Cut The Clutter

Hoarding and Perfectionism.

Sun, 11 May 2025 20:01:16 GMT

My Hoarding is out of control due to Perfectionism!

So, let’s talk about perfectionism for a minute.

Early studies on hoarding found a pretty clear link between the behaviour and perfectionism, especially something fancy called “maladaptive evaluative concern.” But really, what that boils down to is just being seriously stressed over making mistakes.

When we say “perfectionism,” we’re not just talking about having high standards (which is totally normal). We are actually referring to a kind of rigid mindset. It’s about worrying way too much about what others think if we slip up or don’t nail something perfectly.

Ever feel so afraid of not being perfect that you’d rather not even start a task? We all have and often it is a piece of written work, schoolwork, a talk and of course reorganising. Those are common struggles.

With hoarding, procrastination can often come from the fear of not being able to organise everything just right—so you think, “Why even bother if I can’t do it perfectly?” I have heard this so often, they may not use the word ‘perfectly’ often it is replaced with ‘right’. We need to reinforce that there is not a ‘Right’ way to organise, it’s what works for them.

What causes perfectionism?

So, what causes some folk to be bogged down by perfectionism? I recently read that parents’ comments can really shape this. when you hear things like, “I expect you to get straight A’s,” it can drive perfectionism. But on the flip side, when parents are not openly affectionate or supportive, kids might end up believing they need to be perfect to earn that love.

If kids don’t feel the warmth they crave, they might think it’s because they're not measuring up. The mindset can turn into, “If I just achieve everything, then my parents will love me.” But when those great results don’t get them the affection they hoped for, it can lead to a feeling of failure, making them want to stop trying altogether. Why put in the effort if it doesn’t guarantee love, right?

There could be a sibling comparison. If you’ve ever been called “the good one or the clever one,” this might hit home for you. The good news? It’s never too late to start showing unconditional love—especially to yourself.

So, in a nutshell, perfectionism is all about being stuck in an inflexible mindset. By dodging those uncomfortable feelings and pushing things off, you get caught in this loop:

What might it look like for a person who hoards?

— Do everything perfectly, or don’t do it at all.

— Don’t get the love and acceptance you crave, even when you try your best.

— Think, “I must not be perfect if I’m not getting love.”

— And then you end up convincing yourself that not trying at all means you can’t fail!

Perfectionism is a complex topic, and there’s a lot to unpack. Here are some key points and insights:

Different Types of Perfectionism.

1. Self-Oriented Perfectionism:

This is when individuals set unrealistically high standards for themselves. They might constantly feel like they're falling short and often face immense pressure to achieve these goals.

2. Other-Oriented Perfectionism:

This is the expectation that others should meet high standards. People with this mindset might be critical of others, believing that if someone doesn't do something perfectly, they are failing.

3. Socially Prescribed Perfectionism:

This type arises from the belief that others expect perfection from them. It can lead to anxiety and depression, as individuals feel they must constantly meet external expectations.

The Upsides and Downsides of Perfectionism.

Some see perfectionism as a drive for excellence and achievement. It can motivate you to set high goals and strive for quality in your work.

However, it can also lead to chronic dissatisfaction, anxiety, and even burnout. The pressure to be perfect can make people fear failure so much that they avoid taking risks or trying new things altogether.

Impact on Mental Health: Research suggests a link between perfectionism and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. The relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to heightened stress levels and lower self-esteem.

Coping Strategies.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: Recognize and question those “all or nothing” thoughts. Instead of thinking you must be perfect, consider what “good enough” looks like.
Set Realistic Goals: Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate progress rather than waiting for perfection. Open up space slowly.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding when things don’t go as planned. Accept that everyone makes mistakes.
Embrace Imperfection: Try not to view mistakes as failures. Instead, see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Better done than perfect!
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating practices like meditation and deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and create a better balance. Don’t laugh it off before trying it.

Understanding perfectionism is vital because it helps us recognise its impact on our lives and how we relate to ourselves and others. It’s a common struggle, but it's important to remember that a little imperfection is not only okay but often leads to personal growth. Ask your client if they fear failure and use the learning here to guide them away from this blockage.

The key is finding a balance that allows them to strive for ‘their’ excellence without letting the fear of imperfection hold them back.

6.5 years of Decluttering: Lessons Learned as a Hoarding Specialist

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:48:34 GMT

"Delve deep into the world of decluttering with insights gathered over 6.5 years. Discover the intricacies of hoarding and acquire effective strategies from a seasoned specialist."

Decluttering, for many, is not just about physical space but about finding emotional peace, mental clarity, and a fresh start. Over the past 6.5 years, I've immersed myself in the world of decluttering, specialising in hoarding. The journey has been transformative, filled with profound lessons and enlightening moments. Let’s embark on this reflective journey together.

1. Understanding Hoarding: A Deep Dive

Many perceive hoarding as merely an accumulation of items. However, it's a complex emotional and psychological condition. I've encountered clients for whom items acted as emotional shields, protecting them from past traumas or losses.

In one instance, a woman held onto every single newspaper since her husband's passing, as they used to read them together every morning. The newspapers weren't just papers; they were memories.

Decluttering, especially in hoarding scenarios, often requires a delicate balance between emotional sensitivity and practical action. Every item can have a story, and it's vital to listen. Being a good listener and empathetic is key.

