With the arrival of the new year, we are proud to celebrate over 13 years of providing services in the Greater Seattle area. As I reflect on this journey, I’ve found myself experiencing "déjà vu" moments with certain projects. One in particular stands out, teaching us a lesson we carry to this day.
Early in my career, we worked on a home clean-out project in Redmond. The homeowner was a hoarder who also kept a large number of cats. The condition of the house was challenging, to say the least. While we packed and moved the items the owner requested, much of the household was irreparably damaged by the cats. Scratched furniture, ruined belongings, and pervasive odors were common. Among the many items we disposed of was an old blanket, heavily soiled with cat feces and urine.
About a week after the project concluded, I received a call from the client. She was frantic, asking about a blanket she couldn’t find. Confused, I assured her we had moved everything she had asked us to keep. That’s when I realized the unfortunate truth: the soiled blanket we had discarded was a cherished family heirloom. To her, it was irreplaceable, and our hard work was overshadowed by the loss of that one item.
Fast forward to a recent project, and we found ourselves in a similar situation. The home was in poor condition, and on the bed was a blanket in a state much like the one from years ago. My crew began to toss it out, but I stopped them and said, "Wait. Ask the client if they want to keep it." My team looked at me as though I were crazy, but they followed my instructions. This time, the client opted to discard the blanket, but they appreciated being given the choice.
With time and experience, we learn valuable lessons. Even small adjustments—like asking before discarding—can make a meaningful difference. For us, these moments serve as reminders to handle each project with care and respect, ensuring our clients feel heard and valued.