Where there is a Problem you first must identify the Cause

In most instances a state of chaos arises out of something that has become overwhelming or out of control. More often than not, when I walk into a garage, office, or basement I can see the foundation of something that originally was organized – or the intention was for it to be organized. The catalyst for the chaos is usually as simple as clutter started collecting – the problem wasn’t acknowledged and identified and it simply grew. I’m usually called in because people have allowed something to progress to a state that they are overwhelmed – don’t know what to do and simply want to close the door and turn off the light.
 
When I first meet with a client, that session is spent with me listening to the client – I have them address the problem, share with me why I’ve been called and what they want to accomplish. Depending on the scope of the job we establish a timeline and set out to complete the task. We then set out to take on one thing at a time and work so that they see progress but we don’t rush to completion. If we are tackling a kitchen I’m looking for clues that answer where the issue really lies. How are things ending up there – what is the source. What system or process needs to be implemented, tweaked or eliminated to reach a workable solution?  It won’t be of any help to take the time and effort to clean something up if you aren’t also identifying the factors that led to the situation.