1.11.19
How does the process work?
I’m often asked to share how I work with clients to help them organize their space and thought that many of you may wonder what the process is as well. So, I thought I would tell you.
It all starts with a phone call. From there we schedule a complimentary consultation. I always ask my clients not to do anything in preparation for our meeting, meaning don’t touch a thing! Don’t feel like you have to clean for me to see your space because I want to see it in its organic state; to see for myself what you are facing day in and day out. While I know it’s hard and creates stress, it really gives me a good vision of what is happening in your home. During the consultation, we will discuss what rooms bother you the most and why. We will talk about how much time it may take to organize that space. I will honestly tell you whether or not I would be a good fit to for the project. Often clients share with me a life changing event that has occurred that has kind of “halted” organization in their home. Once they have overcome that event and they take a look at their surroundings, they realize that things may be out of control and the job of organizing simply seems overwhelming. They lose hope and don’t know where to start. If it’s decided for me to move forward with your project, we come up with a schedule or plan of attack to determine which rooms take priority. From there, we compare calendars and schedule the first 3-4-hour work session and sign a working agreement.
The first work session: we typically get right to work. We will start in one area of the room and work our way around it sorting through everything. Items will be placed into 3 categories: keep, donate and dispose. Once the whole room is sorted, we evaluate the space and discuss the best way to maximize its efficiency. Often, we talk about how the space is used and what is needed regularly and we create a system to have the most used items at your fingertips. For example, when organizing offices, the process may take longer because paperwork is time consuming and my goal is to really learn about what you need and why so that I can help create a smooth process for you to use that will also be easy to maintain. Then, the fun takes place! We put everything in its designated space. As my mom would say “a place for everything and everything in it’s place”! At the end of that first session, we remove the trash, I take the donations and we talk about a date for the next session, if needed, and what area we will be focusing on. Speaking of donations, I always try to give back to the community and take clothing items to A Note In The Pocket (www.noteinthepocket.org), and household goods and toys to The Giving Tree Foundation (www.givingtreefoundation.org). If there is furniture that needs donated, I use The Green Chair Project (www.thegreenchair.org) and Habitat for Humanity Restore (www.WakeRestore.org/donate). What I love about these donation places is that they serve those in need right here in our community. Both The Green Chair and Habitat for Humanity will come and pick up furniture items. This is so helpful! Often the first session is the most challenging, mostly because we are getting to know each other and finding a working rhythm for the session. Some clients have told me that they have felt anxious for the first work session and we talk about that. Most often they are embarrassed about their situation and don’t like that they have to ask for help but let me tell you that there is no shame in it at all and I’m not going to judge you! I simply want to help you create a space in your home that you can maintain, love and enjoy being in.
The beauty of my job is how we all feel at the end of that first session. I’m excited! My clients are excited! We can see the progress and discuss the possibilities for their other spaces. And I am proud to be part of their transformation. I truly love what I do and am compassionate about helping others. And as we proceed to future work sessions, friendships are formed, jokes are cracked and progress continues. But have no fear, if we have completed a project and you realize that you need a “tune up” to get things back in order, I’m only a phone call away and happy to help.
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed by their surroundings, please allow me the opportunity to come see your space and have a discussion about it. Simply fill out the contact form and I’ll be in touch! It’s a new year, let me help you bring hope to 2019 and help you create a space to embrace in your home!
Contact Julie for help with your organizing needs or to schedule a speaking engagement.