For so long friends and family have been asking me to post before and after photos of my work. For years now I have been on the fence about it. I mean, I understand why others want to see these pictures. It’s fascinating to see the work accomplished. However, for the client, photos carry a whole different meaning. Which makes it difficult for my clients to give me their approval to post the pictures publicly. In addition, I have my own moral struggles with before and after shots.

Photos only show what the photographer wants you to see. Anyone can clean out an area by moving clutter to one side of the room and only getting a shot of the clean space. Photos don’t show the time it took to get the space organized. Nor do they show the process involved. So for me, photos don’t express my capabilities or give anyone a true sense of how I work. However, I am sharing these before and after photos because they’re not typical shots.

They’re different for a couple reasons. 1. You can watch “Hoarders” and see the reality of the work involved. You can see me working with the client, the amount of clutter there was and get a better sense for the process. The photos work in tandem with the show. 2. In the photos you can see small unfinished areas. Which, believe it or not, is the real deal. As much as I would love to say that every job I do ends with a beautiful, sparkling, clean and organized environment, I can’t. Because it isn’t true. I can tell you that in most cases when I am done with a job the space is more functional and as minimal as I can possibly get it. 

So with that, I share these photos from my work on “Hoarders" on A&E.

More to come.

Since my appearance on “Hoarders" on A&E, I have been getting emails from viewers. They are hoarders who are desperate, overwhelmed and lost. I have to admit, some of these emails are heart wrenching and can be difficult to read. It leaves me feeling helpless. How can I possibly help someone who lives across the country that I have never met. Do I ignore these emails to avoid getting in too deep? Do I communicate with these individuals in the hopes I can help in some small way?

It sort of hit me today… I don’t think I am getting these emails because the writer wants me to perform miracles. I think I am getting these emails because the simple act of writing is cathartic. And not only that, once they are done writing they can actually send it to a real person who gets it. Writing and sending these emails may validate them in some way. Most importantly it may give them relief knowing they have been heard.

If I am right, I have a message for all hoarders… . I may not be able to respond to your emails right away or at all. But I am reading your emails and I get it. I understand your need to be understood.

My second episode on Hoarders has aired. I can’t thank everyone enough for their kind words and support. It’s been such a learning experience being on the show and I hope to do many more. Check out this latest episode.

If you enjoy the show as much as I do there are many ways you can stay up-to-date. If you are a part of the Twitterverse you can follow the show via @hoarderstv. You can always check out the website at www.aetv.com/hoarders. You can also read Geralin Thomas’ blog. She is another expert on the show. She has some great information to share. Oh and let’s not forget Facebook. Become a fan of Hoarders. 

and you get a show called “Hoarders.” This NY Times article states the premier episode of “Mad Men” only got 2.8 million viewers. Now that’s impressive.

My “Hoarders” debut was this past Monday. It was so emotional and intense. I was in Cleveland on my third shoot when I watched it. I was lucky to be with a few crew members from my debut episode. We ordered takeout but I could barely eat I was so anxious to watch. It was great to see all my friends comments on Facebook and to get text messages from my husband. He had a small premier party at my house.

The only complaint I received was I didn’t get enough airtime. Well, tune in on January 11th for my second episode. Maybe you’ll see a bit more of me. 

I am now one of the Professional Organizing experts on the new hit series “Hoarders" on A&E! Yes, it’s very exciting to be a part of something so big. The series is getting rave reviews and had 3.2 million viewers for the season premier.

For those of you that may not know about the show it’s about individuals who hoard so much they are on the verge of a personal crisis. Their homes are so full of stuff they can’t possibly live a normal life and, as a result, their relationships, self worth, health etc. are all compromised. A professional organizer and therapist team up to help the hoarder clean their home and make an attempt at living a quality life. The clean up is completed in 2 days!

Reading the millions of tweets during the show has been quite a shock. It helped me realize… so many people just don’t understand this mental disorder. Which makes this show that much more powerful. It highlights a mysterious disorder that has remained under the radar for so long.

So stay tuned for updates as I work on the show. Oh and If you watch the show, feel free to send me your feedback, comments or insights. Wish me luck!