We all seem to have something in common: feeling comfortable is associated with predictability, with things staying the same. Change is associated with danger, an instinct that probably dates back to proto-human existence where anything that moved was a potential danger. Another one of those remnants that we have not been able to shake, and I presume it’s been serving us well in dangerous situations. It is keeping us safe when we walk in unfamiliar territory, and it makes us feel more comfortable in general.

I’ve talked and written at length over the years about ideas to help you get your stuff sorted. What I have not done so far is really talk about specific situations and how I work with my clients to find solutions that work for them and that they will be able to maintain on their own, going forward.

Sometimes what appears to be a lot of clutter is – in fact – a question of organisation skills rather than a sign of neglect. Here’s the tale of a client I worked with a couple of years ago.