2. Emotional Connections: Beyond Material Value

Objects, however insignificant they might seem, can carry enormous emotional weight. I've seen trinkets that hold memories, clothes that remind individuals of their younger days, and books that have comforted during tough times.

A gentleman once showed me a worn-out watch. It wasn't functional, nor was it expensive. But it was his father’s and letting go meant parting with a piece of his legacy.

The emotional value of items can often outweigh their material or practical worth. Approach each item with empathy and understanding.

3. Each Home Tells a Unique Story

Over the last 6 years, I've understood that no two homes or individuals are identical. Each decluttering project presents unique challenges, motivations, and outcomes.

One of my clients wanted to declutter before the birth of her first child. For her, decluttering was not just about space but about creating a nurturing environment for her new-born.

Focussing on the objective motivates the client and can keep them on track. It is important to clarify the goal at the start.

4. The Pillar of Trust

Entering someone's home, especially in a hoarding scenario, requires immense trust. Over the years, I've learned that ensuring psychological safety is as essential as the decluttering process itself.

Clients confess their fears about being judged about their cluttered homes. By assuring them of a non-judgmental approach, we transformed the space collaboratively.

Trust is the foundation. Building and nurturing it can make the decluttering journey more comfortable and more productive.

5. Celebrate Every Step

In the world of decluttering, especially with hoarding, progress can sometimes seem slow. Celebrating small achievements fuels motivation and boosts morale.

A young man, overwhelmed by the clutter in his apartment, felt relieved and motivated when we celebrated clearing just one shelf. That single accomplishment spurred him on.

Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to a decluttered space. Celebrate them all.

6. Education: The Long-Term Vision

While decluttering offers immediate relief, imparting organisational skills ensures sustained results. Over the years, I've realised the profound impact of education in maintaining decluttered spaces.

Months after a decluttering session, a client proudly shared photos of her organised space, attributing her success to the skills she learned during our time together.

Decluttering is just the beginning. Equip individuals with the tools and knowledge to maintain the organisation of their spaces.

7. Decluttering: An Evolving Journey

Spaces evolve, need change, and new items enter our lives. Decluttering is a continual process, and revisiting spaces ensures they remain functional and peaceful.

A couple I assisted annually made decluttering a ritual. This approach ensured their home always reflected their current needs and aesthetics.

Encourage a routine decluttering practice. This proactive approach helps tackle clutter before it becomes overwhelming.

8. A Shared Endeavor

Some of the most successful decluttering projects were those where clients actively participated, voiced their concerns, and made decisions.

Working with a family to declutter their home, each member became a crucial decision-maker. This collaborative approach filled the home with collective memories and decisions.

: Decluttering isn't a one-person job. Engage everyone if possible, value their perspectives, and co-create organised spaces.

9. Inclusivity in Action

Inclusivity isn't just about recognising diverse needs but actively adapting strategies to honour them. From working with elderly clients to those with specific disabilities, I've learned the importance of flexible approaches.

Adapting strategies for a visually impaired client taught me the profound significance of tactile and spatial organisation, highlighting the diverse ways people interact with their environments.

Every individual experiences their space differently. Tailor strategies that honour these unique interactions.

10. The Heart of Decluttering: Passion

Finally, my most profound lesson has been recognising the role of passion. The joy in a client’s eyes post-decluttering, their stories, their transformations, have fuelled my journey.

A senior citizen once shared how decluttering her space made her feel "lighter" and more "alive." Moments like these are a testament to the transformative power of decluttering.

Passion is infectious. When you truly love what you do, it reflects in the impact you create.

To wrap up, 6.5 years in this industry has been a journey of growth, learning, and profound connections. Decluttering, especially in hoarding scenarios, is more than just creating space. It's about healing, understanding, and often, rediscovering oneself. As we move ahead, let’s carry these insights with us, continually evolving and transforming spaces, one item at a time.

Keeping Christmas Calm

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 20:27:42 GMT

Do you find Christmas Stressful?

Christmas, you either love it or find it stressful and anything but the happy, restful and calm time it should be!

Maybe a few new strategies to be organised and in control will help you to navigate through the weeks before the big day.

In a recent survey, 51% of women find it stressful and 34% of men too!

As a professional organiser I am all about the lists. I find a list helps you to focus and to stay on task.

Create a present list early even if there isn’t an idea on it, you can list all the people you buy for and start to give it some thought. If you do this early enough you can research and often come up with more imaginative gifts than panic buying a few days before Christmas when the shops are manic. No one enjoys this and you often end up spending more than intended as you hadn’t planned ahead.
Write down what you intend to get or the item they have requested and tick off as you purchase. Don’t forget to ask people if they have a list, it makes life so much easier.

Also do this for the non-perishable food like pickles and crackers, chocolates and trifle sponges. I clear the kitchen food cupboards late November of any out of date items and make a Christmas shelf. I also have a Christmas area in the freezer. It makes it easier to see what you have and what you still need to get.

If you don’t have room in the cupboards simply store non-perishables in a box or a basket.

Consider using wrapping paper that is recyclable and plain brown paper fits the bill. It also means that if you have some left over it can be used for Birthday gifts during the year, you don’t need to pay over the odds for fancy Christmas wrapping. You can embellish the gifts with ribbon, pine cones, holly, little bells, and stickers and handmade labels from last year’s cards.

