Starbuck Life Design
frequently asked questions
  1. What is a professional organizer?
  2. How do I know if I really need the help of an organizer?
  3. How long will it take to get organized?
  4. How much will it cost to get organized?
  5. Do you offer consultations or assessments?
  6. What should I do to prepare for our first appointment?
  7. Can my children be at home while we organize?
  8. Do I need to be there for an organizing session?
  9. What will our appointments be like?
  10. Will I have to throw away all of my stuff?
  11. How can I pay for my organizing appointments?
  12. Do you have a cancellation policy?

  1. Q. What is a professional organizer?
    A. A professional organizer is someone who works with you to bring organization, simplicity, and efficiency to your living and working space. Organizers enhance the lives of their clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and through transferring organizing skills. They help their clients take control of their possessions, paper, and time.
  2. Q. How do I know if I really need the help of an organizer?
    A. If you feel overwhelmed by your 'stuff,' if you promise yourself that you'll get organized soon and time keeps slipping away, or if you can't find the time to get organized, a professional organizer might be the answer to your problem.

    A professional organizer will help you make the commitment to get organized, assess the obstacles, and find the most efficient and effective way of solving the problem, all while focusing on the big picture and keeping you motivated to finish the project.
  3. Q. How long will it take to get organized?
    A. Each person and situation is unique. The length of time it will take for you to get organized will depend on your goals, the complexity of your project, how quickly you can make decisions, and your commitment to getting organized.
  4. Q. How much will it cost to get organized?
    A. Every situation is unique. The cost of your project will depend on the length of time it takes for you to get organized, whether you would like to re-use organizing products you currently own or would like to purchase them new, and how much work you would like to do on your own in-between organizing sessions.
  5. Q. Do you offer consultations or assessments?
    A. With Starbuck Life Design you will always get a free phone consultation before we decide to book an onsite organizing session. When we first meet together we will take time to survey your space and ask questions to help you prioritize where to start your organizing project.
  6. Q. What should I do to prepare for our first appointment?
    A. There is not a lot you need to do to prepare for your first appointment. It is not necessary to pick-up or clean the space we will be organizing. It will be most helpful to see your space as it currently is. It is also not necessary to buy organizing products before we meet. Buying products comes toward the end of the project after we sort and categorize. The container should fit the contents rather than the contents fitting the container. Depending on the project, it can be helpful to have garbage bags, zip-lock bags, and extra tubs for sorting on hand. Starbuck Life Design will bring basic office supplies, tubs for sorting, as well as labels. It is also important to be free from distractions during our sessions such as phone calls and visitors so that you can get the most out of our time together.
  7. Q. Can my children be at home while we organize?
    A. The choice is entirely up to you. One thing to take into consideration is that having young children at home during your organizing sessions may increase the length of time it takes to complete your project. It may be in your best interest to consider having your spouse or a friend watch your children during your appointments.
  8. Q. Do I need to be there for an organizing session?
    A. While a majority of clients prefer to be present for each session, it isn't always necessary. Depending on your situation, there may be times when some organizing work can be done without you being there. If desired, this option can be discussed and worked into your plan according to your needs.
  9. Q. What will our appointments be like?
    A. An organizing session begins with a brief overview of your project, your goals, and what we plan to accomplish during that session. Most sessions involve purging, sorting, and containerizing various belongings. We will work on helping you to develop organizing skills and habits to help you get and stay organized.
  10. Q. Will I have to throw away all of my stuff?
    A. Absolutely not! A professional organizer will ask you questions and make observations and suggestions to help you decide what is or is not important to you. The final decision on whether to keep something or not is entirely up to you.
  11. Q. How can I pay for my organizing appointments?
    A. All organizing sessions require a deposit to reserve your appointment, which can be paid for by PayPal. The remaining balance can be paid by cash, check, or PayPal at the end of your appointment.
  12. Q. Do you have a cancellation policy?
    A. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please call at least 48 hours in advance. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours notice will forfeit the deposit. This policy takes into consideration that both of our times are valuable.

"best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts life."  - William James
jen starbuck
professional organizer
303.909.6318
jen@starbucklifedesign.com
Member Of NAPO - National Association of Professional Organizers