Published in 2006, Apartment Therapy is not a new book, but it is one that escaped my attention until recently. Having downsized from a house to an apartment several years ago, I’ve decided it’s about time I start to personalize my space, and came upon it in my local Indigo while searching for a book to inspire me.

apartment therapy

One of the things that impressed me about Apartment Therapy was the way that author Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan described the close connection between decorating, organizing, cleaning, and living in harmony with one’s surroundings. For the first time, I understand what feng shui is really about.

I had always considered decorating to be about esthetics and organizing about function, but this book made me realize that dealing with one and not the other may leave your client feeling less than satisfied. The harmonized step-by-step approach to creating a happy and healthy home provides an excellent framework for developing an organizing plan that incorporates other work your client may need to complete or hire another professional to do – reinforcing the importance of forming alliances with decorators, contractors, and other service providers.

The questions Gillingham-Ryan asks his clients during the initial interview might also prove helpful to you. They won’t help you determine your client’s organizing needs, but will give you important insight into what you can expect while working with him or her, and can therefore be a valuable addition to what you’re already asking.

As the title suggests, the book focuses on people living in apartments, but many of the principles would apply equally to any residence. This book is a must-read for all home organizers, especially those who specialize in clients who are downsizing or already living in small spaces.

Apartment Therapy is available in the Home Organization department of The Bookstore for Professional Organizers.