Wrap as soon as you have bought things so that the task is not an ominous long marathon session. If you put together stockings for the family why not use the reusable drawstring bags such as these.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09CYS683L/ref=as_sl_pc_as_ss_li_til?tag=cuttheclutt02-21&linkCode=w00&linkId=2b567a478ed8418cedb945f3978440ec&creativeASIN=B09CYS683L

They are an absolute game changer!!

Why not make some small Christmas cakes as little gifts when you make your own. They don’t perish and are really appreciated.

Start to batch cook easy meals a few weeks before the big day that can be easily microwaved if you get unexpected visitors or for the days when it has been hectic.

If you fill your own advent calendars then make this easy and different by adding things like scratch cards and promises. Or one of my favourites is to create a random act of kindness card and pop one of those in every few days. These are great for kids to get on board with the true meaning of Christmas.

You can ask that they go and pick a toy they no longer play with and donate it to one of the good causes that make up the parcels for various organisations.

Another lovely thing to do is to leave a book in one of the phone boxes or other places that have sprung up as book exchanges. Alternatively write a note in it about why you liked it and leave it somewhere like a café, a park bench or on a bus.

One card could be to smile at 5 people today or to compliment someone you don’t know. These make great substitutes for the little gifts that take so long to source for your calendars. Halving the sourcing of the inexpensive but time consuming task.

If you must have a super spotless house for the festive season, start now. Complete all tasks that won’t necessarily need doing again before Christmas.

Inside windows, skirting boards, high level feather dusting and your oven.

Get the laundry and ironing up to date and keep on top of it.

Sort through your coat stands and shoe storage removing any that you no longer want, use or like. This makes room for visitors to store theirs.

Prepare any guest rooms by airing them and ensuring the bedding is clean and ready to go on.

Wash all your throws.

Take a walk around and consider what can be done now that will save you the mad dash on Christmas Eve. All you should need to do is a last mop, vacuum and dust and be satisfied.

You will probably still get a little low level stress if you are the one who organises everything but I hope these suggestions help you retain the spirit of Christmas and feel more organised this year.

Back to school

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 18:02:09 GMT

They have just broken up for the summer, but it is never too late to put systems in place.

Do you despair every morning when you can't find the reading book, don't know if it is "wear what you want day", or you have a teenager stressing over their lost homework?

Wouldn't it be nice to start back in September with systems in place to make each morning calm and enjoyable?

Begin by buying any new uniform items you need, except the new school shoes. Childrens feet always seem to grow a size over the holidays! Branded uniform items often need ordering and may have a few weeks delivery time. The staple items often sell out by mid-August and then you end up wasting lots of time driving around trying to find their size. Shoes and Plimsoles could be purchased in the last two weeks.

Is there any sports items required? This almost certainly applies when moving up to secondary.

Don't leave it all to the last week.

During the break why not set up a dedicated work space for your teenager. I particularly like the wire racks that you can wall mount by their desk area and have a section for each subject. Encourage them to empty their bag each evening and put the work books into the correct slot. There should be a timetable pinned up so that in the evening after homework has been completed, they can pack the books for the following day back into their bag. It saves them traipsing all the books round every day and we know this is detrimental to their backs and shoulders in the long term.

Make sure they have duplicates of the essential stationary as it inevitably disappears over the first term!

If your kids take a packed lunch this can become a nightly chore, I suggest that you have clear labelled containers in the fridge for things like yoghurts, drinks, individual cheeses and containers in a cupboard for the dried snacks like crisps and bars. All you need to do is put a sandwich together and quickly pop things in the lunch box from your containers. No more deliberating over what you can give them and teens could do this themselves. It also makes it easier for you to see when you are running out of items.

Create a control centre, maybe in the hallway, porch or family room.

If you have a few children then each one needs a coat peg, a bag store, shoe spaces a PE kit store and a pin board. Encourage them to pop the items into the spaces when they get home and if they are very small go through their bags extracting any paperwork and pinning it to their pin board. You need to check and complete replies to party invites etc. but having them on the board means you are less likely to mislay them or to forget.

Create a timetable of PE days, extracurricular activities where kit is needed like music lessons, dance or sports and pin that up too. If you have the space then also have a section for each of these activities.

I find the IKEA Kallax units are great for this purpose as you can have them 2, 3 or 4 high and a section for each child. A shoe slot at the bottom then the backpack, book bag and/or PE kit and on top have a pen pot containing spare pens and pencils, rulers and rubbers that they can grab if needed. Alternatively use wall pegs and mounted baskets if there isnt the space for a unit.

In school they are used to having their own coat pegs and lockers but it is usually very different at home. If the home HQ is logical there is no reason why it shouldn't work. They like structure and it sets them up well for the future.

I encourage you to get some labels printed up with your child's name and class name or number on. Label a pile of envelopes before term starts and keep them by the pin boards in letter racks. You can slip their dinner money, trip payments and return/permission slips into these and will never need to scour the house for a spare envelope again!

During the holidays if you see small gift items that would be good for the next year of parties get a couple and have a present drawer. This in so valuable when you suddenly remember that they have a party tomorrow!!

If your teenager needs to let themselves into the home attach a spare key on a chain inside their bag and have a spare phone charger in there too for emergencies.

