Frequently Asked Questions...

If you have a question that hasn´t been covered here, please send me an Additional Information Request and I will be happy to assist you. All information submitted will remain confidential and not shared with any outside source. I look forward to hearing from you!


What is CPO® Certification and what is required by a Professional Organizer to become certified?

"CPO® Certification is a voluntary, industry-led effort which benefits the public and members of the organizing profession. CPO® Certification recognizes those professionals who have met specific minimum qualifications and proven through examination and client interaction to possess the body of knowledge and experience required for certification. The program recognizes and raises industry standards, practices, and ethics. While the CPO® designation is not an endorsement or recommendation, certification of professional organizers maximizes the value received from the services provided and products recommended by a CPO". - source: (BCPO) Board of Certification for Professional Organizers

Unlike 'certifications' available in some professions, CPO® Certification is not earned simply in a weekend or a couple weeks through a paid course. Each prospective candidate must prove a minimum of 1,500 hours of paid organizing work experience in a 3-year period, in order to qualify to sit for the certification exam. This is to assure that those candidates who do pass the exam, possess the knowledge and experience in order to become certified. For a complete explanation of eligibility requirements to become a Certified Professional Organizer®, visit the BCPO website for more information. A Certified Professional Organizer® doesn't buy certification credentials- they earn it.

The difference? In short - Memberships in most organizations are bought, but credentials are earned through study, requirements and examination. Credentials are what sets a Certified Professional Organizer® apart from those who are not certified.

How do you charge for your services? Do you charge by the hour, by the room or by the job?

Organizing consultations are a set fee, and organizing sessions are charged by the hour. Custom designed organizing plans for the do-it-yourself Client are charged by the individual needs and requirements of the project. 

What hours are you available for consultations and organizing sessions?

Consultations and organizing sessions are scheduled Monday - Thursday.

Special appointments outside regular work days or service area, are scheduled on a case- by-case basis, and schedule availability.

How many hours will my job require?

Every Client and situation is unique. To give a Client an exact quote on how many hours a particular job will take to complete, is not always possible as there are many factors to consider - the size and condition of the area that needs organizing; which organizing plan the Client chooses; how involved a Client is in the process are a few deciding factors to consider in regards to a project´s time-frame for completion. Unfortunately, there is no cookie-cutter solution, as this is a customized service designed personally for each Client.

Are there any 'hidden charges' for products or mileage?

There are no surprises. I do not believe in 'nickel and diming' a client, and all costs and fees are completely disclosed to the client prior to and during the project. I do not mark-up product costs for profit -  a client will pay what I pay for whatever materials are required or chosen with their approval. I do not charge for mileage in addition to my hourly rate - period.

Do you offer Gift Certificates?

No. Although the idea of giving the gift of organization is a noble idea and well intended, it could possibly convey the wrong message to the recipient. Organizing is a personal choice, and in some instances an emotional issue. I would prefer to speak to the intended recipient directly to assess their desire and need for Professional Organizing services. My focus is to work with clients who truly want assistance without the embarrassment of feeling they are being judged or forced to do so by someone else.

Do you offer Home Staging, decorating or Redesign services?

No. I am not a Home Stager, Redesigner or decorator, however I do work closely with select local resources if your project will benefit from this specialized service and you request a recommendation. I will not mislead you to believe I offer services that are not my trained specialty. I am not a "jack-of-all-trades", but rather a master of one - Organizing. Professional Organizing and Home Staging/Redesign are not the same, although they do compliment each other in some situations. My primary focus is working with each Client individually to achieve their goals of organization and alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed through consulting, education, transference of skills and hands-on assistance.

Will the organizing process be a success?

That is a very good question, and I can honestly say yes, you will see results. However, the reality is, this question can only be answered by you. I will work with you to come up with the best suggestions and system(s) suited for you to succeed. As I mentioned before, there are many factors to consider for a high success rate of your particular job. You need to ask yourself the following questions prior to contacting a Professional Organizer: "Am I ready to commit myself to getting organized?"," What are my expectations during and after the process?", "Do I truly want to get organized and learn new systems to keep the organized areas maintained?" Only you know the answers to those questions. I like to compare organizing to a diet. Most diet plans are successful, if you follow the regimen and are committed to following the steps it takes for the desired results. I can show you the steps, but how committed you are to making the process a complete and total success are up to you.

I love watching the organizing shows on TV, but am concerned that I may not be able to afford your services or need that level of organizing. Do I have to do an entire makeover?

Not at all! I will create a session plan especially for your needs depending on your budget, time and expectations. It can be as simple as clearing the clutter, or as detailed as a room makeover. I will work with you to come up with what is the best and most effective solution for your needs.

I noticed you don't have 'Before and After' photos listed on your website. Why is that?

I value my client's privacy, and don't feel I need to exploit case photos on my website for marketing purposes. I respect my clients request of complete anonymity. I do have a digital portfolio, upon request, available during consultations to showcase projects completed.

What exactly is ´Chronic Disorganization´? Is there really such a thing?

Yes, Chronic Disorganization does exist, and the following definition is directly quoted from the NSGCD (National Association on Chronic Disorganization) of which I am a member in good standing.

"Chronic disorganization is having a past history of disorganization in which self-help efforts to change have failed, an undermining of current quality of life due to disorganization, and the expectation of future disorganization. If you are chronically disorganized, we advise you to work with an organizer knowledgeable in chronic disorganization issues. " - source: NSGCD

It took every ounce of courage to call you since I am so embarrassed about my home. Do I need to straighten up before our consultation?

Absolutely not. Please be assured that I am here to help, and not to judge you in any way. I prefer to see your surroundings as they are. This will help me to assess where the "road blocks" are that are preventing you from being more organized, and to suggest the best solution that will work for you.

I have a housekeeper, but my house is still not organized. Why?

A housekeeper can be an asset to any home by keeping it clean, and assisting with household chores that you may not have time for on a regular basis. However, they do not put systems in place, and may not completely understand the concept of organizing. If your housekeeper doesn´t know where items should be put away, this can compound the problem of disorganization. A Professional Organizer can help you set up systems, so that you, your family, and yes, your housekeeper can keep your home more organized.

What is the difference between a Professional Organizer and a housekeeper?

Although most Professional Organizers are excellent in domestic skills, our focus is not the same as a housekeeper. In a nutshell, Professional Organizers educate Clients about the benefits of organization, and teach ways to help control the clutter and design systems to help our Clients become more organized, to name a few differences. A housekeeper cleans the dirt and maintains the cleanliness of your home. We are two very different professions.

Professional Organizers affiliated with BCPO, NAPO or the NSGCD are educated and trained in various methods and specilaties of organizing, so you know you are working with a true professional in the organizing industry. Be careful of companies who claim to "do it all" and have no industry affiliations, formal education, or training in the complex field of organizing.

Do you offer presentations for groups?

Yes*. I am available for presentations throughout the year, and each one is specifically designed on the topic requested. Please contact me for more information on fees and program topics available if you are interested in a presentation for your group or organization.

*Note: Unfortunately, I am unable to offer complimentary speaking engagements.


I just love to organize, and I am interested in employment as an organizing assistant with your company.

I do not hire employees, nor do I work with additional personnel who are not Certified Professional Organizers® or members of NAPO. This is for the benefit of my clients and the sensitive nature of their situations since I adhere to a strict client confidentiality policy and Code of Ethics. I will no longer respond to employment inquiries.