When people tell me they want to organize, I usually hear “I should be able to do this by myself”. What I’ve learned is that these people have the greatest intentions but are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. It’s OK to ask for help and you’ve come to the right place.
Professional Organizer FAQ
What is a “professional organizer”?
According to the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), of which I am a member: “A professional organizer enhances the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and through transferring organizing skills. A professional organizer also educates the public on organizing solutions and the resulting benefits. Professional organizers help individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, their paper, and their systems for life.”
I’m embarrassed to have anyone in my home or office and am overwhelmed as to where to start.
Those feelings are completely understandable. When I work with my clients, I always see solutions. I am here to help you through the process and give you back time and money so you can enjoy those things in life that make you happy and bring you peace. It’s an investment in yourself that will give you the greatest return in more areas than one. One thing I ask is that you do not do any organizing before I get there. This will give me a really good idea of your lifestyle.
Do I need to be there while you work?
In most instances, it is more effective if we work side-by-side. You’ll have an expert with you to keep you motivated, inspired, and on track. Together, we will work within your schedule and at your pace, while creating simple organizing systems that fit your needs. During this process, I’ll teach you the skills to maintain what we’ve developed.
Should I buy anything in preparation for our work together?
Do not buy anything, except trash bags. We won’t know what your needs are going to be until we see what you have left after we go through the process. In fact, you may have space and containers left over after we’ve sorted and purged, so there is no need to spend any extra money until you really have to. Reusing and repurposing is one of my mottos. If we find out that you need anything, I can recommend products to get and where.
Do you make me throw things away?
Absolutely not! I will ask you questions to see if there are things you can trash, shred, donate, recycle, or sell. We will figure out together the best place for all of your items.
How long will this take and how much will it cost?
This depends on your individual needs, the area/areas that you want to de-clutter and organize, and your pace. I offer various plans, and during our initial phone consultation, which is free, I can offer the best possible solution to fit your budget. In addition, you may be so motivated and be having so much fun that there will be tasks in between our sessions that you can continue to do on your own. More will get done, and it won’t take as long as you think.
“I HIGHLY recommend Barb’s services. I found it very helpful to talk thru what to keep, or not, and why…to explain how I use things and get her input as to what should be placed where. After the first session, I told her that I thought I could finish on my own. I tried, but quickly found that I shut down and got overwhelmed when I was left to myself. I KNOW how to do this, but having someone there to keep me on task and talk it thru made ALL the difference. Without Barb, I know that I would NOT have completed the process nor would I have done it so thoroughly or quickly. She “made” me go thru EVERYTHING… which I resisted at first, thinking I could do that later… but the reality is that I wouldn’t and so my way would have been incomplete and that would have defeated the purpose.” Sue P., Moorestown, NJ
