"I knew I couldn't tackle organizing my house on my own," Kemnitzer said. "I was always running to take my two teen-age children to their activities or busy with work."

Norris, president of the Oregon chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, said her clients feel their lives are complete chaos.

Although she has had men customers, she said it's typically women who call for help in reducing clutter. She charges $65 an hour and requires a minimum of four hours, though not necessarily in a block.

"I think it is a unique curse for women that they cannot relax when their home is messy," Norris said. "Many women are moving in several directions trying to work, take care of their children and keep their home clean. They don't have any time for themselves. I think that is a crime."

Piles of paper Norris didn't tell Kemnitzer what to do to organize her home. Instead, she helped Kemnitzer create an overall plan.

Piles of paper were Kemnitzer's pitfall. She would throw them on the kitchen counter. When the pile fell on the floor, she would put the papers in a box and put it in her office.

Simple tasks such as paying bills became a time-consuming chore because Kemnitzer had to search in several places for her mail.

Norris helped Kemnitzer set up a place to process her mail and pay her bills. The women also organized Kemnitzer's home office so she has a place to work on the computer, do craft projects and pay bills.

"I can see the carpet in my office now," Kemnitzer said.

Norris suggested determining what the biggest problem is and tackling it first.