The Dooley Method is a connection-first home organizing approach created by Ann Dooley
Ann guides parents in organizing with kids, not just for them—building skills, confidence, and internal motivation while reducing conflict caused by clutter.
Many parents, often the moms, reach out to Ann because they feel overwhelmed and frustrated by endless clutter and the mental load of managing it all.
Does this sound familiar?
You’ve tried to organize with your family, with little success
Clutter leaves you feeling stressed, angry, or resentful
You take on the work yourself because it feels easier
You feel exhausted and unsure how to move forward
You find yourself yelling, bribing, or negotiating just to get cooperation
If so, you’re not alone.
This is exactly where many families begin.
What is the Dooley Method?
The Dooley Method is a connection-first home organizing method created by Ann Dooley. It’s built on the understanding that lasting change at home requires more than good intentions—it depends on having the right method, the right skills, and internal motivation working together.
What makes the Dooley Method unique is its focus on helping families move away from bribes, threats, and short-term fixes. Instead, it supports parents and children in learning how to care for their home together in a way that feels calm, capable, and sustainable.
How the Dooley Method came to be
I didn’t set out to create a method. I was looking for relief.
I grew up in a cluttered home where tough love and earning approval were common, and organizing became a way for me to find calm. It worked—until I became a parent. I was constantly playing catch-up to maintain order, and carrying that responsibility alone left me feeling stressed, angry, and increasingly distant from my children.
When I began noticing the same pattern in the families I worked with—parents and children at odds and unable to break the cycle—I saw the need to address the disconnect. I bridged that gap the same way I did in my own family: by placing connection first and bringing the whole family into the process. That approach became the foundation of the Dooley Method, where responsibility can grow without blame or shame.
A family’s Dooley Method story
How the Dooley Method supports your family
MORE ENERGY
Homes feel easier to maintain, leaving more time for what matters.
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MORE CLARITY
Less visual noise leads to more peace of mind.
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MORE SPACE
Rooms that support play, rest, and connection — not just storage.
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MORE CONNECTION
Emotional space opens up when clutter no longer dominates daily life.
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MORE FOCUS
Families surround themselves with what truly supports their well-being.
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MORE LIKE YOURSELF AGAIN
Feel grounded, confident, and less reactive.
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From parents who felt the shift
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“It was incredible working with Ann. My family has put what she has taught us into practice. My kids have been helping to pick up items and putting them where they belong. I can’t thank her enough!”
R, parent of 4
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"Ann has inspired me to restart my parenting journey. I saw myself turning into a raging mom, angry that I spend so much time cleaning up. After learning from Ann, I finally connected with myself and my kids authentically."
D, parent of 2
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"We really can’t thank Ann enough! This has been a life-changing improvement and such valuable lessons on how to set up our home for success, and to think twice about what we bring in and how to let go."
M, parent of 3
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“Thank you so much! You are a gift to my familiy. You’ve helped me turn over a new leaf! Thank you! We are so grateful for our new life! You’ve blessed our family with a priceless gift of a lifetime!"
J, parent of 1
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“Thank you so much, Ann! This was such an incredible experience and we are forever grateful. My kids are happier, our home is calmer, and my marriage has improved too! I can’t believe how much changed”
A, parent of 2
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"I always negotiated with my kids to get stuff done. Ann helped me realize that I was not teaching them to take personal responsibility. It's been life changing. Thank you!"
R, parent of 2
If you’re looking for support teaching organizing skills in ways that build cooperation, confidence, and lasting habits, I’d love to help.