FAQs
Why do I need a Professional Organizer?
A professional organizer helps individuals, families, and businesses create and maintain personalized systems and spaces that work. An organizer can: help you decide which possessions and activities to keep in your life and which to release, assist you in creating a place for every object you own, provide hands-on and emotional support and keep you on task as you create order in your home or office, and offer suggestions for products and services to support your goals.
How do you work?
We start with a free, no-obligation phone call or email exchange to determine whether our skills and services are a good match for your needs. We offer both on-site and telephone services.
For on-site organizing, at our first visit, the Initial Assessment Session, we will meet at your home or office to discuss your needs and goals. We will tour the space to see what’s working and what’s not, and create a detailed plan to address problem areas. If you share your home or office with others, you may wish to invite them to be present at this visit. Sometimes, clients find that this Initial Assessment Session and plan is all that they need to move forward on their own. Others prefer to have experienced, hands-on help as they work through the step-by-step plan.
For telephone consulting, we work with you to determine and address your most important goals. We can work with photos of your space, or help you with a specific project.
What if I am embarrassed by my mess?
Are you going to make me throw away my stuff?
We are mindful that, when you invite us into your home or workspace, you initially may feel fear, embarrassment, shame, or reluctance. You may be overwhelmed by the prospect of change, of having to deal with all the clutter that surrounds you. Please be assured that we are respectful and patient, and that we will keep our work with you completely confidential. We always move at your pace. And no, you will not be required to throw away anything you really want to keep – the choice is always up to you.
Do I need to buy anything before you arrive?
We will bring basic organizing supplies, such as trash and recycle bags, sorting bins and boxes, labels, and markers. Depending on the project, you may want to have extra sturdy boxes for carrying and storage. Please do not buy storage units or supplies before we look together at what you have to store. If you prefer, we can shop for you or with you for needed supplies, which will be charged to you at cost plus shopping time.
I’m overscheduled all the time. How can you help me
if my main challenge is time management?
Challenges with space, clutter, and time are closely interwoven. If you are constantly looking for your phone or a critical document, are often stressed about being late, or wish you didn’t have so many social or volunteer commitments, you are spending time and energy that could be spent better in more important and enjoyable pursuits. If you often feel overwhelmed by busyness, we offer support as you pare down your “stuff” to make your daily routine more manageable and your life simpler. If time management is your top concern, we will assist you to determine your key priorities and goals, then help you create a plan to allow you to spend the majority of your time on the people, places, and things most meaningful to you.
How long will it take to get organized?
Of course, it depends. If having too much stuff has been a long-standing challenge for you, it may take several sessions not only to work through the clutter or time management issues, but for us to teach you new skills and for you to develop new habits. If you have become overwhelmed recently because of a life transition, such as moving, having a baby, or starting a new job, you just may want some help to get things and routines back into place.
You may need a whole house or office makeover, or require help in just one room or area. In all cases, one main criterion is how quickly you can make decisions: about what to keep, what to donate, what to toss, what to sell, and what to give to friends or family.
Being organized is an ongoing process. Once we help you create systems that work for you, you then will want to allocate regular time to maintain the systems – on your own, or with a periodic check-in with us by phone or in person.
Do you bring assistants or work alone?
That depends on the scope of the work, your personal preference, and how quickly you need the space to be organized. Our crew organizers can assist the senior organizer for larger projects. For services outside our area of expertise or ability, we have an extensive network of vendors, suppliers, service personnel, and even other professional organizers who can help you with your needs. We can recommend art appraisal experts, carpenters, computer and technical consultants, handymen, hauling companies, interior designers, financial planners, junk removal firms, landscape designers, life coaches, movers, and even a Registered Dietitian to help you with meal planning and kitchen efficiency.
Do I have to be present when you work?
Yes, with very limited exceptions. Only you can decide which items are meaningful and important to you. And not only do we organize your space, we take pleasure in teaching you how to stay organized.
Will you work with my children or teenagers?
Yes, we really enjoy working with children and teens. We listen respectfully and mindfully, and help them create spaces and solutions for their clothes, toys, electronics, and other possessions.
Will you clean while you are at my home?
As we work, we will do light dusting or sweeping of the areas we clear. Should you need the services of a house or office cleaner, we will be pleased to make a referral.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Of course! We are pleased to speak with you via phone or email about your needs.
How do I pay? How much do you charge?
For telephone or on-site sessions, you may pay in advance with a credit card using PayPal, or for on-site sessions, also by personal check or cash. For longer projects, we will set up a payment schedule; otherwise, payment is due at the end of each session. Rates are as follows:
- Senior professional organizer: $75/hour. 3 hour on-site minimum.
- Crew professional organizers: $60/hour. 3 hour on-site minimum. (Crew organizers accompany and assist the senior organizer; they are not sent to a site alone.)
- Telephone consulting with senior organizer: $75/hour. 1 hour minimum.
- Whole Home Initial Assessment Session: $300. Includes 2-3 hours on-site, plus 2-3 hours off-site to complete a detailed work plan. Plan will be emailed within 2 days of the on-site visit. This is a good option if you wish to do the hands-on organizing work yourself. We also are available to assist you on-site to implement the plan.
- Room(s) Initial Assessment Session: $75 per hour on-site and $75 per hour off-site to create a detailed work plan. Plan will be emailed within 2 days of the on-site visit.
- Materials and supplies will be billed at cost plus shopping time (shopping time is $75/hour)
- Organizing product research: $75/hour. ¼ hour minimum.
- Donation drop-off: $30/trip
- Travel of up to 60 minutes round-trip is included in the on-site fee. Additional travel charges will accrue if travel exceeds 60 minutes round-trip.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations less than 48 hours in advance of the scheduled call or visit will be billed for the entire scheduled session, except in case of illness or emergency.
What outcomes can I expect from getting organized?
The benefits of being organized are beyond what you can imagine! In making an investment in bringing order to your home or workplace, many report these advantages:
- Save time and energy looking for misplaced items
- Create a sense of calm and serenity
- “Letting go of fear that keeps me holding onto things”
- Take much less time to clean the house
- “Less depressed – much more cheerful when I wake up
and see how beautiful my room looks!” - “Finally getting a grasp on my financial life and future”
- “Helped me identify and address things that just weren’t working”
- Become more creative and joyful
- “More time for the things I really want to do and the people
I really want to spend time with” - “I’m ready to let go of feeling helpless and out of control”
- Lose weight
- Spiritual centering
- Make space for new people, places, and things to come into your life
- “Peace in our home”
- “Much more productive and efficient at work”
- “Streamline systems – now things work!”
Plus, we’ve often seen that when one member of a household or organization starts getting organized, others follow suit even without prompting – it’s inspiring!