Make sure all items are labelled in some way with the name of your child. Keep a spare permanent marker in the control centre for that new coat or hat as the winter term progresses.

Marie is the mother of two grown up children and two grandchildren and worked abroad half of the week when her daughter was in high school and took part in lots of extra curricular activities. She had to have a system in place during this time and it worked like clockwork.

How much Green House Gas does a Professional Organiser save?

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 20:26:27 GMT

How much Green House Gas does a Professional Organiser save?

In the spring of 2020 I finished a research programme with Liverpool John Moores University , funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

One of the aims of the EDRF funding is to improve GHG (Green House Gas) emissions with support from the Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory ERDF Project.

(Liverpool John Moores University is a public research university in the city of Liverpool, England.)

The initiative was to look at the environmental benefits of professional organising, specifically what is being diverted from landfill by our service, what materials currently are, and potentially could be reused, and to calculate the carbon savings from the service.

I worked with Dr Ariel J Edesess, Research Assistant, Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory , who was a lovely lady from the USA.

The desired outcomes:

· To develop an impact case study of professional organising services on sustainability.

· Provide data supportive of promotion and awareness raising of the impact of professional organising on environmental issues.
· Support business growth and potential reduction of GHG emissions.

I started to keep a log of everything I was removing from clients' homes to donate to charity and everything I was recycling both at their homes in their recycling boxes and bins and elsewhere. This was recorded on a simple spreadsheet.

Ariel asked me if I had any historical data and coincidentally I had recorded this when I first set up my business. I thought my clients would be interested in the volume of bags removed to charity and recycling at the end of our time together. Sadly they didn’t seem to be that curious so I had stopped recording!

During the three months that I completed the spreadsheet for the project I started to explore alternative outlets and as it was also during the pandemic and we were in and out of lockdowns, charity shops were often full or closed, so I needed to be a bit more creative.

One of the things I did was add a battery recycling tub to my car and I took away used batteries rather than leave them for the client to recycle, which at least 5 out of 10 would realistically never do. That is now a permanent fixture. I then take them into Sainsburys or if I am visiting the recycling centre I take them there.

I found the local Hedgehog Rescue and they wanted fleeces and old dressing gowns for bedding.

A friend of mine has community contacts and could get things to the local Women’s Refuge who were really grateful as very little was being donated to them during the pandemic.

I researched local outlets and found lots of places I didn’t know existed in my area and probably still wouldn’t if I hadn’t undertaken this piece of work.

Ultimately my goal had been to use the results for marketing my business and for APDO Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers to have the option of a wider geographical programme, raising awareness and use of our industry.

If you work with local councils and housing associations you will know that they carry targets for reducing carbon emissions and I hope this will have a bit of influence for any organisers who engage with them moving forward.

On to the findings…..

Summary of results:

This analysis utilised data collected from each of 33 clients of Cut the Clutter.

Clients 1-12 are representative of higher-waste decluttering and were taken from the 2017-2019 historical data log, Clients 13-33 had data collected from the commencement of collaboration with LoCal-i and cover a two month period from October to December, 2020.

It was assumed that the selection of client data provided, characterised an average cross section of item collection and gave a good approximate to represent a typical year of business activity.

Based on the data of items collected and where each article collected was sent (i.e. landfilled, recycled, donated, etc. ), an estimation was made of the overall greenhouse gas emissions for waste disposal. This estimation was then compared to the GHG emissions that would be expected if all items were instead sent to a landfill and incinerated.

Data collected for each customer was noted in terms of the size of the collection container or bag, and this value was then converted to weight using the Business Waste Weights Calculator spreadsheet supplied by WRAP and available online at:

Where the value was unknown or the type of waste not included in a spreadsheet, i.e. clothing, weight values were estimated. For example, it was estimated that clothing weights ~ 0.5 kg/litre and the weight then calculated based on the size of the disposal container.

Values used to convert the waste amounts to GHG emissions were obtained from the Defra greenhouse gas reporting factors, available online at:

Where items were sent to charity, although this method of disposal could be seen as zero emission and within a circular economy system, whereby all items would be reused and replace new material production, the conversion value for recycling was assigned instead of an assumption of zero emissions.

The reason for this was that the charity shop may still have the burden of reuse/maintenance/repair/repurposing/recycling the items, so without a guarantee of sale or specific exchange of value/2nd-hand platform, it was preferred to assume some contribution to GHG emissions rather than underestimating the value.

The carbon conversion factors (i.e. kg CO2e per tonne) were obtained from the Defra conversion factor values, which are published each year by the UK government. Anyone can access these values from the current year going all the way back to 2002 from the website.

So finally the savings!!

Drumroll……

*********1 Tonne per year************

Imagine what that equates to for our industry as a whole?

I work part time with clients so if I was with them every day would this be a third higher?

We have approximately 400 APDO (Association of Declutterers and Organisers) members at any time so potentially we could be saving 400 tonnes a year and that is presuming we all work part time and all declutter. We have members who don’t declutter physically and we have some who work full time so it could be far higher.

Savings from Oct-Dec 2020: 166.13kg CO2e

Estimated per year, due to LoCal-I collaboration 996.78kg CO2e

Equivalent to:1.00tonne CO2e per year

(Arial produced a spreadsheet that can be used to record this for your own business and if you would like a copy or to see the full calculation spreadsheets please get in touch).

