Q – I would like to organize my stuff but feel too embarrassed.
A—I have worked with legitimate hoarders whom I currently refer to a specialist, so everything less than that is doable to me. I don’t negatively judge a mess when I see it. I get excited because it means I can do what I love to do and master that disaster!
Q – How much will it cost?
A- I get a lot done in a short amount of time. Four (4) hours is about $250, and many jobs can be completed in that timeframe.
Q – How long does a room usually take?
A—It depends on how unorganized it is, the size of the room, and your help. It can range from 2 hours to 2 days, but most average around 7 hours.
Q – What are some of the craziest things people save?
A – Toothbrushes, empty boxes, olives, hand brooms, lamps, to name a few. Everyone probably has something they have too much of or hang onto for no reason, something that makes them feel secure.
Q – I won’t keep it up after you leave, so why bother?
A – You will be doing it with me. We will take your existing system and tweak it to work for you (not impose my system). We will discuss how the current issues came about, and I might leave you light homework assignments. I believe you will succeed in maintaining the results because you will have been integral in creating them.
Q – What can you organize?
A – Your business, business files, computer files, time management, staff efficiency, inventory, and policies and procedures (I can also write these). Your home- every room and space, such as drawers, closets, etc. Also, outside the house: garden, patio, studio, shed, garage, etc. The list goes on. But also think about cataloging music, books, photos, computer files, etc.
Q – Why do you like doing this? I hate spending time on this kind of thing, especially paperwork!
A – I probably have some OCD traits, but mostly, I love seeing tangible results from the effort I put in. It is very satisfying. I love doing it because I am good at it. I am susceptible to my environment, and it is almost as if things tell me where they want to be, which makes it pretty easy.
Q – What is wrong with a bit of mess?
A—Absolutely nothing if it does not impact your life and daily activities. If you are as efficient as you want to be, if you enjoy the feel of your house, and others enjoy spending time with you in your home, then it is probably just fine the way it is.
Q – I can’t learn new tricks; it’s just part of my personality, or can I?
A—I have worked with many personalities, and yes, some are more organized than others. However, everyone can learn a few new tricks—organization is just a skill that can be taught and learned, and once practiced, one can become great at it.
Q – What if I want to hire an organizer, but my partner doesn’t?
A – They must be part of this discussion and any decisions. If there are areas that are just yours, we will start there. Partners won’t mind you doing those things if you organize your own spaces and items. Once they see some of our results, they might be more interested.
Q – How do you train the kids?
A—Kids like to learn. We can create some systems that can be quickly learned with guidance. We can create places for everything that is easily understood. It will take some of your time to walk through it with them daily for a while, but it shouldn’t take long. There will still be less time to do this than to clean up their mess or argue with them.
Q – What do we do with all the stuff I might release?
A—That will be up to you and part of the process. If possible, we will haul off your unwanted items and find new homes for the items you no longer need; that way, you will notice the effect of lightening your load right away! If you’d like to rehome items yourself, some suggestions are to gift items to friends and family, donate to a charity, or sell them online or at a consignment shop.
Q – Have you ever been to haunted houses?
A – Yes, and I have also helped clean out those energies.
Q – What is energy work? What is smudging? Why should we do this woo-woo stuff?
A – Because it works, even if you don’t know or understand any of this, and it is way too big a subject to delve into here, I can guide you in what type of woo-woo would work best for you in your home and discuss with you what makes sense to me.
If you or someone you know needs help with downsizing, organizing, or creating a sacred space in your home, please get in touch with me today!
Karen Brooks is an Inspired Organizer at her business, Master Your Disaster, LLC. She helps people and companies create organized and sacred spaces for a peaceful and harmonious life. Serving in McMinnville, Newberg, Lincoln City, Salem, Oregon, and surrounding areas. You can reach her at masteryourdisaster@gmail.com or call 503-881-7652