Resolved to get organized

Re “Seize Control of Your Closet” [Dec. 30]: Getting organized is my annual numero uno New Year’s resolution.

Organizational books are not worth the effort to buy or read -- they fail to start at the beginning, and they leave out a lot of steps and information necessary to the challenges. An organizer, on the other hand, devotes herself and is trained and specialized in spatial design. She spends her work time focused on what you do not.

Another choice is a talented housekeeper who seems to work effortlessly and knows how to install and maintain your living space systems and strategies for storage, use and access.

J. Lavine

Los Angeles

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Not all professional organizers are created alike. Some do more harm than good when they come to a client’s home or office.

Anytime a consumer is considering bringing in a professional organizer, he or she should check to see if the person is a certified professional organizer. The industry standard CPO certification designation is administered by the Organizing and Management Institute (www .omionline.com) under the umbrella of the International Assn. of Professional Organizers (IAPO). IAPO (www.organizing theworld.org) is the only membership association in the organizing industry that requires members to meet standards of education and experience.

Paula Ryan

New York

Paula Ryan is the director of public relations for the International Assn. of Professional Organizers.