Welcome to Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering
Professional organising & decluttering for homes & small business, based in Wangaratta, serving North East Victoria
Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering assists clients in optimising their spaces by systematically decluttering and organising their belongings. This service is provided with a non-judgemental and compassionate approach.
Regarding the owner
Bonny Rowles-van Rijswijk, owner of Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering.
Bonny’s ambition is to help people. Her drive to declutter and reorganise is to open space which allows you and the people you love room to live, work, and thrive; to relieve that sense of overwhelm when clutter takes hold, because at times life can be busy and messy and complicated.
She has a focus on sustainability and community, building links with charitable organisations to re-home or recycle donated and unwanted goods on your behalf.
Bonny has amassed a range of experience working in the food safety, disability and science sectors in Australia and overseas. This gives her flexibility, compassion, and novel ways of approaching problems.
Completed projects and client testimonials can be found in the sections below.
For your peace of mind, Bonny is a Professional Member of the IOPO (The Institute of Professional Organisers), is an accredited Mental Health First Aider, an Accidental Counsellor and has a Working with Children Check.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering service area is from Violet Town to Benalla, Yarrawonga to Myrtleford, Beechworth, Bright and Wodonga, including the Ovens and King Valleys.
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I have experience working in the food safety, disability and science sectors in Australia and overseas. This has given me flexibility, compassion, and novel ways of approaching problems.
For your peace of mind, I am a Professional Member of IOPO (The Institute of Professional Organisers), an accredited Mental Health First Aider, an Accidental Counsellor and have a Working with Children Check.
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Yes, case studies of work undertaken by Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering, and client testimonials, are included in the sections below.
The Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Facebook & Instagram accounts show projects, as well as collaborations with organisations throughout our community. Links to both can be found at the start & end of this web page.
And my Google business listing has reviews from past clients.
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Please put any feelings of embarrassment aside as this is a non-judgemental service.
The only preparation needed is to ensure that all pets are safely secured to prevent any potential harm.
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The decluttering and reorganising process begins with an initial consultation.
We meet, discuss your needs, pain points, and vision for your space.
This consultation takes 30-60 minutes.
The outcome is an individualised documented plan, which includes an estimation of time required to complete work requested.
There is a $20 charge for this service, which is deducted from the first session fee when you sign up.
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This depends on the service required, however, once the scope of works has been decided work can proceed without you needing to be present.
Please know that none of your belongings will be recycled, donated or disposed of without your consent.
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As Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering has a sustainability focus, where possible, storage containers you already own are used.
There is no need to buy beforehand as we declutter first, then assess what you need. Often you already own the right container, and very often you will have multiple spare containers after the process (and if you no longer want them, they will be donated on your behalf to a local charity).
However, if extra containers are required, or you would like to refresh your look, this is done after your belongings have been sorted and decluttered.
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Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering has a sustainability ethos. As such, part of the service provided is to remove items to be recycled or donated at the end of each session, and with your approval those goods will be donated to organisations within our community.
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For ethical reasons an on-selling service is not provided, however, when appropriate, recommendations for local buyers can be provided.
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Yes, gift certificates are available through Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering.
Gift certificates are a thoughtful way to help a loved one with a practical gift of time and space.
The gift certificates are a card & envelope.
Each gift certificate is made out to the value of your choosing.
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Photos will be taken during the initial consultation and our work together to catalogue progress, with Before & After photos emailed to you after each session.
The photos are covered by our confidentiality agreement and will not be used for promotional purposes without your permission.
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No and No☺️.
I have created an uncluttered relaxing family home that is easy to maintain as everything has a designated place.
It’s a home filled with books and pictures, plants and people.
Our Services
Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering offers non-judgemental professional organising and decluttering services tailored to your needs, your lifestyle and your organising type, with a focus on sustainability and engagement with the local community.
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To create organised, peaceful, and functional living spaces.
A case study demonstrating the work of Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering within a home pantry is in the sections below.
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To create effective storage solutions and work space.
A case study demonstrating the work of Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering reorganising a garage is in the sections below.
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To organise a calm & effective home workspace.
A case study demonstrating the work of Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering organising a home office is in the sections below.
