Do I really need a professional organizer?
If you struggle with not being able to find a place for everything; if your kitchen does not only have 1 “junk drawer”, but a junk cabinet; if you find yourself walk- ing over piles of stuff just to get through your house, then YES, you need a professional organizer.
Also, if you’re planning on moving and need help purging your home to prep it for putting on the market – YES, an organizer can help you decide what to purge, pack items to begin the process of staging for the move.
What kind of spaces do you organize?
DDM works with any room in the home – kitchen, bedrooms, closets, garages, attics, home office, craft room, toy room (especially if the entire house is a toy room!). If it’s got a home address, then DDM can help you organize it.
How much will it take to get organized?
If you mean amount of time, that depends on your availability and seriousness to purge and declutter.
If you mean amount of money, that depends on your budget, frequency of sessions, and any “after hours” organizing that you may do in the interim.
DDM works around your schedule in that if you’re limited to just a 2-hour session once a week, then we will plan and conquer that space. DDM understands that you may have to spread out the sessions to conform to your budget. Whatever your need and constraints, we can work around that to get you comfortable in your living spaces.
Can I organize my own stuff myself in between sessions?
Sure! When I come for your consult, we look at the spaces together, discuss ideas, what’s worked in the past, what hasn’t worked, what will be the plan of action for our first couple of sessions. If that means that you want “homework” and are able to purge some areas without me, then that is that much more success that you get from tackling it on your own. The end result is that a plan is in place that you can live with and continues to keep your spaces clutter-free and non-chaotic for you.
How much will it cost to get organized?
We discuss my fees at the consult. I don’t offer packages because that may intimidate some into thinking they HAVE to spend that much. If a client needs to spread out the sessions revolving around payday, etc, then we can simply schedule accordingly. I can often give an estimate as to the amount of hours it will take for a specific area. But sometimes one area can spill into another, and it can take longer than was originally stated. OR some clients may work at a slower pace, and we will respectfully honor that. Purging can be hard for many. Making decisions about stuff that has been held onto for years can be a challenge.
How do we get started?
When a client contacts me, I start with a phone call, ask some questions, listen to the client, and then a no-fee onsite consult is scheduled. I come and see your living spaces and we prioritize what you want to work on.
Do you help us find other services such as a handyman, movers, estate sale, etc?
Yes! I can do all of that! I can serve as project manager for your move, whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or senior relocation. My ultimate goal is to relieve your stress through the organizing process. Take it “off your plate” and put it on mine.
What makes you qualified to be an organizer?
Well, for starters I taught 4th-8th grades for 31 years, so I think that can qualify me for keeping others organized. I also, am a member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing), have received certificates in Residential Organizing, Essentials of Organizing, Household Management, and currently working on a Life Transitions certificate. My own personal experience of helping one parent purge after a death, then as executor of the next parent’s estate, packing my own house for an out-of-state move, then unpacking it. I have helped many seniors downsize, and have walked through the estate sale process as project manager. Should you want/need references, I am happy to oblige.
