Order Out of Chaos: B.C. Women and Men Tell It the Way It Is was written by Jeani Read and originally published in The Province.

Clutter consulting: fun or frantic?

“Absolutely the most fun I’ve had in any job. There’s always an element of frantic, since when you’re working with people, it’s always unpredictable.”

Longtime plan?

“I was in the hospitality industry for 20 years and loved it. You never know what’s going to happen. In a hotel, somebody could be trying to commit suicide in one room and Janet Jackson could need something in another room. When I started my new business I tried to figure out what I loved about my old business. It was dealing with people and organizing processes.”

Residential, corporate: pick one?

“They’re one and the same. I always say that stuff is stuff.”

Clients: tearful or grateful?

“Both. Many situations are filled with tears as we help people let things go. Tears also come in the form of people so overwhelmed they’re unable to make simple decisions. But they’re grateful there’s a solution.”

Biggest mistake people make?

“Believing products they see in magazines or on TV are solutions. In the end they have unused containers in bags and unassembled shelving in boxes. Take inventory and clear out what’s no longer of value.”

Growth industry?

“When I started this in 2002 I had no idea there was even such a thing as a professional organizer. When I founded the B.C. chapter of Professional Organizers in Canada four years ago there were seven members. Now there are 527 Canada-wide and 87 in B.C.”

Your house: tip-top shape?

“No! I live my life immersed knee deep. It’s not about being pristine, it’s about being comfortable and being able to find things when you need to.”

Closets: clean?

“For the most part but I, too, value having my friends over to give me objectivity and support when it comes to clearing things out. You just have to choose friends who can mock you and get away with it.”

If you need someone to tell it the way it is with grace and compassion, contact Out of Chaos. Their team will help you conquer your chaos and get your home and office back in order.