Lifestyle Changes
If you have had or are about to have a big lifestyle change, that is a great time to get in touch. This can be moving home, having a baby, moving in together, career changes, health challenges, downsizing or dealing with the death of a loved one. I can help with the huge changes that are going on and prepare your home for life going forward.
Moving House/Downsizing/Unpacking
Moving house is an exciting time but it can also be very stressful.
Decluttering before a move is essential so that you are not spending additional money on moving boxes full of items that you do not need as well as not taking unwanted items into your new space. This is particularly important if you are downsizing as it can become extremely overwhelming to end up with far too many boxes at the new space with no room to maneuver.
I can help to get you streamlined going into the move by helping you to work out what you do not need, what will be helpful in the new space and what you might need to get to make the new home work well.
I can also help with unpacking and setting up the home once the move happens. Most people do not have the time required after a move to set up a home that functions well and this can result in items staying in boxes for months/years or spaces set up in a way that doesn’t work well.
Having a home that functions from day one makes a huge difference to the enjoyment of the space. A fully functioning kitchen, items where they should be and boxes quickly moving out of the space lets you start your new life quickly and enjoy your new home quickly and stress free.
Having a Baby
Whether it is your first baby or another addition, babies make a big difference to how our homes function.
I can help get your home ready by making more space, often this means rearranging the home to accommodate a room for the baby. This means not only letting go of items you no longer need but getting the house to function and flow in a different way. I can help to visualise that and to make it happen. I can help with storage solutions and practical ways to store the items you are going to need multiple times a day and to store toys in a way so that they do not take over the entire house.
Moving in together
Moving two households into one can be a challenging and time consuming experience. I can help to declutter items from both households before the move and then merge them together.
If you are moving into a Partners current home, I can help to make additional space so that from day one you feel like you have what you need. I bring a fresh eye to the space and make it work for two people. I can also unpack and set up the home.
Loss of a Loved one
Decluttering after the death of a loved one is a deeply emotional and overwhelming process. It’s not just about sorting through possessions, it's about processing memories, grief, and sometimes complex family dynamics.
If you lived with the person it is also about working out how the space can now function. Grief is so difficult and I would encourage you to do this only when you feel ready, there is no rush or timeline.
I can offer a way through the difficult decisions as well as a shoulder to cry on when needed. It is an honour to get to know someone through their items and I am often very moved when helping in these jobs. There will be no pressure to get rid of anything, I will simply help you navigate through the process.
Health issues
If you have had health issues this can have a huge impact on what is possible around your home. I have worked with many people to simplify things after life has got more difficult physically or mentally, whether it is setting up systems for carers or making things easier for you.
I listen carefully to the challenges and create systems that work for now. If you have less mobility or energy it is really important to get the home functioning as well as possible to meet that need and conserve the energy you have.
Career Changes/Home office
If you need an office at home or you have one that was hurriedly set up, I can help to make it more of a well thought out and working space. I find that even 5 years after covid, people are still perched on uncomfortable seats at dining tables or shoved in corners of other rooms.
Having a well functioning office space, with a great zoom background and not being surrounded by clutter can make a huge difference to working life.
Simplifying things as you get older
This was popularly known as ‘Swedish Death Cleaning’ but I find this a bit of a depressing way of what is simplifying your possessions as you get older.
Getting your items in order and making things simpler can help you to have a much calmer retirement or later life. It also takes the burden off family and friends to know that you have dealt with your possessions and that it will not fall to them at a difficult time.