Let’s begin by you telling us a bit about yourself…
I’m a mum of two little ones and am passionate about making a difference to people’s well-being through the art of decluttering and organisation. I have lived in Tunbridge Wells for over 15 years now, and love it here. Prior to having my children and starting my own business I worked in the busy world of digital and eCommerce but took a leap of faith just over a year ago to launch my own decluttering business Home Edited.
What gave you the idea to launch an organisational solutions operation?
I have always wanted to start my own business, especially since having children. As a busy mum, I am not afraid to say that clutter and mess makes me anxious and stressed, and being organised is hugely important for my mental health. For me, when my home is organised and everything is in its place, it gives me a clear mind and allows for inner calm.
What is the driving force of Home Edited?
As well as creating order, there’s a lot to be said for experiencing the positive feeling that decluttering and organising can have on people. That’s where my idea for Home Edited was born – mixed in with the most incredible group of friends that empowered me to take the jump. They include my very good friend and creative genius, Kerrie Kent at The Brand Studio, who helped me with my branding and enabled my vision to come to life.
You launched your business just over a year ago when we were still in lockdown due to Coronavirus. Why did you take the plunge then?
Some might say why launch right in the middle of a pandemic? But for me it was actually the best time! During the various lockdowns our homes became the centre of everything – from the hustle and bustle of working from home and home schooling, to our sanctuary. It was the perfect time to show that we all deserve a home that offers us a calm haven.
Have you found it easy or challenging to source clients?
The Tunbridge Wells community is something to be reckoned with and I’ve been lucky enough to receive amazingly positive feedback on my Home Edited social media channels! Working heavily on word of mouth initially worked well but as with starting any new business it has had its ups and downs, and so realigning my vision has been hugely important. Understanding my worth, what I can add to people’s lives as well as being willing to learn along the way has been integral to the growth of Home Edited.
What is the USP of your company?
A clear space and a clear mind. Home Edited exists to create calm in our homes and is driven by the fact that clutter can have an impact on our levels of stress and anxiety. I am keen to make a positive impact on people’s lives as well as their well-being through the process of introducing systems into our homes or workspaces, which allow us to develop healthy habits and restore calm. Every client’s needs are bespoke, we advise people to get in contact and I can discuss their requirements. I also offer remote sessions too.
Can you reveal a little bit about the process involved when you visit a client?
Every client’s needs are bespoke. That is what I love about my job. Our process starts with an initial consultation to understand our client’s requirements, which involves getting to the heart of what is needed from the space and what storage maybe required. Then it is all in the planning – which is what I do. I use software to design spaces and rooms, then liaise with the client until we get this right. I suggest different storage solutions, organising strategies and creative concepts for specific rooms, all of which is about making the space work better. Then it comes to the big day, which is when I go into the home and work on bringing the plan to life. The client can be involved as much or as little as they like, but will be needed for some decision-making.
Have most Home Edited clients managed to keep their homes streamlined after you have helped them out?
I do check in with them to make sure the spaces that we have created are still working – and so far they are all doing fantastically well. It’s about developing a healthy and positive habit that can have a big impact on individuals as well as their household.
Why do we all need a bit of organisation in our lives?
Well let’s be honest: life happens, mess happens, and things can feel out of control in so many ways. Having our homes organised, with a place for everything and everything in its place, really does allow for a clear space and clarity. This is certainly another aspect of self-care; it helps us to take control of our homes and our belongings, which improves our overall well-being.
And finally what kinds of rooms do you typically work in?
I have worked across a variety of spaces, from nurseries to playrooms and wardrobes, right through to make-up rooms, and each one has offered a fresh and exciting new challenge. The feedback has always been positive, not just on how the space looks, but more importantly how that space has impacted on the client; whether it be from a financial perspective, being able to utilise a space in a different and more positive way, or a play room organisation where it has impacted on a child’s play and how the child uses that space. Home Edited aims to get customers to enjoy and make the most out of their home.
Any tips on how we can weave this into our everyday chores and tidying routines?
Simple tasks such as writing a to do list can have a huge impact on our accomplishment levels. And organisation is not just for us adults. It’s key at any age and can have a positive impact. Our children respond well to routine, structure and to spaces that are decluttered as much as we do. We all strive for beautiful homes; however, it is how your home functions for you that will have the biggest impact on how you feel.
Follow Kate on Instagram at @home.edited
Home Edited’s Check List
LET’S STICK TOGETHER: For example, store all your medicines together, your cosmetics, your underwear, your jewellery, your gift wrapping and so on. This allows for finding things easily and clearing up quickly as there is a ‘home’ for everything.
WHAT’S IN A NAME? Labelling can ensure that other members of your household keep this system in place. This can sound like common sense, however the idea of Home Edited is to help you make it common practice.
STICK BY THE RULES: I use a rule for anything that is coming into my home: I ask myself do I consider this useful or beautiful? If neither applies, then why should I keep it? Personal guilt has a huge impact on clutter accumulation. So, always ask yourself why you are really keeping an item.
LAUNDRY DAYS: Systems for washing can be a real bug bear and having an allocated place for this really helps create a process for all the family. For some people it works well to have wash baskets in each bedroom, this is all dependant on the size of your home. However, allowing your children to take responsibility of this is also important and a good life skill.
WARDROBE WONDER: When it comes to wardrobes, Home Edited’s advice is to hang a much as you can, allowing you to visually see what you have, then roll the rest. Our wardrobes should be filled with what you want to wear, so opening your wardrobe should be like arriving at a party, where everyone you see is someone you like. This can also be applied to anywhere around your home.
SAFE SPACE: Finally remember just because you have created and cleared a space, it doesn’t mean you need to fill it. And be sure to communicate your systems with your family members so they can take responsibility of restoring calm too. Your home is meant to be your happy and calm space… don’t allow clutter or disorganisation to impact on that.
