The
NAPO website answers the question this way: "A professional organizer
enhances the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using
organizing principles and by transferring organizing skills. A
professional organizer also educates the public on organizing solutions
and the resulting benefits."
That is certainly true, but rather a yawn to read. Basically, I turn chaos
into order in people's homes and offices. I help folks clarify
their priorities and goals, release objects
they
no longer need, identify their
needs and desires for the space, and together we create systems to
streamline the
process of living in the space and to easily maintain it.
What are your qualifications?
I have always loved organizing. As a teenager, I would organize my
bedroom for fun. I volunteered at the local library at age 13, before
they could legally pay me, because I liked alphabetizing the books on
the shelves. A messy space inspires me to organize it in the same way
food appeals to hungry people. I enjoy coming up with creative
solutions to
issues like small spaces; it's like a challenging puzzle to solve. At
the same time, I understand that most people aren't wired this way, and
maintain an empathic attitude when working with clients. I also tend to
be a bit whimsical, and I maintain a fun attitude as we work.
Experience:
Of course I've been organizing for fun my entire life, but I've
been getting paid for it for about five years. I have
organized
every room in the home, plus basements and home offices. Living in an
urban area gives me lots of experience working with small spaces.
Paperwork seems to be the hardest thing for
most people to organize, so I have done a lot
of that. And I'm always excited to take on a brand-new type of project.
Professional
Qualifications:
In February 2007, I joined the National
Association of Professional Organizers, and I am currently
taking courses and studying texts with an eye toward becoming a CPO®,
Certified Professional Organizer.
How much do you charge?
The
phone consultation, usually about a half-hour, is free. My
standard hourly rate is $50. I charge an extra $5 per hour for evenings
and weekends. If you purchase ten hours in advance, you can receive
twelve hours, which works out to about $42 per hour for weekdays. (Such
a deal!)
How long do sessions last?
Sessions usually last from 3 to 4 hours, with a 10-to-15-minute break in the middle for a snack and rest. Any travel time over 1/2 hour each way, I
bill at half-time.
Are you going to make me throw away all my stuff?
Not even close.
- You are the boss. I work for you.
- Your stuff belongs to you, and hiring me doesn't change that.
- Stuff is great to
have! I have stuff! I enjoy my stuff! I do not want or expect my
clients to live like Zen monks (unless maybe someday I actually get
hired by a Zen monk. That would be cool).
BUT--and
you knew there'd be a "but"--my job is to help you creatively manage
your stuff so it reflects who you are, and enhances your life. This
could mean moving things, adding things, or shedding things. If I
perceive that some items are getting in your way, I will gently
encourage you to pass them on to someone else. (Between Goodwill, Freecycle, Craigslist, and recycling, I try to avoid actually
throwing things in the garbage whenever possible.) I try very hard to
be empathic and work at whatever speed is comfortable for you.
Who won't you work with?
- I will not organize any things or spaces that belong to a person who is not consenting to the process.
- I do not usually work with
people who have been diagnosed with hoarding disorder. If you would like to hire an organizer who specializes in
that area, go to the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization's referral page.
- I will not work in spaces that smell strongly of excrement.
Will you do cleaning too?
In houses where there is a lot of clutter, the process of organizing often uncovers and kicks around a lot of dust, pet hair, and sometimes just plain dirt.
As we go, I do a surface cleaning to keep the working area pleasant,
but in general, I recommend doing a thorough cleaning after we're done, either by yourself or by hiring a housecleaner. I have cleaner recommendations.
I have some... um... sort of personal... things...
I am not easily shocked by items of a personal nature. I will happily
organize absolutely anything, as long as it's not illegal or hazardous.
Do you have references?
Yep. See my Testimonials page, or email me if you'd like to talk directly with one of my past or current clients.
You sound fabulous! What's your email address so I can hire you right away?
(Okay, that one may not be as frequently asked as the other ones, but it oughta be!)
Why, thank you! Here it is.