Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
Services start at $75/hour for one Organizers (Ashley) and $130/hour for two Organizers. Rates vary based on how many Organizers are desired/needed to service your project and the skill level of each.
The cost for materials such as bins, shelving, etc. (if required) is also a factor to consider.
If budget is a concern, there are numerous money-saving strategies that can be implemented. Call to discuss all of the ways expense can be kept to a minimum. It is often surprising how little it can cost to get a project started or make tremendously valuable headway.
How long does it take?
There are numerous factors that affect the ease and duration of a project: length and frequency of work sessions, client involvement in work sessions, amount of dense paperwork, client decision-making ability, family cooperation, how much is kept after the discard phase, and available space, just to name a few. While it is very difficult to estimate exactly how long a project will take upfront, from start to finish, an approximate estimation can sometimes be made after work has begun.
I have anxiety thinking about opening my home to an organizer. What if I am too embarrassed to have an organizer come over?
Your organizer is sensitive to your situation and all of the emotions that can go along with wanting/needing help from a professional organizer. Your organizer is non-judgmental and bound by NAPO's code of ethics regarding your privacy. She is experienced when it comes to helping people in your same circumstances. Know that you are not alone, and asking for help is a step in the right direction. Virtual services my also be a way to get the help you need without having someone directly in your space.
I am nervous about getting rid of something I will need or want later. Will the organizer pressure me into getting rid of things I don't want to part with?
Decisions about what to discard will be placed entirely in your hands but with lots of support. We help facilitate the decision-making process, often easing stress and reducing the duration of the organizing project, but we never force an outcome that leaves you uneasy. We provide new perspectives with which you can mentally and emotionally process your belongings. Through practice you will become proficient at making these kinds of decisions autonomously, and this happens sooner than you might think!
When I get rid of something, where does it go?
Items during a session are sorted into the following common outgoing categories: trash, recycle, donate, sell, return (to a store or a person), and gift to friend or family member. Ultimately, you have control over where each of your items goes. At the end of each session, a complimentary "junk removal" service is provided for donations accepted by The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity's Restore, or Goodwill and that will fit into the organizer's vehicle at the end of the session.
What if I don’t have time to work with the organizer?
To maximize the transference of organizing skills, we recommend working with the organizer(s) (either in person or virtually), but we understand that life can be hectic. While sorting can mostly be performed without your assistance, items often need to be discarded before "homes" can determined for the remainder of what is kept to prevent costly time wasted. General guidelines and directives regarding what should be kept can be given to the organizer(s) upfront, but any decisions made by the organizer(s) outside prearranged directives will need to be reviewed and approved, which will require your attention. As a whole, the entire project may take longer this way, but your direct efforts will be less challenging and less time-consuming. Additional ways we can accommodate packed schedules: short, four-hour sessions; virtual sessions; infrequent sessions; night/weekend sessions; leaving manageable “homework" assignments to be completed at your convenience; and finally, by requesting more than one organizer for the project.
What if I dislike dealing with my clutter or struggle to focus when dealing with it? Will the organizer be patient and help me through it?
Working with a professional can make the organizing process a lot less daunting and much more enjoyable, so you may be surprised at how easy it is with a pro at your side! Just remember, you are not alone in feeling this way. Almost all of those who hire a professional organizer dislike or experience difficulty organizing on some level. The sooner you can get things in order, the sooner you can free your attention for the things you find more enjoyable and engaging! Additionally, some of the strategies used in the question directly above can reduce your personal involvement with the organizing session if you truly wish to take a more hands-off approach.
It just doesn't all fit! How can the organizer help when space is limited?
In almost all cases a surprising amount of discarded clutter leaves more room than initially anticipated. Additionally, the organizer(s) will look at the entire home to determine spaces that could be utilized more efficiently. Ultimately, if room is still an issue, together, we will determine the best option(s) for additional storage.
Do you work with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, or depression?
Yes, I work with individuals diagnosed with these and similar challenges.
Do you work with hoarding situations?
I refer out true hoarding situations to professional teams who specialize in this area.
Does everyone in the household need to be on board?
It is, of course, ideal when everyone is eager for help, but I understand that it's not always that simple. I cannot organize an adult's personal belongings (i.e. their bathroom, closet, etc) without their permission, however, as long as all adult family members are aware of the services purchased, I can organize items/spaces personally belonging to the interested party as well as common areas (i.e. kitchen, laundry room) as long as all adults in the household are aware of the services being rendered.
What are your hours? What days of the week do you work?
My hours are very flexible to accommodate all kinds of family situations and unconventional work schedules. Feel free to request special hours if needed.
Do you bring necessary supplies? What do I need to have?
I bring a collection of complimentary handy supplies such as garbage bags, tape, clear baggies, post-its, and permanent markers. I also bring basic hand tools and a label maker. The client typically needs nothing but a ready attitude!