Even Monica Had Housebarrassment

My favorite show of all time is Friends. I don’t just watch it; I leave it on in the background when I work or when my kids have gone to bed and the house is too quiet for my liking. It makes me laugh out loud, and get all sad when their moments reflect my own, and I turn to it when it’s been an especially rough day and I just need a lighthearted pick me up. I sometimes respond in conversations with Friends quotes, and even named my home Wi-Fi based on a reference from a favorite episode.

All the characters are my favorite in one way or another, but by far the most relatable to me is, you probably guessed it, Monica. She is so neat and tidy, everything is categorized, the ottoman has to be in the exact right spot, she gets excited about cleaning products, wants her home to be inviting and comfortable for those she cares about most, and of course, she’s “always the hostess.” But even Monica got housebarrassment about that one secret closet that was completely disorganized. Thankfully Chandler made it clear that he didn’t love her because she was organized, he loved her in spite of it!

It doesn’t matter whether you are a disorganized mess all the time or the categorizing queen, we ALL have at least one space we hope no one ever sees. The people in our lives don’t usually care as much about the perfectly curated spaces like we think they will, they just want to feel loved and welcomed. But as a Monica, I know it’s really hard to relax and enjoy time with all those people we love so much when we are stressed about the closet or pantry (they’ll likely never open!) is a hot mess.

So instead of not inviting your friends or family over, pick one thing, big or small, and don’t stop until it’s organized. Maybe don’t start with your Monica closet all by yourself, but try the junk or top vanity drawer. Pull everything out, grab the hand vacuum to suck up all the yuck, wipe the drawer, grab a couple trash bags for donation and trash, and start sorting. Put like things together. Rummage through the house for any little baskets or containers that can be used to keep things tidy, or go buy some if it’s in your budget. When I didn’t have money for new containers I have even used old Tupperware that were missing lids or empty zip lock bag boxes that I trimmed down to fit! Use whatever you have, but whatever you do, don’t stop until it’s done! And of course, if it’s still not your thing, maybe you’re more of a Rachel and prefer (or need) Monica to do all the tidying, you can call me, your favorite professional organizer!