and happier living space.
My Passions
Organising is my big passion. Even when I was a little girl, I loved to arrange things. I guess I inherited my recycling and ‘make-do’ skills from my nan, Lottie, and my organising and life skills from my mum and dad, Valerie and Terry.
My nan was a huge part of my life. Flamboyant, bubbly, generous and kind, she donated and recycled tirelessly in her local community. She understood the needs and hardships of raising a family and was always thinking of others less fortunate than herself. Growing up, I would look up to her with such admiration. She showed me life’s ‘how-to-dos’ with smiles and laughter. Her catch phrases were ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ and ‘make do and mend’. A stay-at-home mother, she raised six children on a tight budget and always kept an eye out for a bargain when she was shopping in the local markets. She was a great multi-tasker and just thinking about her still makes me smile. Not a day goes by without me missing her.
My mother, so caring and thoughtful, is the queen of organising, and I’ve learned so much from her. She loves to upcycle and donate, and this has made a huge impact on me and how I live my own life. While I was writing this book, I asked my parents whether I was always this organised and they both said, ‘Yes, if it was on your terms!’ They never had to tell me twice to clear up my room, as I always liked it to be neat and tidy. I’d play with my post office set or Barbie dolls and would always put them away inside their boxes because that was where they belonged. I guess it was all down to respect for my environment and being in my happy place.
I grew up in a tidy home, which was filled with love, and every Sunday from the age of 10 my sister and I helped our parents with household chores. We would clean or tidy our bedrooms, get out our school clothes and lay the table for dinner. My dad always took us to the park or swimming every Sunday morning so my mum could get her chores done and cook the dinner in peace – I only understand now as a mother how amazing that must have felt. Ha, ha! Both our parents worked while we were growing up, but they were always there for us. We had a routine for work, school and after-school activities and we all supported each other.
Although we didn’t have masses of toys like children do today, and there certainly wasn’t a special designated playroom, my sister and I were encouraged to be creative and to play anywhere. I loved reading books and writing in diaries, playing outside for hours on end and dancing and acting at my local stage school. I wasn’t brought up with lots of material possessions, just what made me happy, and maybe this is where my passion for decluttering comes from. I believe that most of us have too much stuff; less really is more.
I’m also passionate about sustainability and the environment and I want my children to grow up in a better world where we preserve our natural resources, reduce the impact of global warming and enjoy cleaner air and water. Climate change is the biggest issue of our time, and while you might think that individually you can’t make a difference, even tiny changes in your lifestyle can help.
Most of us have too much stuff; less really is more.
Living in a kinder, more thoughtful way is a good place to start and I try to do this in my own life. As a family, we’ve taken practical steps in our home to be more eco-friendly and to live our lives more sustainably. I buy smart and use environmentally friendly cleaning products that don’t contain harsh chemicals, or I make my own with natural ingredients, such as essential oils, lemons, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar (see Chapter 3). I also recycle as much as possible, wage war on plastic and upcycle lots of common household items to give them a new, useful life (see Chapter 4).
My Mission
Since starting my business, I’ve discovered my mission and my joy. I’d like to do some good in the world and for my career to have a sense of purpose, and I feel fortunate that I’ve met and helped so many lovely people whose lives have been transformed for the better by organising and decluttering their homes.
My blog and Instagram feed are full of helpful tips on how you can declutter, tidy, organise, recycle, upcycle, eco-clean and donate, and for a long time I’ve wanted to write it all down in a ‘go-to’ way that will help, inform and encourage people. And here it is. Packed with useful information and tips to motivate you and help you think more positively, this book will inspire you to get rid of all the clutter in your life and make it much simpler and happier.
You really can achieve anything you put your mind to. If I can do it, so can you.
10 ways to . . .
be happy and feel good
It’s easy to feel good about yourself and your life if you start counting your blessings, follow your dream and get organised. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
1.
DO WHAT YOU LOVE
There is a lot of truth in the sentiment that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. If you’re unhappy and can’t find a new job, try to shift your focus and look for the positives in your current one. At the very least, do one thing you enjoy every day.
2.
FOLLOW YOUR DREAM
Dream big. Since starting TGCO in 2017 I have had the best time! I have met loads of incredible people, made some wonderful friends and have visited homes across the UK. I really believe that if you work hard and surround yourself with your dreams, they will one day come true (so start making that vision board – see here).
3.
STAY FOCUSED AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
You are already fresh and fabulous and can achieve whatever you put your mind to. Try to stay away from negativity and never forget your goals.
4.
LIVE FOR EACH DAY
Life is short, so embrace every minute. Don’t be held back by what has happened in the past. Be fearless and look for new opportunities and experiences.
5.
GET UP EARLY
Those quiet moments in the morning are a great time to reflect on your life and what you want your day to look like. It also means you won’t have to rush, and that will immediately make you less stressed.
6.
GO FOR A WALK
Getting fresh air is a brilliant way to clear your mind and it is also a great opportunity to think and plan.
7.
HELP OTHERS
Be compassionate and empathetic. Helping others grow is the best way to help yourself grow. Volunteering is one way to do this; or start with your friends and family and those around you.
8.
SMILE
Every day is full of endless possibilities. You are in control of your attitude, so start your days with a smile and stay optimistic.
9.
PLAN A TRIP
It’s good to have something to look forward to.
10.
PRACTISE GRATITUDE
Be thankful for everything you have already. Celebrate the present and take a more active role in your life.
A person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen and a hand willing to help others. I believe these are the main qualities of TGCO. Kindness is free, and it really does make the world smile.
– Anonymous Client