What is your pricing framework for an in-home consultation and organizing project?

 

In-home sessions start at $95/hour; packages are available for multiple sessions or whole-home organizing. These packages range from 5 - 15% off the standard rate. Every project is unique. As a standard practice, I encourage all potential clients to contact me for an initial phone introduction and subsequent in-home consultation.  There is no charge for these services. Once the consultation is completed, I will provide a general outline of the scope of work, potential product needs, and a recommended service package that will optimize your investment and meet your project goals.

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How do you work with clients on their projects? Do you work with a client, or do you work independently?

 

I have worked, and am equally comfortable working, in tandem with clients if they prefer to be part of the process and provide real-time input into the solutions we set up for ongoing, easy maintenance. However, I realize that some clients do not have the time nor the inclination to participate in a project.  They just need it done!  I am also happy to briefly discuss the needs, goals and parameters of a project and do the 'behind-the-scenes' magic to make the project effortless for the client. A project wrap-up, either in verbal or written form, will be provided at the end of this type of project to make ongoing maintenance as easy as possible.  A third option I like to give clients that are DIYers that simply need a bit of guidance, is to provide a preliminary plan, a task list and 'agreed-upon checkpoints to keep the ball rolling, in-person or even virtually. What makes you comfortable?  I work like that!

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Why don’t I see before and after photos on your website and Facebook pages?

 

While before and after pictures might seem to be a natural marketing tool for a professional organizing business, I find they actually hinder the organizational process and can be, perhaps unwittingly, deceptive.  First, I often run into legitimate organizational needs that would not be solved by a Pinterest-worthy solution.  For example, a kitchen organizational project may include an overloaded pantry.  We can certainly spruce that area up with some good-looking and functional solutions, but a busy family will rarely want to spend the time or energy every grocery day to decant cereal, snacks, spices, etc.  Thus, while organized and functional, the space often is not at the style level to merit a photo shoot.

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Second, I feel very strongly that if a professional organizer is working on a project with a photo-worthy goal in mind versus a unique solution to meet a person’s needs, the result suffers. The solution may not be easily maintained, leading to the same problem that warranted a professional organizer in the first place. Also, sometimes functionality might necessitate a solution that perhaps doesn't translate well in pictures but best suits the family’s current needs.

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Finally, and not least importantly, many clients do not wish intimate parts or elements of their homes to be photographed and shared with the world – before OR after an organizing project is completed.

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For all of these reasons, I do not generally take photos of projects.  However, I’m happy to take a few photos upon request and provide them to the homeowner to share as they see fit.

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Why do I need a professional organizer anyway? Can’t I just do it myself?

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The short is answer is, yes, you can absolutely organizer yourself!  There are some great articles online that will provide you the basic principles to make your project efficient and functional.  However, there are some real advantages to hiring a professional organizer to help you with the process.  First, a professional organizer can bring new perspective to a space.  For example, let’s say you have a bedroom that has been vacated by your destined-for-greatness, college-bound son.  You now see an opportunity for a dedicated space for the jewelry business you’ve always wanted to pursue.  Sometimes it’s hard for us to see the potential storage, workspace and display opportunities that are right in front of us.  All we can see is where our son’s stained uniforms once hung and half-empty soda cans stacked up.

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Also, a good professional organizer will have resources and relationships that can make the decluttering process easier and more efficient.  Let’s say you are organizing an attic space.  You have some old clothing that is in donatable condition, a few pieces of lumber that must have been left over from the last roofing job, and some sports equipment (that son again!) that would likely still be usable by the next generation of great lacrosse players.  Where and how do you dispose of these items?  A professional organizer can not only provide the best and easiest resources but will often simply take care of this for you.

Finally, a professional organizer can provide the manpower and accountability that we all sometimes need to get a daunting job accomplished.  Let’s face it.  We all have good intentions and varying measures of time and strength to get our projects done, but sometimes it’s difficult to muster all of these at once to finally tackle the kitchen refresh that would make our lives so much easier…..once it’s done!

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Consider a professional organizer to help you get the initial decluttering done and a system in place that you can easily maintain. It’s just the boost many need to finally accomplish the projects that are nagging at them and focus on the things that make them who they are and who they want to be.

 

What organizing scenarios beyond general organizing do you offer?

 

Nurseries

 

Breathing Space professional organizing can help new and expecting mothers set up a nursery that is stocked with everything you need (and not with stuff you don’t).  We can set up a functional and comfy space that can be maintained while you change diapers, feed your new little one(s) and generally try to attend to life amidst the haze that often ensues after three nights of caring for a colicky baby.  (Oops! I’m starting to share my personal story!)

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Senior Living

 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Breathing Space can help those whose children are now having children of their own reevaluate how the space in their home is used and create spaces that work well for entertaining and spark creativity for new endeavors. We can also help couples/individuals find new homes for items that no longer serve their lifestyle and prepare for downsizing to a more manageable home.  We’ll even help pack and unpack, as necessary, to make the move less stressful and set you up for success in your new abode!

 

Home Office

 

Breathing Space can also help you get your home office in order and streamline the paperwork menagerie that often creeps up when you work out of your primary residence. We can set up a system that you can maintain and help you find a more peaceful setting to concentrate on what you do best.

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Small Business

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Along those lines, Breathing Space founder, Rogene Pejanovic, has years of experience working in a corporate setting especially focused on the small business segment.  With consulting experience in evaluating process flows and policy, she can help small businesses organize a space that is functional and appealing to owners, employees, customers and vendors. She can also review and make recommendations to make your small business run more efficiently and effectively.