Organising Make Up And Beauty Products

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 12:08:06 GMT

How long to keep & how to store.

I see so much waste when visiting client’s homes and I often get asked how long products should be kept so I have written a guide for you and some suggestions on how to store, how long to keep and what to do with those beauty and make up stashes.

How to Organise Your Products

· Gather everything together, all your make up bags, hair sprays, perfume, everything out of all handbags and drawers.

· Now you have it all together, clear out expired products and ask yourself if you have used the remaining items in the last six months. Are you really a pink eyes hadow person! Be realistic and if unused add to a donate pile.

· Decide on the right place to store most of your products. This could be more than one place if for example, you put your make up on in the bedroom as you have a great mirror, then it needs to be kept close to the mirror but all of your body products might be better stored in the bathroom.

I keep hand cream and lip balm on my bedside table so I don’t forget to apply each night.

· If you have spares, as we often do due to receiving gifts or buying a 2 for 1, a nice vanity case, fancy box or another drawer might be needed. If you are short of storage there are lots of pretty boxes or baskets you could get from places like #TK Max, #B&M Bargains, etc.

If all of your products are spread around the house in different places you will forget to use them, buy more, and let them go out of date.

Top Tips

If you haven’t got shelves, drawers or a cupboard in the bathroom, what about using a fancy plant pot perhaps? I love the use of non-conventional items. Not basketwork if it gets steamy as it will rot!

Take all products out of direct sunlight, it shortens the lifespan. No more bathroom windowsills!

Clean your tweezers and eyelash curlers regularly with an anti-bacterial wipe.

If you use the netting type, hanging sponge in your shower NEVER keep it longer than a couple of months. It is like a petri dish, all that time hanging about in a damp shower creates a prime environment for bacteria to thrive. You can machine wash it but get a new one every couple of months.

When buying make up bags try and go for the washable ones. They soon get grubby. Clear make up bags make it easy to see and find items and colours. The Perspex sectional make up organisers are great for the dressing table.

Makeup and nail varnish should really be kept in the fridge as it is better to keep it cool, how many of us do this? I don’t as it really isn’t convenient for me to have to run downstairs to get my makeup but I do for nail varnish.

Brushes.

Start going through all your make up brushes and ditch any really old ones or a shape/bristle you never liked. We all have our favourites and often keep others that we never use. They need washing regularly as they also contain bacteria. I have used the specialist solutions but don’t think you can beat good old soap and water.

If you use a sponge for applying foundation, I am told that #Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water poured on it, rubbed in and rinsed well works great. Leave to air dry.

For hair brushes and combs I use diluted shampoo and water. Leave to soak and once clean allow to air dry.

To store your make up brushes you could use a nice empty glass candle holder or any little pot filled with coloured sand or scented balls such as #Unstoppables.

Pinterest has many great ideas.

How long should you keep your products?

1-3 Months 6-12 Months

Mascara Liquid eyeliner Loofahs Face Wash

Face Peels /Masks Liquid Foundation

Nail Files Concealer

Eye Cream

Serum

1 year – 18 Months 2 Years

Lip Gloss Lip & Eye Pencils

Cream Eye shadow Lipstick

Face Cream Nail Polish

Sunscreen Powder

Soap Bars Eye shadow

Shower Gel Blusher

Eyebrow Gel Body Lotion

This is a general guide but as with anything there will be exceptions.

Have they gone off?

Once your products have been opened, check them. If you can’t remember when you opened it, smell it and look if it has changed consistency or colour.

Is it dry or congealed?

If it doesn’t smell or look right don’t keep it.

Try and date products with a marker when you open them.

Leave a marker in the storage drawer or box so you don’t forget.

Always use up what you have before buying another.

Most products have a number on the back of them in a little pot symbol or similar with an m after it showing how long the life of that product is. See below.

How To Make Use Of Things You Dont Like .

Keeping expensive products even though they don’t suit our skin type, are the wrong colour or we don’t like the scent is not serving us. It is a sunk cost and decreases the quality of your space and gives you an unnecessary focus.

If you have a moisturiser that doesn’t work for your skin type try using it as a foot or hand cream.

If you have a perfume you are not keen on then a nice thing to do is spray it on your light bulbs (only when they are cold) when they warm up they emit the scent working like the Glade pug ins.

What do you do with all the small product samples you take from hotels? We all have them and keep them for taking on holiday, business trips, the gym etc. They are only going to cover you for 2 or 3 nights away and unless you do this for work regularly or are lucky enough to go on lots of weekends away you rarely use them. They end up stuck in drawers or toilet bags for years.

The women’s refuge or homeless charities welcome them. Add them to the ever growing donate pile.

The same applies to all the free samples from magazines and beauty counters. You didn’t pay for them so donate or toss.

You might like to separate your regular everyday make up from the “going out” glittery coloured eye shadows, false lashes, bright red lippy collections to make searching for things easier on a daily basis. A separate make up bag could be used for the “special occasion” range. This makes it so much quicker to find what you are looking for.

The Gym and those freebies!

If you are a regular gym goer then have a gym toiletry bag and use up those free samples or hotel shower gels. Make sure you have everything you need in it for after your Gym session and that way you won’t be running around in the morning gathering items from your regular places. You only have to put them all back again and are creating yourself unnecessary time consuming steps to your day.

