It’s for ethical and practical reasons. I’m looking, touching and moving your personal things that contain your memories. It’s delicate and personal work. All decisions are yours with my guidance and support, and all follow through is done with your review and approval.

Anything less is a violation of your privacy and well-being.

What is purged and how it is purged also applies to when we’re dealing with someone else’s belongings. I presort for that person’s review and only move forward when they have given me permission. When going through their stuff becomes granular in detail and volume, I often work with that person directly, even if it’s just a part of one session with you.

In very specific cases I can work without you. It’s usually after we’ve worked with each other for a long time. Also on large jobs with a more complex contract than a pay as you go agreement, what I do without you is specified.