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To create tailored systems for your business.
A case study demonstrating the work of Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering within a small business is in the sections below.
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Accountability Sessions are designed for those who love the idea of decluttering and need that little extra incentive to get going and keep that momentum.
They are short weekly or fortnightly in-person or virtual sessions.
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Tuition is structured for clients to develop lifelong positive habits and build their ‘decluttering muscle.
They are short weekly or fortnightly in-person or virtual sessions.
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The decluttering and reorganising process begins with an initial consultation.
We meet, discuss your needs, pain points, and vision for your space.
This consultation takes 30-60 minutes,
The outcome of this consultation is an individualised documented plan for you, which includes an estimation of time required to complete work requested.
There is a charge of $20 for this service, however, for customers this fee is deducted from their first session.
If you are interested in a no obligation initial consultation please call Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering on 0413 065 282.
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Sessions are tailored to meet your specific needs, ranging from body-doubling, to categorising & sorting, accountability sessions, and tuition (virtual and in-person).
For in-home decluttering & organising: 4-6 hour sessions are recommended.
For accountability sessions & tuition: regular 1-1.5 hour sessions are held weekly or fortnightly.
Rates are as follows:
$55.00 per hour (or part thereof)
$0.85 per km for locations over 30 minutes from Wangaratta.
Removal of recycling and donations is included in all in-house services.
Additionally, after care is provided to all Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering clients at the completion of each job.
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To curate & stage your home with your own belongings.
This allows you to live within your home during the selling process, thereby saving you the expense of hiring a stager and having to rent accommodation while your house is on the market.
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A service is provided to reduce the stress around lifestyle changes. To help curate and downsize your belongings in a kind and thoughtful way as you move into the next phase of your life.
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A service is provided to declutter and pack your belongings, so that you only move things that you truly want to your new home or business.
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To work with you during this time with kindness and sensitivity to sort your loved one’s belongings.
A case study demonstrating the work of Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering with respect to a deceased estate is in the sections below.
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Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering has a sustainability ethos.
As such, part of the service provided is to remove items to be recycled or donated at the end of each in-person session.
With your approval those goods will be donated to organisations within our community.
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Gift certificates are a thoughtful way to help a loved one with a practical gift of time and space.
The gift certificates are a card & envelope.
Each gift certificate is made out to the value of your choosing.
*all icons courtesy of juicy_fish
To Contact TSD
Three options are available:
1) Fill in the form
2) Call 0413 065 282
3) Email [email protected]
*please know that all information gathered will be treated with confidentiality
Client testimonials
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![Client testimonial 5 star Google Review Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
5⭐Google Review
“Bonny at Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering has been instrumental in helping sort out and remove my clutter.
She is knowledgeable, empathetic and caring.
Best of all Bonny works without judgment, making you feel at ease and in control.
I would definitely recommend Bonny - she has made a daunting task very manageable.”
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![Client testimonial 5 star Google Review Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
5⭐Google Review
“I recently had Bonny around to help with an Out of Control pantry situation.
Between Family members offloading excess stuff to my pantry, and me not even able to see what was even in there - so buying it again - it was A HUUUGE mess!!!!
I knew What needed to be done - but I just kept putting it off till 'another day. ........'
Bring in Thoughtful Space Decluttering. (TSD). Bonny brought her crates to seperate what was still good, what could be donated & what just needed to be thrown!
Totally ashamed to say just how much food went to waste - BUT I was able to donate 2 bags of pantry items to the local Carevan and my pantry is now clean, fresh and I can easily see what I have or need.”
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![Client testimonial Facebook Comment Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
Facebook post comment
“I can highly recommend Bonnie.
After months of procrastinating and telling myself I'm gunna do it, a call to Bonny ended all that.
Presto! I can now get into my shed and love the order! I can find what I need, when I need it.
Such a timesaver!”
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![Client testimonial 5 star Google Review Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
5⭐Google Review
“Bonny is wonderful, the right blend of logic, hard work and sensitivity.
I immediately felt at ease and calmer with her advice. Highly recommended.”
