A new business aims to help people and firms to simplify their home life or their companies.

Beauty and Order has been launched by mum-of-two Karen Plaatjes, who describes herself as "a recovering disorganised person who has learned the joy of simplifying; making space for order and creating beautiful spaces."

Karen states on her website: "Clearing physical clutter makes a life-changing impact on general well being, mental health and productivity.

"I believe decluttering and organising are deeply personal and one size does not fit all.

"I use my years of extensive research, experimentation and experience to help you create beauty and order in your world."

The new business comes as Monday sees the start of National Organising Week, which aims to highlight the benefit of such de-cluttering and order.

Karen is English-born but was raised in the United States, which then led her to spend two years in South Korea teaching English and Religion. This, she believes gives her a unique perspective on space, living and seeing the world from different perspectives.

After a variety of other roles in Grantham and elsewhere, at the end of July Karen found herself out of work due to Covid-19.

She told Nub News: "After three months of figuring out what I wanted to do with my life (a slight mid-life crisis or two perhaps and a lot of figuring out what I didn't want to do), I have just launched my new business Beauty and Order.

"It's a professional organising, decluttering and simplification business based in the Grantham area.

"I'm a mum of two girls and was not always a naturally organised person, so I'm taking the skills I've learned and sharing them with others.

"I have over 25 years experience in office administration and management and am also looking to help organise home offices and small businesses.

"I have also completed a Value Management consultancy course which has taught me a plethora of transferrable skills into this area."

Karen continued: "I'm not going to lie, I'm slightly terrified of starting my own business but excited to do something new and looking forward to connecting to other businesses in Grantham.

"I'm able to offer Covid compliant in person sessions or virtual sessions for those not comfortable with meeting face to face.

"I'm a member of APDO (Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers) and next week is their NOW campaign, National Organising Week.

During the week, Karen will be giving away a free three hour organising session as APDO members take to social media to inspire and motivate.

There will be seven daily blog posts of ready-made content on APDO's website crammed full of advice, tips, and information to help people organise their homes.

Karen said: "National Organising Week is an exciting time for us, as the industry experts, to share our accrued knowledge and natural skills with the public to help you overcome organisational obstacles in your home.

"To mark the occasion I will be sharing daily blog posts on my website and social media platforms to help you get started with your own organisation projects. I will also be giving away the opportunity for a free three hour organising session with me."

APDO has been running its NOW campaign since 2014 to share the benefits of organisation, including:

• a calmer mind
• greater productivity
• improved time management
• revitalised relationships
• increased creativity

APDO President Katherine Blackler (SortMySpace) explained: "We're on a mission to make everyday life that little bit easier for individuals, families and organisations. "Coronavirus has undoubtedly shifted our focus and feelings about our home environments and we're keen to help anyone who's been struggling on that front. "Support is available via blog posts and social media tips, booking a virtual consultation with an organiser or indeed, teaming up for an onsite session. "All our members are following regional advice to be able to work with clients in person as appropriate. We love hearing how we've inspired you to change something for the better." Karen can be contacted via [email protected] and 07904 332999.