ANSWERS TO YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER?
A professional organizer enhances the lives of clients by teaching effective organizing skills, and designing systems and processes based on organizing principles tailored to fit individual needs. A professional organizer is a neutral person that brings a new perspective to the job at hand. If you feel overwhelmed when you attempt to tackle a project on your own, a professional organizer can help you push through and reach your goals. A professional organizer has the experience and skills needed to achieve the results you desire.
A Certified Professional Organizer® has proven through examination and extensive client interaction, that they possess the body of knowledge and experience required for certification. I am a CPO, one of approximately 400 in the entire world (!), with thousands of hours of one-on-one experience and more than 150 continuing education courses taken since 2014.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER?
Are you embarrassed to have guests in your home? Do you feel like you are constantly looking for things? Do you waste money by re-buying things you've misplaced? Do you argue with your family about the mess? Do you feel stressed because of clutter? Do you struggle with making decisions about your stuff? Do you dread digging into a pile of unknown papers? Are you ready to give yourself a break? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you could benefit from working with a professional organizer. When you hire a professional organizer, you are making a commitment to create a more simple life for yourself. If you would like to have less clutter, be able to find things, get more done, relax in your home, spend more time with family and friends, save time and money, organize better on your own, and live a more stress-free life, you could benefit from hiring a professional organizer.
HOW CAN A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER HELP ME?
Everyone can use a little help now and then. It's okay to feel a bit out of control and need a neutral party to get you back on track. I will bring objectivity to your situation, and help guide you through the process of de-cluttering your life. I will help you through those tough decisions and make the whole process easier – and dare I say, fun! I will give you the necessary tips and tricks to use as you venture forward on your own.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER?
A professional organizer should be enthusiastic, focused, inquisitive, decisive, sensitive, educated, experienced and more. Make sure the organizer fits your unique personality and makes you feel comfortable.
DO YOU DO THE WORK OR HELP ME?
I work one-on-one with each client to accomplish your goals so clients are a vital part of the process. I teach you how to become and stay organized so learning how to do it yourself is key.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
That is a tough question because each situation is unique. Determining factors include how quickly a client can make decisions, the amount of clutter, the amount of disruptions during the work time and more. The process will go faster if you are willing to do homework between sessions.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY STUFF WHEN I'M READY TO LET ITEMS GO?
Once your items are sorted and you are ready to let some things go, I will help you determine the next destination for items you no longer need, use or love. I'll help you recycle, donate, dispose or consign the clutter. This may include scheduling pick-up with a favorite charitable organization, dropping off outdated electronics at the appropriate recycling location, or providing advice on consigning items to local shops or online. Many clients are tempted to keep items for an eventual yard sale, and you have every right to do that. However, you will benefit more from letting all items go immediately. If you decide to have a sale, you should commit to donating everything that does not sell rather than bringing items back into the home.
ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE ME THROW EVERYTHING AWAY?
No way! I will not force you to get rid of anything, but I will challenge you by asking tough questions about your items. Anything you discard is your decision alone. I am only there to assist you. My goal is to help you find and keep the important stuff, and let the rest go in the most eco-friendly way. I will be there to cheer you on as you let things go that no longer have a purpose or bring you happiness.
DO I NEED TO CLEAN UP OR BUY ANYTHING BEFORE YOU ARRIVE?
No, please do not clean up or buy anything before we begin. It's important for me to see how you live in your home. I need to see the clutter so I can determine the best way to make it disappear for good. I will not judge you so there is no need to be embarrassed. I will not be shocked by the amount of clutter. I will work with you to find organizing solutions so you will be happy to invite guests to your home.
WILL I NEED TO BUY A BUNCH OF ORGANIZING PRODUCTS?
No, in most cases I will offer solutions for your space with the organizational products you already own. Many people who desire to be more orderly have accumulated some good organizing products. I will always try to use products you already own. I may make product suggestions and can even shop for you if necessary. The cost of these products is additional, but not marked up. The decision to purchase items is completely up to the client.
I'VE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO STAY ORGANIZED BEFORE. HOW DO I KNOW IT WILL WORK THIS TIME?
I will work with you to customize an organizational system that fits your individual needs. I will ask you many questions and provide suggestions based on what I think will work for you. We will try to identify the bad habits that have sabotaged your organizing efforts in the past, and provide guidance on what is needed to maintain order.
HOW DO I KNOW MY SPACE WILL STAY ORGANIZED AFTER YOU LEAVE?
Getting organized can be tough, and staying organized is even tougher. I will help you prioritize your goals and give you the knowledge you need to keep a system in place long after I'm gone. When you begin to feel in control, more relaxed in your space and less stressed, you'll know it's working. With the right systems in place, it is easy to organize with little effort. But if things get out of control again, that's okay and normal. We can check in by phone, or plan an in-person visit to get you back on track.
WHAT IS YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY?
Your privacy is important to me and I adhere to the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) Code of Ethics. I am not there to judge you, and I will never ask you to reveal sensitive information. All client details are kept strictly confidential. I pledge to: serve my clients with integrity, competence, and objectivity, and treat them with respect and courtesy; keep client information confidential and not use it to benefit myself, Reset: Professional Organizing LLC, or reveal information to others; and use proprietary client information only with client's permission.
DO YOU OFFER CONSULTATIONS?
Yes, I offer a free phone consultation to learn more about you and your organizing needs. Let's face it, inviting a stranger into your home to declutter and organize can feel strange. I want you to feel comfortable with me, and I want to feel comfortable with you. It's important to find an organizer you trust and enjoy spending time with. A phone consultation will give us the opportunity to casually meet, discuss goals and make sure we will make a good team.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The project cost is determined by the amount of clutter, the size of the space, the client's ability to make decisions, and the client's availability/disruptions. I match my pace to the client's pace, never rushing through tough decisions, but moving forward in an efficient manner.
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In reality you are paying for the transformation of the space, not the time. I am paid for the value I provide. A good question to ask is, "what is the value of the transformation?"
HOW DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?
My rate is $100/hour. A deposit for the first session is required. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted. I also offer a 3-hour in-home assessment for those self-motivated individuals who are interested in doing the work alone but just need a plan to start. The assessment includes a walk-through with tips and suggestions for how to improve the space. After the assessment, the client receives a follow-up email that includes ways to achieve the client's goals as well as resource recommendations.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A SESSION?
Hands-on de-cluttering assistance, basic materials used in organizing sessions (bags, gloves, labels etc.), suggestions and maintenance tips, removal of donations (one load per session), assistance with scheduling of donations if needed, and follow-up phone or email consultation.
IS IT WORTH THE MONEY?
Living in chaos can be expensive. Maybe you waste time looking for things you can no longer find. Perhaps you miss a payment on a bill, incurring late charges and unnecessary fees. Investing the time and money now to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of being organized can pay off big in the future. When you hire a professional organizer you are paying for their knowledge, their ability to understand how you function, and to develop a system that works just for you. You end up saving money by investing in a person who can teach you to organize on your own.
ARE YOU GOING TO THINK I'M A SLOB?
No, absolutely not! Accumulating treasures and collecting things is very common in our culture. Most of us have too many clothes, books, shoes, toys and papers – including me! I want to help you find those things that add value to your life, and help you eliminate what is no longer bringing you happiness.
DO YOU OFFER GIFT CERTIFICATES?
Yes, I do offer gift certificates - they make great gifts for new parents, students, seniors looking to downsize and more. Please be cautious and discuss hiring a professional organizer with the intended recipient so you are certain they will appreciate the gift as much as you hope they will. Contact me for details.