Organizing FAQ
Q: What is a professional organizer?
A: A professional organizer is someone who finds systems and products to best organize your space, and they help you through the process. They can help get you organized and teach you how to maintain the organization.
Q: Why should I hire a professional organizer?
A: It’s helpful to have someone to encourage you and keep you motivated as well as providing you with ideas about how to organize your things. A professional organizer’s job is to think about the best way to have things organized, so you don’t have to spend all of your free time doing that. Also, it will force you to set aside time to work on the project – there is no procrastinating when you have someone right there for the sole purpose of organizing.
Q: What are some common reasons people hire a professional organizer?
A: - Preparing to move
- Unpacking
- Downsizing
- Clearing out a storage unit
- Decluttering before selling your house
- Getting ready for a social event at your house
- Reorganize to accommodate change in family size
- Getting a guest room ready for a visit
- Closets are crammed full of junk
- Can’t park cars in the garage
- Kitchen is not efficient
- Kids’ toys have taken over the house
- Master bedroom is chaotic instead of calm and peaceful
- No system for storing holiday decorations
- Clearing and sorting out the personal property of an estate.
Q: What costs are involved?
A: I have an hourly rate that I charge. There is a standard rate for normal business hours, and a somewhat higher rate for evenings and weekends. If you would like any organizing products (boxes, bins, etc.), you will be charged the cost of those items also. If you are not in the
Q: Do I have to be there during the organizing process?
A: Yes. I need you there to make the ultimate decisions about items that are most important and need to stay in the space. You really don’t want someone else deciding what you need to keep and what you need to get rid of. Also, if you are not involved in the process, you won’t know where anything is and you won’t be as likely to maintain the organization if you didn’t have any input in it.
Q: What goes on during a typical organizing job?
A: Usually, we start by grouping like items together (in the space you have decided on). Then we decide which items you really need to keep in the space, what is broken or no longer needed, or what belongs somewhere else. Things that are no longer needed are grouped together and can be donated to the charity organization of your choice. Broken items are thrown away (unless you have some you need and can be fixed somehow). And then we decide how to best organize the items that are staying in the space. Just to clarify, you make all the ultimate decisions about what stays and what goes – I don’t force you to get rid of anything.
Q: How long does the organizing take?
A: That depends on the space we are working on. A small space with not very much clutter may take only a couple of hours. However, a larger space, with more items in it will take longer. If you want to organize the whole house, that could take several days.
Q: What if I’m embarrassed about how disorganized my space is?
A: This process is completely confidential! I understand that people have busy, hectic lives and that sometimes things get out of control. I wasn’t always organized myself so I certainly understand how easy it is to find yourself in a situation that can seem overwhelming. Everyone needs help with something once in a while. (That’s why we have experts!) Also, while I normally take before and after pictures (so you can see and remember the results) I will maintain your anonymity if that is what you want.
Q: Do you organize like what I see on TV?
A: Yes, except I don’t have a crew of 50 people handling construction, painting, decorating, purchasing, yard sales, and moving furniture. And I don’t ever belittle someone or make them cry.
Q: Can you come speak to my group?
A: Yes, There are many groups and organizations that can benefit from organizing and I would be happy to discuss details about possible presentations to your group. Please call me at 405-590-0196 to discuss it.
