Tips from a Portland, Oregon, Professional Organizer who Knows how to Beat Clutter
By Shelly Smelser, Professional Organizer - Clutterfly Oregon
As we approach the gift-giving season, nothing causes more stress than not knowing what to get someone who already has too much stuff. As a Professional Organizer, I know firsthand that even the most well-intended gifts can feel like forced clutter.

Here are some ways to thoughtfully show your love and avoid the temptation to add to a growing pile of unmanaged belongings.
1. Suggest the Gift of Time Together
Plan an itinerary that includes your gift recipient's favorite places and things.
2. Tickets to a Concert, Play, Art Show, or Sporting Event
If finances allow, splurge for better seats than the person would typically buy themselves. Or even better, look for a VIP pass to give your recipient the experience of a lifetime. Include transportation or parking as a bonus!
Here are links to some fun entertainment options around the greater Portland area to consider:
Sports
Timbers Soccer, Thornes Soccer, Winterhawks Hockey, Hillsboro Hops Baseball, UO Sports, OSU Sports, PSU Sports, Prefontaine Classic - Track & Field, Portland International Raceway
Concerts & Theater
Big 5 Performing Art Venues in Portland, Portland Center Stage at the Armory, CoHo Theater, Broadway Rose Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Comedy, Northwest Children's Theater
Art & Literature - Art in the Pearl, Portland Fine Art Fair, Portland Art Museum, Powell's Books
3. Hire Help
We all need help, especially when life feels chaotic. Give your loved one the opportunity for a simpler, less stressful life by scheduling a session with a Professional Organizer. Clutterfly Oregon offers complimentary video consultations and can help you find the perfect organizing gift solution this holiday season.
Services that can make a busy household run more smoothly: Professional Organizing, Babysitting, Petsitting, Yard Maintenance, House Cleaning, Laundry, and Meal Delivery.
4. Audible Premium Plus Subscription
Listening to an engaging audiobook while organizing keeps your hands free and your brain occupied. Yes, Libby and other library apps are free and fantastic, but the wait time for popular books can be a drag. An Audible Membership provides the listener with one credit (equivalent to 1 audiobook) per month, and unused credits accumulate. Pair your Audible gift subscription with wireless earbuds and a couple of your favorite book suggestions to make the gift more personalized and meaningful.
5. Sign up for a class together
Learning something new can be a wonderful gift, especially if you are learning with someone you love. Here are some fun classes you can take in the greater Portland area:
Birding & EcoTours, Hula Classes, Aerial and Circus Arts, Painting / Ceramics, Swing/Salsa Dancing, Racecar Driving, Beer Making, Bee Keeping, Pickleball, Fly-Fishing
6. Donate to a Meaningful Charity
This is an incredibly thoughtful gift to someone who has recently depended on a charitable organization to help them through a difficult time. Not sure where to start? Visit GivingCompass.org to learn more about the causes you care about and find ways to give time, talent, or treasures to impactful projects and charities.
7. Replace Something that REALLY Needs Replacing
People often don't notice how worn-out things are in their homes, especially the things we use daily. Towels, pots and pans, sheets, and pillows are the most commonly ignored items in homes with too much stuff. Offer to take the old item with you so you don't add to the clutter.
8. Give Responsibly
If you must give an item as a gift, be kind to mother earth this holiday season. Avoid overpackaged products and research to find out which companies are environmentally and socially responsible. EthicalConsumer.org provides all the information you need to become a more ethical gift giver this holiday season.
If you live in the Portland, Oregon, area or are interested in a virtual visit from a Professional Organizer, please reach out! I can help you reimagine the possibilities within your home and provide the support and tools you need to live a simpler, less stressful life.
Let me help you get organized for life today!
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