Clearing Space, Clearing Minds

My

In March, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Thames Life Magazine www.thameslifemagazine.co.uk about my decluttering service and the philosophy behind my work. I’m grateful to share this conversation here with their kind permission. In the interview, we explore how self-compassion shapes my approach, challenge some common misconceptions about decluttering, and look at how creating supportive, meaningful spaces can positively impact everyday life.

What values or philosophy guide your approach to helping people with their spaces?

I use Self-Compassion in my decluttering practice and in my everyday life.  A good metaphor for this is that of the ‘oxygen mask principle’, when your plane is going down and you put on your own oxygen mask, before helping others with theirs.  Without doing that first, no one survives.  So there's wisdom in that too. 

Using self-compassion means I tap into my empathy, non-judgement, wisdom, kindness and commitment in helping people with their spaces. 

What are some common misconceptions people have about decluttering?

That decluttering is about getting rid of everything!   Whilst I absolutely believe that life is better with less, items we love or that add real value to our lives are important.   

Another common misconception is that decluttering is only about ‘stuff’.  It isn’t!  It's also about improving the spaces, systems and process flows in your home.  Looking at what works, and forming realistic daily habits which make life run smoother.  

How do you measure success in a decluttering project? Is it about the space, the client’s mindset, or both?

Before I start working with a client, we always discuss goals.  Not only for the space but how they will feel once it’s done and what it will allow them to do that perhaps they are currently not doing.  

This could be as simple as being able to bake a cake or inviting a neighbour in for tea.  They may want to repurpose a space, or to change the way a space makes them feel - often from a feeling of overwhelm, stress and anxiety to a feeling of calm, sanctuary and safeness. 

Where do you hope to take the business in the next few years? Any new services or ideas on the horizon?

This year I am looking to expand my business towards helping people declutter for downsizing, and I’m delighted to welcome my husband Alistair to the business to help me realise this.   Inspired by the philosophy of döstädning (Swedish for "death cleaning"), my goal is for us to provide a decluttering and/ or unpacking service for people who are downsizing (or thinking about this in their future) and are motivated by self-compassion. 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone overwhelmed by clutter, what would it be?

Break down your goals for your spaces into manageable 10 minute tasks and have a set time each day to ‘play’.  Recruit your playful inner child, use your imagination and make it fun.  

Music can help motivate, as can a timer.  If you find that you need or want more than 10 minutes, remain mindful of your energy and ensure you give yourself the time you need for rest and reflection, or maybe a nap.