5/20/2022
This story is from our Stories from the Frontlines of Clutter series where we take you behind the scenes on a typical day at Life Easier. Click here to read more.
New client and I are sitting down to finalize the contract. He had two days to read through it. He is supposed to sign the contract, initial the exhibit and write a check for the deposit. (He’s a former judge so this contract should be a snap.) This is a non hoarding client.
As I walk to the table I notice a spot on the hardwood. When I drew his attention to it he explained the cat must have coughed up a hairball. (During the initial walk through a few days prior, I had helped him clean up fresh cat poop from the kitchen.)
Me – “Were you able to read through the contract?”
Him – “I skimmed it.”
Me – “Did everything make sense?”
Him – “I think so…yeah.”
He signs and initials with difficulty. He’s had surgery on his hand.
Him – As he passed me the checkbook he asked, “Can you please write the check out and I will sign it?”
Me – “Sure, but let me also update your check register too.”
I flipped through the check register to the end and found what I was looking for. My check was 9950 and his check recording stopped at 9946.
Him – “I’ve missed a few.”
Me – “Mr K, I’m looking forward to working with you on this project and I have a favor to ask. I would feel more comfortable if I kept your brother Bill in the loop on everything. I know you said you didn’t want him poking around in your business, but I think three heads are better than one on this job. He loves you very very much and he’s all the way back in Virginia. At least let’s give him something to chew on, something to do while we downsize here together, ok? Do you mind if I send him a copy of the contract just so he feels included?”
Him – “I think that would be ok.”
What Mr. K doesn’t know is that I already had sent the contract to his brother. It can be tricky working with someone who probably shouldn’t be living on their own anymore and/or signing large financial contracts like this one. This client showed multiple signs of cognitive decline during my visits along with having physical difficulty. It would be unethical for me to continue this transaction without his brother supervising me. It is also imperative that Mr K’s dignity be preserved. Oh did I mention I have just one week to downsize him from a 3,000 SF home to a 1450 SF home, pack and move him? ? ?
