We needed to clean out 15 yrs worth of junk in a small space with 3 people and a pooch, to make room for a baby. It has been unfortunate that a baby brought us to this, but helpful. I was never really a person who accumulated much, as I hate the thought of moving yearly (school and helping ppl move) and then packing and unpacking things. Very inconvenient. Finally, the clutter got to me, but I didn't want to do anything about it, as I was comfortable with the accumulation. I am just sick of "another move." But there was no place for baby. So, hubby called Regina to ask for her help. I honestly HATED the fact that happened, although I know we and I needed the change. I didn't want to go through and see the waste and unnecessary that have gathered dust and not put to good use. I hate to deal with the psych issues growing up not having much, and always having hand me downs, and only about 150 items in the closet, including shoes, socks, underwear, and outerwear and no pretty things around the house. Very austere house, but loaded with newspapers all over the place.
So, after meeting Regina, I really didn't want to clear anything, but know it was necessary. We had to have things done to the house, so I had to start clearing what needed to be done in the rooms. The bathrooms were first, then the kitchen counter top. Then I got an emergency injury needing surgery, and there goes the process of clearing up for the baby! So.... this is the home stretch. I am getting desperate, because it seems the progress I've made is 4 steps back. Everyone too busy even to help me out. Things are not getting done. I emailed Regina for her help a month before she sent her crew out to help. I am tired of doing things... and 7 or 8 mos with baby, no lifting allowed. So Regina sent over her crew of Mary, Faye, and Judy, and Richard.
I can't say enough good things about them. We had new furniture to be built. They built that for us. We needed furniture moved out, they did that. It seems like we had a ton of paperwork to be shredded, or recycled (7 full bags in a huge huge recycle bag and 2 boxes of shred now), still going strong. They helped us sort into different categories personalized.... according to what we had. They helped us make decisions on what to keep and guided us on what is helpful to throw away. There is no pressure, however, if you are rational, and not emotional about things, RATIONALITY wins, and you end up returning double items or tossing (donate or throw) the older items. The crew is courteous, never pushy, quick in helping with decision making, and absolutely, knows what you need. I was initially embarrassed with all the things, and actually felt like I wanted to torch everything, but in the end, I see that they are correct in saying it's a mind thing to be aware of what goes inside the house and what to toss out, because it has frequent use. They NEVER NEVER try to change your mind, only guide you how to think about things.
They are also very honest, ethical people (surprised me when Judy announced that she had found some significant sum of money in a wallet that hadn't been looked at for a while), and very nice and friendly to our pooch, who stayed outside with the gang. They even cleaned a bit (actually lots of dander and dust) of the dust from the floors and mopped and vacuumed to have a good working environment. They are prompt always and let you know what is going on and what will happen. I couldn't have felt more comfortable and no sense of dread by the end of the day.
All in all, after they left, (we had 2 days with them), I was so glad to donate fancy stuff to 2 ladies in need of planning a special event for their daughter. I felt proud that my treasured items are being so appreciated and helped out the ladies in dire need.... event is in 5 months, and they really hadn't gotten the main items yet purchased. I was so glad my things actually helped them out. I know that most possessions don't end up that way, but I am so happy to see them being put to good use by someone who treasures those collections as much as I do (I can't use them now).
So, final word. I would hire Regina and her crew again, well, hopefully not, as that would mean I have a good handle on necessary things. But if things were to get out of hand, I certainly would call her again. Thanks for the suggestion of 3 assistants each day. It makes the day go smoother and quicker. I am so glad I emailed Regina and so glad a lot of things are going to someone who would treasure them.
Overall, a 5 star professional company, and great people to work with in a highly stressful, anxiety provoking, shameful situation! Should have done this years ago! read more