“We’re like oil and water.” Our cleaning lady folds everything neatly—Kurt balls it up and tosses it in the pile. No matter what we try to do, it ends up like that!” Frustrated, she points to three large laundry bins in the middle of the floor.
I travel weekly for work. I am the caregiver for my grandson, and my mom is coming to live with us due to some health challenges. I used to be organized, but somehow, my stuff has taken over my life. Please help me!
My customers find me. I met (I’ll call her) Kathy on a plane traveling to Charlotte, NC. Most of the time, they eventually ask what I do. I say, “I’m a Liberator – A Professional Organizer! I help free people!” Their eyes light up, then roll, followed by, “REALLY? Hmm, I NEED you! I just have SO MUCH STUFF!”
My business model is unique. A team member who used to work for another organizing firm said, “You care about the people, not just the things.” I do! I believe there is a beautiful blend where health and happiness find beauty. I ask questions, and I am a great listener.
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Please don’t judge me!” My goal is not about shame, but one of hope. It is important to know how you got here, what functionality looks like, and then I design a way forward towards healthy order.
My client absolutely LOVES The Container Store. She says, “Sometimes I stop by the store to walk around just to look at all the clean lines,” as she laughs out loud.
Whether I work with someone who comes from generations of obsession, trauma-based accumulation, or they live with someone that just has too much stuff—our team is able to help!
Kathy’s husband is out of town for the weekend. Our game plan is set to bring order to their chaos while I minimize the pain of change for Kurt.
Day One – we edit. We eliminate items that are too small, old, broken, or could be gifted to someone in need. After an extremely full and productive day, Kathy looks at me and says, “The Container Store!” Honestly, she was energized! I raise my hands with excitement and say, “Let’s go!”
The staff at her favorite location was amazing! Kathy and I collaborated on ideas, referred to our list, and shared possibilities with the staff. They were eager to assist with product location, provide options, order additional items online, and highlight the sales! We were having fun! During checkout, the Area Manager helped and packed up the truck.
Day Two— was a blast! Now, we implement concepts and containers with care. Kurt’s area was our biggest concern. I needed to strike a balance of beauty and function. When he comes home from his construction job, he’s tired. His new system contains his “carefree” style in a functionally controlled space.
Organizing towels, toiletries, sweaters, and Kathy’s office was a joy!
I was able to incorporate some of the things Kathy already had. Her excitement is coupled with a little bit of uncertainty. What will Kurt say about his baskets turned into bins?!
His initial response was dead silence. He stared at the space, then walked back into the living room to lie across the couch. Later, he returned to the bedroom and stretched out across the bed, exhaling. He said, “You know I don’t handle change well, but I think I can work with this.” Kathy sighed in relief. It was the best gift they’d shared in months. What Kurt didn’t know was that Kathy had her eye on the customized closet! 😊
Click here to read our previous blog post Simple Acts of Kindness: Finding Peace In Helping Others
Author: Sheila Agnew
Email: sheorderstoday@gmail.com
For organizing, visit www.SheOrders.com
Wooooow! What a transformation!
You are an amazing organizer plus, taking what people have, are willing to give up and working with what they want to keep. I have seen your work hands on and know it is a gift, a spiritual service, and a talent. Keep up the good work.