Hi there! I’m thrilled to connect with you. I’m Dr. Regina Lark, founder of A Clear Path and a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO®). Today, we’re diving into a topic close to my heart—Supporting Fiduciaries with Hoarding and Clutter Challenges. As a fiduciary, you play a pivotal role in your clients’ lives, often managing not just their finances but their overall well-being, including their living environments. I can’t emphasize enough how critical it is to address and manage hoarding and clutter.
Let me share a quick story. When I first started A Clear Path, I thought I’d be spending most of my time making garages look “pretty.” Little did I know that my definition of pretty didn’t always match my clients’. On one occasion, I revisited a client’s home just to find the clutter I had cleared reappeared as if by magic! It was quite the learning curve. Over time, I realized that clutter is not just physical; it has deep emotional roots, particularly for those struggling with chronic disorganization.
The emotional impact of clutter can’t be understated. Clients often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and even ashamed. Imagine walking into a space every day that feels like a maze of stress! For fiduciaries, understanding these emotional triggers is crucial. It’s not just about tidying up but about addressing the core issues causing the clutter.
So, how can we effectively support you as a fiduciary in dealing with these challenges? At A Clear Path, we believe in a collaborative approach. We work hand-in-hand with fiduciaries to create personalized strategies tailored to your clients’ unique needs. Whether it’s sorting through decades of accumulated items or developing a sustainable organizing system, our goal is to make your job easier and improve your clients’ living conditions.
When I started A Clear Path, I thought I was going to make garages look pretty. I quickly discovered that my idea of pretty did not always match that of my clients. Sometimes, when I returned to the homes of my most cluttered clients, I was surprised to discover that the clutter I cleared a week, month, or year before, had mysteriously returned. I say “mysteriously” because many of the people with whom I worked had “no idea” how “it came back.” They weren’t “sure who put it there,” and had “tried to keep things neat,” but “the mess always returned.”
Through coursework and Master’s level training in chronic disorganization (CD), I’ve come to appreciate the debilitating impact of CD. People with CD report lifelong struggles with:
While the physical parts of being chronically disorganized are bad enough, there’s an emotional toll, too. People report feeling:
Chronically disorganized people have tried everything to get and stay organized but the challenge of it all seems ever present. If you’re someone with this condition, I offer hope that change is possible. Here are a few ideas that may help relieve the burdens of having too much stuff:
Admit that the problem of clutter is bigger than you and that you may need help. Try not to bring anything new into your space unless you’re going to eat it or use it in the next couple of weeks. Get the help of a friend, therapist, or professional organizer to at least get started on clearing a path to more open spaces. Understand that you’re not a slob. Your brain is just wired a bit differently from people who seem neater than you.
In the spirit of holiday sales-too-hard-to-pass-up, over-spending, and all manner of shopping ‘til you start dropping…. I’m blogging today about your front door. As in, don’t bring anything through it except toilet paper and the food you intend to eat this week. Here’s why: we tend to place a lot of value on everything we bring through our front door, making it very difficult to send it back out again.
In the 1990s I spent several years working on a doctoral dissertation at the University of Southern California which required a great deal of research, reading, and writing. Consequently, I brought many books through my front door. My home office contained five floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with my research materials. My books were alphabetized by genre; I used and/or read each and every one. In-between bringing the books through my front door, and completing my degree, my beautiful library took on a life of its own. The books not only provided the necessary ingredients to complete my degree, but also I thought they proved I was smart, tenacious, and had plenty of opportunities to be a resource to my fellow grad students. The books’ value only increased with time, well after I had completed my degree!
Several years after I finished my doctoral work, I left a long-term relationship and began the process of downsizing my life. When it was time to deal with the books, I didn’t know what to do! I took a long hard look (literally and figuratively) at the value I had unintentionally heaped upon these books. Here’s what I began to understand about them, and also about myself:
It’s up to me how I choose to value the things in my life. I can un-value that which no longer serves me. I don’t believe in paying for storage for stuff I’m not using. I don’t like being inconvenienced–bringing the books to my new 1-bedroom apartment would have made things very inconvenient. I love being a resource but I didn’t have to do it with books. I could find other ways (and I have! Without the books, I’m still smart, and here’s the best part: no one can take my degree away from me.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that our relationships with stuff can be as complicated as any human relationship. This complexity often extends to those of us who are in fiduciary roles, managing possessions that are not even our own. Supporting Fiduciaries with Hoarding and Clutter Challenges requires both patience and strategy. Fiduciaries often face the dual challenge of respecting the sentimental value of items while also managing space efficiently. Here’s a pro tip: categorize items by their usefulness and sentimental value. Sometimes, the distinction between “useful” and “cherished” can make all the difference in making optimal decisions.
For readers who might be in this position, let’s tackle these issues together. Get a handle on the practical aspects first—functional furniture, important documents—then gradually move toward tackling items of sentimental value. You’ll find that often, it’s easier to make decisions about what to keep and what to let go when you break it down this way. As we always say at A
Did You Know? Supporting fiduciaries with hoarding and clutter challenges can improve mental well-being and safety for clients.
At A Clear Path, we’ve seen time and again how overwhelming clutter can be for individuals and families alike. It’s a challenge that doesn’t just affect your home—it impacts your mental well-being and daily routine. That’s why we’re passionate about offering practical and compassionate support, especially when it comes to complex situations like supporting fiduciaries with hoarding and clutter challenges.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic disorganization, or simply need a little help to get things back on track, our declutter services are designed to meet your unique needs. We’ve all had those moments where the mess feels unmanageable, but trust us, change is possible. Let’s tackle it one step at a time.
Starting this decluttering journey may feel daunting, but remember, you’re not alone. We’re here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, encouragement, and a little humor along the way. Who says organizing can’t be fun?
As we support fiduciaries with hoarding and clutter challenges, we’re committed to making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible. So take a deep breath, reach out, and let’s create a clear path together.
Ready to get started? Dive into our services and let’s transform your space—and life—today.
We understand that clutter is more than just a physical issue; it’s a personal challenge that affects your mental state and daily life. Furthermore, we offer empathetic and expert guidance, particularly adept at supporting fiduciaries with hoarding and clutter challenges. Our team is passionate about making the process of decluttering as painless as possible.
Each situation is unique, so our declutter services are customized to fit your individual circumstances. We conduct a thorough assessment to understand your goals and hurdles. Afterward, we craft a personalized plan that aligns with your lifestyle, so you can feel comfortable and supported throughout the entire process.
Absolutely! While the task of decluttering might seem daunting, we’re here to inject some joy into the process. Our approach blends efficiency with a sense of humor, turning what could be a stressful endeavor into a positive and even entertaining experience. We’re all about fostering a lively and pleasant atmosphere as we work together.
Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal, but that’s where we excel. We’re not just here to organize; we’re here to provide moral support, understanding, and practical steps to ease you into the process. Moreover, you’re not embarking on this journey alone. We’re by your side every step of the way, ensuring your comfort and progress.
Starting is simple. Reach out to us, and we’ll discuss your specific needs and how our services can benefit you. Together, we will establish a plan that suits your timeline and preferences. Once you’re ready, we’ll begin the transformation of not just your space, but also your life, one step at a time.
