Do you own your stuff or does it own you? Freeing yourself and your home with Jasmine Sleigh, author of Being Owned

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 approach
Handling belongings requires adaptability and improvisation
Sort out space, prioritise essentials, declutter
Understanding lives through belongings; an intimate job
Stuff has power, can be moved
Keep belongings accessible for ease of use
Helping people achieve their goals is the key
Positive actions in a cost of living crisis
Jasmine wanted to write a book about her experiences as a professional declutterer, focusing on the poignant stories of her clients and celebrating her achievements
She also felt frustrated by people's misconceptions about the job
The 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 her
Training others has further shaped her understanding
Emotional attachments and recent purchases may require more distance
The power of belongings and the impact they can have
Ensuring easy access and a comfortable living environment for individuals is the main priority
Goal is to make people happier in their homes
Using resources for good and the availability of second-hand items in a crisis
Sorting through belongings and determining their importance in one's life narrative
The Unpredictability of the Job
Need for adaptability in dealing with unexpected situations
Describing the job as a "dance" due to uncertainties and triggers
Being present and flexible in the moment, avoiding over-preparation
Ineffectiveness of threats and negative consequences
The Process of Decluttering
Recognising that there is no quick fix or magic solution
Examples of finding forgotten items
Belongings becoming overwhelming and causing a burden
The ability to move and rearrange belongings to improve the situation
Different levels of difficulty in letting go of different types of items
Sorting out keepsakes at different life stages
Importance of having hobbies and engaging in creative activities
Creating a space to pursue hobbies and finish projects
Passing on unused items for sustainability and resource usage
Power dynamics surrounding objects
Giving individuals agency to make choices about possessions
Stories of reengagement and finding joy in personal belongings
Being attuned to people and focused on their well-being
Maturation and increased understanding after 10 years of working
Importance of the home as a sanctuary for wellbeing

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