Carrie M. Lane, "More Than Pretty Boxes: How the Rise of Professional Organizing Shows Us the Way We Work Isn't Working" (U Chicago Press, 2024)

This podcast interviews Dr. Carrie M. Lane about her book, "More Than Pretty Boxes," exploring the professional organizing industry. The discussion traces the industry's history, highlighting its origins in the late 1970s with predominantly female practitioners and the development of professional associations and certifications. Lane discusses the complexities of professional identity within the field, including the "dabbler" archetype used to define boundaries and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the industry's flexibility. The interview also touches on the impact of COVID-19 and the evolving role of professional organizers in addressing clients' emotional attachments to possessions. Listeners gain insight into the multifaceted nature of professional organizing, extending beyond simple tidying to encompass emotional support and client empowerment.