What is a Professional Organizer?

Professional Organizers provide information, products, and assistance to individuals to help them get organized. They educate clients about the basic principles of organizing while offering support, focus and direction.

How long will it take to get me organized?

Since no two situations are exactly alike, it is difficult to judge exactly how long it will take us to complete our work. It depends on whether you just want to focus on a particular problem area or work on your entire home room-by-room. Our progress will also depend on how quickly you can make decisions and if you feel comfortable doing some work independently between appointments. Once we have our initial phone conversation and I am able to see the space that you want to organize, I will give you an estimate of how long it will take us to finish the project.

Are you going to make me throw everything away?

A big part of getting organized will be sorting through all of the clutter. This can seem like an insurmountable task and become overwhelming when you are facing it alone, but when we work together it becomes much more manageable. I will guide you through the decision making process so that you can determine what is truly important to you and what items you can let go of. Purging can actually be quite freeing, and you may even learn to like it! That said, I would never make you dispose of anything that you love. All of the decisions about what stays and what goes are ultimately up to you.

I am embarrassed by my mess. Should I pick up before you come over?

Don't let shame or embarrassment prevent you from getting the help you need to get organized. Many people share your feelings of embarrassment over the disorganized state of their home or office. It is important to know that I am not there to judge you, but to guide and support you through the organizing process. Don't try to put everything away before I arrive. Seeing the condition of your space as it is will actually help me to understand your situation better. We will sort through the clutter together. As we work, the mess will probably get worse before it gets better, but you will ultimately be able to find what you need when you need it.

Will you organize my space for me?

I offer hands-on organizing services and work side by side with my clients to sort through the clutter, purge unwanted items and set up maintainable systems. I need you there to help make decisions about what stays and what goes and to help design a system that will work for you. That said, there are situations where I can work independently.

How often will we meet?

That is entirely up to you. I meet with some people every week and others once a month. Some people prefer to work all day for a few sessions to get a project done, while others prefer to spread sessions out over time.

Are your services confidential?

As a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, I abide by their Code of Ethics. All of my services are completely confidential. I will not share any of your personal information with anyone at any time.

Do you clean houses?

I do not offer housecleaning services. It is important to understand that there is a difference between being neat and clean and being organized. A clean house is not necessarily an organized house. Keep in mind that once your space is organized it will take much less time to clean.

Do I need to purchase supplies before you arrive?

There is no need for you to rush out and buy "organizing supplies" because this will only add to the clutter. Once we have sorted, purged and developed a plan, we will determine what types of supplies, if any, that you will need.

How much do you charge for your services?

I charge by the hour and I think you will find that my rates are reasonable. You will ultimately save money by eliminating late fees and duplicate purchases. It is also quite likely that you will find something valuable such as lost jewelry or misplaced checks. Professionals will also become more efficient and increase their productivity. The time that you recapture can be spent in more worthwhile ways and that (in the words of a well-known commercial) is "priceless".

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes. I accept all major credit cards.

What area do you serve?

I generally work in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. I do travel beyond my "home area", but a travel fee may apply.