What It’s Like Working With a Home Organizer
It’s hard to know exactly what it’s like to work with a home organizer, especially if you never have before, so I wanted to write this post to go in-depth on what it’s like to work with me during a one-on-one, in-person session.
Photo Courtesy of TheGoodness @lisabardot and @geoffbardot
Every organizer works a little bit differently in their process, whether or not they have a team and their philosophy. The way I work uses decluttering as the foundation of everything that I do. My goal isn’t to persuade you to get rid of your stuff, but instead to ask you questions and help you through the decision-making process about what to keep and what to let go, to create as simple systems as possible in your home.
The first session
When I’m arriving with a client for our first session I’m bringing with me my kit and my sorting bins. My sorting bins are labeled for trash, recycling, and donations. This helps easily sort items as we go. When we fill up a bin, we’re able to quickly empty it, line it with another plastic bag, and start filling it again.
As we figure out what our keep items are, we may also be sorting them into sections to help me plan your solutions. The specifics around the solutions we create depend on the space, client needs, and so much more.
In addition to my sorting bins, I bring my kit. It contains the items that I use most commonly with clients during our sessions so I have them on hand as needed. These aren’t generally things I charge extra for; garbage bags, rubber bands, an extra peg for your adjustable shelf, and my standard label-maker labels. The price for these items is included in your session pricing.
How the sessions are structured
During the first session, we focus on decluttering. As we work through your space, I am communicating with my client about possible systems or supplies we might need, so they are not surprised by my suggestions later. I’m taking measurements as we go, and talking to clients about their budget, aesthetics and more. After the session, I continue to research and plan solutions for each unique space we are focusing on.
If we have more than one session on the books, I send follow-up notes and shopping suggestions for clients to approve between our sessions. Once I have the clients’ thumbs up, I’ll go shopping and bring those supplies to the client at the next session. If clients book one session, my follow-up notes will include the list of suggested supplies as well as links of where to buy, instructions on how to implement, etc.
No matter how many sessions we work together, or how many spaces we are working in, the process is always the same: declutter, plan simple solutions, implement. Repeat.
Inclusive pricing
My goal with our sessions is to make everything as price inclusive as possible, so it’s less confusing and clients don’t feel like I’m going to nickel and dime them for everything. Session pricing includes my travel time (in the immediate Sacramento region), organizing hours in person, extra time on the backend to plan solutions, shopping time, and the small items from my organizing kit. The only extras that clients need to pay for are the organizational supplies I might suggest for a space, extra travel time if they live farther from me, or add-ons (shredding services, excess hazardous waste removal, etc.).
Lots of room for all the feels
Something interesting about this type of work is that it’s often surprising for new organizers that much of the work we do is about so much more than “stuff”. It’s about decision-making, relationships, working through our past, confronting issues, and more. Because of this, I want clients to know on the front-end that they don’t need to check their feelings at the door. We take breaks to give people space. I’m happy to pass a tissue for your tears. We believe in hugs (if wanted) and crying it out. Your feelings are valid - this is hard work. I’m here for you; to support you, and to help you along the way.
Be sure to…
I have a client that says “hydrate early and often!” and this is something I find myself repeating to other clients frequently. Just like it’s not recommended to go to the grocery store on an empty stomach, it’s not recommended that you declutter without a snack in your belly, and water close by. When I’m working with clients, I always make sure that my last meal is full of protein, because hanger is real, and we don’t have time to deal with that! Remember: snack in your belly, and water nearby.
Reduce distractions
I always recommend to clients that we reduce distractions during our sessions as much as possible. Turning off the TV, keeping pets in another room, and hiring childcare during our time together can make a big difference in how much we’re able to get through during our session. Of course, life happens, and during the pandemic, having kiddos nearby has become more common than not. The good news is that any reduction in distractions will benefit the client in this process.
Hopefully this has given you a better idea of what it’s like to work alongside me for in-person sessions. If home organization is something you’re thinking about, I would love to chat with you! Feel free to click here to book your complimentary consultation, or send us an email anytime at hello@tidyrevival.com. We can’t wait to connect with you!
