Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Professional Organizer?

According to the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), a Professional Organizer is “a person who provides ideas, information, structure, solutions, and systems to increase productivity, reduce stress, save time and energy, and lead to more control over space and activities.”

We are problem-solvers and creative thinkers. We are goal-oriented, sense of humor bearing and empathetic individuals. We are steadfast and determined and not easily frazzled by a messy space!  We help to motivate our clients, offering encouragement, support, focus and direction. We share and revel in the thrill of our clients’ organizational victories and accomplishments.

 Why hire a NAPO Organizer vs. a non-NAPO Organizer?
The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) has been recognized as the organizing authority for over 20 years.  NAPO offers organizers the opportunity to sharpen their skills through on-going education and professional development.  NAPO has a Code of Ethics which members abide by.

What will a Professional Organizer do that I can’t do myself?
There are many factors and circumstances that bring us to our clients’ homes. We understand that you are in need of some assistance and we are not here to judge, but to roll up our sleeves and help improve your situation by working alongside you to sort out your surroundings.
If organizing doesn’t seem to come naturally to you, don’t worry! You are not alone. That’s where we come in - not only to assist you in improving your space, but throughout  that process, to share with you the skills, techniques, and tricks that can be applied in any organizational endeavor. It is our aim and our hope that you will internalize some of these skills and be able to implement them on your own.
We are here to help you set up realistic systems that will work for you and to provide you with structure, motivation, guidance, and decision making assistance along the way.

 How will you protect my privacy?
All discussions and materials are handled with the strictest confidence.

How much do you charge?
Please contact me to discuss your project in greater detail and I will be able to discuss my hourly rates. I provide a free 30 minute initial phone consultation so that we can discuss the scope of your project and your goals.
After that, if you are interested in proceeding with an on-site assessment, I will be happy to travel to your home for a detailed walk through where we will discuss your project in detail and strategize.

How does the process work?
The process begins with an initial no-cost, no-obligation phone consultation. 

After that, if you would like to schedule an on-site assessment, that meeting will last about  60 to 90 minutes. We will walk through your space and discuss what your goals are for your space and any special circumstances, etc. thereby enabling us to better estimate the scope and the cost of the project. There is a fee for the on-site assessment, which will be credited toward your project should you decide to proceed.

If you decide to proceed with the project, we can then schedule sessions in 3-4 hour blocks for the duration of the project.

After the initial project completion, we are happy to schedule follow-up visits with you to maintain or tweak any systems as needed.  

Do I need to clean up prior to your visit?
No, it is better if you don’t clean up before the visit. It is most helpful to see your home in its natural state so that I can make an informed assessment. Please be assured that all that I see and anything we discuss during my visit will be kept in the strictest of confidence.

 Should I go shopping and buy containers?
No. It is better to wait until we have a much better sense of the final outcome before deciding on what type of containers will suit your space. Clients are often times surprised to see how much extra space we are able to create during the process and how we are able to repurpose existing containers in creative ways! Of course, if you would prefer to buy all new and uniform containers to achieve a certain aesthetic, that is fine too. We are happy to assist you in achieving the look and feel you want.

How long will it take?
Every project has its unique circumstances.  We will provide you with the best possible estimate of project duration based on the initial assessment. Factors such as sticking to the original scope of the project and client involvement can affect project duration.

What if I have to cancel an appointment?
We understand that things come up at the last minute that cannot always be anticipated.  An appointment can be canceled or rescheduled without penalty if notice is issued a minimum of 24 hours prior to the appointment.

 Will you make me throw away all my “stuff”?
No. Although I will be helping you to evaluate and determine which items are still serving you well, and which items you can maybe let go, you will be the one to make the ultimate decision on what you want to keep or discard. For those items you do decide to part with, we can work together to determine whether you’d like to discard, donate, or resell them.

Can you help with moving?
Yes. A Professional Organizer can be a tremendous help to you during a move by streamlining the process, saving time, and reducing your stress level. We are happy to assist with pre-move de-cluttering and packing, coordination with movers, as well as unpacking and setting up your new space. It’s up to you how much to involve us in the process!

Do you help with Staging?
Yes. I absolutely love staging spaces. I have done many staging jobs for clients placing their homes on the market. I typically provide a staging consultation in which I will walk through your entire space and provide suggestions. I will then provide you with a written report for each and every room (including closets)! I am happy to assist you with executing the plan or you can just take it and run with it on your own. It's your decision. Many times, depending on schedule and your ability to dig in, we will find ourselves making changes as we walk through. I've been known to drive off from these first meetings with a carload of donations.