Every time I start working with a new client, they always want to know whether their house is the worst I have ever seen. The honest answer is usually: “No”.
Depending on how much time a client has to wait between booking me and my arrival, I often advise them to walk around their house and try to discard 3-5 things every day until I come. Usually, there are several bags of things ready for donation by the time I arrive. I take care of donations and recycling for them, which is usually a huge weight off their minds.
The client then proceeds to show me around their home, apologizing for the mess, and then they show me the areas that they don’t think are really a problem. Since they have already gone through certain areas by themselves, they think that they have already organized those locations and that there’s no need to go through it with me. To their dismay, this is usually not the case. It’s great when a client starts the organizing process, because it gets them into the right head-space; but having me with them shows them a different point of view, and provides them with an objective opinion of their situation.Usually, I like to start in people’s closets. This might sound strange, but the truth is that it’s a great way to get to know someone. Part of working with any type of coach is having a good relationship with them; there should be an understanding between the two of you. If you don’t have a good connection, the process is doomed. When you are standing in someone’s bedroom and they are trying on their clothing and you are saying “yes” or “no” and why, and you really LISTEN to what people have to say about their clothing, it gives clues into their personality. For most people, clothing is not just a form of self-expression; it is usually tied to the past. Listening to what people say the experience of not only wearing a certain dress, but the experience they had while in the dress, is very revealing.
Knowing about my clients’ personalities really helps me to help them create effective organizational strategies. The only way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. This is why I have a four-hour session policy: so I can get to know you and make a great plan for you. Potential clients often ask me: “Can I just do a two-hour session? I really don’t need a four-hour session”. I always answer the same way: “No”. This seems harsh, but if someone has got to a point in their lives where they feel that they need me, they usually need a full session. And you know what? I’ve been organizing for long enough to know that everyone – even me – has a secret stash. Don’t deny it. I might even show you mine in a future posting.
Four hours is necessary because organizing can be time-consuming. In order to do it effectively, dedicating this amount of time is usually enough to make a significant dent, or even finish a space. My goal is for a client to feel relief, like a weight has been lifted from their shoulders, after our time together.
If you want to feel lighter, to take pleasure in your space, and experience the sensation of having room to move and room to breathe, get in touch with me today.