foot. I started two weeks ago and it does make you feel better, makes you feel like getting things done...

One of my best friends has found some organizational success w/ FlyLady!

I love this topic! I'm a "get rid of it" kind of person, my husband is a hoarder. We recently had some "surprise" time off for him and tackled his closet and the garage. I think he's finally seeing that he doesn't need to save everything... We threw away paperwork from a business that he gave up in 1992!!! I have to agree about the "three piles" system. Sometimes you buy things and let's face it, they were a mistake. You don't have to look at it for the rest of your life. Take it to Goodwill and get a receipt. It's all tax deductible. And quite honestly, you look at purchases a little bit differently... i.e. do I really want this? Do I really need this? Do I really want to give up counter space to this? What are the chances that this will be going to Goodwill too?