FAQs

 

What does a Professional Organizer do?

As Professional Organizers we work with our clients to identify specific organizing needs. We supply support, focus and direction by providing ideas, resource information, products, hands-on assistance, and referrals as needed. Most importantly though, we work with our clients and the public to transfer organizing skills that will last a lifetime.

Why might I need a Professional Organizer?

You might be overstressed, overworked, feeling totally out of control, and often times, simply confused about where or how to start. We will come in with a fresh set of eyes, a non-judgmental attitude, and the experience and training to help you develop a clear set of goals and a game plan for achieving them. The solutions will be specifically developed for the way you think and act, allowing you to begin building new habits for getting and staying organized. In the end you’ll have peace and energy for work and play!

How do I select a Professional Organizer?

Hiring a professional organizer is often a very personal decision. You will want to be sure that you have someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. You’ll also want to be sure they have the experience and education that will provide you with the best possible resources for your particular needs. You will want someone who will listen to you and help you organize in method and style that supports the way you live, work, and remember.

So, ask questions about our years in business, areas of expertise, fee schedules, and references. We strive hard to answer all your questions.

Why should I choose a NAPO organizer vs. a non-NAPO organizer?

When you choose to work with a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) you have the benefit of working with a professional who is associating with the best in the industry, someone who is taking advantage of the most thorough education opportunities in the industry, and someone who has agreed to abide by the highest professional and ethical standards.

A professional organizer who is a NAPO member has made a commitment to his/her business and thus to you, the client. Pam is a Golden Circle (over 5 years) Member of NAPO.

Why should I choose a Certified Professional Organizer®?

BCPO Certification is a voluntary, industry-led effort that recognizes those professionals who have met specific minimum standards, and prove through examination and client interaction that they possess the body of knowledge and experience required for certification. This program recognizes and raises industry standards, practices, and ethics.

Certified Professional Organizers® are showing their commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards of the industry as well as to their own continuing education to keep abreast of new developments. Pam has earned her CPO® designation.

I’m anxious...I can’t possibly let anyone see this space...is everything confidential?

We are aware of the high level of trust and confidence you place in us. Integrity, honesty and confidentiality are guiding principles with us. As members of NAPO, AADMM, and a CPO®, we abide by their high ethical and confidentiality standards.

We are skilled professionals who understand your needs. We may have even been there ourselves at one time. We’ve seen many things, probably worse things. We are here to help, not make judgments. In the end, you’ll have a space that you’ll be proud to have other people see.

How does it all work?

Generally we begin with a phone assessment to determine if there seems to a good fit between your needs and our skills and expertise. If we determine that we might be able to help you, then we will encourage setting up an initial consultation for an onsite needs assessment and goal planning session.

The initial consultation is designed to see you in your environment, talk about your expectations, desired outcome, challenges and frustrations, and help you formulate a set of goals with a specific plan of attack. The session normally takes 1.5 - 2 hours and includes a walk-through of your space so we can talk in detail about what needs to be done.

After that, we can set up additional hands-on organizing sessions where we work side-by-side with you to put the plan into motion, or we can simply provide you with a step-by-step plan and ongoing consulting to keep you on track. In some cases you may not be able or simply don’t won’t to do the organizing. In those instances, after working with you to understand the way you might work and remember, we can provide the hands-on organizing services and then provide you with the roadmap to where everything is.

Tweaking, fine-tuning and maintenance are all integral parts of the solution. Life is a dynamic process. Your family, your activities, and your business will grow and change. So too will your needs. We’ll be there to provide whatever assistance you need over time.

How long does it take and how much do you charge?

There are many things that can affect the organizing process. The most common are the extent of the project, how long things have been that way, and how easily the client can make decisions. Other factors might be your willingness to actively participate and do “homework”. After the initial assessment, we are in a much better position to give you an idea of how long a typical project might take. As we begin to know each other better and trust is established, the process may move at a much faster pace.

In order to serve their clients’ individual needs best, Streamlined Living Solutions provides both packages and hourly rates, depending upon the particulars of each organizing project. During the initial phone interview and/or needs assessment we will address this issue and determine what might benefit you most. All fees will be discussed up front, including product and/or shopping fees.

Also, STREAMLINED LIVING SOLUTIONS provides a daily satisfaction guarantee, meaning, no matter what the reason, at the end of the day, if you are not happy, we will work to make you happy or you are not expected to pay.

I’ve always been disorganized. Is there hope for me?

It is possible to learn the basic principles and formulas of organizing. We’ll be there to teach and mentor you in developing those skills and show you how to maintain your systems on a regular basis for long-lasting, life-changing results.

Will you make me throw away all my “stuff”?

No. We will ask questions, make observations and suggestions to help you decide what is or is not important to you. We’ll constantly bring you back to why you decided to hire us in the first place and to what you want your life to be like from this point forward. Ultimately though, you, the client, are the final decision-maker.

Should I clean my home or office before the initial consultation?

No. It is best for us to see you in your true environment. (Remember, we’ve seen worse!) We take cues from what your space looks like and how you describe it and move through it during the initial consultation. Cleaning it up only disguises the problem.

If you want to do something ahead of time, start making a list of things that work and don’t work for you in the space. Then, list out any particular issues that you want to be sure to address during the consultation. We’ll take it from there!

Should I purchase any supplies before the first session?

Generally speaking, we recommend that you wait until after the initial consultation. Many times we need to do a lot of de-cluttering before we even begin to organize into containers. If product is needed, we’ll work with your budget, take a look at what you already have, assess your particular needs, and provide you with recommendations on product that will be truly effective for you.

What if you can’t help me?

If for some reason, we are unable to help you with your organizing needs, we will be happy to refer you to another trusted colleague. Our mission is simply to open the door to a streamlined life for you.

I’m interested in becoming a professional organizer. What do I do?

Give us a call so we can visit with you. We mentor new organizers and can provide you with lots of resources. If you live in the San Antonio area, we recommend you come to one of our POSA Chapter in Formation meetings. We also have periodic workshops and group mentoring sessions available. Send us an email to be put on our Mentoring List for events.

 

“Every wall is a door.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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