However, 10 minutes into our session, I realized this experience was exactly the jumpstart I needed. Not only did Lovering offer a new set of (much-needed) eyes to my existing organizational approach, but she helped me discover space I didn’t even know was there.
What Is an Organizational Psychologist?
When you really think about it, our closets are extremely private places. Almost sacred, in a way. They accumulate functional items we wear often, but also sentimental pieces that rarely see the light of day. More than that, our garments and accessories are not just a reflection of who we present to the world, but also a direct look into how we view ourselves. Yes, having a clean and organized space—one that prioritizes function and aesthetic—can help streamline our lives and not send us shuddering every time we open the closet door. But really thinking about the garments we buy, keep, and wear also provides deeper insight into ourselves; culling old pieces and adding new ones can actually help us understand more about who we are and can even propel us to the next level in our careers and relationships. Just like any other therapist or psychologist, an organizational psychologist knows exactly what questions to ask in order to help you dig deeper into yourself and refine your focus. They can help you understand why you tend to buy the things you do or why you struggle to let go of other items. It’s truly both an internal and external cleansing experience.
5 Simple Changes That Make a Difference
During a sort session, create a personalized decision tree to use from that day forward. It may include the following questions: Does it fit? Does it show signs of excessive wear? Does it align with how I want to present myself? Using these questions, it’s easy to implement the following changes. Fortunately, I don’t have to get rid of the ’80s-style dress I wore to a themed party once or the flashy sequin number I wore on New Year’s Eve a few years back. I can put them in a clear storage box—like the Container Store’s Our Boot Box ($13; containerstore.com)—store them where I can still see them, and retain that warm and fuzzy feeling. The solution is to replace it with something new and similar. In certain cases, taking the item to be fixed and refreshed is an easy solution. To get more excited about this project, I purchased a few organizers, including Mebbay Stackable Velvet Jewelry Trays Organizer ($25; amazon.com), Mooca Acrylic Eyeglasses Frame Riser ($16; amazon.com), STORi Clear Plastic Vanity ($13; amazon.com), and Lemonadeus Earring Holder for Hanging Earrings ($16; amazon.com). It took hours to reorganize, but it completely transformed my accessories space.
