FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Are your services right for me?
You can learn more about my approach and organizing philosophies right there. But the short answer is...
If you're ready to take back your space, and truly get to the heart of your clutter, then we're probably an excellent fit - so schedule you're hope & relief call, and we can make sure we'll work well together.
If you just want new organizing solutions for all the stuff you already own, with no decluttering, then I'm probably not the right organizer for you.
How does this work?
When you schedule your hope & relief call (approximately 15 minutes), you will also be sent a brief questionnaire so I can get to know your project. Then breath a little easier - you've made a huge step towards taking back your space.
During our phone conversation we will determine if we are a good fit and get you scheduled for you First Session. I will send out a Work Agreement that we'll both agree upon and sign.
How much does it cost?
I keep it simple by offering a couple of different packages, depending where you are in your tidying journey. We discuss the package best suited for you during our first call.
Exactly how long your project takes will depend on a couple of factors. How quickly you make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of. How large an area you want to tackle. How much stuff you have. How much you put into the project between sessions, and the pace we work through that stuff.
Some projects can get done in a session or two. Some projects can take dozens of sessions to complete. In our first session together, we'll come up with an action plan that makes sense for you. We come up with a real-life plan that makes sense for your life.
How do virtual sessions work?
We’ll have a video call using a platform such a Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. From there, it’s just like a normal in person session. We’ll walk through and take a look at your space (so make sure you use a portable device such as a laptop or phone), we’ll get a sense of what changes will make you feel more joyful right from the start, and dive into the process of reclaiming your space and getting it organized for you current season of life. Together, we’ll go through the whole decluttering process, and come up with an organization plan that is specifically designed for your life in your space.
How long will my project take?
Exactly how long your project takes will depend on a couple of factors including: how quickly you make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of, how large an area you want to tackle, how much stuff you have, how much you put into the project between sessions, and the pace we work through that stuff.
Some projects can get done in a session or two. While some projects can take dozens of sessions to complete. (Example: a home with 4 bedrooms, basement and garage that has been lived in forty years.) In our first session together, we'll come up with an action plan which will include next steps and an executable game plan.
How long is a session?
Each session is five hours. Over the years I have found that five hours is the sweet spot to get the most bang for your buck. We start at 10 am and finish at 3:00 pm, including a brief break for lunch.
How far apart should I schedule our sessions?
That mostly depends on your schedule. We can do them one day right after the other, or spread them out as far apart as once a week.
I strongly suggest not scheduling sessions further apart than once per week. If clients schedule them further apart than that, they have a tendency to loose momentum. The closer together you sessions are, the more we can build up momentum and the less time you have to live in a state of being only semi-organized.
What is the KonMari Method™?
The KonMari Method™ is an organizing technique pioneered by Marie Kondo and popularized by her bestselling book The Life-Changing Art of Tidying Up. This method is known for being thorough, fast, and intense.
"The KonMari Method™ is a way of life and a state of mind that encourages cherishing the things that spark joy in people’s lives.
"Belongings are acknowledged for their service and thanked before being discarded, if they no longer spark joy.
"People are drawn to this philosophy not only due to its effectiveness, but also because it places great importance on being mindful, introspective, and optimistic."
If you choose to work through this method, we'll go through everything you own by category (rather than by location) and keep only the possessions that truly "spark joy" for you. This process eliminates your clutter once and for all, meaning that organizing and enjoying what you truly love is a piece of cake.
Learn more about the KonMari Method™ and how I use it with my clients here.
What days do you work?
Tuesday through Sunday. So if you work outside of your home throughout the week - we can still get you organized!
Where do you work?
I'm based out of the San Francisco Bay Area.
I also work with clients outside of the Bay Area (across the USA and throughout Europe) - in these cases there may be associated travel costs. If you're based outside of the San Francisco Bay Area and think you may want to work together - please do get in touch, I'd love to talk with you.
I also offer virtual or distance sessions by video chat if, for whatever reason, we’re unable to meet in person.
What can you organize?
Anything. I am an expert organizer. So whether we're organizing your clothes, your bedroom, your office, your kitchen, your bathroom, your garage, your basement, your attic, or your whole house, the basic process is the same.
First, we declutter - letting go of things that don't spark joy. Then, we lay in an organizational system - what needs to live where. Finally, we create a home for each individual object you own - so putting things away (and finding) becomes easy.
Do I need to be there?
Yes, you need to be on hand.
Exactly how hands on you need to be depends on what we are decluttering and how we're organizing. If we're going through the KonMari Method™ of decluttering, then you absolutely need to be there for all of it. If we're going through a specific space then the more personal the space and objects are, the more personally involved you'll need to be; the more impersonal it is, the more I can do on my own.
When are payments due?
A deposit to hold your spot on my calendar is due after we have both signed a Work Agreement, and at least 48 hours prior to your session.
Why do I have to pay a deposit?
Since most of us have A LOT of things we'd rather be doing than decluttering - pre-paying for your sessions means you have a little skin in the game, and have committed to declutter and organizing your space. Pre-paying for your sessions helps you ensure that you keep your commitment to yourself to take back your space.
What happens if I need to reschedule an appointment?
If you need to reschedule or cancel a scheduled appointment, you can reschedule up to 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. Cancelling a scheduled appointment with less than 48 hours notice will be billed at 50% of the agreed-upon rate.
How do we start?
We start with an initial (no-cost) phone consult.
Click here to schedule your consult call now!
What should I have ready when you arrive?
Bags & boxes to collect trash, recycling and donations. A dust rag or wipes for dusting. And water for staying well hydrated. That's it!
Please, please, please DON'T buy any more storage containers before we begin. Most of us have all the storage we need right at our finger tips. And if you really do need more bins or shelving you'll have a far better sense of how many bins or how much shelving, if you declutter first.
