20 Years of TOM – Your Stories
20th Jul 2026 4 min read
— Tags: competition, Housekeeping Tips, The organised method
A few weeks ago we asked you to help us celebrate 20 years of TOM by sharing your stories about how TOM has helped you. We were blown away by the response and wanted to share the five that we chose to feature.
Julie first discovered TOM in 2023. Here is her story.
What was life like at the time?
I had been signed off work for several months due to severe anxiety and nervous collapse.
How did TOM help?
I was almost frozen with anxiety and couldn’t bring myself to do even the smallest housework jobs. I felt completely disconnected from normal life. My Mum suggested trying to do a few small jobs to distract myself and make my home feel more comfortable. I looked online to see if I could find an app that would help to talk me through the housework. I found TOM and Gemma helped me so much, It felt like I had a friend keeping me company and it really helped to keep me calm. The method really makes sense and the different levels of sessions meant I could do as little or as much as I was able. I stopped dreading the housework and started to notice the difference in my home and routine. I’m now recovered from the anxiety but It’s rare that I do any housework without the app, it wouldn’t be the same without Gem, she’s helped me so much.
What does “being organised” mean to you now?
I feel organised when I know that I’m on top of the basic jobs and I feel happy when I’ve got a clean bathroom, bed and clean clothes and dishes. Anything else is a bonus but after using the app for a while and doing Friday focus and side quests like decluttering I feel more organised than I have for ages.
Amina first found TOM four years ago.
What was life like at the time?
My son was around 5 years old, I was working full time and really struggling to keep the house clean and tidy.
How did TOM help?
The body doubling has completely changed my life. I love putting my favourite music on and following whatever Gemma tells me to do! I really love Gemma. She is such a funny and kind person.
What does “being organised” mean to you now?
Taking it slowly day by day, step by step and doing the best I can with the time and energy available to me.
Laura first found TOM 11 years ago. Here is her story.
What was life like at the time?
Hectic, I had a baby that would never sleep, never be put down. I was looking after my nanna who had then been taken into a care home, I was visiting her every day, sorting her house and belongings out and my husband had started a new business.
How did TOM help?
I felt like I had no routine and was just fighting to keep on top. Dealing with things as they came up. Reactive not proactive. TOM gave me clarity, a routine, a direction and most of all it didn’t set the bar too high! You have also reinforced that you can only do what you can with the time and energy you have available. I live by that today too.
What does being organised mean to you now?
Being organised means that I spend less time fighting my environment with my family (4 home educated boys) and more time living in it. The kids even know what to do when (not saying they don’t argue about doing it but it is automatic to them too (maybe not bedroom day though lol) Thank you Gemma
Rachel first found TOM three years ago. Here is her story.
What was life like at the time?
I had 2 children aged 9 and 16, My husband was recovering from a life-changing Stroke and he had symptoms of early onset dementia. Our house has always been overflowing. My husband has always been a hoarder and the early stages of dementia made it worse. I was completely overwhelmed.
How did TOM help?
TOM was recommended to me by my sister. I subscribed to the app and Gemma and I have been together ever since! My ambition is to complete an 8 week cycle but that’s for the future. Instead I choose a TOM Rocks session that fits the job, my mood and my energy and it keeps me focused on one task at a time. I never cease to be amazed at how much I can get done in 30 mins. As a Carer for my husband I don’t always get to complete 30 mins but I don’t feel bad. I just come back again the next day.
What does being organised mean to you now?
My head is more organised. I don’t have ‘do the cleaning’ spinning around in my head so much which leaves room for the other things I need to concentrate on.
Laura first found TOM nine years ago. Here is her story.
What was life like at the time?
When I moved into my first flat I had no idea what I was doing and I didn’t know how to keep a home. I was overwhelmed and lonely and looking for some guidance.
How did TOM help?
Then I found Gemma. And she was more than just a cleaning influencer. She taught me how to look after myself and my home and I started gaining confidence little by little. Fast forward nearly 10 years and I am now married in a large house with fur babies. But I’ve never stopped hanging on to Gemma. Whenever life has been hard over those 10 years or when things get on top of me, I use TOM religiously and it gets me through. It’s more than just a cleaning routine, It’s like a warm hug and a gentle hand that’s always there.
What does “being organised” mean to you now?
It means being my future friend! It’s not about being perfect but it’s about showing up every day and chipping away. TOM is so ingrained in me now and I have Gemma in my head (and my ears!) Every day.
We’d like to thank everyone that contributed and sent in their stories. We have read every single one of them and want to thank everyone that is part of the TOM community.
How to Get Started
Download The TOM App today and get started with a 7-day free trial. After that, it’s just £3.99 a month, and you’ll also unlock the full TOM toolkit including TOM Rocks guided sessions to keep the house running smoothly all year.
