Who employs a declutterer?

The Hoarder Next Door, Britain's Biggest Hoarders and other such TV programmes have done much to highlight the growing issue of hoarding in the UK. It is estimated that there are about 3 million sufferers in this country (www.helpforhoarders.co.uk). Many stay silent and isolated. In these programmes you will see the only on-screen representation of a professional declutterer.

I have recently established myself as a declutterer and joined the 100 others registered nationally with the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO-UK). Many of us work with hoarders and have seen some amazing life-changing experiences for clients in opening the door and making space for new opportunities.

Yet, most of my clients are not hoarders in the sense that is outlined in the new version of the Mental Health Diagnostic Manual.

I receive calls for all sorts of reasons, but on reflection many of my clients so far have fallen into these broad categories:

- Inherent organisers: there was a system once but life has thrown too much at them and they have simply got a bit overwhelmed with where to start to get back to where they were.

Work with these clients is focused, swift and led by them. We get a lot done, I am there to speed things up, create a deadline, and to lend a friendly motivating helping hand.

- A bit disorganised but motivated: there may seem to be hoarding tendencies here and sorting takes considerably longer as there is little in the way of a system in place and so each belonging needs to be checked and a new system created.

I am there to keep these clients on track as they have decided to make a change, but also to help offer pointers, and be there to listen to stories about personal items, as they are part of who we are.

- Those that have buried themselves: I know this sounds strange, and it does not have to be huge mounds of stuff, but these clients have often externalised some personal troubles in their homes. Belongings have either become the focus of their anxiety, or a representation of how they are perhaps lacking optimism about the future.

These are not necessarily people with a hoarding disorder, as once they have decided to deal with the home, they are speedy and direct in deciding what is to go. But such clients need careful handling, as you can see that you are doing much more than opening up their homes, this is a change in mentality that may have impacts on their relationships, and are likely to be a nervous about such a radical change.

Whatever your reason for making a change to your living space and dealing with belongings, it is great to have a bit of reflection on what is going on inside you as well. Then call a registered APDO declutterer to assist you - we work with all sorts of amazing complex people like yourself!

'Change Your Space' is a supportive decluttering service serving Devon and Somerset run by Jasmine Sleigh. Jasmine also conducts talks and workshops titled “Adventures in Sorting” www.changeyourspace.co.uk