Advice Columns

Harriet offers helpful advice and tips through three different columns:

1. If you need help with storage solutions and deciding which type of organizing product(s) would be best for your current needs, contact Harriet through her Ask Our Organizer column at the Stacks and Stacks organizing products online catalog. 

2. Organized Outlook is an organizing tips column that Harriet writes for sdhome, an award-winning magazine published by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

3. If you have a question about how to conquer clutter, manage your time or get organized, you can Ask The Miracle Worker (below).

 

 

July/August  2009

Ask The Miracle Worker

Q: My dear younger sister and her family are pack rats.  My other sister and I have offered to come and help her organize her house, but she always makes up excuses.  It has us worried because it is borderline child abuse situation.  She doesn't let anyone in her house because of that.  Can you recommend something for us to help her and her family? 


A: Unfortunately, there is no easy or quick solution to the type of situation you have described. Your sister may have symptoms of a condition called "Packrat Syndrome" which is a type of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder that is very difficult to treat.    Unless she admits to having a problem & agrees to get help, it's unlikely you can do anything to force her to change her habits.  If you & other family members truly feel that she may be endangering her children's health & well-being, I suggest that you jointly send her a letter stating why you all think so (be as specific as possible) and asking that she get help.  Be sure to emphasize your love & concern, & try to avoid a blaming tone. You might ask if she'd be willing to attend a family counseling session with you. Set a deadline for yourself to follow up with her, & keep following up.   

I wish I could give you a more hopeful solution. It is difficult to accept that we cannot change others; changing ourselves is hard enough.  No matter how much you love anyone, it's rarely possible to help them unless they want to be helped.   For additional resources on Packrat Syndrome & hoarding, please visit the Clutter-free Resources page at www.letgoclutter.com

© 2009 by Harriet Schechter

                                                                                                         

Do you have question about conquering clutter or chaos? E-mail it to The Miracle Worker using the address at the bottom of this page. Be sure to include: 1)  your name (which will be kept private);  2) your city & state (or country, if outside the U.S.); and 3) how you heard about this site.

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