Unjamming is about taking a step back to sense where the jam is, and playing around with alternatives until the way feels clear.

I’m really good at tidying. It’s easy and satisfying, and my favourite way to procrastinate. It’s also a lovely gift, resetting a space so that it glows with welcoming care. But many happy years of neatening and organising have taught me that the greatest gift is actually what happens next… which plans, ideas and projects take form when they’re given room to grow? Some of the most sorted people live in a jumbled, tumbled, maximalist nest of doodads, and some of the most gorgeously decorated homes can feel flat and stale, because what matters isn’t clever storage or beautiful style, but the movement of energy in, around and out. I’m really good at not being freaked out by other people’s mess, because I see it for what is: a tangle of life, holding its potential like a coiled spring.

FAQs

  • I’m a professional organiser, which is different from a cleaner in two ways.

    My focus is on the objects in the space, not on dusting, wiping and hoovering. It’s also on helping to create arrangements that will be easy to maintain in the long-term, so work will tend to be a single session or perhaps a series, rather than a regular arrangement.

  • It depends. Sometimes a reset is all that's needed. Or maybe you'd like to get me back in once a year.

    Generally, the most valuable thing is to direct most of your attention to how the space is used, and use the time together to set the space up in a way that aligns with your natural activity. In theory, a perfectly designed space is self-sustaining.

  • Working with a professional organiser is more collaborative than having a haircut: there's no "ta-da!" moment. A good organiser will clarify and amplify the communication between you, your space and your belongings and provide a boost in energy and skills, but would not encourage you to make any changes you don't feel confident about.

  • No. There are lots of reasons why straight-up decluttering might not be the right approach for you.

    As it happens, letting go of unwanted belongings tends to happen quite organically as a result of whatever approach you take, but I don't think there's any value in pressing the point if that's not your main focus.

  • Personally, I prefer to skip the photos and videos, but obviously you can take one if you want!