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How will I be charged when I work with you?Area organizers generally charge $80 - $150+ per hour. We are committed to meeting your needs, and work with the budget you have available. You determine what you can afford to commit to the project, and we work with you to come up with the best plan for your situation. The first step is a Needs Assessment, which typically takes two and a half to three hours for an entire home. Some sessions may run longer, depending on the number of questions and issues discussed. The assessment is usually followed by hands-on organizing which is done in several-hour increments. This varies from client to client, depending on your financial picture and time available. All services are payable the day of service, and we accept Venmo, credit card, cash or check.
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If I get rid of my things, how will I keep my memories?Visual people may struggle with the fear of losing memories attached to things. We understand this emotional connection, and work with you in a gentle and loving manner, and at your own pace. You decide what to keep and what to let go of; we only ask questions to help you decide what is most important and what is less meaningful. We offer methods to preserve memories and make space for your current and future life. "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away." -- Ecclesiastes 3:1,6,7
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How long does it take to organize a space effectively?The time it takes to organize a space effectively can vary depending on what the project is, the size of the space, the level of clutter, and the amount of time and funds to work with in a session. It could range from a few hours to several days or even weeks. We work at your speed, helping you make decisions that fit your organizing goals.
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What is NAPO?NAPO, the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, is a professional association of over 3,500 organizing consultants worldwide. The mission of NAPO is to develop, lead and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry. Choosing a NAPO member insures you’re working with a professional who has agreed to NAPO’s code of ethics — including confidentiality; and providing fair, affordable pricing to clients. NAPO membership demonstrates a commitment to continuing education as well.
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What will you think when you see my mess? I must be the worst person you've helped!You’re not alone! Many situations in life throw us curves, and once the balance is upset your space can become quickly disorganized. Please don’t worry about your mess; you can count on New Life Organizing to be nonjudgmental, confidential, understanding and supportive.. It is important that we be able to assess the issues that are stressing you as they affect you in your day-to-day life, so don't pick up before we come. We need to be able to see what is working for you, what is not working, and where it quits working. We have experience with vast ranges of organization frustration. We had the honor of being able to help a client on one of the major TV shows. If you would like to see how we work with clients, feel free to download the episode from Amazon .
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What is a professional organizer?A professional organizer is an individual that provides clients with ideas, personal assistance, motivation, coaching, education and products to help organize. Professional organizers create new systems, processes and solutions that increase productivity and reduce stress.
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Why bother, when it's impossible to stay organized?It is possible to stay organized! We understand that you are facing more and more demands with less free time. This is a recipe for clutter and chaos. We help you implement systems that are built for the way you think and live. The systems we develop can continue to adapt as your life changes! All organizing projects require decision-making, whether the project consists of setting up a new office, working through piles of paper, excavating a kitchen counter, or clearing clutter. We help you make the necessary decisions by asking questions, offering advice, and providing hands-on help. We work in your home or office, in a partnership with you. Once your system is in place, the challenge is to use it daily and improve upon it. After you learn the systems and have the necessary tools, being organized is much easier. However, sometimes life throws you a curve. We are also available to provide you with on-going support on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, or whatever is best for you, if you so desire. Getting organized and staying organized is a journey, rather than a quick-fix. We are here to support you along the way!
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Why do I need a professional organizer?It's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by disorganization. Sometimes a project is not a one-person job. Sometimes there are just too many projects. Often, knowing where to start and how to make it stick are issues. People hire personal fitness trainers, life coaches, image consultants, and web designers to help them achieve what they set out to accomplish. Working with a professional organizer is similar. Some people prefer to first work with a friend or family member first. In some cases, this might be an excellent fit. Benefits may include keeping you on task, achieving your goals more quickly, and the synergy of working with a support person. The down-side of working with friends and/or family members is that they may not be able to be objective and they may not be able to devote the time and energy needed. Look for a professional who listens to you, has the expertise and skills and whose personality is a good fit for you. We are skilled and objective. We offer you the support you need with no relationship history to interfere. We will work by your side and give you help and support. We are encouraging, supportive and non-judgmental. We are respectful of your feelings and work at your speed.
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What about hoarding?What really is chronic disorganization, and how do I know if that is me? A person with Chronic Disorganization has a history of disorganization where self-help efforts have failed, whose current quality of life is undermined due to disorganization, and where there's the expectation that disorganization will continue. In some cases, this includes hoarding. Hoarding may result from problems with a person's information-processing or may result from emotional trauma and/or mental illness. Many of my clients use the "stuff" to self-soothe, similar to alcohol or drugs or other addictions. If you are in this situation and ready for help, an organizer who is experienced in working with chronic disorganization is important. The Institute for Challenging Disorganization has some tools on their website that can be helpful, including their Clutter–Hoarding Scale®
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What are some organizing tips for individuals with ADHD?Individuals with ADHD may benefit from: using color coding creating visual schedules, setting reminders breaking tasks into smaller steps
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What other help is available?The Institute for Challenging Disorganization, (formerly the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization), is an organization educating professional organizers and related professionals in the study of Chronic Disorganization and methods for serving people with CD. There are a number of ICD Fact Sheets available to you, covering various areas of Chronic Disorganization The ICD also provides individuals with assessment tools to help identify particular areas of challenge: ICD Clutter Hoarding Scale ICD Clutter Quality of Life Scale The International OCD Foundation is another excellent resource for up-to-date and accurate information about hoarding and its treatment. Education,, training, research and advocacy are some of their goals. Children of Hoarders is a grassroots, all-volunteer group run by adult children of hoarders for children of hoarder. They understand the challenges that children of hoarders face. Clutterers Anonymous is a 12-Step Fellowship. They offer a Clutterer Assessment, literature, recordings other resources, and meeting information. Messies Anonymous is also a 12-Step program, focused on "bringing harmony in the home through understanding and aiding the Messie mindset". Founded by author Sandra Felton, the website includes great resources. You can sign up for a daily email of coaching and encouragement and enjoy her blog, The Organizer Lady®
Resources
Helpful Books
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