Frequently Asked Questions

Hiring someone to some organize your home can be daunting! Let us ease your mind.

Ask Us Anything!

1. Are You Going To Make Me Get Rid of All My Stuff?

No, our goal is not to simply get rid of all your belongings. Our role is to help you declutter and organize your space in a way that aligns with your goals and preferences. Here’s what you can typically expect:

  1. Respect for Your Preferences: We understand that each client has unique preferences and attachment to their possessions. We will respect your sentimental connections, lifestyle, and priorities when making organizing decisions.
  2. Collaborative Decision-Making: Elle Organizing will work collaboratively with you to make informed decisions about your belongings. We will ask questions, listen to your input, and respect your choices regarding what to keep, donate, recycle, or discard.
  3. Guidance and Support: Your organizer will provide guidance and support throughout the process. She can help you evaluate the usefulness, functionality, and value of items to make decisions that align with your goals for an organized space.
  4. Minimizing Clutter: While the goal is not to eliminate everything, organizers do help you reduce clutter and streamline your belongings. This process often leads to a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.
  5. Donation and Recycling: Items that you decide to part with are typically donated or recycled whenever possible, in an environmentally responsible manner. We can facilitate the donation process to ensure items find new homes.
  6. Staying Informed: You will be informed and involved in the decision-making process, so nothing is discarded without your knowledge or consent. Your organizer will aim to create a transparent and collaborative experience.
  7. Respecting Privacy: For items that may be of a sensitive or private nature, Elle Organizing prioritizes privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that such items are handled discreetly.

It’s important to communicate your goals, preferences, and concerns with your professional organizer during the initial consultation. This ensures that the organizing process is tailored to your specific needs and comfort level. The ultimate aim is to create a well-organized space that reflects your lifestyle and enhances your quality of life while respecting your belongings and choices.

2. Why Do I Need a Professional Organizer When I Can just do it myself?

Choosing to work with a professional organizer, rather than tackling an organization project yourself, can bring several valuable benefits:

  1. Expertise: We are trained and experienced in various organization methods and techniques. We can provide you with a structured and efficient approach tailored to your specific needs, saving you time and effort.
  2. Objective Perspective: We can offer an objective viewpoint, helping you make decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard. Our impartiality can prevent you from holding onto items that no longer serve you.
  3. Custom Solutions: We create customized organization systems that work for your unique lifestyle and preferences. Your organizers take into account your daily routines, habits, and the way you use your space to ensure it remains organized long-term.
  4. Motivation and Accountability: Working with us provides motivation and accountability. Knowing that you have a scheduled session can keep you on track and ensure the project gets completed. Sometimes you just need that little nudge to light the fire under you to start getting it done!
  5. Time Efficiency: We work efficiently, helping you achieve your organizational goals in less time. This frees you up to focus on other aspects of your life. Seeing results happen fast is an amazing feeling in itself.
  6. Stress Reduction: Organizing can be overwhelming, especially for larger projects. Elle Organizing can help reduce stress by breaking the process into manageable steps and guiding you through it.
  7. Long-Term Results: We aim to create sustainable organization solutions. We can teach you valuable skills and strategies to maintain order in the long run.

While you can certainly organize on your own, enlisting the help of a professional organizer can make the process smoother, more efficient, and ultimately more rewarding. It’s an investment in creating a more organized, functional, and stress-free living or working environment.

3. Do I Need to Be Present During Organizing Sessions?

Whether you need to be present at organizing sessions depends on your preferences, your level of involvement, and the nature of the project.

Trust and Comfort: If you have full confidence in the organizer’s abilities and trust their judgment, you may feel more comfortable allowing us to work independently.

Communication: Effective communication is key to a successful organizing project. If you can communicate your preferences, goals, and any specific concerns to the organizer, they can tailor their approach accordingly, whether you’re present or not.

Progress Updates: If you choose not to be present, it’s important to establish a system for progress updates and communication with the organizer. This ensures that you remain informed about the project’s status and can provide feedback as needed.

4. Will My Personal Information and Belongings Be Kept Confidential?

Absolutely, yes! Professional organizers prioritize and maintain strict confidentiality when it comes to your personal information, belongings, and the contents of your space. Your privacy is of the utmost importance, and organizers are committed to safeguarding it throughout the entire organizing process. You can trust that your personal information, sensitive documents, and any private or confidential items will be handled with the highest level of discretion and respect. It’s a fundamental aspect of their professional ethics and standards.

