From Chaos to Clarity: How My Upbringing Shaped My Passion for Decluttering - By Clear And Calm Home Organising

Growing up in a clutter-infested home, I never imagined that one day, organisation and decluttering would become my passion—and my business. But looking back, it all makes perfect sense.

A Childhood of Clutter

My Mother and stepfather were hoarders, always bringing home items from kerbside rubbish piles, the tip, garage sales, and second-hand stores. Anything free or "too good to pass up" found its way into our already overcrowded home. With six kids and two adults in the house, space was scarce, and mess was inevitable.

Antiques with resale value went straight to eBay to fuel my mother’s gambling addiction, while the rest of the junk piled up around us. There was no sense of order, no peace—just chaos. I suppose that’s where my anxiety began.

Finding My Own Space

In a house where clutter ruled, I fought to carve out a little sanctuary for myself. I shared a bedroom with at least one sibling at any given time, but I took control in the only way I could, I put a line of masking tape down the middle of the room. No one was allowed on my side.

I would often pick dandelions, and other little weed flowers to decorate my drawers, making my corner feel fresh and peaceful. While the rest of the house remained in disarray, my small, clean space became a refuge. Without realising it, I was already learning the value of organisation, not just for tidiness but for mental clarity.

A Natural Organiser

As a teenager, I babysat after school to earn a little money. After putting the kids to bed, I would instinctively start tidying up, cleaning dishes, straightening up toys, and organising what I could.

I never thought much about it at the time. It just felt natural. Parents would return home, grateful for the extra effort, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. It was an early sign that organising wasn’t just something I did, it was something I loved.

Bringing Order to My Own Life

Fast forward to adulthood, and I’m now a single mother of two boys. The anxiety from my childhood still lingers, but I’ve found a way to manage it, through organisation. My home is my safe space, where everything has its place. Keeping things clean and structured helps keep my mind calm.

Of course, life with kids means a few inevitable messes, like when my eldest son walks through the house in his grassy work boots or when both boys leave their dirty clothes in front of the washing machine, waiting for me to do the laundry! But overall, I’ve created a home that feels peaceful and under control—something I never had growing up.

Turning Passion into Purpose

For years, I asked myself: Where am I going? What am I doing? What should I be doing? What am I good at?

Then, one day, it hit me—I’ve been organising and decluttering my whole life. What if I turned this natural skill into a business?

And so, I am.

I’m just starting out in the professional organising world, but in many ways, I’ve been doing this forever. I know first-hand how overwhelming clutter can feel and how freeing it is to let go of the excess. Now, I want to help others create the same sense of peace and clarity in their homes.

Because I know better than anyone—when your home is clear, your mind is calm. And that can change everything.