Now you are organised and know what you have and what you need.

So next time you find yourself on QVC or about to press the button for any product, PAUSE,

think

Do I really need it?

Do I need it yet?

Do I still have enough left ?

Thank you for reading,

Marie Bateson

CHILDREN’S BEDROOMS AND PLAYROOMS

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 21:23:59 GMT

R oom Transformation

A typical child owns 238 toys but only plays regularly with 12! They are often overwhelmed by choice.

I really enjoy organising children’s rooms as I believe it is very important to enable children to start their organisation journey early.

Children learn by example and if you help them to understand that it is good to put things back in the box or on the shelf when they have finished playing with it they will copy. As a home organiser I often go into bedrooms where there are no clear areas designated for the toys and games.

There is absolutely no point in telling a child to go and tidy their room if they don’t know how to or don’t have a clue where to put things.

The Ikea Kallax are a firm favourite with mums. Labelling boxes, drawers and cupboards is a good idea for children at an age where they can read.

I would get everything in a category out on the floor, for example, games, jigsaws, cars, dolls etc. Then sort through the category discarding any with pieces missing or broken. When you have sorted, put them at an accessible level and all together. Children are logical beings and will soon remember where to return that jigsaw leading to better habits for the future.

Before.

After.

KITCHEN SORT

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 07:58:37 GMT

Room Transformation

This is a recent kitchen declutter I carried out for a client. She had enough cupboard space to store things away, but the cupboards were not organised efficiently.

We started by moving everything off the work surfaces and onto the floor and deciding which items needed to remain out.

Before.

After.

SPARE ROOM SORT

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 07:39:18 GMT

Room Transformation

This is a spare room/dumping ground/extended wardrobe, many of us have a room like this.The client did not know where to start and cannot sort for more than about half an hour without getting overwhelmed.

I got to work with her and although we have not quite finished, we achieved the results you can see in just 3 hours.

A bonus was that she made two of the 3-hour fees back by selling some items during the following week.

Before.

After.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 06:22:50 GMT

After School Club Transformation

During the end of the summer holidays myself and a member of the local After School Club reorganised the storage cupboard.

We got everything out into the hall and sorted through it discarding broken toys and those that had seen better days.

We bought some cube storage from B & Q and had a joiner create shelving and fix the cubes to the wall for obvious safety reasons.

All boxes were relabelled and I think you will agree that this looks easy to use. The staff certainly do.

Before.

After.

GARAGE

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 06:00:18 GMT

Garage Transformation

This garage had 25 years worth of belongings stored in the most suitcases I have ever seen. It took a skip, which we filled and many bags to the charity shop over 3 separate visits working with a helper and the homeowner.

There is still a lot in here, but they can get to everything and will be asking their grown up children to take their things periodically.

Before.

After.

HOARDED HOUSE TRANSFORMATION

Wed, 27 May 2020 15:21:01 GMT

R oom Transformation

This is the home of a lovely lady with hoarding tendencies. We worked together a few years ago to clear all the rooms in her home. She bought a lovely new bed when we had cleared the bedroom as she had previously slept on the sofa.

That was a huge step for her as was letting me into the worst room, see above.
A few dead mice later, above was the result.

A light and airy dining/hobby room.

I sourced storage for her along the way including the nice baskets for her wool.

Before.

After.

Garage Sorting

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 18:23:24 GMT

Why Not Sort Your Garage This Summer?

With summer around the corner, and time on your hands, why not start that project you have been putting off?

You will want to use your garage for outdoor equipment, tools, and toys or simply as a functional storage area.

Unfortunately, you can’t achieve that without first making space.

There are a few suggestions when it comes to garage clear-outs. The best method? Separate your objects by purpose and then use the following to start clearing out unwanted items.

Unused Sports Equipment

It’s only convenient to have a personal sporting goods store in your garage if you actually use the equipment. Rather than having it sit in your garage collecting dust, dump it if the equipment is worn or damaged, or donate it if it can still be used. Most local recreation centres gladly accept gently used equipment.

Old Decorations

You may want to hang onto your child’s first holiday ornament or the Halloween skeleton that’s past its best, but it all takes up space. There’s no need to keep storing decades-old decor just to use it once a year. Downsize your decor and clear out any item that is damaged or hasn’t been used in a few years.

Empty Boxes

We are taught as good consumers to keep packaging and papers that came with big purchases. It’s not a bad idea to save the box your toaster came in or the packaging from a TV. However, if you’ve had the items for more than a year, it’s time to get rid of the box.

The returns policy for these items has most likely expired, especially if you’ve been using these items regularly. Also, in many cases, you may only need the proof of purchase or serial number as packaging is sent out for returns by lots of companies now. So check your warranty and only save what you actually need. Use it for storing things in that you are keeping.

Old Electronics

If you’ve been holding onto your old VCR or broken record player out of nostalgia, it’s time to let it go. There are plenty of people who will enjoy the antiques or old tech items that are collecting dust in your garage. If anything is valuable, there are many places to donate or sell. Just because you can see the value in an item though, doesn’t mean it’s worth the space it’s taking up in your home. Try Vintage Cash Cow. They will send parcel force to collect from you.

