A WOMAN has set up in business in York after spotting a gap in the market for a "home-decluttering" service.

Anne Wyn-Jones came up with the idea for her venture Ideal Living after helping an 86-year-old who was moving into a smaller home but was completely overwhelmed by the task of clearing out her four-bed home.

Mrs Wyn-Jones, who set about working with her to sensitively go through the items, said: "The process changed this lady's life and she now lives in a bungalow that is spacious, comfortable and is a pleasure to live in.

"Through helping this lady and other friends I realised that so many people, both young and old, were in a similar position. They want to de-clutter but become emotionally attached to objects and find the thought of removing items just too stressful.

"I use coaching techniques to help customers break down emotional barriers allowing them to make decisions about what items should go and where they should go to."

Mrs Wyn-Jones, whose business is based in Clifford Street, looks after the safe disposal of unwanted goods to interested parties, and organises the sale of items which can often pay for her fees.

She said her skills as an office manager and a volunteer for Citizen's Advice Bureau are all being utilised in the new business.

Now Mrs Wyn-Jone is gearing up Ideal Living for a busy run into Christmas as families look to create extra space for relatives to stay.

She said: "Christmas can be such a problem for families but I'm hoping they take advantage of our services and allow us to start the de-cluttering process. It's amazing how much can be achieved in just a day."