frequently asked questions
does the organizer come to me?
Yes, all sessions take place in your home or office.
what happens during the session?
The professional organizer acts as a coach, working alongside you the entire time. First, we’ll look at the space that needs help and then discuss what you like and don’t like about the space. We’ll assess your space, challenges, ideas, and more! Next, we’ll create a strategy to create a useful and organized space. Then, we dig right in!
my whole house needs organizing. where do we start?
Each client is unique; this might depend on where you feel the most stress, the area that looks the worst, or the area that is most critical to your family or office functioning. For example, while the kids’ playroom might look the worst, the kitchen might need to come first if it is the epicenter of your family; if you eat, talk, pay bills, sort mail, and do schoolwork in the kitchen, it’s a room that needs to be functional immediately!
For those who can’t fit a car in the garage due to all that clutter, we might start there. If your bedroom leaves you feeling stressed rather than rested, this may be the place to dig in. Time to Organize will help you determine where to start if you are unsure.
how many hours will it take to organize?
It depends on the size of the room, its current state, and your motivation level. Generally, in three hours we can complete a small space such as a closet, laundry room, or entryway. Larger or more complex areas, like home offices, kitchens, basements, or heavily cluttered areas, can take longer.
Some clients simply need someone to help them get started, and then finish the jobs themselves. Others prefer to work with the organizer from start to finish. Each client’s needs are unique.
what if I feel embarrassed about my mess?
Don’t feel bad! Professional organizers don’t judge — they’re here to help you! All services provided by Time to Organize are confidential. We also abide by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics is a set of principles to provide guidelines for our professional conduct with our clients, colleagues, and community. As a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, I pledge to exercise judgment, self-restraint, and conscience in my conduct to establish and maintain public confidence in the integrity of NAPO members and to preserve and encourage fair and equitable practices among all who are engaged in the profession of organizing.
can my kids be home while we organize?
Sure, but remember that very young children may slow us down, and you’re paying for this special time with a professional organizer. So we recommend that you have a sitter watch younger children. When organizing older children’s rooms, they should definitely be there to help and give input.
how are the services billed?
Time to Organize offers two ways to purchase organizing services: single-session and multi-session packages, generally with a three-hour minimum per session. In three hours, we can make huge improvements in your troubled space! However, each session rarely lasts more than four hours, as productivity and enthusiasm levels drop off as fatigue sets in! The value you receive is immeasurable. We direct, empower, and coach you to an organized life. You receive custom one-on-one time with us, in the privacy of your own home or office. We are the personal trainer for your brain! Click here to view our rates for professional organizing services.
can I give the gift of organizing to my spouse or parent?
Sure, but make sure that it’s a gift for them, rather than yourself! Organizing sessions will only be productive if the client is receptive, motivated, and ready to get organized.
what areas does time to organize serve?
We offer hands-on organizing services in the Twin Cities metro area (St Paul and Minneapolis) and surrounding suburbs, including (but not limited to) the northern suburbs of Shoreview, Arden Hills, Roseville, North Oaks, Lino Lakes, Blaine, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, Maplewood, and Circle Pines. We also serve the southeast Minnesota suburbs of Mendota Heights, West St Paul, South St Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and Eagan. If you live outside these cities, please call to discuss. We may travel to your area or may be able to offer phone and email coaching.
how do I get started?
If you have other questions that haven’t been answered in this “frequently asked questions” section, or you’d like to set up an organizing session, please e-mail us by clicking here.