Making the space work

I am a very busy person, a single mother of two.  I am generally very good at being organised, tidy etc but for a number of reasons, my home had just become cluttered, messy, disorganised and it was affecting my mood and energy levels. I could solve so many issues for others, but for myself, I was finding that I was feeling burdened with my own mess. I kept saying 'I'll sort that room out tomorrow' but tomorrow would come and go and still the lack of flow in the home remained because I just couldn't bare to tackle various parts of my home. But ignoring the issue just made it worse. I would just add to the mess.

I cannot recommend Marta enough. She was able to listen and bring practical solutions that fitted in with my ideas of how I wanted things to work. I was really impressed that she made sure things worked for me rather than just imposing her own system.  During her first visit, she carried out a 'consultation', a personal wish list if you like of how I wanted my home to work.  I showed Marta around and we came up with a to-do-list, breaking everything down into small manageable chunks.  I felt so uplifted after this first meeting. 

We arranged for another meeting where in 2 hours, the first item on the to-do list was sorted out. In only 2 hours!!! It was my through-room / lounge / music area. It had become cluttered with instruments, sofas, etc. and just wasn't working. At the end of 2 hours, the furniture was re-arranged in a way, which took on board my kids’ wishes regarding playing the instruments and my wish to have a cosy sitting area with my family. Items that were not required were removed.  I basically couldn't see the wood for the trees but now there is such a homely feeling to my through-lounge / music area. It works! The light flows through and there are no bags, items etc stuffed behind or below sofas etc.  The space has been utilised optimally, without compromising the aesthetics or the functionality of the room.

More importantly, my energy levels and mood elevated. I hadn't realised how burdened I was. All I needed was one afternoon to get me back on track. It gave me such energy to tackle other areas.  

Marta has a very good eye for how space works. All the suggestions were in line with my desires for that area. There was no fixed agenda, other than to solve 'problem areas' in a way that suited me and worked within our home. I didn't feel embarrassed with Marta, despite having to show her the messy stuff I normally try to hide, she was just so pragmatic and unphased that it was easy to be honest about spaces that gave me problems. Whilst she was very understanding and friendly, she was also very professional, pro-active, didn't waste time and got on with the job in hand.  

I found the initial consultation very good at focusing my mind on what I felt was key, breaking down the clutter and mess into a priority list. Sometimes, you just need a little bit of a helping hand. That is what I felt was accomplished. 

Elene H, Guildford

Stress relief

I was very fortunate to have Marta help me with organising some of my room and I am so grateful for it. From the first video call to discuss what I needed help with right through the process, Marta was professional in every way, asking questions I wouldn't even think of but found so helpful and finding out how she could best support me to declutter.

I have moved several times in the last few years, and have gone from living in my own flat to being in a shared house as a mature student. I have carried so much stuff between these places and now trying to fit it into a room proved challenging. I have done some decluttering before, but I find it hard to get rid of things I 'may' need in the future. I was able to discuss with Marta my worries about getting rid of some things, and she had some great ways of deciding what is worth keeping and what isn't. Marta always left the decision up to me, but I found it incredibly liberating to be able to keep some things for the future without feeling guilty about it, while being realistic about the things I will probably never use. We worked for a total of just over five hours, and made huge progress.

I now feel more at home in my space as I'm not stressed or worried about organising it. There are still some things to do but I feel empowered to do these now, and have even done some since Marta came. I am so grateful for Marta's help, I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Hannah G, Surrey

A joy to use

I knew that I had too much stuff in my small bedroom – too many clothes in the wardrobe, multiple shirts on single hangers.  My favourite scarves were scattered around the room and when I needed that particular one, it was nowhere to be found. Marta and I sorted through my clothes, making decisions which ones to keep, and arranged everything neatly, so now I don’t have to waste any time looking for things when I get dressed.  It was hard for me to get motivated to tackle my room by myself.  

Showing Marta my mess has sprung me into action. After Marta’s first visit I was left with a ‘to do’ list regarding my wardrobe. During her second visit we tackled my bookshelf. Now my wardrobe and bookshelf are well organised and a joy to use.  By getting rid of things I did not need any more we created a lot of space, which I desperately needed in my bedroom.  Since Marta left I have done more organising by myself.

Iwona S, East Horseley 

Order restored

In just in two sessions, Marta restored order to three important parts of the house - the entrance hall, the master bedroom and the airing cupboard. I was surprised how straightforward it was, as Marta broke each job into simple tasks. Her easy manner and excitement about the progress made me feel relaxed and not judged. I was able to part with many old clothes and it was such a good feeling. I LOVE opening my neat wardrobe now and the feeling of being unsettled by the mess on entering the house is gone! I have been inspired to clear out the children’s wardrobes and they love it. And the best thing is that the areas we sorted stay neat.

Mary K, Horley