Why choose Birdie and not a friend?

Updated January 16th, 2025

As we hit the halfway point of January it has been extremely busy for me so far!

The New Year inevitably makes people think of how this year they want to get organized, get some order in their life and in turn look for support.

Over the last two weeks I have met lots of lovely new people looking for the help they need to get back on track, regain control and some gentle guidance.

I have noticed a common theme of people saying that when discussing my visit many friends or family have offered to help, have said ‘save your money’ (especially with January being the longest month!) and yet bookings have still been made.

I have pondered why these people have not taken up the kind offers of friends and family and I realized that when you book such support it is for various reasons.

• It is because you can leave the guilt and shame at the door. No one should feel shame about the condition of their home but so many do.  With social media and societal pressures to be perfect so many people feel they have to have it all, be it all and manage it all.  Admitting you need a little extra support proves difficult for so many of my clients so my first task is to break down that barrier.  I am there to help, not judge.

• The next notable thing is that having someone you are paying by the hour means you want to get your money’s worth! And why not.

I don’t take breaks.  You can, but I don’t.

I want you to feel like you have had maximum effort from me.

Doing this work with a family member/friend can be fun but it can also mean you take regular breaks, get distracted and a two hour task takes four!

I keep you on the task and with gentle encouragement help you to stay on track!

It’s also difficult for some people to give instructions when someone is helping you for free.

• Another noteworthy reason is timing. We all have busy lives and if your family member/friend is not available when you have the momentum it can be difficult to stay motivated.

• Worrying about judgement is another reason to bear in mind. Who wants their family member/friend looking at their grey period pants or ‘personal items’?  Worrying that they may share details with other people can make you anxious, however I am discreet and have seen far worse than you can imagine!  I am a professional with a business to run and nothing ruins a good name like indiscretion.  No judgement or comment from me.

• Any waste we produce, whether that is rubbish, recycling or items that need to be distributed between charity shops or donation points is completed by myself. No leaving things for you and your family member/friend to do.  Once you have let something go I remove the item so you don’t have to.

As we head into the second half of January I am excited to visit new homes, maintain my regular clients and see how I can help more people.

I am noticing a recurrent theme and now look for it after every session I attend…

The gentle sigh of satisfaction I hear as I pull away.

Job well done!