Q. What is professional organizing?
A. Professional organizing is a service in which an organizer helps clients to manage clutter and find more practical locations for items. Organizers can also teach clients time management as well as other life skills. Different organizers may specialize in different areas such as decor or relocation services.

Q. What causes hoarding?
A. Hoarding is caused by ongoing psychological issues and therefore can usually only be eliminated with the help of an experienced professional counselor. Not everyone who has accumulated excess clutter is a hoarder. Most people who have too much stuff are simply pack-rats. Pack-rats can usually let go of their excess clutter through logical reasoning, often with the help of a friend or professional organizer.

Q. Have you worked with hoarders?
A. I have worked with many pack-rats, but have not yet had the opportunity to work with a true hoarder. After a hoarder has worked with a psychologist and is ready to accept the help of an organizer, I will be able to help that client manage the excess clutter.

Q. Do you organize offices or just homes?
A. I can organize homes, offices, garages, and storage units.

Q. Do you do cleaning too, or just organizing?
A. I clean each area after eliminating the clutter, and before refilling the space appropriately, however, I don't specialize in house cleaning. I can recommend some professional house cleaners if you need that service.

Q. How long will it take to organize my home?
A. I involve my clients in the organizing process in order to help them to have control over their possessions, so our efficiency will depend on the client's needs and decision making ability. Some people know what to keep and where to put it, and are able to work quickly, while others need time to think about each item. I do try to work efficiently, and I always guide, advise, and encourage my clients as we work through each area.

Q. How do I keep my space organized after we have finished working together?
A. I help my clients to be aware of how the clutter and disorganization happened to begin with, and how to prevent similar situations from continuing. I offer tips and encouragement as often as needed, either in person or by phone. I am also available to visit occasionally to help the client maintain or revise an organizing system.

Q. What do you charge?
A. The basic hourly rate is $40.00. There is a 25% discount when we work a minimum of five hours in a day. This is to encourage clients to make a greater progress in their organization efforts. There are other discounts available as well, for efforts in the promotion of Simply Serenity, such as the "New Client Referral" discount. I try to make an effort to make this service available to all people regardless of financial status.