What to expect when working with a home organizer
TL;DR: Home organization is an intensive process
If you’ve never worked with a home organizer before, you’re probably wondering what is it that you are actually paying for. Every organizer has a different style, energy and expertise. I’m outlining my personal process and where I can add value to your space.
1) Virtual consultation
First off, are we a good fit? I do a complimentary 30 minute virtual consultation to tell you about my process and learn about your needs. The first 5 minutes are an introduction to myself - background, method, and pricing model. Then the next 10 minutes are specific questions I ask about you - have you worked with an organizer before, what is motivating you to take this step now, what do you envision for your space, who lives in your home. The last 15 minutes are dedicated to discussing areas of focus and you virtually showing me your space(s) to tackle. If it doesn’t seem like a good fit, we go our separate ways. My door is always open, but I don’t take it personally if you prefer to go another direction. Remember, home organization is a very intimate service, and you SHOULD be selective about how you allow into your home and life.
2) Estimate and contract
If we find that we are a match, I generate an estimate of the hours I think it will take to complete your project based on the information provided and what I witnessed in the virtual consultation (and/or images). This estimate is inclusive of in-home sessions, space planning and product procurement. The estimate serves as a guide for your budget and is in no way final or a required commitment on your end. You are charged only for the hours used.
A contract is then sent for electronic signature so that you understand my service policies and we have mutual agreement on things like photography and rescheduling.
3) In-home decluttering sessions
By the time we reach in-home sessions, it may be about 2-3 weeks from our initial contact. In-home sessions can be as short as three hours and as long as eight. In this time, we set an intention for the session - what is it that we can accomplish in the allotted time?
I can work with you side by side, or clients sometimes provide detailed guidelines on how to approach their belongings. While it is my preference to have at least one side by side session, circumstances don’t always allow for that.
Warning it always gets worse before it gets better. ALL contents must be emptied, sorted into categories, and then edited. For a bedroom closet this means all clothes come out of the closet, drawers, laundry and other areas of the home that contain items that belong in the bedroom closet. Items are then sorted by category, and categories vary by individual. Keeping with the bedroom closet example, this can be: t-shirts, button front shirts, blouses, sweaters, etc. Once items are categorized, I ask that the home owner edit using the KonMari joy-check method. Does this particular piece spark joy, does it have a place in the ideal vision of your home? If so, it is kept. If not, it is released with gratitude.
I take cues from my client when it comes to pace, and support needed during this process. I can help nudge the process along, call for breaks, provide storage guidance, clean along the way, or simply hold space to listen.
In-home decluttering sessions are the most intensive part of the process. It forces home owners to come face to face with ALL their possessions and can be an overwhelming sight. Imagine your entire life’s worth of belongings just piled on top of each other. Remember, this accumulation didn’t happen overnight and it’s important to give yourself grace when finally addressing it.
4) Space planning and product procurement
Once the decluttering step is complete (which can take several sessions), it’s time to find the final location for the items you chose to keep. This is where my expertise comes in. I ensure there is flow in the placement of your belongings to make everyday life efficient as well as determine a storage solution that you can maintain (e.g. folded vs hanging vs stored away in a bin).
During this time we discuss procuring products to help with storage - drawer dividers, bins, containers, etc. Prior to shopping, I note your material preferences, style, and budget.
5) System implementation and refinement
I love the final touches of implementing containers, adding labels, and seeing the once cluttered chaotic space transform into a neat and orderly home that you are proud to live in.
Caveat - life can change quickly and you are likely in a different head space at this point compared to when we started, so there can be additional fine tuning.
The organization process is not for the faint of heart. Whether on your own or with a professional, it takes dedication and tenacity to see it through.
Sending good vibes to your decluttering journey.
xx raychel