FAQs

What does a professional organizer do?

An organizer comes alongside you to create systems for your every day life. These systems are individualized and based on your personality and personal preferences, and they set you up for success in reaching your goals, increasing productivity and efficiency, eliminating excess, and finding peace.

Will you make me get rid of things?

Only if you want to! A big part of getting organized is decluttering. Clutter is stuff that isn't relative to your every day life or regular use anymore. My first line of action after helping determine your vision and goals is to help identify what isn't current for you. This can mean getting rid of it, storing it away for future reference, or digitizing it to save space. Many times, I do encourage you to let things go, because it's good for you emotionally, but I respect that ultimately the decision is yours.

If you express to me that you feel like you have too much stuff, it's causing you stress, and you wish it would all just go away, but then when it comes down to it, you have trouble parting with individual items, then yes I will gently challenge you and ask you questions to uncover why it's hard to let things go. Getting rid of things can be tough and emotional. I'm here to work through the process with you, but I will not throw things away behind your back or "make you" get rid of things. My goal is to empower you to make that decision on your own, when you are ready.

Where do I even start?

A lot of times, the first step is the hardest. Honestly, the fact that you are reading a site for a professional organizer means that you probably have interest and desire to create more order in your life. Your life looks different from your neighbor's life, so I am not going to give a cookie cutter answer on where to start.

​We usually begin with whatever is stressing you out. Once we talk long enough that I can discover a turning point for that crazy-maker, we back up and create a plan that helps you get out of the mess. The wonderful part of having an organizer work with you is that it helps put wheels to all those "great ideas" and "10 helpful tips" you see on the internet but never actually implement. (Pinterest, anyone?) 

How far do you travel?

Currently I have the freedom and luxury to travel anywhere in the world! I am unmarried and do not have children, so I am often able to pack up with a day's notice and hit the road. Note the travel surcharge under each package description terms and conditions. When 3 or more families book a package in the same city within the same week or two, travel fees are waived *in most cases.* Don't hesitate to ask! Visit my services page to see my travel calendar which I try to keep up to date. Current wanderlust: Iceland, New Zealand, and Italy. Always Italy.

Why is the rate for organizing high? Is there a possibility that you can adjust your fee?

Would you agree that money is a statement of values, and what you spend money on would naturally say what you value? I'd start by saying that the value of being organized so that you are available for the things that are important to you actually cannot be measured! I can't count the number of clients who, after working with me, say, "I feel like I got my life back!" 

I have created premium packages with you in mind. That is why my packages include not only the on-site organizing hours, but the product suggestions which I take time off-site to research, shopping assistance, any labeling, time and cost of travel, access to my network of professionals, donation haul-off, paper shredding, 
and more. It's created to be a "done for you" luxury service to reclaim your joy and time.

I hear often that potential clients feel emotionally connected to me even more than others who have given quotes on a project. The emotional component of my business is another part of my packages that is unique from what others offer. Because I do have a unique brand, style, personality and approach, I charge not based on competition or local average, but on the collective value of the outcomes in each package, as well as what it takes for me to stay available for providing this premium service. Part of that is providing my natural intuitive support and even prayer if wanted, so I can support you holistically to reach your end goals.

​I KNOW how tough the issues behind disorganization can be - fear, procrastination, avoidance, shame, embarrassment, low self-worth, and more. I've felt them all, so I'm able to provide tools to assist with these aspects that other organizers may not feel comfortable delving into. One client says, "You are my therapy!" 

So I can't actually reduce my rate and both stay available for the level of quality work I provide. I can say that you will receive a different level of service and support with me. Your investment with me, I believe, will surpass your expectations and be completely individualized from what others may offer. You need to find who is right for you & who you jive with so that the work can be done according to your desires the first time!

As for specifics, when we do a consult and I suggest a package but you feel the price is above your budget, you could purchase a smaller package such as my "Get Unstuck" package and then add a la carte hours and services as needed. You can also view other popular packages here and see if you find one that will meet your needs and get you going!

Shouldn't I be able to organize my own house?

Well, in theory... perhaps... but I think we have each other for a reason. Your strong suits are different from the next person. I couldn't dance or do math to save my life... so I either don't do it or call someone else! Maybe you've been in the "don't do it" stage for a bit too long and the aftermath of the mess is catching up to you. Maybe you keep telling yourself you're going to clean out that pantry or attic and for whatever reason you just can't make yourself do it, and it's time to call someone. I'll be honest, even as an organizer, I need moral support when I'm cleaning out my garage.

​Maybe you are grieving now or recently went through grief... and I will tell you right now that grief is such a normal time that people "let go" of their home upkeep. After a few years it can catch up to you to the point that it is way too overwhelming to think about tackling alone. I really am honored to come alongside people in these times, so please know I won't judge, no matter how out of hand things have become.

How can I earn cash for my clutter?

I am glad you asked. It's a question I've asked myself hundreds of times over the last 10 years and (20+ moves). You feel bad donating it when you remember you paid good money for it. Then you think about the time involved in listing and selling online, or hosting a garage sale, and wonder if it is worth it. I have helped coordinate many a garage sale and have been consigning items online for the last 7+ years with great success.

I have tips and tricks up my sleeve that will help you determine what to do with what in order to gain the maximum return for your clutter. I also have a knack for telling you when it's just time to let it go. People often trust me on this because I have been in the buying and selling world for long enough to know what has resale value and what is just "so 1970s" ... and not so much in the cool way.

If earning cash for your clutter interests you, you'll want to stay tuned for the release of my internet course that I am writing on the topic. I will create videos and articles with practical tutorials on various venues of resales. Input your email address to stay in the know!

Do we sign a contract?

We do! To be clear on all policies, procedures, and expectations, I do ask every client to sign a contract at least 48 hours in advance. A customized contract will be sent at time of booking. You may view the base contract upon request before booking.

How did you get into doing this kind of work?

IT'S A LONG STORY! Lol. As with most any story of someone doing what they love, there is a back story of struggle and glory intertwined. Visit my blog about my story to hear more of how it all began. You may want to get a drink and get comfy... the path hasn't been smooth, but I love what I do, and I believe the best is yet to be!