First, I put the volumes of the World Book Encyclopedia back on the shelf; next, the record albums in their jackets, and, finally, the dirty socks in the hamper.

When all you could see was a path from his bedroom door to the bed, my brother Brad would call out, “Sis, can you help me clean my room?”

It was the early ‘70s and he was completely overwhelmed by the clutter in his room. Without knowing it, my older brother became an early influencer in my home organizing career.

Today, I help women who are tired of the clutter in their homes find peace and comfort through “The Tidy Tapper” System, a signature science-based program.

Here’s the thing: When you understand why clutter accumulates (spoiler alert: it’s not your fault), your life will change. And I don’t say that lightly.

I started as a traditional home organizer. You know, keep, toss, donate. Over time I developed my own three-step system. Sort. Organize. Simplify. This approach provided structure to what otherwise could have been a chaotic and random process.

The “SOS” system worked great for people…until their emotions kept them hanging onto stuff they didn’t even use or love.

I was good at using this system to help people rid the clutter from their homes, but convincing my clients to part with Aunt Martha’s old tea set – one that they didn’t even like – was fighting an uphill battle.

Playing the “bad cop” each time I tried to help people part with objects that evoked an emotional connection, whether positive or negative, was not my idea of fun. I was tired of being “that girl.”

The bottom line is recognizing that sometimes we keep stuff for emotional, not logical reasons. We get tied to things, plain and simple. And the heart of the clutter in our home is our attachment to things we don’t use or love.

“Can’t have too many of those.” “I might need it someday.” “They don’t make it like this any more.” “I paid good money for that.” “I must keep that. It was a gift.”

Many of us grew up hearing these mantras from our parents and grandparents. And while it may have been true for their generation, we live in a different world today.

The “Tidy Tapper” bridges the gap between logic and emotion by integrating the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or tapping, in its simple system.

EFT is an easy-to-learn mind/body tool where you tap on acupuncture points to calm your nervous system when you are experiencing negative emotions. This lowers the production of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol in your body.

As your cortisol level comes down, you become open to new ideas, perspectives, and ways to move forward. Suddenly, it’s easier to find that old copy of Gone With the Wind on a bookshelf that has some open space on it. No more overflow or overwhelm!

Combining EFT with a simple organizing system is a game-changer! This kinder, gentler method helps you manage your stuff and puts you back in control of what you keep. Watch the emotional attachment to things you don’t use or love disappear. Goodbye anxiety and fear. Hello tidy home of your dreams.

If clutter is creating stress in your home, the Tidy Tapper System can help.

I offer several options, including a DIY video guide, an 8-week bootcamp, and a monthly membership program that will help you learn to let go so you can enjoy a more organized life. Reach out and we can figure out which program will be the best fit for you.

When I’m not teaching tidying or tapping, I’m playing my button accordion in a band or two, tidying up our own house for Airbnb guests, and hooking up our tiny camper for a Maine adventure, cuz that’s how we roll!