Opening The Door

In this job, many of my clients feel a lot of shame about letting me see their spaces. It usually comes up near the end of a call. Once we’re booking a consultation and I gather their address, it’s almost like something shifts. They realize I’m actually coming, and soon.

The thing that always makes people feel better is reassurance. I tell them I’ve seen it all before, that they’re not alone, and that they don’t need to tidy up at all. I want to see the space in its true form. There’s almost instant relief. Like, okay, I can let her in.

For a long time, I thought reaching out was the hardest step. And I still think it’s one of them. But working on a new project recently made me realize that for many people, the scariest part might actually be opening the door for the first time.

There’s something about that moment. It turns something internal into something visible. Until then, everything stays contained. The clutter, the stress, the explanations we rehearse in our heads. Opening the door makes it real.

When I walked up the steps and knocked on the door, I didn’t think anything different than usual. But she did. On the other side of that door, a young mom was debating whether to open it at all. And I had no idea.

Three sessions in, she told me this. She also told me that her son had encouraged her to open the door that day.

I was genuinely shocked when she shared that with me. It really sunk in how much weight that moment carried, and how invisible it was from the outside. If she hadn’t opened the door, I would never have known. I would have gone on with my day unaware, and wouldn’t have even known the difference.

Instead, this project has been deeply meaningful and genuinely enjoyable for both of us. I’m so thankful she decided to open the door. The courage it took to do that is something I don’t take lightly. I’m incredibly grateful I get to witness the progress she’s made as she gets her space back.

Thanks for reading,

Chloe