Frequently Asked Questions

How did you get into this line of work?
A consulting firm hired me to “create order out of chaos” and, after a couple of years, the firm restructured. The team recognized that I had the “entrepreneurial spirit” and my unique ability was organizing things, so they encouraged me to start my own business. My boss gave me a book titled “Taming the Office Tiger” by Barbara Hemphill. After reading the book, I knew this was a perfect fit for me. I developed a business plan and was accepted into a 12-week self-employment training program.

In 1998, I met with 6 women in Toronto to discuss our common passion of organizing. We identified a need to meet regularly as a group, and the idea of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) was conceived. As POC Spokesperson and a member of the Volunteer Taskforce, I co-ordinated 14 volunteer committees, which led to the establishment of the POC National Board of Directors and 2 Chapters.

Is your home really well organized?
I am able to keep most of my space well organized; however, I do have a few “hot spots”! In particular, the kitchen table tends to become a dumping ground and I don’t always keep up with the dishes!

How exactly do you “organize” someone?
The first step to getting organized is to assess your situation. We offer a free telephone consultation or we can conduct an on-site assessment. Since many people are quite busy and already committed to getting organized, it often makes sense to conduct a mini assessment as part of the initial session.

During the initial on-site assessment, we will discuss your specific needs, assess the physical space, develop an action plan and provide a project quote. Typically, we work one-on-one with the client for at least 3 hours once a week to ensure that momentum is not lost.

During the organizing process, we focus on one area, one item at a time, working until the entire space has been sorted and purged. Then, we select and install organizing and storage systems. Once trust has been established and you are comfortable with our decisions, we can begin to work independently, if necessary.

How long does it take?
The time it takes to finish the organizing process depends on a number of variables including: the level of accumulation, the size of the space, how quickly you make decisions and how much "homework" is completed between sessions. As a general guideline, most rooms take 4-6 half-day sessions to organize (or 16-24 hours). If there is an urgency to complete the project, we offer full day sessions and can quickly assemble a team.

How much does it cost?
Our services are "pay as you go" - there is no contract to sign and no obligation to continue. We charge by the hour with a 3 hour minimum. Payment can be made by cheque, cash or prepaid by credit/debit card or PayPal.

Please note: Electronic payments are non-refundable and subject to a small service fee.