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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a professional organizer?

A professional organizer is someone who, by using sound organizing principles and thoroughly assesses your needs, creates systems and processes that are customized to maintain a high functioning and productive lifestyle.

How long does home organizing take?

The length of time it takes depends on many factors. The state of the space at the start, the willingness and motivation to edit belongings, and the amount of items left to be organized are keys which determine the outcome. I do have an estimated timesheet for most areas, which I am happy to provide at your Assessment.

Will my sessions be confidential?

Absolutely!

The personal information of and in possession of the Client will be treated confidentially and with respect at all times.  During the course of our service, we may come across items of a private or personal nature.  It is our policy and is strictly enforced that no personal or private information is ever shared with anyone else.  This includes name, address, phone number. 

Smart Living Skills follows the written Code of Ethics as set forth by the National Association of Productivity and Organizing (NAPO) and those governing the Certified Professional Organizer® designation.  

Are you Insured?

Yes. Rest assured, should anything accidentally get damaged, I am happy to work with my Insurance Company to get you fully reimbursed.

How do I get started?

To start, send a text message (205-504-6670) or email (sarah@smartlivingskills.com) to schedule a FREE thirty-minute discovery call. This will help us determine what your immediate and long term needs are. From there we can decide when to move forward with an assessment. At the assessment we can schedule one or multiple sessions to get you in order as quickly as possible.

What areas do you serve?

I currently live in the Inverness area but serve all parts of Birmingham, including Pelham, Trussville, Chelsea, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Pinson, and Clay. We are both willing to travel further as well, including Memphis, TN, Atlanta, GA, Nashville, TN, Pensacola, FL, Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC.

What does the service include?

  • Hands on personal organization and coaching
  • Additional time researching
  • Online shopping for products and supplies
  • Customized systems and designs to fit your specific needs
  • Light cleaning to cleared out area
  • Removing donations after each session

What payments are accepted?

Payments can be made through a link I will provide in an email to your client portal. This will open the Service Agreement and any invoices, including Assessment fees. I also accept Venmo, Paypal, checks and cash.

Can I organize without a professional?

While it is possible to organize without a professional, in my experience, it helps to have someone to hold you accountable. For the same reasons why you might hire a personal trainer to help you with your fitness goals, you would hire a Professional Organizer to help with your functionality and productivity goals. Sometimes you just need a buddy. Sometimes you need guidance, support, insight and perspective. You may be challenged physically or mentally or just too busy and overwhelmed by life in general to be self-motivated. Sometimes it helps to set the time aside on a regular basis for coaching, to reach a point of maximum potential and gain the knowledge, tools, and habits to maintain it consistently. Hiring a Professional Organizer could be the key to success!

What are your qualifications?

I have been studying several different organizing methods for over twenty years. I am currently working towards NAPO Certification and have logged over one thousand hours. I draw from what I have learned to customize systems that are personalized for YOU.

What happens during a session?

We start with editing belongings to determine what is truly useful and appropriate for the specific space and it’s function. I provide coaching and tools to help you maintain your success. The space is cleared first, then it is organized to fit your style and in a manner customized to how it is used.

What is your cancellation policy?

Due to the high demand in this business, a last-minute cancellation often results in lost income and time for the Organizer.  Due to this irreplaceable loss, we require a minimum of 48-hours notice of cancellation.  

Any appointments cancelled within fewer than 48-hours prior to appointment time will incur a cancellation fee of half the amount of hours scheduled.

Cancellation fees accrued after the deposit has been made will be deducted from the deposit.

Do session prices include organizing products?

Smart Living Skills will either make suggestions about necessary supplies to be purchased and the Client will complete the shopping OR per the Client’s request, Smart Living Skills will shop for and purchase the supplies, using funds provided by the Client, making certain they are delivered to the Client’s location.  Clients are responsible for all agreed-upon supplies (file folders, labels, shelving, containers, hooks, etc.) necessary for completion of the project and the fee for shopping and returns.  The standard hourly rate will apply for all shopping and returns.  Receipts for funds spent on Client’s behalf will be presented with the invoice. 

How long are your sessions?

