What is a Professional Organizer?

A professional organizer is someone who possesses an eye for detail, an obsession for order, and more importantly, a desire to help others. By creating tailored systems of organization and time management, we assist clients in reaching their own personal goals, by keeping them on track, rather than losing track of time or constantly tracking down lost items or paperwork.

Another way of viewing a professional organizer is seeing them as an interior therapist. A non-judgmental professional, who walks you through the discovery process to find out where exactly the clutter issues stem from, while coming up with specific solutions for combating them. As we say at h|b, we work from the inside out and realize that often the most important part of organizing your home, is reorganizing the way you think.

How long will the organization process take?

The length of time to complete a project varies from client to client. It is dependant upon a multitude factors, some of which add or decrease time to the scope of the project. Here are a few of the factors that make up the time equation...

size and number of rooms
amount of clutter present
client availability
client's level of participation
how quickly decisions are made
how many organizers are booked
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= project time

How does h|b charge? By the hour or by project?

Because of the varying factors explained in the time equation above, h|b charges by the hour, per organizer requested. Due to the different needs of each client, and because a proper estimation of the amount of clutter and or sanitation must be done in person, the hourly fee is determined between h|b and the client during the in-home consultation. For additional information on the different ways you can save on the overall cost of your project, the fee scale, as well as incentives offered, please inquire to h|b.

What is the organization process?

  • Consultation: Once a client decides he or she wishes to hire heather|brookes for their professional organization needs, the next step is to call and schedule a consultation. During this initial meeting with h|b, your organizational needs will be assessed, measurements of your space taken, and if need be photographs a list of necessary organizational items made.
  • Shopping: Often before organization is to take place, items must be purchased to house, reorganize, and properly hide your belongings. During this phase, the client may purchase the suggested items themselves, or have the professional organizer complete the shopping for them.
  • Organization: Depending upon your organizational needs and desired level of involvement, h|b can complete the organization process with moderate client participation or work with you side-by-side - providing "homework assignments" to help cut down project time and costs. Unlike interior designers who create drawings or plans for their clients, it is often unforeseen where items will ultimately end up; therefore sketches and rendering are not provided prior to the organization process.
Note: a small level of participation is required, as we never donate, recycle, toss or shred any items without the client's final approval.

What do I need to do to prepare for our consultation and first session?

For an in home consultation, it is recommended that the client have a clear idea of what rooms or spaces are a priority for them, as well as having a vision for what they wish each space to be. Even if the only vision that comes to mind is a clutter free space, having a goal to reach is essential in the organization process.

For our first session together, it is recommended to wear something comfortable. Bending down, climbing up, and aerial acrobatics, is often part of the organizational process, so if you wish to assist, be prepared. Also, if you have small children, it is recommended to schedule work when they are either napping, at school, or busy with activities. In order to make quick decisions and cut down on costs, having your full and undivided attention is key.

What are your hours of operation?

Just as we share with our clients, finding the right balance between work, family and friends, is essential to reducing stress. We extend those practices to all who work within the h|b company, and there for provide services Monday thru Friday, 9am to 5pm. After hour organization may be arranged, however those rates differ from the rates set forth for normal business hours.

How long is the typical workday or session?

The organization process is a creative one. We find that most of our great ideas come at the beginning, when we are fresh and well rested. When working side by side with clients, going through personal belongings and paperwork can be mentally and physically taxing. To avoid fatigue and a decrease in productivity, an ideal session would last between 4 to 6 hours.

What if I'm not satisfied with the results?

Just as our clients and their needs vary, so too do the solutions we create for them. Often times, a system may look great, but might not function well for the client or their entire family. In which case, we love getting feedback in order to learn and grow. If you are not content with an organizational system, or find it too difficult to upkeep, don't hesitate to let us know. Our job isn't finished until you are 100% satisfied and comfortable in your own space.

Do you offer gift certificates?

heather|brookes interior organization offers gift certificates for any desired amount. They make great gifts for birthday's and holidays, as well as a way to break the ice with someone near and dear to you, who might have difficulty managing their time or clutter on their own.