Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can you personally come to my house and help me declutter?
As much as I’d love to come to your home and help you personally it’s just not possible for me to do that at the moment — so here are some ideas that I am confident will help you.
The approach that I use in helping people to declutter, downsize and get organized is best explained in my books “It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff” and also my most recent title “Let It Go: Downsizing Your Way to a Richer, Happier Life”. You can find a copy of these books at your local library or they’re available pretty much anywhere books are sold. You might like to check them out for a step-by-step guide to all my tips and techniques.
Many countries have their own professional body representing organizers.
In Australia, I would advise going to the website of the Institute of Professional Organisers at www.iopo.com.au
In the USA go to the website of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals at www.napo.net
If you are seeking some basic information about and understanding of hoarding behavior I’d strongly suggest you read Dr. David Tolin’s excellent book “Buried in Treasures”. For further resources and practical assistance in this area go to the website of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization at https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/
Similar professional organizations exist in other countries also:
Canada – POC: Professional Organizers in Canada: www.organizersincanada.com
Brasil – Personal Organizer Brasil
United Kingdom – Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers UK: www.apdo-uk.co.uk
The Netherlands – NBPO: Nederlandse Beroepsvereniging van Professional Organizers
Africa – POAA: Professional Organiser Association Africa
Germany – BooND: Büroorganisation Büroordnung Netzwerk Deutschland
Japan – JALO: Japan Association of Life Organisers Japan
At any of these sites you should be able to find information on professional organizers in your area that you could speak with who could offer advice and, if appropriate, professional services and support. I strongly recommend that you interview potential organizers to ensure you are comfortable with their style and approach. Asking for references from some of their past clients, and speaking with them, is also an excellent way to ensure you are well matched.
Additionally, I’d invite you to join me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peterwalsh where you’ll receive a ton of advice and ideas for decluttering and getting organized.
I have also made a DVD version of my book “It’s All Too Much” that walks you through each room in the house — it’s also available at my website. These are probably the closest thing you can get to having me there to give you a hand! I strongly recommend you read the book or view the DVD before tackling the job yourself or seeking outside assistance.
I’m sorry that I’m not able to come to your home and help you personally but I hope that these ideas are useful.
Q. How can I learn more about your new TV show Space Invaders
Space Invaders is currently airing weekly in Australia on the NINE Network. You can learn more about the show at www.facebook.com/SpaceInvadersTV
If you are interested in being considered for the series, please complete an application here: https://forms.gle/DeN3SZGAAMxYuF4Q9 and you will be contacted by the casting department in due course.
Q. How can I learn more about your talks or appearances across the country?
You have a couple of options for keeping track of me and learning where I’m next appearing — or just to hear what’s going on in my world.
First — keep an eye here on my website at www.peterwalshdesign.com for the latest in what’s happening, for tips on decluttering and getting organized and for information on my latest projects.
Second — and most immediate — join me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peterwalsh. I’m working hard to keep the most recent news flowing on my Facebook fanpage and would love to have you join me there to hear what’s happening and to share your thoughts and ideas.
Q. Where can I read more of your organizing ideas? Do you have books I can buy?
Check out the Books tab on my website for complete details and purchasing information about all my books.
Q. I am thinking about a career as a professional organizer — where do I start?
Depending on where you are located your best first step is to connect with an experienced professional organizer in your area with whom you can chat and possibly gain some practical experience. In Australia such organizers can be located through the Institute of Professional Organisers at www.iopo.com.au and in the United States through the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals at www.napo.net.
Extensive training courses are available through NAPO and through www.professionalorganisertraining.com.au
The approach that I use in helping people to declutter, downsize and get organized is best explained in my books “It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff” and also my most recent title “Let It Go: Downsizing Your Way to a Richer, Happier Life”. You can find a copy of these books at your local library or they’re available pretty much anywhere books are sold. You might like to check them out for a step-by-step guide to all my tips and techniques, and for an overview of the psychology of clutter and why we find it so hard to let go of things — it’s a great starting point for understanding how to deal with anyone with clutter or organizational issues.