'I declutter homes like Stacey Solomon - I even do it for free'

A woman who compares herself to Stacey Solomon says she declutters homes to help people 'start their lives again' - and even does some properties for free.

Nicola Rodriguez, 48, who goes by her nickname the 'Essex House Dolly', launched her cleaning business three years ago. She specialises in working with clients who suffer from hoarding and charges £25-an-hour detoxing wardrobes, reorganising kitchen cupboards and toy playrooms.

However, she also dedicates her time to helping survivors of domestic abuse by reorganising their homes free, guiding them through the process of rebuilding their lives. She spends three months helping women get back into work and creating a safe new home life.

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"I work with helping women who've found themselves in that position to make it a little easier," says Nicola. "When I'm helping someone start their life again that's usually over a three-month period and I look at how to get them back on their feet."

"Quite a few women that I've helped have been able to turn bedsits into homes and I've helped people get back on their feet. I don't charge a penny for that - I can't take money off women with children that are recovering from an abusive partner. It's massively rewarding."

Nicola started her business in September 2021 after her friends encouragement and spends anywhere from just a few hours to months with clients. She said: "I'm basically like a Stacey Solomon - people say I sound like her too.

"Sometimes I'll go in and organise a kitchen that will take no more than four hours. This week I'm doing a wardrobe detox with a lady that can't bring herself to throw anything away and