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![Client testimonial Customer Feedback Form Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
Customer feedback form
“TSD provided me with motivation, support and encouragement to sort through a mountain of accumulated stuff that needed sorting; a task I couldn't have done alone due to the sheer scale of the problem.
I was a little unprepared for how emotionally taxing it would be, but to have support each step was invaluable. Thank you.”
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![Client testimonial 5 star Google Review Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
5⭐Google Review
“Bonny brought the ideal balance of sensitivity, practicality and understanding to decluttering my pantry.
Living in a family of five (six if you include the cat), our spacious pantry was a busy food hub that had gradually spiralled out of control.
Reorganising it from top to bottom was an overwhelming job that was easy to avoid thanks to our busy lifestyle.
Seeking assistance from TSD to overhaul our pantry delivered amazing results.Less food goes to waste, ingredients are easy to locate, and frequently used kitchen appliances are stored for accessibility, while removing those we didn't use has freed up space.
I highly recommend TSD.” -
![Client testimonial Customer Feedback Form Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
Customer feedback form
How did Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering bring your vision alive?
“Taking charge, rolling sleeves up and getting me into it! No room for procrastination.
Bonny's matter of fact, but understanding approach to decision making seemed to make the dreaded process easy!”
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![Client testimonial 5 star Google Review Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
5⭐Google Review
“Bonny helped me clear my study when I just couldn't work out where to start.
She knew how to get the work done so that I can use the space productively.
She really knows her stuff!”
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![Client testimonial Customer Feedback Form Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
Customer feedback form
How did Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering bring your vision alive?
“I was able to get rid of what I wasn’t using, and because I have designated space for everything.
At the end of each day I put things where they belong and each morning when I return to work I start fresh.
Previously I was just adding mess on top of mess because nothing really belonged anywhere.
It’s been so good for my headspace, removing clutter from the physical space has also lightened the mental clutter for me”
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![Client testimonial (NE Vic Scene Yellow)]()
5⭐Google Review
“Bonny is such a warm, open and understanding person.
There is no pressure or judgement, just acceptance.
She is mindful of memories and the baggage that comes with them.
100% recommend this wonderful business.”
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![Client testimonial Customer Feedback Form Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
Customer feedback form
Why did you enlist the services of Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering?
I needed someone to make me accountable and help with those questions if it was needed and the extra push.
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![Client testimonial 5 star Google Review Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering Violet town Benalla Wangaratta Yarrawonga Myrtleford Beechworth Bright Wodonga]()
5⭐Google Review
“Bonny was fantastic! She tackled my pantry from top to bottom with the perfect mix of enthusiasm and care.
We had to let go of a lot, but she made the process so much easier — anything that could be reused or donated, she immediately knew the right place for it. That not only cleared the clutter but also made me feel so much better about what was leaving my home. My pantry is now organized, fresh, and functional.
I’d highly recommend Bonny to anyone who wants a declutter done thoughtfully and thoroughly.”
Case Studies
Showcasing work by Thoughtful Spaces Decluttering
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Sometimes you need an extra pair of hands to get back on track, and for my client, they reached out as they needed help to set up their home office before the start of the academic year.
This client, an absolutely exceptional human being, asked for help with their home office as it was no longer functioning for them due to a period of illness, and because the office had become a storage space for a former career, and belongings from family that had passed away.
As you can imagine, this was a job filled with emotion. Letting go of belongings that identified who you used to be, and from people no longer here brings many feelings to the surface.
The work was broken down into manageable sections over three sessions to minimise overwhelm and not tire out the client, with discarded items removed daily and dropped at local op shops and the transfer station on their behalf.
The office was cleaned and set up ready for study; and I’m happy to report they have successfully completed semester 1 are onto their 2nd semester of study!
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I met this client in a very round-about way, but I am ever so glad I did!
I had caught up with a friend and former colleague at the Wangaratta Small Business Forum and we had an amazing conversation catching up on all things work and family related. The following morning this friend tagged me in a Facebook post from Gabby Simmonds Jewellery, a small business owner who was feeling utterly overwhelmed with their clutter!
I took a chance and reached out with an offer of help. No pressure, no cajoling, because that is not my style, and because for this client, I had come completely out of the unknown.
