What does a Professional Organizer do and why do I need one?
A Professional Organizer isn't just someone that comes in cleans up a bit, and sends you on your merry way. There are many different reasons and circumstances that lead to the place where your things are taking over a large part of your life. The emotional effect can be pretty significant. These feelings, combined with the actual physical clutter, can make it feel daunting and impossible. It can be very overwhelming. A professional organizer comes in and not only brings your home back to a place of comfort, but helps teach you and will put systems in place so it doesn't continue to happen in the future. Of course one of our goals is to leave you feeling refreshed, and with organized spaces. But we also want you to finish with a sense of accomplishment, and the confidence that you won't fall back into old habits.
What are the benefits of staging a home before listing?
When putting your home on the market, there are a few important things that will maximize the return you get on your investment. One of those is staging your home with furniture and accessories that enhance it's character, and make it much more appealing to potential buyers. When someone walks in your home, you want them to feel excited about the potential of living there. If it is messy, full of clutter, or has too many or mismatched and dated furniture pieces and knickknacks, it is off-putting and makes it more difficult for the person to use their imagination. Now picture your space clean, open, full of light, with an inviting, modern presence. It gives your property a feeling of elegance and tranquility. The process can vary, and can include rearranging or removing existing furniture, adding light and small accessories, decluttering, and cleaning. It can also mean starting over fresh and redesigning the entire space. It depends on the needs of each situation. And whether it is by getting multiple offers, or selling for more than asking price, the investment will pay off in a big way.
How much will it cost?
In regards to home organization or downsizing, the amount of time it takes depends on how many goals we set, and how quickly we are able to move through the spaces together. I can work independently for many projects, but for some we will work together as a team. I am very efficient, but will go at whatever speed works for you. Some people will be farther along in their organizing journey, and will be ready to purge and organize and move quickly. Some need a little more coaching, education and support. The latter can always add to the bottom line, but it is important to work through the process at the pace you are most comfortable. My client's well being will always be the most important piece of this for me.
Consultations
Because every home and situation is different, I do recommend booking a consultation so we can decide what packages work best for you. We will make a plan after viewing your home, and discussing your goals. I offer a complimentary 15 minute virtual consultation.
For my home staging and design services, I charge $100.00 for consultations. Proposals will be sent after, and will depend on square footage, hours, furniture and accessories needed, and any additional services requested (decluttering, junk removal, small repairs, small landscaping/curb appeal tasks, etc). I can work within almost any budget, and offer many staging options. That can range from using what is already in the home, to comprehensive, fully furnished staging projects and everything in between. I can only offer furniture rentals with a minimum booking of $1500.00. I can bill the agent and/or homeowner directly.
Home and Office Organization Packages
Virtual (1 hour) $100.00: This session will be done all virtually. We will discuss all of your organizing questions, make plans for different areas throughout your home, talk about products, my recommendations and space planning/design. I will give you a plan and support, and help you work through different obstacles that may be hindering your ability to get and stay organized. Additional hours beyond or initial consultation are charged at my standard hourly rate based on the packages listed below. Discounts available with some prepaid sessions.
The Mini (2 hours) $200.00: This is an in home session where I give you ideas and a plan on how to organize your home. I will recommend different products, do space planning and design, and help you take measurements. As time allows (depending on the size of the project), I will help you start the process.
The Inspired Package (3 hours) $300.00: This is by far my most popular starter package. During this session we will tackle all of the above, and it will give us enough time to start transforming spaces! Organizing design board included for 1-2 designated spaces as needed.
The Organized Package (6 hours): $575.00: In addition to all of the above, I will be able to tackle 6 hours worth of all things organization! A lot can be accomplished with this package.
Elite (10+ hours): For larger jobs, I offer a discounted rate with prepayment. You will lock in a rate of $90.00/hr for all prepaid sessions. You will also receive two complimentary 30 minute phone or virtual sessions to give you support, and help you continue to keep the spaces organized.
Donation Drop off: I charge a flat rate of $40.00 with any booked package. I can also arrange pick up for many of your larger items through my partnerships with many local non profits. Unfortunately we cannot help with large, bulky TV's, hazardous waste, sleeper sofas or mattresses. I can provide referrals to our preferred junk removal companies for anything we cannot find a home for.
*My standard rates are for a typical household. Extreme situations will be quoted on an individual basis. Inspired and Organized reserves the right to adjust rates as necessary.
CANCELLATION POLICY: We require 48 hours advanced notice to cancel or reschedule. If you cancel within these hours we will need to bill you for the hours reserved for your project.
COVID-19 POLICY: Masks and at least 6 feet of social distancing required at all times. An N95 mask will be provided to client if work will be done together indoors, and air flow will be discussed prior to starting. Hand sanitizer and portable air purifying units will also be provided for use during session(s). To protect all of our clients, you will be asked to sign a health attestation about your covid status and any exposures prior to each session. If you have been exposed after booking a session, please contact us right away to reschedule. Our standard cancellation policy is waived in this situation and no rescheduling fees will be assessed. Inspired and Organized takes COVID-19 seriously and is also working toward giving our high risk clients the option of rapid saliva testing on site.
Will I need to get rid of all my stuff and become a minimalist?!
Absolutely not! While there can be a lot of freedom that comes with purging, I do not believe in a restrictive approach to home organization. Some people are to the point where they just want it out! Others are still very connected to their belongings. And there is nothing wrong with feeling that connection. I can help you organize your spaces, and that will not be dependent on what you decide to keep, and what you decide to let go.
Keep or Gift?
While going through your home, we will decide what will be kept (and organized), what will be donated or gifted, and what you can just kick to the curb! As mentioned above, I have relationships with different non profits, and can arrange for donation pick up of your larger pieces. I also offer donation drop off for a flat rate of $40.00.
Below are a few of my favorite organizations that I will gift your items to, where they will be appreciated and given a second life.
* Eastside Baby Corner
* Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank
* Habitat for Humanity
* Hopelink
What are the benefits of getting organized?
Where do I start? The mental health effects of clutter and disorganization have been explored in depth more recently. It can feel suffocating when our belongings start taking up so much time and space in our lives. Without systems in place, you can continually attempt to "declutter", and still feel like you aren't seeing real results. This is because cleaning up a space without thinking about how to keep it that way, is just a temporary fix that can lead to even more feelings of frustration. Mental and physical clutter are both things that need to be dealt with, in order to bring the peace back into our lives that we so desperately need. We sacrifice hours of our lives, devoting them to taming and dealing with our "things". Toys litter our homes, garages are packed with bins and boxes instead of vehicles, and we find ourselves in a difficult position when trying to get rid of the belongings that were originally purchased to bring feelings of joy or comfort. It has been proven that a cluttered home can actually markedly increase stress hormones circulating in our bloodstream. One of my main reasons for starting Inspired and Organized, is knowing that once we are finished, you will feel such a tremendous sense of relief, and will end up living a healthier, happier life.
How do I get started, and what should I expect?
The first step is reaching out on our “Contact” page to schedule your complimentary 15 minute phone consultation. We will discuss your goals, your hopes for your space(s), your availability and your budget. For home organization services, I find that scheduling in blocks of 3-4 hours at a time allows for a large amount of work to be accomplished, without facing the burnout that can come with projects of this nature. For staging, the schedule will be based on each individual project, but I will get you on the calendar and staged as soon as possible. I also take last minute requests.
Payment information
My preferred methods of payment are cash and check.
I also currently accept credit cards
*Processing fee will be applied to credit/debit card
transactions and ACH transfers
Payment is due prior to each session.
For home staging I can bill the agent or homeowner directly, and am a preferred consultant with many brokerages.