Case Study: Tidying under the Stairs

Under the stairs

You might wonder, why seek help with clearing under the stairs? It may not seem like a very important area, and does it really matter what’s in there?

After several months of putting off this task, my client reached out for assistance. She had often set aside days to sort through the cupboard, but those days came and went, sometimes for valid reasons and other times simply due to a lack of motivation. She realised that help was needed.

The Decision to seek help

The Situation

About a year ago, this cupboard was tidy. However, after my client threw in a blanket and clothes from a decorating project, the identity of the space changed, and she said, before she knew it, the cupboard soon became a place to throw things in. Eventually, the cupboard became a chaotic pile of unknowns.

Setting Goals

During our initial conversation, I asked my client about her goals for the space. Easy access to items was a top priority.

The Decluttering Process

As we began to empty the cupboard, we shared a laugh when my client rediscovered a second vacuum cleaner. Although it had been replaced for not picking up pet hair well, it was perfect for her outdoor office—now it has a new home.

We also found a variety of lightbulbs, many of which didn’t fit any existing fixtures in the house. This led to the realisation that several items could have been discarded long ago.

The most time-consuming task was sorting through three containers filled with home improvement tools. It became clear that respect for the main toolbox had diminished. We separated tools like screwdrivers and spanners, placing them in a container for easy access.

Next, we tackled the bits and pieces: old batteries, screws, and nails. We tested the batteries and set aside any unusable ones for recycling. We discussed how many nails and screws she would reasonably need going forward, then bagged the excess for the recycling centre.

The Outcome

We drastically reduced the number of items in the cupboard, and my client can now clearly see what’s inside. When I left, she expressed surprise that clearing such a small area could make her feel so good.

This is the main aim of my service: I want my clients to feel good