Organizing & Project Management Services

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Fit is everything! Shop around, interview a number of different organizers before making a final decision. Chemistry can have a huge effect on how effective an organizing session is. You need to feel understood when working with an organizer. If you feel pushed or pressured, keep looking. We're here to help you realize your goals, not to impose our own standards or ideas on you. Think of a good organizer as part teacher, part cheerleader and part project manager. Finally, start small. Even when a client says they want to do "the whole house" I often like to start with just one room to make sure we work well together and don't get in over our heads. By starting with small, bite-size projects you can master organizing techniques and then start to apply them in any area of your home or office.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. The biggest myth about folks who hire a professional organizer is that they are incapable of getting organized on their own. It's like saying that everyone who hires a housekeeper doesn't know how to sweep a floor. It's not a lack of knowledge that keeps people from getting organized, it's a lack of time (and often) motivation. Hiring an organizer is an act of self-care. It's an investment of time and money that should yield lasting results (not quick fixes). The big inside secret is that there is no secret. Organizing, purging and sorting is time-consuming and involves some heavy lifting. Hiring an organizer takes the weight out of an otherwise onerous task.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Most organizing sessions should start with an intake/ consultation. During an intake an organizer should be absorbing lots of information. Afterwards they should submit a proposal that leaves you feeling like you were heard, and they thought of everything- from time-lines to products and supplies. I would argue that what's most important is that you felt comfortable and relaxed in their presence. You will double your productivity if the organizer-client relationship is upbeat, energetic and fun.
A few other things to consider: an organizer should be able to clearly state what is included in their fee. Do they bring organizing supplies with them? Do they arrange for purchase, delivery and installation of anything you decide to buy for the project? Ask for specifics: How long will it take? Can they restate your goals for the project? Do they have references?