The other day, Ariane Benefit, Professional Organizer & ADD / ADHD Organizing Coach who authors Neat & Simple Living, an Organizing & Decluttering Blog, called me to jokingly cuss me out because I had turned her on to an addictive
organizing makeover show on Style Network called Clean House. Like me, she couldn't get enough of the show's playful spirit and down to earth stories.
The premise of the show is: (from their webite)
Each week, one cluttered clan puts itself at the mercy of host Niecy Nash and her crew of interior designers and organizers. They decide what stays and, more importantly, what goes--by way of a giant yard sale. Then they turn around and pour the proceeds into a much-needed home makeover.
Think of it as residential rehab, an interior intervention. Tears are shed and arguments often ensue--but the final outcome is always shocking and inspiring!
I know this sounds a lot like some of the other shows, for example TLC's Clean Sweep, but believe me, it's not. There's something powerful about the way this show flows that feels deeper and more real at the same time. We get a true peek into the 'foolishness' [Niecy's word for rebellious needless childish chaos] that people live in on a daily basis (and more shockingly, that people subject their kids to!) and how forthright persuasion can shake people out of their resistance mindset and into the burst of energy that comes from letting go.
For me, the best part of the show is the gorgous, sassy, stylish and truly wise host, Niecy Nash, who, although she never ever ever lays a perfectly-manicured finger on a bit of clutter, works her magic on the folks she is visiting-- cajoling, needling (in a good way), pushing and convincing them to let go of their *ahem* JUNK. Very few people stay mad at this coyote/trickstress for very long, they feel her heartfelt enthusiasm, hear her wisdom and see their own foolishness with fresh eyes.
Here's a few things that I've learned from Niecy:
- The saying, "The hand that is open to let go is the hand that is open to receive".
- You can bribe people to let go of things they seem intensely attached to with something shiny and new and they won't regret their decision. This was an eye-opener to me because if you are truly sentimentally attached to something, how could a new bedroom set help you let go? I always knew that attachment was in your mind, but seeing people let go so easily and never look back really made me stop and think of the implications for how I can better help people let go---my life's mission!
- Living in clutter and chaos is 'foolishness' and should be called out with no sugar coating.
- Trust that when people are ready, they will do the right thing.
- In a household, everyone has some measure of responsibility for how the house got in the shape it's in, whether that is chaotic or harmonious.
Now let me say right off the bat that I don't mince words or hold back my opinion when I am working with my clients, but I am more...diplomatic, if you will, about how I address the situation, or at least I was 
until I saw how Niecy works it. She has inspired me to call a spade a spade, in a loving way. We are not doing anyone a favor that is living in foolishness unless we point out the elephant in the living room (or bedroom, usually!) and tell it like it is.
I have found that if you truly believe in someone's ability to know what is right for them, that you can help bring that out in them by being a rock steady force, holding the higher space, not letting them backslide or get away with anything, but at the same time, not trying to control or manipulate the situation. that's the hard part, trust me.
I know a lot of people reading this blog, as well as many of the people who call me (not to mention the people on the show!) like to blame or point the finger at the other people in their household when it comes to clutter. What if you took a good hard look at your part and cleaned up your side of the street? What might happen then?
If you live in the Southern California area and would like to be on Clean House, or some of the other makeover shows, here's a list of links to apply:
- Clean House on Style Network
- HGTV's DESPERATE- HGTV's upcoming show for DESPERATE people in DESPERATE need of a home design makeover (they don't reveal the name of the show on the site)
- Clean Sweep
doesn't appear to be taking applications right now. Check back on the TCL site periodically.[Thanks to John Trosko for reminding us that Clean Sweep is only airing reruns.]
Home Makeover Shows in the U.K.- and for my beloved readers in the U.K. here's a great site for you!
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((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Jessica -:¦:-
