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What is it like to work with an organizer? Can I just do this myself?
It’s entirely possible to do this on your own, and at the same time, it might make sense to enlist some expert support.
My role is similar to a personal trainer. I help you by creating a plan, clarifying your goals, managing time. Yes, you can work out on your own. And you can organize on your own. Maybe it’s just a matter of getting on track. And maybe having a friendly, encouraging presence will help. A recent client said that if I had not been there, she would have gotten distracted when organizing her bedroom. “I would have started scrolling on Instagram and who knows if I would have started again.”
If you and loved ones have different approaches to organizing, I am a neutral party, someone with expertise in moving people through areas where they get stuck. No judgment. I’ve organized my own space and know that each person’s circumstances are different. I am often described as a calm person. And I love mess, as Marie Kondo says.
So we may get started and work together until your place is as tidy as you want it to be. Or we may get started, and then you keep the momentum going on your own.
What do I need to do to prepare for a session?
Not much! It's best to leave things as is. Let's keep it real. I appreciate a well-lived in home, and I'm there to help you reduce stress, not add to it. I love mess, as Marie Kondo says, so no need to pre-tidy.
What happens before, during and after a session?
Step 1:After a 30 minute consultation on Zoom or by phone, we schedule an initial session (virtual or in-person). A brief questionnaire (5 minutes or so) following the initial consultation gives you a chance to share more information as well.
Step 2: Initial sessions, whether in-person* or virtual, start with revisiting our initial consultation and the questionnaire. We discuss your needs, goals, what's working and what could be changed.
Step 3: Home tour or tour of the specific room/area.
Step 4: Processing items. This is where it will look different depending on the organizing method. If we are proceeding with the KonMari Method™, we process items by category in order (clothes- books- paper- miscellaneous, sentimental items). If we are focusing on a particular area, we get to work (or I get to work on my own with your needs/goals as a blueprint).
Step 5: Time management. I make sure that there is adequate time towards the end of the session to recap if we’ve worked together or to provide updates if I’ve worked on my own. This is when I provide suggestions on “homework” outside of sessions, if you are interested in doing more yourself. If there are donations for me to take away, I load those into my car. (One car load of donations is included in the fee for each in-person session.)
Step 6: A plan to move forward! I follow up with a written summary of what was accomplished during the session, homework (if applicable) and a schedule for future sessions. I am available for support outside of sessions (email, text, calls) for 90 days. If after 90 days you have questions or concerns, please let me know.
Step 7: Enjoy your space :)
*During in person sessions, COVID-19 precautions are taken (mask wearing and distancing) until further notice.
How do virtual sessions work?
Virtual sessions might be just want you need to get on track or stay on track with your organizing goals.
Shorter sessions. Virtual sessions tend to work best at 1.5 hours- enough time to plan, begin to implement work and build momentum.
Convenience. You control the view on your phone or computer.
Consistency. Virtual sessions include an individualized plan, similar to in-person sessions. I keep track of progress, add notes and tips to a personal folder that you can refer to as you continue organizing your space. I am available by email and text outside of sessions for questions.
What kind of results can I expect?
You can expect to see a difference in your space. This is why we take time at the start to clarify your individual goals and needs. Doing this helps you get the results you are looking for. Maybe your goals are specific (ability to find things more easily to save time, closet doors that close, a kitchen that is organized so that you’ll want to cook more). Or maybe your goals are broader (calm, relaxing home, reduced stress, more time to enjoy with loved ones).
You can expect that your home will not be permanently tidy. But it will take less time and effort to get your home back to tidy. We move through changes and transitions in life that impact our homes.
You will find your “click point,” the number of items that you feel comfortable having in your home. (Some reasons you may go above that point again temporarily: holidays, birthdays, change in household members or another life event).
Nearly every client I have worked with finds money in various forms: unused gift cards, uncashed checks, actual cash. There was one winning scratch lotto ticket. Mysteries are solved.
During this process, you may also:
Find clarity around what you want in your life.
Display and store items you love with care and honor.
Focus on what you value.
What if people in my family/home are unwilling to tidy up?
This can be the reason why people decide not to get started. They believe that they need to get buy-in from everyone to do this. I understand this.
As a consultant, I work with individuals directly. Those individuals make decisions about items that they have control over. With shared items or shared living areas, the person I am tidying with should discuss with others to agree on decision making rights.
You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes for you to get started, to put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others. As a parent this is an opportunity to lead by example. As a spouse/partner, it’s an opportunity to take care of yourself. Kids can tidy too! I have worked with children as young as 7 on tidying their items. Sessions tend to be shorter.
What is the cost?
Initial consultations (30 minutes) are free. I offer hourly rates for in-home sessions and virtual sessions. All in-home sessions include a complimentary haul away of donations. Payment is due following each session (electronic or check).
Hourly in-home or office tidying sessions are $75/hour (3 hour minimum for in-person sessions.) For 10 hours or more, there is a 10% discount offered.
At the end of the first in-home session, I will give an estimate of how long it will take to completely tidy the areas you want to tidy. In some cases that's a space or room or two, and in some cases, it's the whole home. The number of sessions depends in part on whether or not you do some of the work on your own outside of sessions (a.k.a. “homework”). That can speed things up, and if you are up for it, I provide a plan with time estimates for work outside of sessions.
How long are individual sessions? How much time will it take overall?
It depends on your schedule and the volume of items in your home. In-person sessions are typically 3-5 hours, and if you do some work outside of sessions, then the process can move more quickly.
I work with clients to map out a plan that makes sense with their schedules and lives. Contact me for an initial consultation to discuss.