Professional organizer helps people restore homes without judgment

Signed-Johanna Hecht helps people whose homes have become difficult to manage because of mental health problems or traumatic life events, ERR reported. She said her work began when a relative needed help and she felt she had to step in.

One of Hecht’s clients, Raily, who runs a beauty salon, shared her story in the hope it would encourage others in similar situations to seek help.

Raily said she had often wondered how so many belongings had accumulated in her home. She knew the situation was no longer under her control, but found it hard to act. “Every day I had a plan that today I would get it done, and in the evening you see that you haven’t done anything because you simply can’t pull yourself off the sofa,” she said.

Raily said her childhood home had been clean, and she had kept a tidy home for her own children for years. Her last renovation was about 10 years ago, when the home was in good order and the family celebrated Christmas with a large tree.

Her life later changed after she developed Moyamoya disease, which was accompanied by deep depression. Gradually, she said, her home life began to fall apart. She stopped inviting people over and did not want anyone to visit.

Raily began to understand the seriousness of the situation when a friend visited and told her that something had to be done. She eventually contacted Hecht. Rather than simply having someone clean for her, Raily wanted support to keep the process moving.

It took time to arrange their first meeting, as Raily’s mood fluctuated and they had to reschedule several times. Hecht said people in disorganized homes may lose track of their belongings and buy replacements. When she helps organize a home, she sometimes finds large quantities of cleaning supplies beneath the clutter.

Hecht adapts the work to each client’s health and does not expect people to do more than they have the strength or health for. Raily said their first meeting began with a conversation before they gradually started working. Her children also helped.

Raily’s home was put in order in two days. She said she was grateful that Hecht came to help, was there for her and did not judge her.

Not judging is essential

Hecht initially helped people organize their homes alongside her main job. She now does this work full time through the company Uus Algus Kodule. After a few months, her calendar had filled up so much that only occasional days remained free through the end of the year.