Want more information before you take the next step?  Find answers to your questions about PriOrganizing here!

 

 

Do I need to buy anything?
How should I prepare?
How long will it take?
How much will it cost?
What are the best products?
Why do I have to go through the Assessment?
Why don’t you schedule shorter sessions?
What is your cancellation policy?
Can I schedule appointments for my husband/child/roommate?
Can PriOrganize help me stay organized?

Do I need to buy anything before my first organizing appointment?

It is very important that you NOT purchase any organizing products or supplies for your first appointment unless your organizer makes specific suggestions.  You want to be sure that any new purchases work with the solutions and strategies you create together.  If you already own supplies, make a list of what you have and where each item is stored so that you have easy access if the items are needed during an organizing session.  Consolidate everything in one place, if you have sufficient storage space available, and make a list for reference during the work session so that we can make use of the items you already own.

How should I prepare for my organizing sessions?

You can prepare for a productive session by getting a good night’s sleep and eating a healthy meal before we start working.  Be sure to have water and nutritious snacks handy to fuel your energy along the way.  Clients who enjoy background music while working find that soothing instrumentals or upbeat tempos are best choices.  Wear comfortable clothing/shoes that allows you to stand, sit and move freely.

You’ll save time by gathering the organizing supplies and products you have on hand (particularly those listed in the previous question) and stow in a basket or tote for easy access during the work session.

The most commonly used items include:

• Label making machine (P-Touch or Dymo)
• Tape (packing and/or cellophane)
• Post-it ®Notes or other repositionable labels
• Heavy duty markers
• Index cards
• Self-adhesive dots or labels
• Scissors
• Work gloves
• Heavy duty trash bags
• Footstool
• Step ladder
• Containers for sorting and storage; laundry baskets or similarly-sized bins are particularly helpful for sorting
• Trash and recycling receptacles

Taking a few “Before” photos prior to the session will help document the progress you make during the project.

How long will it take to finish my organizing project?

Every project is different and every client works at a different pace, so the total time needed for project completion is unique to each situation.  The factors that affect time required for a project include:

• Size of the room or space being organized
• Amount of belongings in the area
• Client participation – decision making pace, focus, stamina, etc.

While there is no way to make accurate predictions before beginning the project, you and your organizer will have much more information at the conclusion of the first organizing session. At that point, you can make more realistic estimates on the amount of time needed to accomplish the goal.

For those who want general room-by-room organizing time estimates, check out Organizng From the Inside Out, by Julie Morgenstern.   Her summaries include time needed for different aspects of organizing like sorting, purging, containerizing, etc.

How much will it cost to get my room/office/home/life organized?

Just as the amount of time varies for each project (discussed in “How long will it take to finish my organizing project?”) the total cost is different for each project.  The final cost of each project will depend on many factors, including:

• Scope and size of the area being organized
• Complexity of the project
• Amount and type of products required
• Amount of work you complete independently

There are many ways to control costs, so talk to your organizer about any budget concerns you have.  Working together, you can devise a plan that includes the right amount of:

• on-site sessions with your organizer
• independent work sessions you complete
• coaching sessions to keep you focused and energized.

What products or stores have the best/most affordable organizing products?

Check out the Resources page for specific product recommendations and retailers.  The PriOrganize Pinterest boards showcase the latest inspiration and innovation in organizing.

I already know I need a lot of help and want to get on with the organizing ASAP – why do I have to go through the Assessment process before I get started?

The Assessment is an essential part of successful organizing, designed to support good communication and collaboration from the start of the organizing relationship.  During that first meeting, you’ll establish a basic plan for your organizing project while getting to know the organizer.  This meeting is an opportunity to determine whether you’ll be comfortable working side-by-side, discussing strategies and tackling problems.  You’ll be spending a lot of time with your professional organizer so it is very important that you be well-matched.

I’m not sure I have enough stamina to work for four hours in each appointment – why don’t you schedule shorter organizing sessions?

The four-hour sessions allow enough time to dig into the project, make progress and restore order to the work area. Reducing the amount of time in the session will really slow down your progress.   We schedule breaks into each session and often move through different activities to keep things interesting.  Most clients are surprised to find that the time passes much more quickly than they anticipated and some even come to prefer longer sessions of six or more hours because they get so much more done. There are ways to adapt the work sessions to meet the needs of clients with physical conditions who cannot work steadily for four hours, so be sure discuss your concerns during the Assessment.

What is your cancellation policy?

There is no charge for appointments that are rescheduled or cancelled at least 48 hours in advance.  Clients will be charged the full session fee if less than 48 hours notice is given.

My husband/child/roommate is the disorganized person around here. Can I schedule appointments so you can get him organized?

While each client may have different reasons for tackling an organizing project, all successful organizing involves clients who are highly motivated.  Without that motivation, progress will slow and projects will fail.  For that reason, PriOrganize works only with clients who are actively and voluntarily engaged in a particular project.

I know how to get organized – I’ve done it many times in the past – but I always slip back into the same, old chaos.  Can PriOrganize help me stay organized?

It may help to know that you are not alone in your struggle.   With all of the focus and energy directed toward getting organized, many people do not realize that maintenance strategies are the key to staying organized.   You need new habits and routines to support the changes you’ve made through organizing.   PriOrganize offers specialized coaching services to help you develop routines and incorporate them into your schedule.