Tools

First sort and categorize. Any rusty or broken items, in the bin. Any duplicates? consider the need for these, most of us have two hammers and many screwdrivers.

Old power tools you were bought but never use, do you know someone who would make use? You can always borrow it back then.

Broken strimmers and lawnmowers should go in the tip pile.

Thin down those nails and screws.

Clearing out your garage can be a tedious task and quite strenuous. Save yourself the hassle and call me in for help if you don’t get it finished. I will take the items away for you too.

The Struggle to Juggle

Sun, 19 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Are you struggling to juggle everything life throws at you?

We are all busier than twenty years ago, we find it a struggle to juggle everything life throws at us and have very little spare time. We cannot easily fit in the time to clear out our homes and our thoughts.

We feel overwhelmed and that we are failing to keep on top of life. Our thoughts and feelings play a huge part on both our wellbeing, on the environment around us and in which we live. If we feel like our lives are too fast, then often the people in them suffer and so does the home.

The home should be the place you look forward to returning to and where you feel safe, relaxed, and put your mind and thoughts in order. To be that place it should be clear and organised.

To be successful with your clearing it has to be sustainable. You need to change your own patterns and only you can do this. New habits and strategies have to be adopted and when I work with clients their lifestyle, family situation, home layout, requirements, time and honesty are determined before and during the sessions.

You will not feel safe to let things go until you address the reasons why you are trying to make these changes. Clearing isn’t a one-off sort out; it is a way of life and needs to be done quite regularly.

It isn’t about getting rid of lots of things it is about letting go of things and thoughts that get in the way of you feeling settled and calm. Firstly, slow down, small changes made consistently over time will be the game changer. You don’t need to do it all at once, that is an overwhelming prospect for most people.

There are many courses available to follow online and for some people these may be effective. If, however you are “time poor” and want to act straight away, then I believe you should just make a start.

Sit down and make a list. It always makes you feel good to subsequently tick things off and it focuses your plan. Think about the area where change would give you the most benefit. This might be the kitchen so that you have more food preparation space by freeing up cupboard room and clearing things off the work surfaces, it might be the piles of paperwork that are constantly at the back of your mind and could be costing you money, overflowing wardrobes or mountains of books.

Be honest with yourself, this area may not be where you would choose to start but if tackling it first will bring you the most satisfaction make it your starting point.

I visit many clients who think they should start in a particular area but then on my initial assessment I identify a “hot spot” and by that I mean the area that once cleared will enable the rest of the process to be completed easier and quicker. It could be the entrance hall as it is blocking access and making it difficult to remove things. It could be the clothing that is overflowing into every room.

Book the time to make a start with yourself. Treat it as an appointment so do not start if you have another appointment in a half hours’ time. It will ALWAYS take longer than you anticipate.

If you are going to clear and organise a whole room, break it down into sections and don’t do it all at once. Pick one section and once finished if you have had enough, stop.

If you feel good about it and have time, carry on with the next section. Keep these side by side rather than opposite ends of the room so work around the space left to right, it is more effective, and the impact is greater.

Even small changes will give you the motivation to continue if done properly.

In the workshops I deliver the steps to decluttering in more detail.

Remember “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and it has taken time to get to the current chaotic state so it will take time to put it straight.

I am a Professional Declutterer and Organiser and a member of APDO (the Association of professional declutterers) and organisers and Hoarding UK. I am happy to answer any questions and please free to contact me .

Marie Bateson

Bathroom Storage Ideas

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 23:00:00 GMT

Clever Bathroom Storage for Practical Pieces

From loo rolls to cotton buds, stash your essentials in style.

My Radio Debut on BBC Radio Lancashire

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 23:00:00 GMT

Tuesday 23rd July 2019

I really enjoyed talking to Gilly about Professional organising and the workshops we run.

Please listen by clicking the play button below!

#radio #radiolancashire #workshops

Decluttering Before a House Move

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

First impressions are key, so it is essential to have KERB APPEAL

If you are thinking of putting your house on the market or already have and are not getting much interest, look around, is it cluttered? Try and see it through the eyes of a viewer.

Where do you start? First impressions are key, so it is essential to have KERB APPEAL.

Clean the front door and paint it if necessary. Clear away leaves and rubbish that may have blown in. Cut hedges, repair walls and fences, paint fences and cut the grass. Weed and tidy borders.

If you haven't got a front garden maybe add a couple of pots of spring flowers or small trees. These can be bought really cheaply but most importantly keep it clean and clear.

Often bins and recycling boxes are on view, can you make them less obvious?

HALLWAY

If you have a hall make sure it is welcoming and clear. There is nothing worse than climbing over things or getting a whiff of discarded trainers. If it's dark, turn on the light or a nice lamp before the viewers arrive. It must smell nice, not overpowering but fresh. The whole house should and if the weather permits open the windows for a while before the viewing. Don't let the house feel cold though, close them and freshen in good time.

Clear shoes, maybe invest in a few baskets. You won’t want to spend a lot before you move so think about getting something that will be usable wherever you go.

Clear mail and bags. If you have coats on wall hooks or a stand, try and thin these out. keep them seasonal.

If there is an under-stair cupboard tidy this out too as the viewer is bound to open it. You do not want a prospective buyer to think that there is not enough storage space. This also applies throughout the house.

LOUNGE

Remove access furniture. Store it with a friend or family member if you are sure you will need it again or sell/donate it.

