Survey #282—Full Response from Suzanne
| Pronouns | She/her |
|---|---|
| Describe a situation in which someone successfully assisted you with a decluttering or organizing project. What factors contributed to the success of the collaboration? | A family member was visiting to help prep my place for a party. She was happy to give a hand, she was non-judgmental, and she asked questions if she came across an object that she thought I might want to let good. We had fun and no stress. |
| Describe a situation in which you asked for help with decluttering or organizing, but were unsatisfied with the results. What factors contributed to your dissatisfaction? | Hmm, I can’t recall such a situation. I guess if I had, the factors would be the opposite of positive help I’ve received. |
| Describe a situation in which you successfully assisted someone else with a decluttering or organizing project. What factors contributed to the success of your efforts? | Someone I didn’t know very well asked me to help them in your apartment. Once there it was clear the person was overwhelmed and struggling with everything. Factors that helped me to be of service and make a big difference for the other person: 1. I asked what area they would like me to work on first and that’s the area I started in. 2. I asked if they had a vacuum so I could begin by vacuuming (it needed it very badly, I was wearing socks, AND vacuuming for me is like washing a sink before I add soapy water and wash dishes). The factor here is I needed to take a step that was crucial for my wellbeing and was part of my method.. 3. I had a positive attitude, I was able to think clearly, I had a plan in my head of the steps I would take, I worked steadily but at reasonable pace, I asked a question when I was unsure about anything, and when I was at the point where one would normally wash and clean the cleared area before returning items in an organized way I had to insist that it would be best if she allowed me to do so. I needed to complete my job fully despite her mild objections. She just didn’t know or envision what was possible. When we went to work on the entirety of her clothes on a bed I suggested to her that we put like with like, clothes categories. She was happily surprised at how much easier it was for her to deal with the clothing. After all the above words I can summarize to: go in with a positive attitude of being of service with what THEY choose for me to help with, be compassionate and kind, as well as encouraging (they are the person who was brave and overwhelmed enough to ask me for help), have a good sleep and be fed and hydrated before arriving to help, support and don’t try to control at all, be non-judgemental is paramount, have fun or make some fun, do good and be good, listen to and hear the person you’re helping. |
| Describe a situation in which you offered help with decluttering or organizing, but you didn’t achieve the desired results. What factors contributed to coming up short of success? | I don’t have a memory of this exactly. I don’t push myself in to help when someone refuses that help. It’s a little different though when water is coming in due to a broken pipe or something and things need to be moved quickly despite the other person’s objection and “freeze” mode (from intense anxiety or overwhelm). |
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