5. How Long Will It Take to Organize My Space?

The duration of an organizing project can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and complexity of the space, the level of clutter, your specific goals, and the pace at which you and the professional organizer work together.

6. Do I Need to Purchase Organizing Supplies?

You have flexibility when it comes to organizing supplies, and the choice largely depends on your preferences and needs. Here are some options:

  1. Use What You Have: If you already have organizing supplies such as bins, baskets, shelves, or containers, your organizer can certainly work with them. We will assess your existing supplies and incorporate them into the organizing plan.
  2. Purchase Supplies Yourself: If you prefer to purchase organizing supplies on your own, you can do so before or during the organizing project.
  3. Organizer’s Supply Purchase: Elle Organizing offers a supply purchasing service free of charge. We can create a list of recommended products based on your project and preferences. If you choose this option, the organizer will purchase the products on your behalf, and you will be billed only for the items used. Any unused supplies can typically be returned or taken away by the organizer.
  4. Combination Approach: You can choose a combination of using your existing supplies and having the organizer purchase additional items as needed. This approach allows you to maximize the use of your existing resources while also obtaining any necessary new products.

It’s important to discuss your supply preferences and budget with us during the initial consultation. We can provide guidance on the types of products that will work best for your space and help you make informed decisions. Ultimately, the choice of whether to use existing supplies, purchase your own, or have the organizer purchase supplies on your behalf is a matter of convenience and personal preference. The organizer’s goal is to create an organized space that aligns with your vision and needs, regardless of the supply sourcing method.

7. What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?

While we accept cold hard CASH, E-TRANSFER is the preferrable mode of payment at this time.

8. What Should I Expect During the Initial Consultation?

During an initial consultation with Elle Organizing, you can expect a thorough and collaborative discussion to kickstart your organizational journey. Here’s what typically happens during an initial consultation:

  1. Introduction: The consultation begins with introductions, allowing you to get to know your Elle Organizing professional and vice versa. This is an opportunity to establish rapport and feel comfortable working together.
  2. Assessment of Needs: The organizer will ask questions to understand your specific needs and goals. They will inquire about the areas or spaces you want to organize, any challenges you’re facing, and your vision for the organized space.
  3. Tour of the Space: You’ll provide a tour of the spaces that require organization. This hands-on approach helps the organizer gain a clear understanding of the current state of your spaces, including the level of clutter and any existing systems.
  4. Discussion of Preferences: The organizer will inquire about your preferences and lifestyle. They’ll want to know how you use the spaces, your daily routines, and any design preferences you may have.
  5. Assessment of Timeline: You’ll discuss your desired timeline for the project. If you have a specific deadline or event in mind, it’s important to communicate this to ensure it aligns with the organizer’s availability.
  6. Questions and Concerns: You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions or express concerns you may have. The organizer will provide answers and address any apprehensions to ensure you’re comfortable with the process.
  7. Cost Estimate: Elle Organizing works in packages of time. The organizer can give you her best guess on how long the project will take. Any leftover hours can be used in a number of ways and will be discussed with you as the project wraps up.
  8. Scheduling: If you decide to move forward and payment is made, you’ll discuss scheduling for organizing sessions. This includes setting dates and times that work for both you and the organizer.
  9. Next Steps: The consultation typically concludes with a discussion of next steps and how to proceed. This may involve signing a contract, making a payment, or preparing for the first organizing session.

Remember that the initial consultation is an opportunity for both you and the organizer to assess whether there’s a good fit and to align your expectations. It’s a collaborative process aimed at ensuring the project meets your goals and needs. Elle Organizing professionals are there to guide you and tailor their services to your unique situation, making the consultation a crucial first step toward achieving an organized and harmonious space.

9. Can Professional Organizing Help with Hoarding Issues?

Yes, professional organizing can help individuals who struggle with hoarding issues. However, it’s important to note that hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition that often requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective treatment. While Elle Organizing may not work with clients dealing with this mental health issue, there are specialized professional organizers who focus on helping individuals with hoarding disorder.

Where Do I Sign Up?