How much does it cost to get organized?

There are many factors to this, and I need more information on your particular situation before I can estimate your costs. Some of these factors include the volume of items we need to sort through, the size of the space we’re working in, how quickly you can make decisions, and how much support you need. Since my services are customized, I can tailor the services to match your needs. Professional organizers in the United States typically charge between $60 and $125 per hour. I charge by the 3-hour session, and my rates fall in that range. I offer discounted session packages as well. ​

How long is each session?

Sessions are three hours, with breaks as needed. If we work less than that, it feels like not much gets accomplished. Longer than three hours and we start to lose steam. Exceptions are made for projects that need to meet a deadline - for example, if you’re moving, we would schedule longer days with plenty of breaks as necessary. If you are dealing with a health condition that affects your energy level, we can find ways to accommodate that as well. Either way, I make it a priority to leave you with a functional space in between sessions.

How long will it take?

Just like with estimating costs, I need more information on your particular situation before I can estimate the amount of time your project will take. These factors might include the amount of items to sort through, how quickly you can make decisions, how often you choose to work on your project, if you’d like to tackle some of it on your own, or if there’s a deadline to meet. Whatever the circumstance, I’m by your side every step of the way, and can call in for extra help if we’re needing to meet a deadline. My job is to help you meet your organizing goals, to transfer organizing skills to you, and to be as honest as possible about the scope of the project.

What do I have to do to prepare for each session?

The most important thing, in my opinion is to adopt a positive outlook regarding your organizing journey. It’s hard work, but everyone so far says it’s been worth it! Getting a good night’s sleep and eating a good meal to sustain you through the mental and physical work help set you up for the best use of your time and effort during our sessions. I recommend turning your phone to silent to reduce distractions, and I’ll do the same.

Are you going to make me throw away all my stuff?

Definitely not! My job is to have a good understanding of your goals, assess the space you’d like to work on, and guide decision making. I make recommendations based on the volume of items and the space allowed for them to be stored. At times, I’ll recommend reducing items in order to line up with the goals a person has set for the space. This can stir up some uncomfortable feelings, which is a normal part of making a lifestyle change. Sometimes, a person needs more time to process and circle back at a later date. Ultimately, the decision to part with or keep items belongs to the person who owns the space. There is absolutely no judgement involved. Accepting help to sort and gain understanding of what’s going on in a space is a MASSIVE step toward your organization goals.

I'm embarrassed by my mess. Should I clean up before you come over?

Rest assured, I am here to help you, not judge you. I recognize that reaching out for help is a big step toward getting your home and life in order. As a matter of fact, seeing your home in its “natural state” gives me information about your habits, and clues me into how I can begin guiding you toward your organizational goals. Also, as a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, I am bound by NAPO’s Code of Ethics. Your space and your situation are completely confidential.

Why don't I see before and after photos on your website?

There are two parts to this one. Because of the confidential nature of the work, most people would rather not have a photo of their home on the internet, and I certainly wouldn’t post photos on my website without permission. The other reason I choose not to display before and after photos is because organizing is an ongoing process, and a set of skills learned through repetition. I don’t want to give the impression that you’ll be living a picture-perfect life once we’re done. When a project is finished, it doesn’t stay looking like the “after” photo for very long - the system is designed to function and be easy for you to maintain. It’s quite difficult for most people to live in a home that looks like a page out of a magazine 100% of the time.