“What worked was starting small, learning how the system worked, learning how to make decisions and then building up to the bigger problem areas.”
— ZC
CASE STUDY 1:
What led you to get in touch?
“We had recently moved house to a smaller house and I'd got ill in the process. After that unpacking, and especially unpacking the final boxes and making the house liveable just felt like an impossible task - too much stuff in a small house and trying to live normal family life around it.”
How were you feeling at the time?
”Overwhelmed - I would start on one area, but then get stuck as there was nowhere to put things during the process of sorting. Then I'd be in more of a mess than when I started.”
How has the process been for you?
“The process felt really manageable - which was a total contrast to how it had felt before. We just worked gently but systematically through things. Lizzie was by my side at each step and when she could see I was struggling would ask a carefully chosen question or suggestion to put me back on track and that would help me refocus.”
What was the most challenging aspect?
“The process was exhausting, mentally and emotionally, but Lizzie was very sensitive to that and didn't push me to do more than I was willing to.”
What is the feeling now you have finished the process?
”I feel like I have more energy to get on my life, now I'm not tripping over all these boxes or having all this clutter overshadowing me. I feel more in control of my home and decisions and more in control of my time.”
I wish I had…
”Done it sooner”
zc
“Lizzie’s understanding, non-judgemental and supportive nature, along with her strong communication skills would make her well suited to any role that involves working with individuals in a helping capacity.”
— Kate Binnie, Former Counselling Tutor at Cornwall College
CASE STUDY 2
What led you to get in touch?
“We Are With You (Addaction) contacted Human's Cornwall in February 2024. Following a nine day stint in hospital, Human's sent Lizzie Cook to support me at home for 4 hours a week and after 2 months, Adult Social Care took over and Lizzie and I work together twice a week. While I was in hospital , my house was deemed to be a risk and Lizzie was sent to help me get my home environment back on track.”
How were you feeling at the time?
“Overwhelmed, physically and mentally weak, unable to know where to to start in order to declutter and organise.”
How has the process been for you?
“Enlightening. In the beginning I think it took time for me to accept that so much change was needed. As time moves on, the 'systems' that have been put in place are actually working! Decluttering and organisation have reduced my cognitive load, so my brain is less busy.”
What was the most challenging aspect?
“The loft (it's my childhood home). Clearing/sorting this was at times emotional. It forced me to remember and process my childhood and my parent's relationship.”
What worked/didn’t work?
“Establishing 'homes' for all things. Working out where items live in accordance with when/how/where I use them. Regular hoovering! Incorporating superficial cleaning before regular deeper cleaning, e.g Keeping the kitchen wiped down throughout the day and then going deeper after cooking before I sit down to relax.”
What is feeling now you have completed the process?
“I'm much happier and lighter (mentally). I have more space for me and the important process of getting back into work. However I see it as an ongoing process and i'll always be mindful of improvements ('how could I make this easier for myself?') For now, it is really working!”
I wish I had…
“Sought decluttering advice sooner. I carried a lot of shame (particularly in the past year) regarding the state of my home. However, I've now realised I have always had a tendency to 'clutter' my home and didn't know how to sort it out.”
Human’s client, anonymous.
“I never felt like I was being ‘fixed’.”
— Human’s Client, Anonymous
Quote Source
CASE STUDY 3
What led you to get in touch?
“The main reason was the clutter - my mind was stuck in the clutter. I was struggling with many things at the time, but the clutter was making things worse. To have a better vision for the future, I needed to reduce the clutter. The clutter was reflecting how I felt inside. I have had a lot of support and with the help of my therapist, life-coach and through the safeguarding process, I began to realise that I was drowning in the clutter. It was clear that I could do hours and hours of therapy, but once I got home I was back to square one because my environment was completely overwhelming me. I began to feel unsafe in my own home environment. I felt like I couldn't get out of it. I was really lucky to have a coach who was able to recognise this and put me in touch with Lizzie”
How were you feeling at the time?
“Overwhelmed, lost, unheard, stuck and like I was sinking in quicksand. Frustrated and angry. Underneath all that, there was a feeling of fear. I have a fear of facing what was going on in my home.”
How has the process been for you?
“It's been quite hard, I've struggled to acknowledge how hard it was at the beginning. I thought it would be easier - I didn't know what to expect, but it is only through this hard work that we can really deal with all the layers. I had a carer previously and she dealt with the clutter by moving it, hiding it, and shoving things away and that took away my autonomy over the situation. I need to understand the 'why' of things and that is how Lizzie works, we unpick things and ask questions. Through communication we can work through the various issues that come up. she challenges me but she respects my choices. The process hasn't caused anxiety like it normally would.”
What was the most challenging aspect?
“Getting rid of certain personal items. The emotional attachment is difficult to navigate and detach from. I am more aware of being less materialistic and more aware of the environmental effects of the things I have and how I use them.”
What worked/didn’t work?
“We have navigated both areas. With communication, time and reflection we have changed things that haven't worked and celebrated things that have. There has been a mutual respect that has allowed us to communicate openly and honestly and work through and blocks. Even though it was slow at the beginning, we laid good foundations early on by talking and reflecting and slowly I felt able to trust Lizzie. I was able to feel confident about where my things were going after I had parted with them. Because we did that ground work early on, we are now able to move quite quickly through the rest of the process.”
What is feeling now you have completed the process?
“There has been massive progression and my self care has improved. I am working towards my goals and there have been many positive changes. There have been many little achievements and wins that add up to a a big shift.”
I wish I had…
“More time, I am learning how to use time better. Support and love - I am learning to find these things in nature, though support, my dogs and through family. Money - brings services.”
NE
“Working with Lizzie was wonderful as it felt relaxed, but productive”.
— ZC