Carrie M. Lane

Carrie M. Lane, an anthropologist and author of *More Than Pretty Boxes*, explores the cultural significance of professional organizing in today’s society. She discusses how clutter reflects deeper work-related issues and emotional attachments to possessions. The conversation touches on the rise of professional organizers, the motivations behind their work, and the societal shift from viewing clutter as wealth to embracing minimalism. Lane emphasizes the need for empathy in organizing practices, relating it to broader themes of political accountability.

In a fascinating conversation, Carrie M. Lane, Chair and Professor of American Studies at California State University, Fullerton, delves into the world of professional organizing. She explores how this female-dominated profession emerged and adapted in a modern context, shedding light on gender dynamics and the emotional depth involved in decluttering. Lane discusses the nuances of client relationships and the evolving landscape shaped by the pandemic, while critiquing society's overconsumption and the complexities of managing inherited possessions.