What We’ve Learned from Helping Participants Reclaim Their Space

At Residence Revival, every job teaches us something new. Whether it’s the resilience of the people we help, the power of a fresh start, or the unexpected moments of joy along the way, one thing is clear—our work is about more than just cleaning.

We’ve spent years working alongside NDIS participants, support coordinators, psychosocial recovery coaches, OTs, and behavioural specialists. Through this, we’ve come to appreciate the deep connection between someone’s environment and their well-being.

Here are just a few of the things we’ve learned along the way:

1. A Clean Space Creates a Clear Mind

Time and time again, we see the impact of decluttering and deep cleaning on a participant’s mental state. One client told us, “I didn’t realise how much stress my home was causing me until I walked in and felt like I could finally breathe.” When the physical space feels manageable, everything else starts to feel a little easier too.

2. Small Wins Lead to Big Changes

For some participants, tackling an entire house feels impossible—but starting with just one room, one corner, or even one drawer can build momentum. We’ve seen people gain confidence after simply clearing a pathway or setting up a safe and comfortable living area. Progress doesn’t have to happen all at once; it just needs to start somewhere.

3. Connection is Just as Important as Cleaning

This work isn’t just about transforming spaces; it’s about helping participants reconnect—with their support networks, their families, and even themselves. We’ve had participants who avoided visits from their support workers because they were too embarrassed about their living conditions. After our team completed a cleaning, they felt comfortable inviting people back in. That moment of reconnection can be life-changing.

4. Laughter is a Powerful Tool

We take our work seriously, but we never underestimate the power of a lighthearted moment. Whether it’s a funny story about something we’ve found while cleaning or a participant cracking a joke about finally seeing their floor again, humour helps break down barriers and makes the process feel less daunting.

5. Everyone Deserves Dignity and Respect

No matter the situation, every participant we work with deserves to be treated with kindness and understanding. Hoarding and squalor are often tied to trauma, mental health challenges, or personal circumstances beyond a person’s control. A judgment-free approach makes all the difference in creating a space where people feel safe to accept help.

We love what we do because we see the impact every day. Helping participants regain control of their space isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about empowerment, self-worth, and the chance to confidently move forward.

If you’re a support coordinator, psychosocial recovery coach, OT, or behavioural specialist working with participants in need, we’d love to connect and be part of the solution.

Let’s keep learning, growing, and creating positive change together.

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