Who am I?
I first started my decluttering journey when I borrowed a copy of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. Inside this little book, I found a series of how-to guides and what-for lessons that helped me declutter my apartment and learn to let go of stuff that no longer served me. Years later, I am now a dedicated minimalist and can often be found packing everything I own into a small moving truck as I putter around the U.S.
Even now, I still love learning about all things related to decluttering and organizing. But as I made my way through books, blogs, and podcasts, I found myself growing confused. Each brand or person promised the best—and often only—way to keep my life and home organized. But for every article on “the best way to fold laundry,” there were plenty of people who found it unhelpful. Sometimes even detrimental. I couldn’t understand why people I respected often got so stuck using methods that had been life-changing for me.
What’s a Ce Jaye to do?
Research, of course!
Photo by “Holden” onto a Moment Photography
I combed the internet for some person or system that everyone could use. But as I poured over the information, I had a sudden epiphany. Different people…use different methods to succeed. I know, I know. A stunning piece of logic on my part. But this simple discovery completely changed my outlook. Instead of trying to force everyone to use one particular method, I could simply adjust which method I used to meet the needs of each client.
Now I study each new book, blog, or podcast with the intent to learn different methods that work with each of my clients. I walk into each home and session dedicated to figuring out which methods work best in a client’s current life situation. Once I decide on the method(s), I share them with my clients as we work. If you teach a client the best way for them to organize & declutter, they’ll have the skills necessary to keep their home under control, even when entering a new or unexpected phase of life. And what could possibly be better than that?
Organizedly Yours,
Ce Jaye
