FAQ
What is a Professional Organizer and why do I need one?
Professional Organizers design systems and processes based on established organizing principles, and teach you how to use them. They bring experience, knowledge, and strategies to the task of getting organized.
Professional Organizers tend to specialize in particular skills. I specialize in redesigning your storage spaces and helping you manage your belongings better.
If you struggle with your clothes, shoes, office supplies, tools, kitchen items, or craft supplies, it could simply be that your closets or other storage areas are not configured well. You may have some areas with wasted space and other areas with not enough space. Sometimes you just need a fresh pair of experienced eyes to bring a whole new perspective to the problem. I will come up with solutions and systems that you may not have thought of, for your home or office.
What if I’m too embarrassed to let you see my stuff?
My job is to organize, not to judge. I am not there to make you feel bad about the state that your things are in. I live in a closet-deficient mid-century house myself, so I know how frustrating it can be to struggle with your storage spaces.
As much as you may be tempted to clean everything up before I arrive, it makes the problems more clear to me if you don’t. I need to be able to see how the space isn’t working for you, so that I can figure out how to make it better. You will be so relieved after your space is improved, that you may not even remember what it looked like before!
Are you going to make me get rid of all my stuff?
Not at all. Decisions about what to keep, and what to discard or donate, are completely up to you. My goal is to help you make those decisions. Then, I can make your belongings fit into your available space in ways that work, and that may surprise and delight you!
How long will it take?
It will probably take longer than the organizing shows on TV you may have seen. Those TV shows edit out all of the time spent going through things and making decisions, and setting up and designing the systems. How long your project will take depends on:
- how much stuff you have,
- how complicated the challenge is,
- how long you can work with me without interruptions, and
- how quickly you can make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of.
How much will it cost?
My rate is $50/hour or a set price for the project, depending on the length of time or complexity involved. Let’s get the most value out of your time with me. Most projects will require at least a three hour minimum block of time, so that we can get some organizing accomplished and you can see some results. I do offer packages for additional hours. Please contact me to discuss your organizational challenges.
- 3 hours = $150
- 10 hours = $450
- shelving installation = 30% of the cost of the materials
What type of payments do you take?
I take cash, check or credit card via PayPal. If paying by cash or check, payment is due at the end of the session. Payments via PayPal are due before the session. If you need to cancel an appointment, please do so with at least 24 hours notice. If you have to cancel within 24 hours, a charge of one hour’s fee will apply.
Do I have to be there to work with you?
Yes, at least at first. I will need you there so that I can ask you questions about your daily routine, and your lifestyle, and what your particular challenges are. Later, you may or may not need to be there while I set up or install your systems.
Do I have to buy a lot of products before you start?
No, because buying storage products should not be the first step. The first step is for me to assess your challenging area and help you figure out what you need to keep there. After I come up with a design or solution that works best for that space, I can recommend things that will make living with that space easier. I have years of experience and product knowledge from using organization products and tools. I know which ones work well, and which ones don’t work so well. Sometimes, you may already have products that will work just fine.
Have I seen you at the Container Store in Austin?
Probably! I’ve shopped there for many years because I love their products, and I worked there as a space planner for 4 1/2 years. (That was a fun job, let me tell you.) The Container Store is a private company and has no stock to buy (more’s the pity), and I get no financial compensation from recommending any products from there. IKEA and Target also sell great organizing products, and I can recommend which products are best for your situation.
What areas of Central Texas do you work in?
Most of my clients have been in Austin and the surrounding areas, including Lakeway, Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Manor, Elgin, and Georgetown. If the distance is more than 30 miles, there will be an additional travel fee. I am also happy to do phone and online consultations, if you do not live in the Central Texas area.
What about confidentiality and privacy?
All of my work with you is kept in strict confidentiality. You can trust that I will handle your belongings with care, respect, and discretion. As a member of NAPO, I am bound by the NAPO Code of Ethics. These include keeping all client information completely confidential, both business and personal.
I will not use or publish photos of your space without your permission, and if you do give me permission, I will take care to remove any identifying details in the photos that I publish. For further privacy, I will remove any business signs on my car before coming to your home or office.
What is NAPO?
NAPO is the National Association of Professional Organizers. When you hire a NAPO member like myself, you are hiring a skilled consultant with access to professional education, experience with the best organizing skills and strategies, and knowledge of and access to the best organizing products.
