Professional Organizing FAQs: Your 4 Most Pressing Questions Answered

Professional Organizing is a relatively new field, and as organizers, we provide a wide variety of services. Sometimes this can be confusing for our new clients. In this blog post, I'm going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about my services so you have a better idea of how I can help you in your home.

FAQ #1: How do I know if I need a home organizer?

My clients usually fall into one of two categories: going through a transition, or feeling stuck in their current space. Clients who are preparing to move, renovate, or welcome a new family member benefit from professional organizing to expedite the process and avoid costly delays or poor product choices. I often hear from these clients that having a professional on hand helps family relationships and eases their peace of mind during an otherwise chaotic season of life. Clients who feel "stuck" benefit from a customized service, almost like hiring a personal trainer for their homes. If you've ever walked around a gym wondering how to use the equipment, or where to get started, a personal trainer can get you on the right track. Similarly, if you've ever walked around your house trying to put things away only to realize you're not sure where everything goes, a professional organizer can help! No more scouring the internet for tips or buying storage bins and containers that go unused or don't fit your space. This type of client has often been putting off their organizing project for a long time and are relieved and excited to finally have a better handle on their home.

FAQ #2: How long does a project take?

It varies widely from client to client. Some projects are time-sensitive, such as preparing for a move. In that case, I may work with a client all day for several days in a row to declutter and stage the home for showings. Then, I would return 4-6 weeks later to assist with packing or making an inventory for an outside moving company. Other clients have big projects that are not time-sensitive, such as cleaning out a garage or organizing holiday decorations. In that case, we set a schedule that works best for the client. I don't charge a rescheduling fee, so clients that purchase a package of sessions can benefit from the discount while still keeping some flexibility with the pace of their project. Finally, I have worked with several clients for a single session of decluttering and providing organizing guidance customized to their home and family needs. Each session includes a full carload of haul-away and a follow up email with shopping links or other suggestions from our time together. Since I bill for my time on-site and not by the project, each of my clients is able to receive full benefit from our sessions no matter how long or short the process!

FAQ #3: What locations do you serve?

Due to my location in the Inland Empire, I'm able to provide in-person organizing services for a wide area. I am willing to travel within Orange County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County. This is great news for clients with homes (or second homes) in the San Gabriel or San Bernardino Mountains, or even the Coachella Valley. I've also worked with a few clients in Orange County coastal areas. I do charge a travel fee for my time on the road, but clients appreciate my willingness to travel to their location and value our time together. I also offer virtual organizing services for clients who live outside my service area. I conduct my initial consultation virtually for clients outside my usual one hour round-trip travel radius. For clients within my primary service area, our initial in-home consultation is free of charge.

FAQ #4: Are all home organizers the same?

Not at all! Some organizers are highly specialized and have a recognizable aesthetic. They may bring in a team of employees or subcontractors to complete a large job in record time. Others focus on decluttering and helping those with more extreme hoarding issues. Personally, I enjoy organizing paperwork and helping families set up household systems that are effective for their stage of life. While I provide a wide range of services, my specialty is providing one on one support to my clients and listening to their needs. Rather than pushing my own agenda for the project, I seek to work at my client's pace and with their goals in mind. I don't take traditional before and after pictures, so there is no pressure from me to buy matching high-end products. If a client wants a certain design or aesthetic, I can absolutely do that. However, my expertise lies in function; not just how a space looks, but how it works. When you hire me, you can expect personal support as well as hands-on expert help to achieve your goals for your home.

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Cheers,

Karina