It’s almost holiday hell: gifts spilling out of your closet, your fridge a pile of pots and pans, your mind a mess of “to do”s and “don’t”s and half planning.

Take a breath, and let’s chat with Joyce Dorny, editor of Organize Magazine, the only magazine dedicating to all things organizing.

TN: Where does your passion for organization come from? How did you make this a career?
JD: Raising six children will force you to have a passion for organization whether you want to or not!  Once my youngest was in school full-time, I realized that I could turn my skills for organizing a space into a business. I started out as a professional organizer, but quickly noticed a “hole” in the market and set out to fill it.

TN: Tell me about your magazine.
JD: Organize Magazine is the only magazine dedicated solely to organization. Each issue is filled with ideas on how to organize all areas of your life. It will also help with the emotional side of clearing the clutter, because you just can’t organize clutter.

TN: What’s the biggest myth people have about organization?
JD: That buying a few bins or boxes will get the job done.

TN: What’s a great way to keep organized during the holidays?
JD: Make lists for everything! Honest. A few well thought out lists will save you tons of time and buckets of money. I make three basic lists first. Mine are labeled “to-do”, “to- buy” and “to-plan.” This gives me an overall picture of the season and I can make more detailed lists if I need to for specific items. I like to put mine in a cute notebook so that I can keep track of it, but really it just makes it fun to write things down.

TN: How about stashing gifts until wrapping and opening times?
JD: Oohh… Tough one with six kids snooping around, but I have managed to find a secret hiding place or two. The other thing I do is let my kids know that if I find out they have “snooped” I’ll take the gift back. They know I’ll do it too!

TN: Are there any great organization gift items? Like a really cool closet set up, or jewelry tree, or something, you can share?
JD: I love the beautiful ornament storage boxes from The Container Store. They are archival and beautiful to boot. I love to give them as a gift along with a new (or great antique) ornament.

TN: Biggest response a design or writing of yours has received?
JD: I’ve received tons of letters from readers letting me know they really responded to my interview with Peter Walsh. They felt it made a difference in their lives. I was really happy that I could help spread his message.

TN: The product that’s had the biggest influence on your career?
JD: Hands down,…elfa, from The Container Store. Goes in ANY room in your house and is so versatile.

TN: If you were a product, you’d be a ________.
JD: A beautiful (organized) leather handbag.

TN: Your favorite product discovery in the last six months… Or something that inspired you?
JD: I’ve seen a bunch of stuff in the last six months that I hadn’t ever seen before, but one of my favorites is the Progressive Magnetic Measuring Spoons from KitchenKapers.com. They nest (saving valuable drawer space), have a round end for liquid and a skinny end for spice bottles, go right in the dishwasher and cost under 10 bucks!

TN: Most prized possession?
JD: My beautiful family.

TN: A product love secret you’re too embarrassed to share?
JD: Sorry, I’m too embarrassed.

TN: Name an item under your bed.
JD: The carpet.

TN: What’s something in your closet that’s not clothing, shoes, bags, etc.?
JD: All my perfumes, body sprays and lotions.

TN: Fav trend for fall?
JD: ¾-sleeve coats. Too cute!

TN: Least fav trend for fall?
JD: Skinny jeans.

TN: Can’t leave home without my______?
JD: Sad to say…. My Blackberry.

TN: City or suburbs?
JD: Suburbs with a GMC Suburban (totally cliché, I know).

TN: Loft or the perfect house with the white picket fence?
JD: White picket fence all the way!

TN: Flip-flops or sneakers?
JD:  Flip-flops.

TN: Coffee or tea?
JD: Herbal tea only.