Kids are just messy. They are not hoarders.

I ran across this article in a recent Los Angeles Times paper called "They're messy, not hoarders" which can also be found on their website (link is below). It is written by Alexandra Abramian-Mott and has some interesting points.

With four kids, it seems like we do have a lot of stuff (read toys) for the kids, and it seems like there are things out all the time.  We keep on telling ourselves to decrease bringing things into the house, but things sneak in one way or another.

Click here for the article:  http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-kid-hoard-20110129,0,1785505.story

Need a Professional Organizer?

I suspect that most people with children have clutter somewhere.

We do, and it is better in some places than others.  I will admit that I personally have made drastic improvements over the past many years.  I was recently reading the Money Magazine article (still getting for free) about organizing your garage and ran across "NAPO" which is an organization representing professional organizers.  I searched a nearby zip code and found a couple members and clicked to their websites for fun and found that they offer free consultations.  Of course, they will probably want charge for actual execution of any plans that result from the consultation.

It is just an option if anyone feels they need help.  The Money Magazine article estimates the cost to be about $200 to $1,000 for their services.  You can also "bribe a neat-freak friend" to help out.

Click here to subscribe to Money Magazine for 1 year or 2 years.

Other Websites:

• National Association of Professional Organizers
• Restore Order to Your Garage (CNNMoney.com)