Challenging Disorganization and Hoarding Expert Ellen Hankes

Hanging on to Yesterday?

Moving forward can be exhilarating for many, but it can also be a scary time. Some people thrive on dealing with new and uncharted territory and for others it can be a painful time.

Sometimes people keep many mementos of relatives long gone, souvenirs of memorable times, and reminders of happier days. Just having these things helps individuals hang on when change surrounds them.

Each person determines what works best for them in terms of space and maintenance of the reminders of times long past. However, for some the past gets the way of the present and future. Space is devoted to things that have lost their significance. Items are kept out of guilt or misguided responsibility. Somewhere in the turning of the calendar pages yesterday becomes today.

Kara L. Swanson tells the story of change so well in Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet. Kara's life changed dramatically during her journey with a traumatic brain injury. Here is what Kara L. Swanson says about change

"If tomorrow is simply another  yesterday, they wouldn’t call it tomorrow.  If tomorrow were only yesterday, we’d be going backwards.  But we’re not. 

We’re going forwards."

Are you hanging onto yesterday in a way that keeps your todays and tomorrows from being what they could be?

Secrets of Saying No

Interesting people are often interested in many things. When asked or invited to participate in an activity the automatic response may be "Yes, I would love to do that." Moments later regret steals the excitement. The next thought may be "I wish I had said No!"

You'll find some useful techniques for saying no in The Simple Life: Eight Strategies to Keep Our Wonderful Enthusiasm in Check by Sandy Maynard. You'll even find a way to gracefully change your mind!

What is your secret of saying No?

Shopping Outcomes Different for Collectors, Compulisve Shoppers and Hoarders

Two shopping bags full of new-found treasures can result in uniquely different outcomes for Collectors, Compulsive Shoppers and Hoarders. Lynne Gilberg, CPO-CD, a Los Angeles, CA, professional organizer suggests how these three kinds of individuals respond to shopping and acquiring in a National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization subscriber publication.

Collectors purchase items with the intention of adding them to an existing group of similar items. The collection is often displayed in the collector's home and space is usually available for additional pieces as purchased.

Compulsive Shoppers intend to integrate newly purchased items into their closets, kitchens or workbenches. However, the new item may languish in a bag in the car or somewhere on the floor. A compulsive shopper may intend to return an item but lacks the receipt, the time, the energy, or the interest to make the return happen.

Hoarders may acquire items without realistic expectations of using or storing the material. An individual with hoarding tendencies may find it difficult to decide where the item belongs in their living space. Consequently, a large mass of material can compromise the individual's health and safety.

Today many Americans are reviewing their shopping habits with budget counselors and financial planners. Professional organizers can be part of the team that helps individuals plan and assimilate purchases in a way that supports their goals and dreams for the future.

Recreate the Nest After a Move

Change is a challenge for young and old. Some adjustment and patience is needed because, well, things just are not where they once were.

When the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization hosted a thought-provoking teleclass on Relocation Stress Syndrome, Presenter Eileen Stevie noted the benefits of getting a nest set up immediately after a move.

Whether the relocation is merely from one part of the house to another or from one city to a distant one, we like to have our familiar necessities in a cocoon or nest. The area shown in this image is a small table next to the owner's recliner.

The newspaper goes into the recycle bin after reading, the lamp provides light, the television remote control is handy, and all sorts of small life comforts are at hand. This is, indeed, a nest that worked for the owner who was recuperating from hip surgery.

Take a digital picture to remind you of why your nest is so comfortable. It just might be the blueprint for comfort!

What does your nest contain? What happens when someone shares that space?