Heart of the Home Organizing Gives You Room to Create the Life You Love
Kathleen Hansen, Certified Home Organizer®, is passionate about helping you create the space you love and the life you love.
“Helping others achieve their goals has always been at the center of everything I do”
We interviewed Kathleen to learn more about her and what you can expect from a typical organizing session.
What inspired you to become an Organizer?
My inspiration for Organizing started in the hospitality industry, specifically convention hotels. I had the unusual challenge of repurposing items left behind from convention vendors and events such as printers, art paper/supplies, packaged food, canvas bags, glassware, dinnerware, clothing, decorations, games, and appliances! I found that I loved to reach out to communities such as Libraries, School Districts, YMCA, Boys & Girls clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Women’s Shelters, Community Centres, Food Banks etc. These organizations would benefit from these items and instead of throwing them in the dump. Win-win!
How has becoming an Organizer impacted your life?
I found my work purpose and my passion!! Home organizing is what I was meant to do. I truly love helping people & making a difference in their chapter of life and also the environment. It warms my heart when I hear someone say that they are so grateful that I came into their lives.
How has your past career or education tied in to becoming an Organizer?
My career in hospitality, IT and Instruction has brought me to my dream career. I can look at the big picture and break it down into small attainable steps so my client can understand and feel less overwhelmed. Hospitality gave me empathy for others, IT gave me structure for understanding processes and Teaching taught me how to share my knowledge in a way that everyone I work with understands how to maintain simplicity in their home.
Who are your ideal clients?
Many of my clients are overwhelmed and do not know where to start. They feel stuck. They maybe moving out/in, seniors who are downsizing, overwhelmed households that need better function and also clients that just have a new vision for their space.
What drives your clients to hire a professional organizer?
Many of my clients have tried to organize themselves and just can't get it to work. Some clients may not have physical ability to organize themselves and others are overwhelmed families that feel out of control in clutter.
Is there a popular season or off-season for professional organizing in Maple Valley, WA?
The most popular seasons are Fall & Winter. I am usually finishing projects with clients in the Spring. .
Tell me a little bit about how you approach organizing--or your philosophy?
When I first start working with a new client I like to start with a smaller size part of the project and easy and less sensitive project that will show big results in a short amount of time. Easing into organizing gives me a chance to explain my methods and why it is important. We discuss options for donation, recycling, repurposing and selling. When following this process I find my clients have more energy, knowledge and motivation to tackle the next steps. They are not overwhelmed and see a light at the end of the Tunnel!
What sorts of challenges can you help with? What opportunities are individuals likely to miss if they try to complete the organization work themselves?
I am asked this question all the time! How do I get rid of this........? I have a list of partners that I work with to recycle, repurpose, donate and sell non wanted items. I utilize partners that are environmentally conscious and are free or minimal cost to the Client.
Is there anything you wish your clients knew before contacting you?
Yes! I want my clients to know how passionate I am about home organizing and helping them reach their new vision for their space! I dove into every book, blog and tv program about home organizing, minimalism, hoarding, house interior design and environmental resources that I could find.
I want them to feel above and beyond happiness with the work we accomplished.
Are there any current projects or services that you'd like to highlight?
Recently I have been helping seniors downsize and create better functioning homes for their aging needs. This includes creating better lighting, arranging items to minimize bending or kneeling to reach items, and installing door handles designed for arthritic hands. My goal is to make a difference in anything that would make their home more comfortable and easier to maintain.
Kathleen Hansen is the owner of Heart of the Home Organizing in Maple Valley WA.
You can reach her at
www.heartofthehomeorganizing.com
email: hello@heartofthehomeorganizing.com
Tel: 425-830-6964
