Managing Modern Life Blog

The popular A&E Network television series, "Hoarders," has made thousands of people aware that there is help available for their loved ones or themselves. In response to the many inquiries I’ve received, today I’m sharing a list of the professionals seen on the show.

Since the A&E Network series “Hoarders” began, I’ve been contacted countless times by hoarders, friends/families of hoarders, and Professional Organizers wondering if I have a supply list I’m willing to share with them. Many of these people simply don’t have the time or resources to research a list of products that are necessary and helpful to take to a job site. For those folks, I’m posting a few of my “favorites” or “must-haves.”

Today’s post is written by Ellen Delap. Ellen is located in Houston, Texas and she recently assisted me, along with Janice Simon and Christina Frisbie, on a recent Hoarders shoot for A&E TV. Ellen is a Certified Professional Organizer and Family Manager Coach who enjoys working with busy people who want to simplify their lives. You can learn more about her and her work at www.professional-organizer.com, follow her on Twitter at TexasOrganizer and join her Facebook Fan Page.

I am SO happy with how many readers are interested in my progress! (Thank you all) There has been a lot of progress since the original post.

Kara and Charlotte, from the Metropolitan Organizing team, have been tremendously helpful & supportive; I would not be where I am without them; they're gems!

Like many of you, I’m reflecting on this past year and thinking about all the fortunate opportunities I've had and those that I didn’t foresee a year ago, including the creation of this blog and its readers. It seems only fitting that I end the year by answering some of the random, lighthearted and personal questions that readers have asked.

Recently, I was able to help a client whose hoarding had been adding a significant handicap to her life. Because she was living without heat, she contacted me, requesting my organizing services in getting the heat in her house turned back on. She clearly stated, however, that she did not wish for me to help her with her hoarding disorder.

This was the perfect chance to implement the “Harm Reduction” method.

Every Monday, millions of Hoarders fans watch the show and get motivated to dig around their own homes and discard debris. Today’s post is a practical list of things that might inspire you to ‘edit’ your closets and cabinets. Most of the things on this list are “no-brainers,” meaning you can toss them with no regret.

A question I’m often asked, in both hoarder’s and non-hoarder’s homes is, “Where do I start?” My answers vary but if you are totally overwhelmed and craving a done-in-a-day project, the pantry is the perfect place to begin because it’s not too large, the contents are easily put into categories and the keep-or-toss decisions are determined by an expiration date rather than sentimental reasons. The pantry is also one of the quickest ways to get your family organized, save money, time, and shelf space.

Since the A&E network's show "Hoarders" started airing, a lot of people who have been living "private" lives are contacting me (as are their families), asking for advice about getting help. They want to know, step by step, what the process involves and what they should consider before moving forward. Unfortunately, I can no longer answer everyone individually due to the volume of inquiries. Instead, I thought I would post some of the topics I talk about with potential clients and client families.

Over the past few weeks I've shared some insight from a client who struggles with chronic disorganization and Dr. April Benson, who works with compulsive shoppers. This week, I interview an expert who helps young children with hoarding -- Dr. Dia from Hoarders.