Too much clutter and large collections of photos, ornaments etc make the viewer see a smaller space. Again, this applies around the whole house. They could think you are trying to cover up areas that need repair. Depersonalise a little. I don't think you need to take every photo away like some organisers recommend, it should look homely and lived in just not messy.

Plump up cushions and if you are a large family consider sending some of them out so that the visitors can see past them. Dogs can be a little off putting too so you might want to have someone take your beloved pet for a walk.

On the subject of pets, remove litter trays and pet beds if you can.

KITCHEN

The kitchen can be a decision maker. Windowsills and worktops should be as clear as possible. Do not let the viewer think there is nowhere to put their appliances. For example, if you normally have the toaster out but only make toast once or twice a week put it in a cupboard. Don't go cooking cabbage the day of a viewing. The kitchen should be really clean and hygienic. Mend anything that needs a repair like a drawer front as those sorts of things do get noticed.

The utility room shouldn't be piled high with washing. Put it in the washer and dryer if you are short of space.

LANDING

Treat this as per the hallway. keep it clear.

BEDROOMS

Obviously make the beds. You would be surprised to learn that sellers don't always do this! I once viewed a property and the man of the house was in bed!!

If you're wardrobes are built in they will possibly get opened so don't let that prospective buyer get an avalanche fall out on them, have a clear out as it will also benefit you when you pack. Don't leave washing on the floor, put it in the laundry basket or utility room.

In the kid’s rooms sort and then tidy away toys and once again if necessary, get a couple of inexpensive boxes or baskets if storage is an issue, it looks better than a pile on the floor. Make the bedrooms smell fresh.

OFFICE

If you have an office do your best to go through and file the paperwork. There is often quite a lot about when you plan to move, mortgage documents, banking, estate agents leaflets etc.

Maybe invest in some extra box or lever arch files. It needs to look like there is room to work in there.

BATHROOM

The bathroom is very important. Anything that can go up should go up. The floor space must be as clear as possible. Discard the empty toilet roll inserts and shampoo bottles. Put out a nice towel and pick up and remove the extras. The fittings must be clean and mirrors and taps shinning. If you don't have enough storage, put up a couple of shelves and add some small plastic boxes for the items then the shelves don't look immediately cluttered. Don't leave kids toys in the bottom of the bath, get a net or plastic box for them. It must smell nice of course.

If you have time, do a little work in the garage, or shed. No one expects these to be perfectly organised but as long as the buyer can see the size then that should suffice. I think tackling the inside is far more pressing.

I hope this gives you a few pointers if you are on the move. If you want any help from me and are in the North West please get in touch .

Happy Moving!

#movinghouse #decluttering #sellingyourhousetips #declutteringkerbappeal

Make The Bed

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

It takes a maximum of two minutes.

How much better do you feel walking into your bedroom and the bed is made and neat?

You have somewhere to put your clean washing while putting it away, it is more inviting to get into and it encourages you to keep the rest of the room tidy.

Train the kids to do it, they may not do it perfectly but it forms a habit with them for the future.

Mine did it easily as they soon preferred to go back into a tidy room and if they missed a morning they certainly didn't want to do it later.

It is such a quick and easy task but many people still don't realise the benefit. A therapist once told me to try leaving it unmade for a week as I may be too controlled, I did and it felt wrong, I felt disorganised and behind all day, as if everything was later than it should be, weird I know.

Don't do that, try making it as soon as you get out for one week.

I guarantee you won’t look back.

#makethebed #healthyhabits

Cut The Clutter

Hoarding and Perfectionism.

My Hoarding is out of control due to Perfectionism!

6.5 years of Decluttering: Lessons Learned as a Hoarding Specialist

"Delve deep into the world of decluttering with insights gathered over 6.5 years. Discover the intricacies of hoarding and acquire effective strategies from a seasoned specialist."

Keeping Christmas Calm

Do you find Christmas Stressful?

Back to school

They have just broken up for the summer, but it is never too late to put systems in place.

How much Green House Gas does a Professional Organiser save?

How much Green House Gas does a Professional Organiser save?

Organising Make Up And Beauty Products

How long to keep & how to store.

How to Organise Your Products

﻿ ﻿

CHILDREN’S BEDROOMS AND PLAYROOMS

R oom Transformation

Before.

After.

KITCHEN SORT

Room Transformation

Before.

After.

SPARE ROOM SORT

Room Transformation

Before.

After.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

After School Club Transformation

Before.

After.

GARAGE

Garage Transformation

Before.

After.

HOARDED HOUSE TRANSFORMATION

R oom Transformation

Before.

After.

Garage Sorting

Why Not Sort Your Garage This Summer?

Unused Sports Equipment

Old Decorations

Empty Boxes

Old Electronics

Tools

The Struggle to Juggle

Are you struggling to juggle everything life throws at you?

Bathroom Storage Ideas

Clever Bathroom Storage for Practical Pieces

My Radio Debut on BBC Radio Lancashire

Tuesday 23rd July 2019

Decluttering Before a House Move

First impressions are key, so it is essential to have KERB APPEAL

HALLWAY

LOUNGE

KITCHEN

LANDING

BEDROOMS

OFFICE

BATHROOM

Make The Bed

It takes a maximum of two minutes.