Hiring a professional organizer
Q: Why should I hire a professional organizer? Isn’t all of this just something I could do on my own?
A: Yes, and no. If you thought you could do this entirely on your own, you probably wouldn’t have been looking at professional organizers’ websites to begin with (am I wrong?). I will get you to the point where you can do this without me. However, I do have experience, education, and passion (I really love organizing!) that maybe you don’t. Also, I structure my fees so that you can quit at any time in the process and still be better off for having hired me. (Pricing). I start you on the path and help think outside the box. I also have methods that will help you succeed at finding systems that work for the way you think and the way you actually live. That way you can experience long-term solutions, not just tidying events.
Q: What do you actually do as a professional organizer?
A: I provide services that range from decluttering spaces like closets, kitchens, craft rooms, and playrooms to helping you maximize your space to find and use things easily. I provide downsizing for moves, and develop household schedules and systems that help you get more done more easily. You might even save money, too! My goal is to help you think about your life and your space and how they can work together to make your home a beautiful place. You deserve peace and joy while also getting done all the many things you need and want to do.
When my professional organizer comes to my house
Q: Should I clean up before you come over?
A: Since seeing how you actually use your space helps me develop solutions that work for real life, leaving things exactly as they are produces better results. If you really feel the urge to do something, though, washing dishes and doing laundry will help. Putting clean things in their space gives a more accurate picture of what kind of systems need to be implemented.
Q: Will you make me get rid of all my things?
A: My goal is to help you make your space work for you. Past experience tells me that most people end up choosing to part with many things that no longer serve them. However, I will never force you to get rid of things you don’t want to get rid of. I simply ask questions to help guide you in your decision-making to help you achieve the results you want.
Q: Do I need to be there while you work?
A: For lots of reasons, the process works better when you participate in it, especially at first. Primarily, I can get to know your space and how you use it. Also, it ensures that I am not making decisions that you would not make. Finally, I teach you the process so that you can maintain your solutions and make even more progress after I am gone. However, once we have made the preliminary decisions together, I can set up those systems with less active participation from you if you desire.
Q: Do you secretly judge me when you see my space, you just hide it well because this is your job?
A: There are lots of reasons why people’s spaces become something that makes them want to change, and all of them are perfectly understandable (and many of them I have experienced myself). I am just grateful and honored that you have trusted me enough to bring me in. Then I get really excited that we are going to be able to make this space better together. All our sessions will be completely confidential and judgment-free.
Add-on services
Q: What about products for organizing – all the pretty bins, containers and baskets? Are they included in the fees? That could get pricey fast.
A: Product is not included in the fees, but you would be surprised how much organizing can be done without buying product at all. And if you decide that you do want all those pretty containers, I can work with you by providing recommendations at all different price points, which you can either purchase yourself or have me purchase for you if you prefer.
Q: What if I need additional services like assembling furniture or installing cabinets?
Some of these services I can provide for an extra fee. If I do not offer a service you need, I will happily provide you a referral to a professional in your area you can contract with independently.