HOW I GOT HERE...THE LONG STORY
Organization didn't always come naturally to me, but years of hands-on experience turned it into a genuine skill. What did come naturally was a passion for working with people and I knew this from a young age. Some kids dream of being astronauts or pop stars (or in my case, a fairy princess ballerina), one goal was obvious: I wanted to help others. I wasn’t exactly sure how, but knew it would work out along the way. (spoiler alert) It worked out.
As soon as I was old enough to legally join the workforce, I began a job at an assisted living facility and a deep appreciation for seniors took root. Their wisdom, humor, and readiness to share stories made a lasting impact.
The following summer I took on a second job at a dental office. It involved janitorial work, organizing and maintaining the office. I quickly mastered the art of being detail-oriented and efficient, all while keeping things tidy, sterile and safe. Apparently, my work ethic and integrity did not go unnoticed. Upon graduating high school they offered me a full-time position as their dental assistant. I gladly accepted, earned necessary certifications through the state of Oregon, and stayed with the practice for the next 20 years.
Over those two decades at this small dental practice, I wore every hat imaginable and truly loved it: chair-side assistant, receptionist, housekeeper, interior decorator, caregiver, gardener, patient relations expert, operational custodian, insurance coordinator, handy-woman... sometimes all in the same day. Being the go-to person for everything taught me resilience, impeccable time management, how to be adaptable, resourceful, and occasionally, how to survive on coffee and sheer willpower.
Eventually, after 20 wonderful and busy years, I chose to take an early retirement to pivot toward a new path. It began by volunteering with hospice care and was deeply moved by the work, particularly the importance of end-of-life dignity and support. When looking further into a career in hospice and possibly becoming a death doula, I learned the concept of Swedish death cleaning. This sounds grim but is really just a thoughtful way to declutter and organize so our loved ones aren’t left overwhelmed after we are gone. Let’s just say I now understand the emotional weight and burden of too many knickknacks and unread magazines.
While continuing to explore this career path, I became certified as an in-home caregiver. Through this role, I entered countless homes and saw a clear and consistent need for support in organizing, simplifying and reclaiming living spaces. It truly became glaring. It is more rare to find a home without the need for my services: packing and unpacking for a move, entering a new phase of life, tailoring a home's belongings to accommodate changes in physical abilities, taking ownership of spaces that have become storage areas instead of useful square footage, creating more ease and harmony causing a decrease in stress, and more. The skills needed for this work are deeply rooted in me through direct experience, education and intuition.
I believe every moment leads us to the next. It landed me here...to help you with your home. I am proficient at the physical work and compassionately specialize in having a heart for people. I have come to know it isn't just about "the stuff". It is often tied to emotions, mental fatigue, transitions, grief and so much more when faced with what to do with our accumulated possessions. Typically, there are underlying reasons for disorganization, attachment and identity regarding our belongings. Sometimes it is just a lack of clarity, purpose, simple systems or even knowing how to begin. I have an extensive understanding and appreciation for every facet in this line of work and know the difference I can make in YOUR home. The freedom, empowerment, relief and rejuvenation that comes from creating a space that supports your life. Let me help MAKE your SPACE MAKE SENSE.
Thank you for your time and interest in what I was called to do. Truly and sincerely.
-Mary D.
