07/29/2023
Are you, or do you have a family member who is struggling to keep up with cleaning? I tackle some of the worst environments you can imagine...
Hi! My name is Jen and I have been decluttering, cleaning and setting up systems for living for many years. In fact, I noticed from an early age that I was very good at finding efficient ways to make life easier and to save time, energy and money! In 2002 I earned my degree in Interior Design. I use my ability to plan spaces and good old knowledge of science to eradicate dirt and stains from surfaces. So much of cleaning is hindered by the buildup of filth over time and limited space due to clutter... Things get out of control and it becomes harder and harder. People who suffer from disabilities, depression, illness, and injuries just don't have the physical strength and emotional energy to tackle the job! Effective cleaning requires skills that some have just never been taught!
That is where I come in. I start by taking the time to do an "intake" where I learn the obstacles a client is facing. I also ask questions, which allows me to learn what is important to them. What is the ultimate goal for me being there? It could be health reasons, like difficulty breathing in the space because of dust or problems caused from exposure to pet excrement. It could be safety reasons, like lack of access to exits or clutter hindering safe navigation throughout the home. The most essential part of this process is actually seeing the space. This will tell me more than any words could explain.
My services are confidential and it is a relationship based on TRUST. Many people feel shame and embarrassment for the condition of their home. I am not here to JUDGE. I am here to HELP.
I have clients who are eager to enact my suggestions, often because it is their last chance to stay in their home. Some have driven away friends or family because of stubbornness and an unwillingness to try something unfamiliar to them. They are embarrassed of what their home has become. Others are ready to listen and excited for a clean stress free and healthy space. For some, it is their last chance to keep their independence. If for some reason the EMT's are called to come in, it could be a persons last time living in their home if the conditions are deemed to be unsafe or it is clear that an individual just can't take care of themselves or their pets...
I maintain a judgement free approach, and with that comes the necessity of being shown respect FROM the person who I am to work with as well. I do not tolerate any type of verbal abuse. I am helping because I WANT to, oftentimes for a fraction of what I might charge, as I work on a sliding scale based on an individual's ability to pay. For this reason, I find that it is worth my time to write up a plan before any work even starts. When we set expectations from the beginning, there is nothing to argue about. It also allows me to economize my time. I am not a home health aid and I am not a hired hand to follow instructions. I am here to help develop a plan and achieve the desired outcome set by all parties together. This usually involves a spouse and other members of the household.
Once I assess the space I will write up a Plan Of Action, a step by step approach that tackles one thing at a time, unique to each job. I do not expect to come in and make many changes all at once. It is a PROCESS. I do, however, need to be able to finish the tasks that I came to accomplish without distraction. I am happy to talk while I work or to stay afterward if there is time. I enjoy hearing the stories of peoples lives, but I also have a job to do!
Every challenge that a person faces has a CAUSE. Once the cause is identified, I will come up with a solution to prevent that from being a problem in the future. That is what I call a SYSTEM. The system must be adhered to. Some people will try to come up with reasons WHY a system won't work without trying it. I will attempt to compromise. If it is truly a valid reason we will find a different solution. Often times, it is an EXCUSE to avoid change or to hold on to various items. Unwillingness to try something different, especially when what someone has been doing for years IS NOT WORKING, indicates to me that they are not ready for my help.
IMPACT OF CLEANING CHEMICALS
I have had an autoimmune disease since I was 18 years old. For this reason I only use natural cleaning supplies with few exceptions. I like Method, and Mrs. Meyers brands. I often use baking soda, vinegar, essential oils and isopropyl alcohol and oxygen/peroxide to clean. I do not want to expose myself, or anyone else to harmful chemicals. The same is true of the contaminated air that some clients are breathing and those situations call for decontamination. 100% of public water is sanitized using chlorine, and it is deemed safe for human consumption in small quantities. The amount of bleach needed to sanitize contaminated surfaces on occasion is not harmful.
INDOOR PET ACCIDENTS/ LITTER BOXES/PESTS
Many people enjoy having a pet. A nonjudgmental and trusted companion can be comforting and improve the quality of ones life . However, pets can require a lot of maintenance and clean up. Especially elderly pets. If there is harmful bacteria present, usually indicated by an odor or presence of f***l matter, disinfectant is necessary. Some people do not even realize the danger that they are living in each day with harmful airborne bacteria. Many times people become immune to the odor in their own home. Sometimes that odor lingers on clothing and can be smelled by others... It has been proven that exposure to this air can lead to multiple health problems like asthma, emphysema, liver and kidney failure, and heart disease. Heart disease can be caused by bacteria absorbed through the mouth and nasal tissue. (The dentist that discovered this won the Nobel Peace Prize). Pregnant woman are discouraged from cleaning litter boxes by their doctors because of this danger. This is why it is important to remove dirty litter from ones home daily and always use a mask when changing a litter box. I myself have waited too long and have struggled with removing heavy litter from my own home. Now, we make sure to tidy up the litter every day so that it remains a manageable task and takes but a few minutes...
Our bodies are amazing machines, built to heal themselves. Constant exposure to dirty air can cause our filtering organs like the liver and kidneys to go into overdrive. When this happens, we loose the ability to fight off viruses and cancers... Bacteria can enter our bodies through small cuts and abrasions. Leftover food and garbage can attract unwanted pests like mice and roaches. I will always choose to use the most natural and humane options possible to manage pests, mold and bacteria.
Making things EASIER is the basic principal behind everything that I do, and why we have SYSTEMS. It is to ease the tedium of of large and overwhelming tasks. If you think that you would like to learn an easier, healthier and safe way to keep your home, I can help! Please contact me for a consultation if you are ready for my services!
Sincerely,
Jen Sickler
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