About Me

Hi, I’m Katharine and I work under the name Gentle Sorting. I’m a verified member of APDO, the UK’s Association for Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO sets standards and provides professional development).

I set up my business in late 2021 and really enjoy empowering people to gently sort out of their belongings. I have worked with a wide variety of people helping them transform their homes (large and small) who have worked with me for a number of reasons. I have also volunteered for the excellent Making Spaces project in Bristol helping people with Hoarding Disorder to reclaim their space.

Before I started this work I was a support worker for ten years, most recently for people with a diagnosis of dementia and their carers, visiting them in their homes to provide help with a wide variety of issues and concerns. Through this work it became evident that more hands-on, practical help was needed for people with a lifetime of belongings to live as easily as they can, especially when they also have a life-changing diagnosis.

I have a passion for arts and crafts and understand how collections of materials for these can both help and hinder the creative process. I love reading and work in an academic library alongside my organising work, helping people who need additional support (for a number of reasons, including disability, neurodiversity, physical or mental health conditions) to access the library and its resources. I have a wide variety of interests, including walking, gardening, cycling, (wild) swimming, music and film.

Prior to being a support worker, I was a researcher and have a PhD in Sustainable Architecture. I developed strong organisational skills through managing large research projects, and have a Prince2 qualification in Project Management. I have a degree in Architecture and have always had an eye for design. I focused on sustainable architecture in my postgraduate studies and seek to minimise environmental impact across all areas of my life. I do all my Gentle Sorting work by bicycle.

Whilst setting up my business I went through the process of decluttering, organising and tidying everything in my own home and recognise how difficult it can be, but also how beneficial. It has really helped me to focus on what’s important in my life.