Angie's LIST Guide to
Home organization

For folks whose homes are overrun with stuff, the thought of hiring a professional organizer to help sort everything may be a relief or a source of stress in itself.

Benefits of doing your own organizing: Doing home organization on your own allows you to take your time deciding what to keep and what to shed. Doing it yourself also lets you set up an organization system that works for you.

Benefits of hiring a professional organizer: While you may be perfectly capable of organizing your own home, you may find the project overwhelming, especially if you face a deadline. A professional, who has no sentimental attachment to your stuff, can help encourage you make tough decisions about what stays and what goes.

Tips for hiring an organizer:

• Start your search by checking reviews on Angie's List, which rates professional organizers and service providers in more than 550 categories.
• Communicate your most problematic organization areas before you make the hire, so you know whether an organizer is a good fit for your situation.
• Look for someone with whom you won't mind spending several hours at a time.
• Be aware that the cost and time needed to complete your home organization project will depend on the specifics of the job and the the organizer's fees, but the average cost for home organization runs between $30 and $80 an hour, with a typical project lasting between eight and 12 hours.

A few tips for reducing bedroom clutter:

• Clear the pile of stuff off the top of your dresser and set a small valet in its place. The valet is a great place to drop off cuff links, a cell phone and keys when you enter the room.
• Place a change container near the dresser or clothes hamper to encourage collection of change there.
• Consider using under-the-bed storage boxes for off-season clothing or other items.

For more information about organizing closets, see the Angie's List Guide to Closet Organization.