by Ellen Delap, CPO – NAPO Member since 2000

Over the last three years, since Hurricane Harvey, I have worked with many clients to help them declutter when they are forced to after a flood. It is all our worst nightmare. Our possessions become contaminated and we are forced to let go. What happens after we lose everything? How do we think about our possessions and letting go after a catastrophe?

It is remarkable to see the different ways we deal with decluttering and our “stuff.” As one of my clients reflected “I must have kept this for a reason.” Within days after the hurricane, community volunteers rushed in and “helped” declutter homes in preparation for repairs. What was left? There were many random items that were untouched. These items are not necessarily what families want nor need to keep. As families prepared to re-enter their repaired homes, they surveyed what was left and what needed decluttering.

Emotional attachment can hold someone back from letting go of an unwanted, unused item. However, with a little reflection, the clients are mostly willing to let go of these items as they have no use in their homes. When items were packed after the hurricane, it was random and disorganized. Anything and everything went into boxes. Homeowners had no idea of what they had or what they lost, and they didn’t have immediate organized access to their items when in need. In the interim, people bought items to get by. They were enthusiastic about building a new home and overbought. I personally bought too much out of the excitement of moving into my new home.

When unpacking to move back into their homes, the owners found they owned duplicates of many items. It may seem obvious to keep the newer of two items; however, my clients still held back letting go and questioned if they should keep the older item as well. As Professional Organizers we know, there is only so much room in our homes to keep items. Letting go of over-purchased items has led to regret and buyer’s remorse. It is a sad reminder for them and all of us that there is only so much storage in any home and we often purchase items that we don’t need.

Living with less has freed me up. I experienced a life-changing revelation that often occurs after a catastrophe. Having less means you are taking care of less. My clients have also opened to a new relationship with their stuff. They realize less in their homes means less to take care of allows them to live a life of connection. Embracing the essentials in their homes allows them to find serenity and lower stress. The biggest difference with these clients is they are embracing change and looking forward. This change has allowed them to have the time to take care of themselves and create stronger connections with friends and family.

My take-away: Life transitions and catastrophes happen more often at an alarmingly frequent rate. Whether it’s a fire, hurricane, or another emergency, these catastrophes complicate our lives and often make a mess of our belongings and clouds our relationship with the things we own. What is most crucial is the support for those victims of crisis. Helping people find a new sense of order and organization in their homes will always be a large part of being a Professional Organizers and how we make a difference for those we help.

About the author:

For 20 years, Certified Professional Organizer Ellen Delap, owner of Professional-Organizer.com has worked one on one with clients, streamlining their environment, creating effective strategies for an organized lifestyle and helping clients realize their organization and productivity goals.

Ellen has been featured on the Smead podcast, in articles with the Houston Chronicle, New York Times and Associated Press, and as a speaker with the ADDA-Southern Region conferences. Ellen is past president of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals. She is based in Houston, Texas.