What is a Professional Organizer?

A professional organizer will analyze your needs, space, work-style and personality. We provide ideas, information, structure, solutions and customized systems to help you regain control over paper, space, time and information. We help individuals and groups restore order to their lives while helping them form new habits that contribute to increased productivity and decreased stress.

•What if I'm embarrassed by the mess?

Don't be. As professional organizers we are non-judgmental and treat every job with complete confidentiality. With our help you won't have to be embarrassed, you'll want to have friends or colleagues visit your home or office.

Won’t this cost a fortune?

• The costs of not getting organized are much greater than the time with a professional organizer.  Costs like lost or ruined items, wasted time searching for items, investments in the wrong tools, and stress can be avoided with just a few hours of professional assistance.  In some situations the investment even pays back immediately.  The client always decides what the scope of each project is, thereby controlling the costs.  Because we train each client as we work together, even an investment of a couple of hours can drastically change the way you approach your space and organizing dilemmas.

I don't have the time to get organized. How can I fit this into my already busy schedule?

First you have to realize that getting organized will make it possible for you to concentrate on what is important to you. You need to treat this project as a project and schedule time to act on it. Incorporating the tasks into your daily routine and setting goals throughout will help you to get and stay on track.

Will you make me get rid of everything?

We will ask you questions, make observations and suggestions to help YOU decide what is or is not important to you.

I've read articles and books and attended workshops on getting organized and it hasn't worked for me. How will this be different?

Often the information alone can be overwhelming. You may not know where or how to start, which application is best for you or simply not have the self-discipline to do it alone. Most people work better when they work with others. By working with a professional organizer you gain the experience, knowledge, objectivity and support of someone that has "been there before" and knows how to find the path to order.

Do you work with me or simply tell me what to do?

This is a personal decision based on your needs and time and financial budgets. Some clients succeed best while working alongside the organizer while others simply need direction and an action plan to get started.

How long will it take me to get organized?

There is no one answer to this question as each organizing project is different. The length of the project depends on the size and scope of the work to be done, your personal commitment and ability to make decisions as well as how much time you make available to complete interim goals.

How do I select a professional organizer?

In selecting a professional organizer, it is important to find someone you like and with whom you feel comfortable. Things to consider include: What is their background or training? How long have they been in business? Do their areas of specialty fit with your needs? And never hesitate to ask for references.

How do I get started?

Start by contacting us for a phone or in-person consultation.

Is this a business expense?

If you are self-employed or a business manager, remember that services from HeartWork Organizing may qualify as a tax-deductible expense for your business.  Just as you receive other training and professional assistance, we will be working to directly improve you abilities and efficiency in your business.  Check with your tax advisor.

What is NAPO?

The National Association of Professional Organizers, founded in 1985, is a nonprofit professional association whose members include organizing consultants, speakers, trainers, authors and manufacturers of organizing products. A professional organizer that is a member of NAPO has made a commitment to abide by a set Code of Ethics and has made a commitment to his/her business.