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| Finding a Pro Private Comment
Ready to dive in? Not so fast. You first need to find the organizer who's a good fit for your needs and style. Consider these pointers: • Be specific about your wish list. Do you simply have one or two problem zones — say, a cluttered home office or overstuffed pantry? Or is your house one big, overwhelming jumble? Do you want the pro simply to come up with a plan of action that you can implement on your own, or will she be doing the heavy lifting? Think through your needs so you can find the right person to tackle them. • Budget accordingly. Fee structures vary widely, but expect to pay roughly $50 to $90 per hour. The average room can be completed in one to three full days, but variables such as size will dictate the amount of time needed. • Decide how involved you want to be. Some professional organizers like to operate independently, taking full charge of the process; others prefer more client input along the way. Which style will be most comfortable for you? • Search reputable sources. If you know someone who's used a local organizer, ask detailed questions about the process, results and follow-up. The National Association of Professional Organizers has an excellent directory, including information about each member's background and specialties. Browse the websites of those in your area, if available, and then give the most promising candidates a phone call. You're looking to check off several things: Are your personalities a good match? Will the organizer's style mesh well with yours? Do her policies, professional manner and communication skills inspire confidence or raise red flags? Don't be shy about asking if you can talk to a couple of her previous clients, too. |
| Following Through Private Comment
Congratulations: The toughest part is done, and it's time to sit back and marvel at your newly flotsam-free space. But before you get too comfy, keep in mind these guidelines to ensure that it stays that way: • Give yourself time to get used to the new process. It may not feel natural at first, and that's okay. Just stick with it until it becomes routine. If weeks go by and you're still struggling, call the organizer to troubleshoot. • Don't beat yourself up for slipping back into old habits. It's inevitable: Sooner or later, your carefully orchestrated system is going to miss a few beats. Mail will pile up on the hall table. Hats and scarves will blanket the mudroom floor. It's okay. Take a deep breath, then take stock. Does the problem simply lie in a lack of discipline, or has it been an unusually busy month? Or is the scheme not working as well for you as you'd hoped? If necessary, the pro can help you fine-tune the process. And some are even happy to schedule regular "checkup" calls or visits in order to keep your home at its well-organized peak. More: Find a closet organizer Next: Clearing Clutter 101Working With a Home Stager Homeowner's Workbook: How To Remodel Your Kitchen Decorate With Intention: Create a Vision For Your Home |
