the process

we are a culture of collectors. we fill our spaces with things that speak to us, are useful to us, or reflect who we are or want to be. occasionally, the volume of things exceeds the available space.

it often starts simply enough: busy or distracted, we say “just put that over there, for now.” over time, and often before we realize, the things over there become a mess. spare rooms, closets, storage units, garages, and sometimes even our own living rooms become cluttered, confusing piles. worse still, they are things we want or need but cannot access easily enough to be considered usable.

there is no need to feel frustrated, hopeless or embarrassed.

but there is a need to proceed with caution and carefully identify each item, sort the trash from the treasure, and see that every piece is managed according to your wishes. before a single item is moved, a simple to complete survey defines your instructions for how everything from trash to receipts to dishes to collectibles will be handled. decisions are made entirely by your written directive, no judgement calls are employed without your express advance consent, and you do not need to waste a day watching and worrying. you can be as engaged or absent as you would like while the work is done.

|| at the other end of the spectrum ||

then there is inherited stuff.

whether it’s been left by previous tenants, discovered while tending to the affairs of a relative, or simply dumped as litter by irresponsible strangers, you are suddenly saddled with an overwhelming mass of junk you have no emotional attachment to and just want gone. in cases where the cleanout is just business, the timeline is compressed. any specific items you identify an interest in will be carefully removed, and then the space is simply and indiscriminately emptied. a more dramatic option? definitely. the same initial survey as above? absolutely, just with fewer boxes to check.