Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with a professional organizer? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a question most new clients ask. After all, inviting someone into your home to help you transform your space is a big step. I know I would feel nervous too. That’s why I designed the experience to feel comfortable, collaborative, and completely tailored to you. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect.
Step 1: Book a Free, No Obligation Discovery Call with Jane
We meet for a 15- to 30-minute virtual (Zoom) chat, where I’ll ask some questions about why you want to declutter and organize, and what you envision for your space. I’ll also ask who lives in your home and how your schedule flows day-to-day. These questions help me understand your priorities and get an idea of how long it may take to achieve your goals. Some clients are comfortable sharing a quick virtual tour or photos in advance, which can help me come prepared—but there’s absolutely no obligation to do so.
More importantly, the discovery call is your opportunity to ask anything on your mind about the process, the services, or what it’s like to work with a professional organizer, so you can feel fully informed, comfortable, and confident about taking the next step.
Step 2: Purchase the Get Started Organizing Package
We begin with the Get Started Organizing package. Most often, I will visit your home for an initial consultation (approximately 1 hour) to understand your needs in detail, create a project plan, and take any measurements needed for storage solutions. We then schedule hands-on organizing sessions. Because of the fluid nature of our work with you, I do not provide exact quotes; however, I can estimate how long I believe your project will take and the associated costs.
Jane Veldhoven on the set of The Big Downsize, working with a client deciding how to declutter the family’s extensive collection of dishes.Step 3: Schedule Decluttering and Organizing Sessions
These sessions are highly flexible because we tailor them to your needs. During our one-hour planning session, we decide where to start the organizing process and how best to achieve the results you are looking for.
Next, we schedule the hands-on sessions to accommodate your schedule. Even when you work with a professional organizer, you will likely find the decluttering process a bit overwhelming. To reduce stress, we typically book up to 3 hours per session. If you will be stepping in and out, our team may book 5- or 6-hour sessions.
You might need to declutter and organize quickly (for example, if you are moving to a new home), or you might prefer to take your time. Either way, we are always mindful of your busy life and budget.
Most of our clients are super busy, which is why they call Get Organized by Design for help. We know how valuable your time is, so my team can do a pre-sort for you, grouping similar items together. We label piles accordingly, and you can work through them until we return for the next session. By working this way, we bring you into the decision-making part of the process (No, we don’t throw anything away without your permission!) using as little of your time and energy as possible.
This method requires a certain amount of trust in us. It’s not for everyone, nor for every situation. For instance, you might be at ease with the Get Organized by Design team using this approach in your garage or storage area, but not your clothes closet. In that case, you can work alongside us to sort and edit your possessions. In fact, when you work with us, we can provide advice on letting go of your belongings, should you wish to do so. Then, you can develop the skills to maintain an organized home with our support.
Please keep in mind that as we work, your space will get messier before it gets tidier. Although we always leave things as tidy as possible after each session. If there’s a lot to deal with, it might take several sessions before we can start putting things away in a neat, tidy fashion.
Step 4: Set Up Your Organized Space
Once we finish the decluttering decisions, we work with you to determine how to arrange your space. Typically, we base storage locations on your habits and the systems you need to stay organized. (No, we don’t put everything away so you can’t find it.)
Together, we review where all your items are and make adjustments according to your input. Additionally, we assign temporary labels so you can find everything easily.
Next, we determine if we need to purchase containers, drawer organizers, closet systems, furniture, and other items to organize your space. As lead organizer, this is where my skills in designing storage solutions really shine. After over 20 years, I’ve seen it all!
I can source the required storage solutions for you and send you a list of the items. You can purchase the items yourself, or, with approval, I can purchase them for you. In fact, most of our clients ask me to order smaller items (bins, drawer organizers, etc.) and bring them to their home for final setup. For larger items (furniture, closet systems, cabinetry, etc.), the supplier can invoice you directly. I am always happy to coordinate ordering, delivery, assembly and setup should that be helpful.
Once we install, put away and set up everything, we use permanent labelling as needed. Our goal is to provide the best storage solutions possible and to make it easy for you to put away and later retrieve whatever you need.
Step 5: Get Ongoing Support and Maintenance
We have many clients who like to declutter and organize their homes over a period of weeks or months. I prefer this approach because we can organize one area or space at a time. We can implement systems and solutions to help you maintain a level of organization. This will give you a chance to adjust to your new organizing systems before we move on to the next area.
You may also want monthly, quarterly, or annual “tune-up” sessions, as your needs evolve. It might mean we have to re-adjust certain areas and “recalibrate” some of your organizing systems. However, it will be much quicker than the initial decluttering and organizing.
We will not leave you without future support. I love nothing better than working with our clients again and again as their needs change. Life isn’t static. We get that, and we’re here when you’re ready to work with a professional organizer.