This is what my client, Devan, said:
9-19-23: “I highly recommend Patricia for her services. She worked with me over a period of a couple of months on a very large project to help downsize and declutter a very large house full of stuff that included a 4 car garage filled with stuff. Patricia worked tirelessly to help come up with a plan, donate stuff, sell stuff, get rid of stuff and helped pack up my entire house and get me out the door. She also helped with a lot of crucial gardening. Her work ethic and diligence are unmatched and I definitely would recommend her for a project like this.”
For some reason, Devan chose not to mention that there were two other houses on the property which he did not live in. He wanted to get everything out of those houses as well. I gave away or bought all the stuff in these houses because he didn’t want anything! I directed and helped the movers pack up a U-Haul truck with all of Devan’s belongings and that is what he was left with! From 4 structures full of stuff to a U-Haul Truck. More like a miracle, I might say!
I did live in one of those dwellings so that I could work almost every day so that the property could be sold as soon as possible because Devan was eager to move to his next place out of state. It took about 3 months, but 40 days out of that time he was out of the country on a working vacation so I took care of the dogs and gave a bunch of stuff away.
This job was so satisfying because it was challenging and together Devan and I met the many difficulties that came our way. Because he was working at home full time, he did not have a lot of time to sort through things. However, because I have a technique where I use shallow boxes to sort items into so a client can make quick decisions on smaller things, he was able to make decisions quickly.
After he made decision, I would put the items in the give away, sell, or pack up sections. First I had to do major work in the garage in order to make space for sorting, and I easily did that on my own.
I loved the variety of things I did in addition to my organizing work: dog-sitting, errand running, connecting with people who I could give things to, working in the orchard, feeding and walking the dogs, cleaning, working with tradesmen, and cleaning.
Being able to help for almost 3 months full time as a live-in organizer and helper came at a time that I was available. My other regular clients did not need my services at that time, and I was close enough to my children and grandchildren to still be able to visit. But I did pour myself into that job, and the end results were so satisfying.
I was scrolling in our message dialogue and I discovered many encouraging comments from Devan, including that nothing was broken. He did call me a few days later asking about something very valuable that he could not find. I was able to direct him to where I thought it might be–and he found it! I do that a lot for clients who can’t find something.
I really am naturally a team player, and that is one of the reasons I love organizing. With this particular job, Devan and I had to plan a lot together, and I appreciated how he respected my input. As deadlines came up such as getting the place ready for a photoshoot by the realtor, the pressure was on. Yet every time there was a deadline, including the inspection, the repairs the new buyers requested, preparation for movers coming to pack the U-haul, last minute things to get Devan on the road, we met the deadline!
The hardest deadline was me having to do the final cleaning on two of the houses and the 4 car garage. Because of so many unexpected things that needed to be done to meet other deadlines, I did not have time to do the final cleaning and even getting rid of stuff until Devan left for his final destination. Yet somehow I managed to get it all done, staying up all night and working hard the next morning. The walk through was successful, the papers signed, and the deal was done.
About two months later, Devan contacted me and asked if I could find a home for one of his dogs, India, who he said hated the new home which was in the city with a small yard. I was able to find a home with a dear friend, and I see India often. I love her very much, and Devan was overjoyed to know India would be well taken care of. I send him pictures of India and messages about how great she is doing. Now that is a happy ending!
