KEY POINTS:
Name: Michelle Denholm.
Occupation: Director and founder of Harmonious Living, professional organiser (www.harmoniousliving.co.nz).
Age: 34.
Working hours: 20-40.
Fees: Consultation and advice $225; one-day clutter clear $395; office help $330 for one day.
Qualifications: A love for helping others, a sense of humour, a talent for organising and an eye for home styling.
Describe your job.
My job is to help people de-clutter, get organised and feel good about themselves and their homes.
What is your background?
I started as a receptionist and worked my way up to PA then office manager for small and large companies. I had a flirtation for a number of years with the beauty therapy industry. As a PA or office manager, you have to be extremely organised with attention to detail.
Losing my Mum as a child made me extremely independent. I was the mother of the home for a while. I cared for my younger brother and sister, enjoyed cleaning the house for Dad, bathing the kids and making sure everything was in order. However, I think that experience also made me an over-achiever.
Why do people get into such a muddle?
I think we are too materialistic. Life can be simple but we tend to complicate it with shopping for stuff we don't need [or] already have, or trying to appease the children. On top of all of this shopping, people are busy trying to pay for it all, working long hours and/or not using their time productively. It's easy to see why people get into a muddle.
What happens when you de-clutter?
I encourage my clients to have a vision of what they want the area in question to look and feel like. Without knowing their end result, they will lose motivation and focus along the way. De-cluttering is extremely tiring, emotional and confronting.
Every space is different but, with all jobs, you've got to start somewhere and then it's a series of baby steps. It's extremely satisfying and rewarding both for me and my clients. You can feel the energy start to change in a room that has been stagnating.
The process can take anywhere from a few hours up to three or four days. I don't boss or bully my clients into releasing something they really want. It's about identifying what they use, what they love. Every person should have a memory box of sentimental stuff they feel attached to - it could be school reports or letters from friends - but the trick is to contain it. Memories are in our hearts and minds; we don't need to keep every birthday card.
Once the clutter is gone, we can organise what is left, create systems and ensure everything has a place.
Do you practise what you preach?
Absolutely. In fact sometimes I wish I could give myself a break because everything has to be perfect at home. It drives my husband crazy and my family tease me and think I have a cleaning disorder (perhaps I do) but I just can't relax until everything is tidy. My husband will put his car keys on the bench and five seconds later they are in the drawer where we keep the keys.
Why is your job important?
I am helping people and, indirectly, I am helping the planet as well. By helping other people feel good about themselves and their homes, and encouraging them to live a more organised life, they will be happier and then their partners will be happier and their children, their neighbours and so on.
What are the main challenges?
Working with people who are extremely attached to their stuff. It takes time for them to feel comfortable about removing items they admit are no longer being used or loved but they want to keep just in case.
Also it can be tricky with husbands who think us girls shouldn't need to call on others to help us in the home because we are supposed to be superwomen. Well, hubbies of New Zealand, I have news for you. As fabulous as us Kiwi girls are, it would be appreciated if, when we ask for help, you give it to us.
The best part of your job?
The satisfaction of turning up in the morning to a mess and leaving it looking beautiful at the end of the day. My clients absolutely falling in love with spaces in their home again and feeling good about being there.
And the worst part?
Feeling tired after a full day of dealing with clutter.
Advice to those interested in a similar role?
If you have a natural talent for organising and love to help people, then go for it. Join the Australasian Association of Professional Organisers (www.aapo.org.au) which has a wealth of information for anyone starting out. It's a rewarding career choice and perfect for mums because you can work your own hours.
