For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk 

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Jasmine Sleigh is a professional declutterer and has spent the past decade helping people to free up space. She focuses not only on physical belongings but also on the emotional and psychological aspects of decluttering. In today's episode, Jasmine likens her role to a dance, where she carefully navigates through uncertainties and potential triggers for her clients and stresses the importance of providing support and encouragement throughout the decluttering process.

We also discuss Jasmine's book, Being Owned: A Decade in Professional Decluttering, where she expands on the concepts discussed in this episode. Let's dive into the world of decluttering with Jasmine Sleigh.

Facilitating crafts and donating unused items.Professional decluttering: a personal and people-centric approachHandling belongings requires adaptability and improvisationSort out space, prioritise essentials, declutterUnderstanding lives through belongings; an intimate jobStuff has power, can be movedKeep belongings accessible for ease of useHelping people achieve their goals is the keyPositive actions in a cost of living crisisJasmine wanted to write a book about her experiences as a professional declutterer, focusing on the poignant stories of her clients and celebrating her achievementsShe also felt frustrated by people's misconceptions about the jobThe importance of using and sharing possessions, especially in the context of crafting and hobbies.Jasmine can only go as far as clients are willing to let herTraining others has further shaped her understandingEmotional attachments and recent purchases may require more distanceThe power of belongings and the impact they can haveEnsuring easy access and a comfortable living environment for individuals is the main priorityGoal is to make people happier in their homesUsing resources for good and the availability of second-hand items in a crisisSorting through belongings and determining their importance in one's life narrativeThe Unpredictability of the JobNeed for adaptability in dealing with unexpected situationsDescribing the job as a "dance" due to uncertainties and triggersBeing present and flexible in the moment, avoiding over-preparationIneffectiveness of threats and negative consequencesThe Process of DeclutteringRecognising that there is no quick fix or magic solutionExamples of finding forgotten itemsBelongings becoming overwhelming and causing a burdenThe ability to move and rearrange belongings to improve the situationDifferent levels of difficulty in letting go of different types of itemsSorting out keepsakes at different life stagesImportance of having hobbies and engaging in creative activitiesCreating a space to pursue hobbies and finish projectsPassing on unused items for sustainability and resource usagePower dynamics surrounding objectsGiving individuals agency to make choices about possessionsStories of reengagement and finding joy in personal belongingsBeing attuned to people and focused on their well-beingMaturation and increased understanding after 10 years of workingImportance of the home as a sanctuary for wellbeing

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