Frequently Asked Questions

A. Clutter doesn’t appear suddenly; it tends to build over time. When you live in a home on a daily basis, it can be difficult to recognize the patterns that contribute to the clutter in the first place. Having a professional organizer on hand who can offer a fresh set of eyes and different perspective is often just what is needed to act as a catalyst for making a positive shift. Whether it be downsizing following a divorce, relocating for work, unpacking your home after a move, a new baby on the way, or repurposing an existing space, I am here to help.

A. In order for me to be able to clearly see what is and what is not working, please don’t straighten up ahead of time. It is best to be able to see your home as it is every day. Being able to get a feel for your lifestyle and understand what your day-to-day habits and routines are, I will best be able to develop a plan of action and create organizational systems that will work best for you.

A. Our initial consultation is the first step in the organizing process. I will come to your home, where we will discuss what is currently working for you and what areas you find more challenging. You will share with me your vision about how you would like your space to look and function. I will make recommendations, and we will then work together to develop a plan of action that will help you to optimize your space and utilize it in the most productive way to suit your needs. In order for me to reserve the day and time that is best for you, my fee is paid when we schedule our initial consultation. Depending on how many areas you need me to assess, consultations typically last 1-2 hours. The consultation fee will be credited towards our first scheduled organizing session.

A. There is no need to purchase any supplies in advance. Some boxes for sorting are a good place to start. Large trash bags will be used for trash, recycling, and donation items. We can make use of and repurpose containers, bins, baskets, and other organizational supplies you already have as we sort, purge, and organize each space.

Once we have determined which possessions are being kept, repaired, or repurposed, I will make suggestions about what additional supplies are still needed to house your belongings and help keep them in order.

A. Once we have determined what supplies are needed, I will repurpose items you already have that are appropriate for the intended space when possible (with your permission, of course). If there is a need for additional supplies, and you find yourself pressed for time, or with no desire to do the shopping yourself, I am happy to take care of the shopping for you. I will work around your budget, taking into account your preferred style, and provide you with receipts for reimbursement. My shopping services fee is $40 per hour, with no additional charge for travel time or mileage.

A. I will not discard or donate any items without my client's consent. Therefore, although it is not necessary to be present once we have determined which items will remain or will be repurposed, you will need to be available during the weed-out process of our organizing session for final decision making. Once this is accomplished, I can continue to work independently.

A. Each client is unique, and the time to complete sorting, assessing, purging, and reassigning items to their final destination in any given space varies, depending upon several different factors. Volume alone does not always determine length of time, as certain things take longer to sort through than others. In addition, each client has their own style of processing, which affects whether it takes more or less time for them to arrive at making a final decision.

A. I can provide local resources for environmentally-friendly recycling and donation centers to ensure items you no longer need provide others in a useful way. I will drop off one carload of donations free of charge to Goodwill Industries at the conclusion of each session.

A. As a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, I abide by their Code of Ethics. I will keep all client services completely confidential, and I will not share any of your personal information.

I will use proprietary client information only with the client's permission.