Help is at hand for Preston hoarders who want to cut the clutter

Marie Bateson and Sue Rowlinson want to help hoarders

A Bamber Bridge woman is on a mission to help Prestonians cut the clutter.

Marie Bateson has been a professional organiser for three years.

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Marie said: “I started thinking about being a declutterer years ago but couldn’t just leave a good job and start up due to the usual financial commitments.

“Then I had to clear my mum’s flat when she went into care. I found it a slow process alone and with only a few hours a weekend to do it in. I also started helping friends declutter and realised some of the barriers people have to being able to start, continue and to part with things.

“When I was made redundant I was able to promote the service and undertake training. I have worked with all ages, both men and women, people with hoarding tendencies and many with mental health issues.

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“The delight and positive feedback I get from my clients is so wonderful. I enjoy the work and I am passionate about trying to get more funding for people suffering anxiety and depression, which is lifted enormously when their home is no longer chaotic.”

Earlier this year, Marie joined forces with fellow organiser Sue Rowlinson to start delivering workshops.

Marie, who is a member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO), said: “People are surprised when we tell them what we do, so we wanted to help the service to be recognised.

“There are over 300 members of APDO, but most are south of Manchester, or in London and the south.

“We want to raise awareness of the help available should people need it.

“Attendees will learn the reasons you get cluttered, strategies to overcome disorganisation, about the steps to declutter, storage solutions and paperwork, plus there are practical demonstrations.”

A cluttered room — Does this scene look familiar? Marie and Sue could help!

Marie and Sue’s next Declutter and Organise Your Home workshop will take place at Cottam Primary School in Haydocks Lane on Saturday 28 September from 10.15am to 2.15pm.

Tickets, which include lunch, a workbook and handouts, are priced from £34.95, and are available from Eventbrite.

For more information on decluttering follow Cut the Clutter on Facebook.

Read more: See what’s on in Preston

Do you need help with decluttering? Let us know in the comments below.