I'm unable to unclutter a big mess in small room, how much are maids and do they organize your things?

Question

How much maids charge for none-dirt related cleaning, I need "put things(just about EVERYTHING) where it belongs" cleaning. This is what I need:

Boxes emptied(many half full) and repacked with things I don't use often.

Other things placed

Place:tiny 1 1/2 bedroom apartment and have a bedroom and another small area that are messy. Both areas combined equal about the same size as this http://www.keegan.org/jeff/homemovies/06_15_2000/DCP00106.JPG

Also that area is about as messy allthough that area, but my stuff is in piles. My area lookes like messy storage, not a break in. All my mess would be equivalent to the area taken up by 2 tall fancy king sized beds with the fancy overhead cover(like a crib almost).

Things need to be organized/catagorized and placed efficiently based on frequency of access needed.

Can't do this myself as I actually get headaches if I try. This is a lifelong struggle for me. Is there also a medical way for me to get over this issue?

What will this cost?

Please be understanding of my situation. I'm very successful otherwise and got that way by fighting against all odds MAKING myself successful. Calling me lazy is laughable. I'm the guy who carried by HAND all my windsurfing gear to the beach in NYC.That big six pluss foot board abd heavy/long saill I had to physically carry that stuff atleast half a mile plus trains and bus. Would YOU do that?
I've struggled with this for 15 years and have tried it all. Clean one area at a time, clean slowly..We are all human and have our limits/weaknesses and this is mine. Please respect that. I mean I get headaches trying to clean! Laziness is generally a choice and NOT limited to one activity. A lazy person is a LAZY person, not simply a person who can't clean. Lazy people generally won't be successful and thier entire lives would be mess, not jsut thier rooms. So please be understanding and offer assistance not critique. I'm actually DOING something about my problem. Thank you,

Answer 1

I really kind of feel bad for you...the other people who answered mustn't understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed. I am not sure what a maid service would cost, but you could call around and get some quotes...just make sure you tell them the whole situation. Another option would be to enlist the help of a young friend...a college or highschool kid, a brother or sister who needs a few extra bucks, a neice or nephew....a neighbor... a single mom...or an out of work friend....You could offer to pay them more money than their used to getting ($100) for a full day's work...for a small place, it really shouldn't take more than about 8 full hours. Then it's a win win situation. They can help you in the way that you need help. When I first moved into my first apartment, I enlisted my little sister...paid her $150 and she did a fantastic job. Together we were able to get the apartment very manageable. Then, since I wasn't so overwhelmed, I was able to keep it up myself. I would also purchase stackable storage crates and lable them. Use them in your closet for easy, but neat, access. I live by them, they keep my life organized. Space Bags would do the same trick for items such as clothing that you don't use often or bedding...but would save a ton of space. If you wind up having to do it yourself, start in one corner. And make a list. Sometimes these things make it less overwhelming.

Answer 2

I'd love to take your money but unfortunately you'd be disapointed that I threw out something important.

This is something that only you alone can fix. Or you can marry/partner up with someone who is not a pack rat and will help keep things in check. (this has worked wonders for me!)

Start small & set a goal for yourself. Separate the stuff into 2 piles.
1. the stuff you have not touched in over 1 year.
2. the stuff you have touched in the last 12 months.

Let some time go by (2 weeks or so)

Go to pile #1 & recheck to make certain.
Go to pile #2 & see what you can move to pile #1.

Get rid/donate/recycle pile #1 quickly. Put it in the trunk of your car.

Make yourself a rule: If you TAKE new stuff IN, something must go OUT of your life.

Answer 3

My sister is a professional organizer and sees people like you everyday. You aren't lazy, you just need some help in the area. Look for an organizer with references and they should be able to help you get straigtened out, just be prepared to get rid of a lot of stuff, for some people that's the most difficult part.

Answer 4

Are you kidding me? So lazy! Just do it yourself little by little. A maid isn't going to know what you use and don't use on a regular basis. Plus, it seems like you are a bit OCD - you really should be a man and handle it yourself. You will be surprised that it really doesn't take that much time to clean up - maybe just a day or a weekend.

Answer 5

You need a professional organizer not a maid.
Check out the Yellow pages.

Answer 6

YES I AGREE, AS ANAL AS YOU SOUND YOU'LL GIVE YOURSELF AN EVEN BIGGER HEADACHE PAYING SOMEONE WHEN YOU COULD JUST DO IT LITTLE BY LITTLE, YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE IT PILED UP BECAUSE IT WAS SOMETHING YOU NEEDED CLOSE-BY OR DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO PUT RIGHT AWAY SO YOU COULD HAVE IT ON HAND, JUST TRY AND SAVE SOMEONE THE MISERY OF YOU BREATHING DOWN THEIR NECK