Experience has taught me it is best to work in 3-4 hour sessions. This usually allows enough time to complete the organizational process to see results sooner and benefit from the reward of success.

I’m so embarrassed to have you see my space – what if it’s the worst you’ve ever seen?

This is probably one of the most common concerns that I hear on the phone – and even as I’m walking into a home for the first time. It’s normal to not want anyone to see the parts of our lives and our spaces that are not “perfect.” But nobody’s perfect. Just like everyone else, unique circumstances have helped to shape what’s happening in your life and in your home. While I can’t tell you how to feel, I can tell you that I don’t judge people for the mounds of clothes on the floor or the piles of paper on the counter. My purpose is to help you create a space that looks good, feels comfortable, and is functional so that you can live the life you want to live.

Do you help everyone get organized the same way?

Organizing is not “one size fits all.” Each person, family, and business has its own issues, goals, and priorities, so the tools, materials, and techniques that work for you may not work for your friend or your coworker (or even your spouse). I strive to make sure that the end result meets the needs of everyone involved.

Are you going to make me throw everything away?

One misconception about professional organizers is that they come in with a dumpster and just start throwing everything out. As a professional organizer, I work with you by asking questions, making recommendations, and teaching you to make decisions that fit with your lifestyle and goals. While editing is part of the organizing process, the decision as to what to keep, donate, throw away, or sell is ultimately yours.

What rooms do you organize?

I provide organizing services from attic to basement and every room in between! I also offer commercial, office and warehouse organizing. Using my skills as a professional organizer, I am happy to work with you as a:

  • Kitchen organizer
  • Bedroom organizer
  • Living room organizer
  • Bathroom organizer
  • Craft room organizer
  • Play room organizer
  • Attic organizer
  • Garage organizer
  • Basement organizer
  • Dining room organizer
  • Home office organizer
  • Closet organizer
  • Commercial organizer
  • Business organizer
  • Warehouse organizer

Do you provide cleaning services?

Vacuuming and wiping off shelves and other items do happen during an organizing session, especially when setting up systems and rearranging your belongings in a space. However, for deep cleaning, moving services, and repair work, I am happy to provide the names of resources and other related professionals. I am a proud member of the Trussville BNI Chapter and know many local professionals on a personal basis who are happy to help with the additional services you may need.

Do you organize for me, or do I need to be there the whole time?

Organizing is a process. The end result has to make sense to you and support how you live, work, and use your belongings. Being involved in the process empowers you to become more aware of how you use your space and to be able to maintain the systems that are implemented. While the process itself is interactive, there are sessions when I can work on tasks and projects even if you need to work in another room, run errands, or be at work. For such times, I will identify ahead of time the information needed from you so that these projects can be completed without you being present.

Do I need to go out and buy baskets, plastic containers, and organizing materials?

In most cases, it is usually best to wait until after we have started sorting your items before running to the store and buying a collection of containers. Once the process has begun, it is common to discover that you don’t need as many containers as you thought or that you actually have the materials you need already in your home.

What if my family doesn’t understand why I want to pay a professional organizer when they’ve said they’ll help me get organized?

Many clients have shared that help from family members ended with mutual feelings of frustration, anger, resentment, and misunderstandings. Although relatives can play an important role in the organizing process, they also can be too emotionally involved in or attached to you or the situation to offer meaningful, objective assistance. Hiring a professional organizer is no different than hiring any other professional when you need expertise and guidance to resolve a problem. A professional organizer gives you an objective and nonjudgmental perspective, someone with whom you can process your situation, learn new skills, and make progress toward your organizing goals. Consider hiring a professional organizer as an investment in your present and future.

When helping me organize to move, do you pack?

I will work with you to sort and categorize your belongings, assist in creating a plan that allows for a smooth transition from your existing space into your new space, obtain materials, and provide resources. If needed we are happy to help with the packing of your belongings.

How long will it take to get my place organized?

Quite simply, clutter and disorganization happen over time, so reclaiming your space won’t happen overnight. However, regardless of how much you have to organize, I work as efficiently as possible to help you reach your goals and meet your needs, budget, and timeline. We can create a plan that allows the process to move forward at a comfortable pace for you and that also meets any deadlines you may have.