Celebrity declutter expert inspires Donegal Women’s Centre

A declutter workshop led by Ireland’s leading Declutter Expert, Aidan Gately, took place at Donegal Women’s Centre, offering women a powerful pathway to healing through the life-changing art of tidying.

Gately, best known for his role as resident Declutter Expert on RTÉ’s Home Rescue, The Big Fix, brought his unique blend of compassion and practical wisdom to the Centre for a transformative session rooted in the KonMari Method, the global tidying philosophy developed by Japanese icon Marie Kondo. 

The workshop was a collaborative initiative between Donegal Women’s Centre and Eyra Interiors, led by interior designer Elaine Fitzgerald, and it focused on helping women transform their homes from spaces of trauma into environments of safety, joy, and peace.

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Aidan Gately said after the event. “This wasn’t about matching storage boxes or colour coding wardrobes, it was about helping women take control of their environment, one decision at a time. 

Participants were guided through the KonMari Method, which encourages tidying by category, not location and keeping only those items that “spark joy.” While seemingly simple, this process often uncovers layers of emotional attachment, trauma, and unprocessed grief, particularly for women who have endured abuse in the home.

Mary Herlihy, Manager of Donegal Women’s Centre, spoke about the impact of the workshop on both participants and staff: “We have always recognised that for women who’ve experienced domestic violence, the home can be a source of deep pain. What this workshop offered was a chance to reframe that narrative, to begin to see the home as a place of personal empowerment and healing. Aidan’s sensitivity and approach were exactly what our clients needed. It was moving to witness the transformation that took place, not just in the room, but in the women themselves.”

The workshop created an intimate, supportive environment where women could share stories, support each other, and learn practical strategies for decluttering both their homes and their minds.

One participant shared her personal reflection: “I came in thinking this would be about organising my kitchen. But it turned into something much deeper. I realised I’ve been holding onto things that don’t serve me anymore, emotionally and physically. Aidan gave us permission to let go.”

Elaine from Eyra Interiors commented, “Helping women transform their homes after trauma is not just about design, it’s about dignity. Focusing on light, comfort, flow, and practicality. Little things, a rug, a fresh cushion, a rearranged room, can spark big emotional shifts. It was a privilege to support this initiative alongside Aidan and the team at the Centre.”

Aidan Gately, Ireland's first male KonMari consultant and one of only 600 consultants worldwide, recently completed filming season eight of Home Rescue and was a featured panellist at the Clean & Tidy Home Show at London’s Excel Centre alongside Marie Kondo. His expertise is globally recognised, but his passion remains grounded in the local impact of his work.

“The person you’re supposed to be only shows up after tidying,” Gately reflected on this quote by Marie Kondo during the workshop.

“For these women, that journey is about far more than stuff. It’s about worth, voice, and vision for the future. I feel honoured to be a part of that.” 

This initiative is part of Donegal Women’s Centre’s ongoing commitment to exploring creative, therapeutic, and empowering approaches to healing. Whether through counselling, community workshops, or projects like this, the Centre remains a sanctuary for women seeking change, connection, and confidence.

“Every woman deserves to feel safe, supported, and joyful in her own home,” added Mary Herlihy. “This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term programme, using interior space and emotional clarity to support recovery. We’re excited to see where it leads.”

The Centre expressed its deep gratitude to Aidan Gately, Elaine FitzGerald, and all participants who shared their energy and stories.