Diana called Sara Jane Organizing because she needed help getting her home back in order. She had never hired a professional organizer before and wasn’t sure what to expect or what the cost might be. She requested a phone consultation to discuss her project.
It Started With a FREE Phone Consultation
During our phone consultation, Diana and I had a great conversation. She shared that she had gone through a divorce a few years ago, and her two children have grown and moved out or are in college. Not too long ago, her father passed away, and recently, she lost her mother, with whom she was very close. It was apparent she had experienced a lot of loss in a short period of time. We hit it off on the phone, sharing stories about our lost loved ones and how difficult change can be. We set up a time for me to come see her space so that I can provide a better estimate and we can get to know each other better.
Then We Met for an In-Home Consultation
When I arrived, Diana’s home was cluttered. Clothing was lying on the sofa and on chairs in the dining room. Books were on all surfaces. Shelves were stuffed with photos and decor. Craft supplies were in various places. Paperwork was on every surface and was an obvious challenge. Shoes were in piles on the floor. Beauty supplies were strewn about on tables, on the floor, and under furniture. There were boxes filled with photos and keepsake items that she acquired from her parents when they passed away. There was very little closet space. Some rooms were more cluttered than others. However, it was clear that Diana had been suffering from depression and she was finally tired of feeling sad and living in clutter.
We Developed a Plan
Knowing that Diana was ready for change, we developed a plan to help her get back to normal. I informed Diana that it would take more than one session to get the home to a state that would make her feel normal again. I made sure to listen to Diana and what was important to her. Diana wasn’t looking for perfection. She wanted a home that she could maintain on her own, and she wanted her home to feel lived in, not sterile. She liked her things and didn’t mind a little bit of clutter, but she knew she needed balance, and she had tipped the scales too much toward clutter.
The Organizing Sessions Began and Diana Saw Improvements
Diana worked from home, so worked while she was home. Each session I sorted items for a bit and then I would call her in to make decisions on what to keep and toss. Because she was ready for change, she made decisions quickly. Once decisions were made, she was able to get back to work, and I put items away. After I was done, I showed her the systems and we discussed them. She needed time to live with the new systems. Each time I returned, she shared her concerns, and we problem-solved. Diana liked that I was willing to try untraditional systems to suit her needs. For example, filing papers was proving to be a challenge, so we kept it simple and grouped papers into broad categories. Diana loved the freedom of the system and was able to maintain it. This was a win!
Organizing Maintenance Sessions Continued
Diana periodically calls for maintenance sessions. Since we have known each other for a while, I understand Diana’s behaviors, likes, and dislikes. I come for short sessions and get her back on track. It’s a great relationship, and Diana is feeling so much better. She no longer has that voice in her head telling her she is a failure. She even has friends over periodically!
If you want to know more about organizing services schedule a FREE phone consultation to discuss your project with me, Sara Bereika. I’d love to learn more about you and your needs.
