FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & FEES:
Q: IS HIRING A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER EXPENSIVE?
A: As one client told me, “It’s cheaper than therapy!” You determine your budget, because you decide how much help you want. You may decide you just need someone to review your situation and offer suggestions — and you will do the manual labor yourself. Or, you may want someone to come in and actually DO the work (set up the filing system, clean out the garage, re-design your office procedures) — it all depends on what works for you. I am willing to provide whatever level of service you find most helpful.
Q: HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET ME ORGANIZED?
A: That really depends on several variables, including number of items, size of space, hidden dimensions and differing levels of client participation. That said, an average room in a home will take about 1 full day (or 6-8 hours) to complete — and an average one-person office will take 6-12 hours to complete. However, smaller spaces like a closet or bathroom can take less while some a huge basement or overstuffed garage may take more. It also depends on how much you accomplish on your own — if you only think about organizing during appointments, it will go much slower than if you tackle the small projects your organizer assigns between sessions.
Q: CAN’T YOU DO LIKE THOSE CLEAN SWEEP SHOWS?
A: Remember that those shows are just that — for show…and they have about 5 people working behind the scenes!! They want a dramatic result in an hour, so they cart a lot of junk out, have someone custom build a storage solution — and don’t actually show the decision-making, follow-up, and maintenance PROCESSES that an organizer takes you through. Organizing is only partly about setting up shelves and containers — it is mostly about learning how to let go of clutter, changing behaviors that cause clutter to accumulate, and developing more constructive HABITS that will keep you organized for years to come. Just remember, disorganization happens over time, and it may not be fixed overnight. However, your organizer will work as QUICKLY as possible to get your life back in order — and to teach you how to keep it that way.
Q: HOW DO FEES WORK?
A: Each organizer’s fee will be different, based on his or her level of EXPERIENCE, the area of the country, and the type of service being provided. While hourly rates for organizers can vary, you can count on the AVERAGE hourly rate for a professional organizer in the United States being between $60 – $130 an hour. With that said, I take pride in my competitive $95 hourly rate, with a 4 hour minimum to start. Depending on your location, a nominal travel fee may need to be applied. Wedding day coordination and project management fees vary depending on scope of event/project.
Q: WHY A CANCELLATION FEE?
A: Due to the nature of being a small business owner and having limited prime time scheduling hours available, I depend on my bookings to make a living income and therefore need to implement a cancellation policy. As it is difficult and rare to rebook a slot within a short time frame, proper consideration regarding cancellations and appointment changes is expected.
Appointments cancelled within 48 hours of a scheduled appointment time are subject to a cancellation charge of $100. Day of wedding coordination cancellation conditions are per the signed contract terms.
Q: WHY DO ORGANIZERS CHARGE THE FEES THEY DO?
A: Not only am I a professional organizer and certified project manager, I am a college graduate with a rich and diversified career background. Organizing is a professional service — just like you would receive from an attorney, accountant, counselor or coach. Most organizers are college graduates and have spent many years developing their skills. Some have mistakenly assumed that an organizer is going to come in and “clean up” for them — and that it should cost about the same amount as a housekeeper — but it is more involved than that when you reconstruct a space. You are paying for an organizer’s SKILL, TECHNIQUE & KNOWLEDGE — their ability to extract critical information, understand how you function, and develop a system that will work best for you. A professional organizer works through the bones of your home to customize and build individualized systems that cater to your needs and daily function.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS?
A: With over 20 years experience in special projects and events, I have worked from the ground up in boutique & 5 star hotels to project manager of $1.5 million large scale productions. I launched my professional home organizing business in 2009 while working as a real estate office manager. In 2012 I obtained my certification in Project Management from Portland State University, on top of my previous Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology & Global Studies. Since then I have helped over 500 clients in their homes from garage & overall household organizing, to downsizing, resale of items, packing, unpacking, staging a home for sale and set up & design of new living spaces. Commercially I have managed small business moves, client relocations overseas and logistics for large scale events. While I dabbled in the corporate world, I thrived and find my most fulfilling work to be with private clients one on one.
Q: WHAT CAN AN ORGANIZER HELP ME WITH?
A: Think of Professional Organizers as “personal trainers” for the organizationally challenged — keeping you on TRACK as you get your home or office (instead of your body) in shape. They assist individuals and companies in regaining control over their time, space, and paper. Organizers bring together the PRODUCTS and TECHNIQUES that will work best for you — a customized solution for your particular situation.
Q: DOES THE ORGANIZER DO THE WORK OR GUIDE ME HOW TO DO IT?
A: You are an integral part of the organizing process. It is vital that you share what is important to you, what methods have and have not worked for you in the past. The systems created need to be based on your particular situation and lifestyle, likes and habits to create effective long-term results. I offer a customized approach based on the information you provide. Once we set goals and establish an agreed upon system, your assistance in the process may expedite results or I can work independently with periodic input from you.
