Got Questions?
If the idea of a declutter coach is new to you, you've likely got a lot of questions about how it all works. Hopefully we can answer some of them here for you, but feel free to send us a message in the chat if you have more!
What's the difference between a declutter coach and a professional organizer?
Professional organizers have a much larger scope, and do a lot of hands-on management of the items. They often work one-on-one with clients but can also work independently in a client's space.
Declutter coaches are focused primarily on the psychology of letting go. Though we can offer physical help, the client is the main hands-on agent of change and we coach them through that process. The client is always present in our sessions and the aim is to create lasting change in the way you relate to and make decisions about the objects in your life.
What if the declutter coach and I differ on what we think needs to go?
Declutter coaches (good ones anyway!) are neutral parties when it comes to your items. We never tell you what to let go of, we just help you come to those conclusions yourself.
You can keep ANYTHING. You just can't keep everything. You make the calls, and we won't judge them.
Does it have to get worse before it gets better?
No. If fact, I'll show you how you never have to make a bigger mess to get to a tidier space. I'm not generally a fan of the pull-everything-out-of-the-space method, and I believe there are much better suited decluttering techniques for those of us who are not tidy-inclined.
Can you help my kids learn to declutter?
Absolutely! A lot of the methods I use work great with kids as well.
Be aware though that if you yourself struggle with clutter, the work should start with you.
Who should hire a declutter coach?
Anyone who is struggling to manage the number the things in their home. This can be a specific problem area you've been unable to get on top of, or an issue in every area of your home. Especially for those who hear the word "declutter" and want to run away, or who have a difficult time making decisions about what stays and what goes.
Can I hire you on someone else's behalf?
Only if they're onboard! I can only do my job if the person I'm there to help wants me there. I can't force decluttering on anyone and I don't make decisions about anyone's things for them.
Can I have a support person join our session?
Of course! If you want them there. Any support person you have with you must be willing to engage in the process and have your best interests at heart. As long as they let you take the lead and are a positive presence, they are more than welcome.
How do I know when I'm ready to have a declutter coach help me?
You're ready if you have a want for your space to be different but don't know how to go about it, or haven't been able to make much progress on your own.
You don't have to feel motivated to declutter specifically, but you do need to be motivated to change your space.
It's also a good time to call us if you have a deadline looming (a move, the arrival of a new family member etc.) and you need to make progress now.
It's never too late to call us, and you are never beyond help.
Will the declutter coach dispose of the things I decide to let go of for me?
Garbage and recycling will be your responsibility to dispose of appropriately, but the I can load up any donations collected during the session and drop them off at a donation centre for you if you like.
Donations are often the most difficult thing to get out of the house, even after decisions have been made, so many people find this very helpful to their progress.
What life circumstances may prompt hiring a declutter coach?
-moving into a new living space
-combining two people's or households' items
-a new phase of life that increases demands (becoming a parent, starting a new job, caring for a loved one, etc.)
-the death of a loved one (either grief impacting functioning in one's own home or dealing with the belongings of a loved one)
-dealing with mental or physical health issues that make home management more difficult
Who should NOT hire a declutter coach?
-Those who don't feel motivated to change their relationship to their things
-Those who need to declutter someone else's space (such as a family member who has passed) and have no issues getting rid of the items, but just need more manpower
-Those who do know how to declutter and have done so successfully in the past, but have spaces that need decluttering again
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Essentially, declutter coaches are focused on the psychology of letting go. If letting go of your belongings is not an issue for you, a professional organizer or a junk removal company is more likely to be a better fit for your needs.