Why I Fix Things: A Home Organiser’s Guide to Restoring What Matters Most
Some people see a tattered old chessboard or a dusty painting and think, “Bin it.” I see a story. A memory. A quiet, sacred link to someone or something that matters deeply.
Hi, I’m Jo, home organiser, memory preserver, occasional glue-wielding miracle worker. When I help clients declutter their homes, I’m not just sorting “stuff.” I’m helping people decide what to let go of, what to hold onto, and sometimes, what to lovingly bring back to life.
Because sometimes… you don’t need to throw it out.
Sometimes, you just need someone who knows how to fix it.
The Emotional Side of Decluttering
Let’s be honest, decluttering can stir up big feelings. That china teacup might look cracked and pointless, but it was your grandmother’s. The frame is dusty, but the photo inside holds decades of meaning.
For families, couples, and empty nesters especially, these items aren’t just objects. They’re anchors to people, places, and chapters that still matter.
That’s why, when I walk into your home, I bring more than just organising bins. I bring empathy, curiosity, and a healthy respect for the past. My job isn’t to force decisions, it’s to help you make ones you’ll feel good about long after I leave.
So… Why Do I Fix Things?
Simple: because it matters to you.
And because not all home organisers do. It’s one of those quiet skills I’ve developed over the years, part necessity, part love, part “I grew up in a family where we fixed things rather than replacing them.”
Whether it’s mending a worn edge of a painting, repairing a broken figurine, or gently cleaning an heirloom for safe display, I offer restoration as part of my organising sessions because it adds something that can’t be bought: dignity. For the item, and for the story it tells.
Real-Life Restoration Moments
Here are a few treasures I’ve helped bring back to life:
● A vintage chess set, inherited from a client’s father, with loose felt and cracked pieces. We cleaned it, re-glued it, and it now lives proudly in a glass cabinet, played with, not hidden.
● Two cherished paintings, water-damaged and covered in grime, now lovingly restored using conservation-friendly materials.
● A family heirloom chest: belonging to my clients great-grandmother from the late 1800’s, I worked with the local Beenleigh Men’s Shed to restore this treasure to a functional and stylish feature of the home.
Each of these items could have been discarded. But when given the choice, the owners said, “No, this is special.” And together, we found a way to honour that.
My Process: From Fragile to Functional
If you’re wondering how I decide what to restore, here’s how it works:
1. We Talk First
We chat about what matters most to you, what you want to keep, fix, or let go of. If something’s in question, I’ll ask, “Do you love it?” or “Would you want your kids to know about this?”
2. I Assess the Damage
Some things are an easy fix (a missing knob, a dusty photo). Others need a bit more care. I’m not a professional conservator, but I’m practical, respectful, and creative.
3. Fix or Suggest Alternatives
I can often restore items in my home workspace using gentle cleaning and reversible restoration methods. If it’s outside my scope (anything electronic or welding), I’ll point you in the direction of a trusted specialist.
4. Find It a Place
There’s no point fixing something only to shove it in a drawer. I help you find a home for it, a shelf, a display, or a purpose, so it’s seen, used, or cherished properly.
When Restoration Is Worth It
Not sure when it’s time to restore something instead of tossing it? Consider this if you’re:
● Downsizing and feeling overwhelmed by what to keep
● Moving into retirement living and want familiar comfort
● Grieving and unsure what to do with sentimental items
● Sorting family heirlooms to pass down to children
● Wanting to keep special objects, but with a fresh start
Sometimes, fixing something is less about function and more about feeling okay, about knowing you didn’t lose the story in the chaos.
FAQs About Restoring Special Items
Can you fix everything?
Not always. Sometimes All I can do is gently clean and conserve the item, to stop damage becoming worse.
Will I be charged extra?
Nope. Restoration is folded into our regular organising session if it fits within our time. If something needs specialised work, we’ll chat about it.
What if something breaks while we’re sorting?
It’s rare, but I treat your belongings with deep care and I am insured just in case.
I once dropped a donation box and broke 3 glasses so that was disappointing and embarrassing rather than a disaster.
Can you help me decide what’s worth fixing?
Yes! That’s part of the process, we’ll weigh up sentiment, condition, and practicality together.
Can you fix things on the spot?
To get the best result
I take items home with me where I have a well equipped clean dedicated workspace.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not “Just Stuff”
Here’s what I want you to know: your things are not “junk” if they hold meaning. And you don’t have to part with something important just because it’s broken or old.
If something matters to you, let’s give it the care it deserves.
That’s what real home organisation looks like, space for peace, clarity, and the stories you love most.
Ready to Honour What Matters?
Book your free 30-minute consultation with me, and let’s talk about how we can preserve your most precious pieces, while still making room for the life you’re building now.
Useful Resources
● Caring for Your Personal Records – National Archives of Australia
● Preserving Personal History – National Seniors Australia
● Sustainable Living Tips – Australian Conservation Foundation