Frequently asked questions about working with Professional Organizers

What do Professional Organizers do?

Professional Organizers help individuals at home and in their business deal with issues of space, time, and property. We teach clients to use life skills such as setting goals, making decisions, using time on a conscious level, and creating new habits to replace unproductive ones. Organizers work in various settings - homes, home offices, business offices; and we work with all age groups - children, teens, adults, and seniors. Some of our clients have a neurobiological condition called chronic disorganization or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Some have suffered brain injuries that impair their organizing abilities. Organizers may specialize in financial management, computer systems, event planning, garage or closet installations, corporate events, training, support groups, and writing. Ours is a varied profession!

Can’t I just hire a cleaning service to take care of my problems?

Cleaning and organizing may overlap but they are not the same. Organizing a cluttered space comes first because the more papers or belongings you can assign to a permanent home, the easier it will be to clean and upgrade your space. Local cleaning services keep up their contacts with local organizers, knowing that a client may need an organizer before a cleaning crew can do its job.

Can’t you get my stuff under control without getting me involved?

Getting organized means learning to deal with your papers and possessions to decide what’s important to you for practical or emotional reasons. You don’t want me or anyone else making these decisions for you. I can guide you but I don’t assume your responsibility for what you keep, donate, or discard.

What kind of a budget will I need to get organized? Who buys the things I’ll need?

I charge an hourly or project fee, depending on the nature of the residential or business setting. Don’t assume that there will be big expenses for supplies until we determine what your goals are. A new or better filing system might entail some supplies; clothing storage might call for special containers. But until we assess how, where, and what you want to accomplish, I suggest you not spend any money. You will decide who buys the supplies when they are needed.

What do I need to start getting organized?

Your readiness, commitment, and determination are the most important factors in your organizing success. Are you truly ready to change your habits and routines? We’ll have to focus steadily on building new habits to replace old, unproductive ones. I’ll be your coach and cheerleader; you must be ready to carry the ball over the finish line.

Will you make me throw out all of my stuff?

I can’t “make” you do anything in the organizing process. But I will help you reconsider how, why, and when you use your possessions. I’ll ask you how essential they really are. I may point out other, more practical uses for things that will help you feel better about how you deal with them.

How do I protect my privacy if you see so much of my stuff?

I, like the other organizers I know, follow the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Your comfort and privacy are paramount concerns. We don’t discuss clients’ personal affairs. We may ask other organizers for ideas to deal with an unusual situation, but we don’t mention names in the process of gathering new solutions.

How do I prevent clutter from coming back after I get organized?

Organizing is a continuous process based on using new systems that you find comfortable and for which you have developed new habits. You’ll need time to get used to the changes and to reinforce the new routines. If clutter reappears, we’ll need to re-examine our system, perhaps try another approach, and keep our focus on the hot spots. Some clients prefer to have occasional maintenance visits to make adjustments or keep on top of their systems. Some clients benefit from periodic coaching sessions to keep them on track. What other sources are there for information about getting organized? There are many books and web sites that provide information about organizing. I’ll be compiling lists that you can request from my Contact page. If you want to get started right now, go to OnlineOrganizing.com for a taste of the information available to you. Sites like these will tell you that you’re not alone in your organizing efforts, and that you can make progress if you work steadily in a focused area for brief periods of time. Working with a professional organizer bolsters your resolve and enthusiasm as you learn and grow.