Questions to ask yourself as you prepare to get organized, move

The most frequent question I get asked is "What's the weirdest thing you've ever found when organizing a house?" I could regale you with stories of gold-filled teeth and squirt guns shaped like body parts, but there are a number of questions you really need to be asking if you are serious about organizing or moving out of your current home. Here are just a few:

What will it cost me to get organized?
Professional organizing fees can range between $20-200 an hour depending on your needs and your geographic area. Organizers can charge by the hour or by the project plus materials and sometimes mileage. Most organizers will offer a free consultation to provide a fair assessment after seeing your project and discussing your needs. Usually shelving and storage bins are an additional cost of your project.

How long will it take me to get organized?
This is depends on how much you feel is necessary to get your life going in the desired direction. Most organizers limit sessions to between three and four hours as many clients feel fatigued or overloaded beyond that time period. It may take several weeks to complete your project depending on the project scope. Other organizers can work for up to eight hours in a stretch. If you can keep that pace, go for it! You'll see quicker results.

What will you do with my stuff?
A professional organizer respects a client’s needs. We do not want to come into your home and throw everything away. Many clients like to work with their organizer to determine what stays and what goes.

Where does my stuff go?
Most organizers have developed a network of places where they can take your things. We recognize the need to recycle and reuse as much as we can and try to accommodate a client’s favorite donation center.

How much control do I have over what stays and what goes?
Most organizers recognize that this can be a difficult and emotional process. Generally, you are working with the organizer to determine what goes where. No professional organizer should force you to part with things that are special to you. However, they are being paid to help you determine how to make your life simpler and more efficient.

How do I get started?
You don’t need to have a professional organizer to get organized. Ask friends and family for help. They may also be willing to take things out of your home that you might be otherwise unwilling to part with.

What if I want to keep more than I have room for?
This is a scenario where a fresh pair of eyes may be able to help you. Friends and family are a great source to help you de-clutter. Many people think by putting things into the garage, attic or basement, they have "organized" their home. This is just spreading your "stuff" into more locations. It is not organizing.

While organizing may feel daunting, just taking the first step by choosing a room to begin, is a terrific way towards a more organized space.

Sharon McRill is the President of The Betty Brigade, a full service personal assistance & concierge business based in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at sharon@bettybrigade.com