Here are some frequently asked questions:

Are you going to make me throw everything away?

Egads, no!  Organizing is a process by which I help you decide what is meaningful and useful and how to let go of the rest. Sometimes it takes a couple of tries to make those decisions.

Someone recently suggested the question should be: “What do you want to keep?” Putting a positive spin on the process may make it easier to start the project as well as delineate what can go away. Let me know if this helps you.

Do you have a niche or room that you like to organize the most?

I really enjoy organizing crafts/art supplies! As an artist myself, I understand the importance of having the materials and tools when a project strikes your fancy.  I also know that you need to find  what you have in order to use it.

Do you use the KonMari method?

Having read “The Magical Art of Tidying Up” and watched several of Marie Kondo’s shows, my methods are a bit different.  For some of my clients, piling all their clothes on the bed and asking them to deal with it by themselves would create such an overwhelm that it would be unproductive. Instead, we work together in small areas at a time to declutter. This way you can see the progress as we make our way around the room. Each client has their own style and there is an organizer to fit that style.

Can I keep those four wooden spoons (or name another item)? 

It depends. Are they all the same size? Does each one have a different use? Why are you attached to them? The answers to those questions determine how many you really need (not want.)

It is helpful to remind yourself that you are not really losing those spoons/things. Instead, you’re trading them for something better – an uncluttered kitchen (or other room) where you feel at peace.

Or you can use the Minimalist rule of 20-20-20:

#1: Have you used it in 20 days?

#2: Did it cost less than $20?

#3: Can you buy a new one in less than 20 minutes?

If the answers are No, Yes, Yes, then it’s time to release it to the universe!

How can I make all my t-shirts fit in the drawer?

KonMari foldingWhen I read the “Magical Art of Tidying Up”, I discovered folding clothes into “packets”. You fold the item into thirds lengthwise, then into thirds or quarters depending on the height of your drawer. Not only does it allow you to see each one but it also takes up much less space in the drawer! This method works particularly well with t-shirts. Folding like this also gives you a few minutes to be meditative.

Is your house perfectly organized?
Nope! I often have small piles of papers/stuff that accumulate in spots around the house. Every couple of months (or earlier if I can’t stand them anymore), I go thru and put them away (often the recycling bin).

Most recently a friend’s mantra is:  “That’s good enough.” Meaning that the task, knitted scarf, etc. doesn’t have to be perfect (plus you risk angering the knitting gods if you make a perfect item) at completion. It can be good enough as long as you tried your best.

Do you love The Container Store?

Yes, yes I do. However, I mostly go there to browse to see what’s new. I  believe in re-using containers that you already have and separating the “to go” into donations/recycles/hazardous waste/etc. Then I can take them away so you are no longer weighed down by those items!

Why should I hire a professional organizer?

A professional organizer can provide clarity and an objective view of your items.  It helps to have someone else to assist in making tough decisions and keep you focused on the goal. Plus, it’s more fun!

To find out more about organizing locally, go to the NAPO-SFBA website. Wondering what questions you should ask when hiring an organizer? See the link here:  NAPO Questions for a PO

Do you have a question?

Please contact me and I will be happy to answer it!