Has anyone used a professional declutterer?

[Greenthread]

I’m on my knees with the state of our house. We have so much stuff. Most things don’t have a home so they get left anywhere and everywhere. Our house is too small for us but moving isn’t at option at the moment so I need to do a massive massive declutter.

I struggle to get started with these jobs cos it feels like such a huge job. A lot of it is kids toys that they don’t want to get rid of. People tell me to sell stuff but then that’s adding to my already huge list of jobs to do, isn’t it?

So I am considering getting in a professional. But I wonder how useful they will be? Will they just tell me to throw everything out? Was it useful to use a professional?

Ex hoarder here - would you consider giving yourself a month of focused decluttering first and see how you get on? The money you would have set aside for a professional declutterer, keep it for buying some decent ready meals so you can free up a bit of extra time, cash for potentially replacing things you get rid of that it turned out you needed, and for any organisation products after you have decluttered. You'll still prob have a decent whack over, plus you'll have the confidence to know you can do it yourself.

YouTuber Dana K White "a slob comes clean" is excellent. She also has podcasts and books. "Decluttering at the speed of life" is very good.

For excessive kids toys I'd suggest getting your kids involved (if old enough) and boxing up a lot of them. Don't get rid, just store out of the way. Keep only a manageable amount out. If they ask for something out by name, ask them to pick something currently out to swap it with. Eventually you'll know what stuff is actually important to them and what isn't (as it hasn't left the box!)
You can do the same for clothes - what the minimum you need? Let's say you do laundry twice a week. To allow for drying let's say you need 5 full outfits. Pick your favourite and most practical 5 outfits and box the rest up. You can pull stuff out if you need to, but again you'll quickly see what stuff you reach for and what you don't.

I'm not a minimalist yet, but way better than I was and house is so much more manageable, way faster to clean and just all round nicer to be in.

a friend of mine paid a fortune for a whole house declutter. What she ended up with was beautiful rooms and then hallways with piles of stuff to action.

six weeks on, the stuff just migrated back to the rooms and the house looks worse than ever.

Also, if you can afford to, just donate everything for now (or have a minimum profit in mind - eg I'll sell it if I can get £30 or more within 3 days for it) Later, when things feel under control, you can think about selling more.

I do. Every so often I get the same person back. She knows the house and how we work. It is expensive, but it has helped us no end.

I am one. And obvs I’d say it’s worth it! But we never make you throw away things. We go through each item and consider it with you. We never leave piles to ‘action’ either. We either take it way for recycling, or to donate. Happy to answer any questions you have.

Have used and it changed my life!
It helped that I didn't care in the least what happened to what was cast off. She took it away - to donate? To sell? To landfill? Only she knows.
Depending on where you are it can be spendy but for 5 hours I found it value for money. We did my bedroom and living room. And I've booked her again to do the kitchen and bathroom.
I hope you do what's right for you, and wish you well. My mental health improved 100%

I could definitely see this happening to me 🤪

I did yes. It was an absolute godsend. The best part was that everything that had been sorted out was dealt with at the end of each day. So if it was for charity, disposal or recycling then the team took those things away to the appropriate places. I think that's the key - otherwise you end up with mountains of boxes, which doesn't help much as you still need the energy to deal with them.

This.

Don't hire anyone who doesn't remove stuff, THAT DAY, whether it's going to tip, charity or wherever.

That is crucial to actually decluttering. Otherwise it's just shuffling stuff around.

Thanks for the replies! Lots to think about. If I do get one, i will definitely check if they will leave me with stuff to be dealt with.

The extra pair of hands & ideas is helpful. The one I hired last year helped me part with stuff that had been blocking my house from being functional.

Taking photos of sentimental items helps. Like two extra ironing boards because they were granny's, that sort of thing.

@VioletPickles @EdgeK @ZestFest

Could you give rough idea of costs please? Many thanks💐

I paid £50 initial consultation, then £25 per hour on the day

I'm training to do this at the moment @Greenthread where are you located? There are others on my course around the country potentially looking for places to carry out work experience. It can be an overwhelming task to fit around everyday life by yourself, I definitely think it's something that is worth getting someone in for! The majority of the stuff you no longer need should be donated or taken away unless you're wanting to sell it, make sure they'd do this before you commit xx

Mine was £120 for four hours. She set a timer running on her iPhone to show that the full time was worked. Very hard-working woman.

I have considered this but when I look at local people offering
this.
They don't seem to have before photos that represent my slumy kitchen so I am too embarrassed to contact them.

My kitchen is the worse. I am off work tomorrow and its on my list!

Prices from my local one.
Full day £210
Five hours £150
Half day £105
Three hours £90

I used one who was being trained by Dilly of Sort Your Life Out, it was free. She did one room, it took her all day, but I've maintained it over a year later.

I did charity shop runs the same day (crucial!).

I'd start by going through Dana K White's book/you tube though. I love her message. She never changes it either. The answer to everything is to go through her 5 step process.

Do you have any friends who love to do this? I do, and have helped a couple of my friends (free, except for cups of tea, of course!).