Own less, live more

Almost everyone has clutter, but hoarders take it to extremes, suffering a significant reduction in quality of life. This might involve a reluctance to go out for fear of experiencing the compulsion to pick up ‘valuables' or ‘useful' items, or it might make the home virtually uninhabitable or even dangerous due to rooms stacked with clutter. While research estimates that 1 in 50 people may have a severe hoarding problem, it could affect as many as 1 in 20 to a smaller degree, still causing distress.

Some level of unhappiness is always present, either as the result of a cluttered and disorganised home or, more frequently; unhappiness is actually the cause of the clutter building up. Many problems start as a result of a traumatic event: illness, death of a loved one, divorce, stress at work, or loss of a job are all situations that can lead organised, well-balanced people into depression, disorganisation and an inability to cope with normal everyday living. Suitcases and boxes still not unpacked from a house move years earlier, piles of clothing covering furniture, food rotting in cupboards, a year's newspapers or magazines piled up on the floor are all typical results of this lack of order. Unfinished projects or expensive items bought for hobbies can be a great source of stress or guilt and a fear of loss can also cause an obsessive tendency to collect things or an inability to let go of possessions, even useless or broken items.

If reading this touches a nerve with you, the good news is that the desire to do something about the situation is generally the start of the healing process. If you want to feel in control of your belongings, time and the space you live in, there is help available but it is vital that the decision to act is yours. Doing it to please others will usually result in a temporary improvement, without the necessary changes to your own emotions and habits being allowed to develop.

De-cluttering can be time-consuming, difficult and painful. Friends or family will often want to help but, while this can be very successful, some may be unwittingly judgemental or encourage you to throw out items you are not yet ready to let go of. In common with many, you may feel this is a very private process and choosing to enlist the help a professional can be important in retaining a sense of control.

As a Home Organiser and De-cluttering Consultant Tricia Petri-Clark's work includes both advising and assisting clients practically in dealing with belongings after bereavement, divorce or prior to downsizing, along with those who are simply overwhelmed by clutter and lack of space. With a confidential, sensitive and responsive approach she tries to bring out the best in clients by helping to create a de-cluttered, beautiful home in their own ‘style' from the things that they love.

For a free telephone consultation: 01435 883111 / 07974 950726 / tricia@ petriarts.co.uk
More info at www.yourhomeorganiser.co.uk (APDO UK member / Enhanced CRB Disclosure)