Heather Answers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A Professional Organizer as defined by the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO):

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.

Take an objective, non-judgmental look at your space. Confirm with you what organizational challenges are holding you back. Discuss how you want to use the space. Develop simple systems to keep you organized, restore order, increase productivity, reduce stress, and create a new sense of being in control and peace of mind to your life.

Normally an organizing session entails working one-on-one with my clients, in three-hour blocks. Organizing is a process; it involves sorting, purging and setting up a system to maintain order. My objective is to teach you the skills needed to get organized and stay organized.

Anyone who strives to live simply but doesn’t know where to start. Anyone overwhelmed by clutter or a dysfunctional system to keep it in order. Busy singles or over-scheduled families who struggle to find time for organizing. Everyone who wants to learn a practical approach to streamlining their homes and lives.

Certainly, but if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin, finding help can reduce your anxiety. I am there to be your motivator and your support. Working with a professional makes the job easier, faster and more efficient.

For some people, I am a project manager and extra set of hands. For some children, I am there to handle and oversee their parents’ entire move – when they can’t be there. All moving services can be tailored to best serve your individual needs. An organized move saves time, money and alleviates some of the stress.

My job is to help you define what it is that’s important to you. Together we will confirm that the things you are keeping are important to your life and are easily available when you want to find them. I will keep you focused on your goals and guide you – but ultimately, you make the final decision.

If people didn’t have organizing challenges, I wouldn’t have had a job for over ten years. Your struggles with getting organized will be familiar to me. I see the distress, frustration and suffering disorganization can cause and how the shame keeps people stuck for years. I also see how wonderful my clients feel when they have regained control of their space and their lives. Please don’t clean up for me! I need to see the clutter. This helps me to see where you are struggling and what is causing it.

Yes. As a member of NAPO I am held to a code of ethics. The NAPO terms for Confidentiality are as follows:

• I will keep confidential all client information, both business and personal, including that which may be revealed by other organizers.
• I will use proprietary client information only with the client’s permission.
• I will keep client information confidential and not use it to benefit myself or my firm, or reveal this information to others.

Disorganization costs you time, money and often peace of mind. You need to determine the value of being organized for yourself – but here are some questions that can help you make this decision.

• What would you be willing to do or spend in order to enjoy your home to its fullest potential?
• What is peace of mind worth?
  – End feelings of anxiety due to clutter and disorganization.
  – Stop the arguments with family members about the clutter.
  – Have a calm, quiet space to relax in.
• Are you spending money to rent storage?
• Are you paying late fees or repurchasing items you know you have – but can’t find?

My rates are very competitive. Cleaning professionals say that getting rid of excess clutter would eliminate 40 percent of the housework in an average home (National Soap and Detergent Association). It costs nothing to call and chat with me.

If you give me a call, I will be happy to discuss your needs, my rates and provide more clarification on the process. There will be no obligation or pressure to set up an appointment. Hiring an organizer is often a very big step, and I encourage you to move at your own pace.