In the mid-1980s (long before the internet and social media), we watched a television show called Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. The audience marvelled at the decadent and eccentric way of life of wealthy celebrities, industrialists, and royalty. Many people experienced “home envy,” a resentful longing for their home to be as luxurious as those on TV. However, because the show was weekly, our feelings quickly faded. We simply got on with our lives shortly after the credits rolled.

Things are different today. Social media influencers never let our home envy fade away. Anybody can peek into their lavish lifestyle of perfectly organized, colour-coordinated décor at any time. The COVID pandemic hasn’t helped. With video conferencing, family, friends, co-workers, and clients can see the inside of our homes. We feel the pressure to measure up more than ever. So, we binge-watch home design TV shows and spend hours surfing Pinterest for ideas to make our homes “better.” Sadly, many social media influencers are nothing more than sophisticated advertisers trying to get you to buy things you don’t need – and that includes organizing products and systems.

Reality is Different

I have been in the organizing industry for over two decades and have helped hundreds of people organize their homes. I can tell you that real homes do not look like what you see on the screen. Television homes are a stage. They add extra lighting and place the furniture to look good on camera – even if it blocks the furnace vents. And for photos? You can bet they edit the scuff marks off the floors and walls. In addition, there is no such thing as a magical product or system that will help you “get organized for good” no matter what the influencers say.

Despite the home envy they can generate, there are a couple of good things about these reality TV shows. Firstly, they bring attention to the professional organizing industry. At Out of Chaos, we work with our clients to help them clear clutter, restore order and maximize their resources by developing customized organizational solutions. On television, organizing systems look pretty. The Out of Chaos team ensures the system functions well and coordinates with their personal style.

Secondly, TV shows highlight new products. Sometimes these new products will be useful for specific clients. In other cases, they will not. Experienced professional organizers will know when and how to implement new products to benefit their clients. Again, not every client needs every new product. Often, we can find a suitable solution from items that the client already owns.

For Inspiration not Home Envy

Finally, interior design and organizing TV shows, magazines, and social media channels should inspire you to declutter and create home organizing systems that work for your lifestyle and fit your budget. Let Out of Chaos can assist you in developing a space that you will love and can maintain. Contact us today.