And they said yes!
This small business owner was going through a transition in their life, both professionally and personally, hence the urge to pull everything off the shelves and take stock!
They made me laugh thinking the first thing we were going to do was dash out and hit the shops for lots of containers! Far from it! The first thing we did was to sit and have a conversation about their dreams for their workspace, what they love about it, and what isn’t working.
Once work began by categorising, zoning, and assessing what should stay and what had served its purpose, the workspace was transformed. This was an emotional undertaking, as the business that the client had created and nurtured was changing, and change can be confronting. It can also be liberating, because space for new growth was created.
Happy to report no containers were purchased; instead, many were donated because the client had an excess of storage devices, and the remainder put into service to organise the space.
One of the most powerful statements made by my client was that I had given them permission to let go. This has stayed with me. By enabling them to let go, they have been given the space to grow.
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Life can get messy! My client came to me feeling overwhelmed with their garage. They had had a major lifestyle change including a move to a new home, and the garage ended up being a keep all for their vast collection of antiques, and they were at a loss on how to organise it all.
This brief was unlike others because most everything had to be kept; the aim was to create systems that allowed easy access to all the belongings, create a workstation, and make the overall space feel welcoming because it was very dark.
Items were categorised, furniture moved to create access and allow light into the space with large pieces, like the shell of a grandfather clock, which were no longer required removed, the garage space zoned, a table set-up as a workstation, and creepy crawlies removed.
As we worked during our final session I saw a change in my client. It was like a huge weight lifted off their shoulders, and their joy with their collection had returned. And we celebrated! We toasted that garage with a glass of wine – we were dirty and dusty, looking our absolute glamorous best – and you couldn’t wipe the smiles off our faces!
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For those faced with emptying a deceased estate, you do not need to do this alone.
I worked as a member of a team that included a real estate agent, maintenance person, and a professional cleaner, to assist our client to empty their family home.
This home had sat untouched for two years, with all the belongings from their parents and their childhood inside. Our client was faced with this task on their own, as their parents, and their only sibling had all passed.
This home had been sold and needed to be cleared for handover to the new owner. So not only was this client faced with a huge task, but there was a deadline of 3 weeks in which to complete it.
I was brought in to act as a catalyst, and together with the client we cleared the bedrooms and kitchen. It was an emotional experience, sharing stories, as we both have siblings that passed away too soon.
The client was a generous human being wanting most things that could be donated to go to charity. They were interested in selling a few belongings as well, so I put them touch with a contact that specialises in retro and mid-century artefacts.
I am happy to report that working as a team this home was prepared in time for handover to the new owner.
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Just before Christmas I was called to help the Wilkinson family with their pantry as it was no longer working for them - they were losing track of their food!
When I got there I found a large pantry, doors wide open, full of small plastic containers holding partially used packets of food. I also saw that bread and pet food was being stored on the kitchen bench, taking up valuable real estate, as their pantry had run out of room.
This poor pantry needed an overhaul as the family had grown from a family of five with three toddlers, to a family of five with three teenagers – one of whom has a love of baking and looks set to be a future chef.
First request for the pantry was to remove expired food! They were an amazing family to work with. I had members of the Wilkinson clan stepping in to help with emptying the pantry and checking all the food to see if it had expired. Tunes were turned up and it became a game - brown rice with a 2014 expiry was the winner of oldest food found! Five giant bowls of expired food were sent to the green bin, with packaging recycled where possible.
Everything was pulled out of the pantry – and each item was assessed. Old lunch boxes, picnic ware, cookbooks and aprons were downsized. The owner had a great collection of trays and larger plastic storage containers, as well as an un-used wine rack and an ideal box for storing bread – all of which I utilised in zoning the new pantry space.
I hopped on a ladder and wiped down all pantry surfaces before the food was returned. Zones for baking, beverages, dinners, and pet food were set out, including a breakfast bar which separated the children’s cereals from mum’s muesli, and an area for the owner’s pretty collection of colourful gins – because why can’t a pantry be both functional and beautiful.
My favourite moment was right at the end of the job, when the owner exclaimed, “Oh my goodness! The doors close!”