FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The time dedicated to organizing can be a lot to handle mentally, and sometimes space is needed when it gets overwhelming. While some projects may only take 2 hours to complete, others may take a couple days; and by days I still mean short hours because it is not a job that can be done in one 8 hr shift. Most days I would not work more than 6 hrs, I will no include breaks for getting coffee or lunch, but I try to use these breaks to bring peace to my mind through a bigger project and usual a walk will bring more clarity in sorting through items. I have worked in some extreme organizing projects and don’t expect smaller projects to take as long, either way time is valuable. As a freelancer, I have to budget my time towards my creative projects that don’t make any money and working as a dishwasher in a kitchen that provides my stability. My pricing is set in hopes that I can pursue my passions freely, to be fully transparent I can’t dedicate time to organizing unless the time I am giving to my client is valued. I am willing to negotiate pricing provided that these factors are considered.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I would like to do a tour of the room/project I’m organizing with the client, I want them to walk through it with me and let me know which items hold more significance so I can find ways to display those things and don’t hide them away in a cabinet or tote. I like some time over coffee to get to know the person I am working with, and if they are available for more sentimental items to go through them with me so they can be organized with care; certain items don’t have a category because their meaning is personal. Specifically, I remember organizing one garage and found a tin that I thought was just a normal tin to me but found out it was holding their dog’s ashes; those items are more precious and I wouldn’t want to hide them away during the organizing process. If labeling is needed, specifically with items I don’t fully know what is what I may need some help during that process too and talking through plans for how items should be placed; if containers will be needed the employer can purchase their preferred bins as I have learned every individual has their own taste, and it should be catered to each individual, I can give suggestions but am also am new to Chicago and won’t be able to purchase these items for the client, mainly because I’m still learning where to get things.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In the food industry we implement a system for food safety and production called FIFO, which means first in, first out. When it comes to organizing a fridge you want the items that are going to expire first up front. Otherwise, I haven’t had any professional training. I am a natural organizer because I grew up deep cleaning my house with my family every Saturday. I have think an important note in this, is that if we couldn’t find a home for our clutter we would have to get rid of it; I identify with hoarders because I like collecting things along my travels and don’t want to get rid of things that hold significant memories to me, so I have found organizing as a way to display the items I collect and avoid unnecessary clutter.