Looking for an organiser in Johannesburg? How Gina gently transformed my study

I’ve heard of personal organisers before and was always a bit intimidated at the thought of someone going through my stuff and ruthlessly chucking things out or flatly asking me if this item “sparks joy” or not. Gina, an organiser in Johannesburg, operates on a more considerate level. She takes your personal circumstances into account and doesn’t throw anything out (well, not unless you want to…). She takes mess and transforms it into beauty and function. I have been working in clutter but now I operate in style, thanks to Gina.

 

Here’s the mess before:

Here’s my stylish new study:

Here’s a picture of before and after I took of the study, using Brett’s wide angle lens:

Gina first paid me a consultative visit to discuss what we were going to do. We decided to tackle the study. In fact this year my project is to go through the whole house decluttering and getting rid of stuff and that has been going slowly and steadily. I got rid of a whole load of books at a book sale and have been steadily dropping off boxes of more books at the charity shop every week. Yes, Brett had 2000 books. It’s slow going here.

I was interested to learn that her brother passed away years ago and she had the task of helping her sister in law deal with all the stuff. So she was no stranger to dealing with death and I found her to be very encouraging in this, which has often been, a painful process. In fact after we met she sent me this quote which absolutely hit the nail on the head for me:

You see, changing the study was actually a very personal thing to do. Brett and I used to sit next to each other at our desks and the furniture told a story about the history of our relationship. Gina moved the furniture around so that my desk was closed, the other cupboard shifted next to it, no longer blocking the long desk, and I could then sit at what used to be Brett’s desk with space for my legs to fit underneath.

I think what I liked was that she didn’t take anything away. My desk, which had been made by father, is still very much there and will keep all my stuff. But I no longer have to open and close it just to sit there and feel those doors bashing on me all the time, or have them open  so that the contents is exposed.

With regards to stuff she did take things out but she put them in a pile for me to go through. That’s pretty much what we did for five hours. She took things out, reorganised them neatly and tactfully placed stuff in a pile, most of which needed to be thrown out anyway. Sentimental stuff all went in a box. Nicky’s playdough and paints were also neatly organised in wooden boxes.

She used stuff that I already had and also went out and got a few things. She listened about my favourite colours and I absolutely loved the green cushions, the soft blanket throw and flower cushion. The tins to keep my pencils in were lovely.

The wall was also made over. Previously I had all of Nicky’s artworks precariously stuck on as they arrived but we decided to be discriminating and choose the best to frame. The result is just stunning and something I have wanted to do, but never got around to doing, for a long time.

Gina is not afraid to get handy with a hammer and nail and she put these pictures up herself for me. She is available as an organiser in Johannesburg. She lives in Glenvista and is happy to help all over Johannesburg.

I’m going to be starting a new job teaching English online in the afternoons and evenings and this study makeover is perfect timing for that. But it’s also just what I needed as I transform my life from what I had with Brett to a new beginning. It’s also a lesson in using your resources that you already have wisely, to make something beautiful.

Gina, you not only are a fantastic organiser, you are also a very sensitive and perceptive person. I highly recommend your services.

Disclaimer: the organisation of the study was given in exchange for the post. 

You can book Gina Pires, an organiser in Johannesburg,  on 083 339 6119, email her on organisedbygina@gmail.com or check out her Facebook page here. By the way I love the quotes on her Facebook page.

 

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UPDATE: Check out this latest post about how Gina is organising nurseries and baby rooms.