What is a Professional Organizer?
The National Association of Professional Organizers definition is, Professional Organizers “enhance the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and through transferring organizing skills.  A professional organizer also educates the public on organizing solutions and the resulting benefits.  Professional organizers help individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, their paper, and their systems for life.”   

What if I feel embarrassed about my mess?
There is certainly no need to feel embarrassed!  Please remember, every one of our clients has some sort of ‘mess’, otherwise they wouldn’t need our services.  As professionals, we are there to help--not to judge.  And please don’t feel the need to clean before we come, because in seeing how you function normally we can determine the appropriate system for you.  We follow the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and we handle all clients with strict confidentiality.

Do I have to throw away my things?  Who decides what I can keep?
No!  It is entirely up to you to make all the decisions about what to keep and what to discard.  You will never be forced to throw anything away.  This is where our knowledge and experience come in handy, we will ask questions, make observations, and suggestions to help you decide what is and is not important. 

What happens during a typical work session?
Whether you have requested an in home or office session, first, we’ll assess the areas which need help and discuss with you what works and doesn’t work, we’ll come up with a strategy to create an organized space.  Then depending on your needs and budget, some clients prefer working side by side with us and others just need direction and an action plan to get them going.

What costs are involved in the organizing process?
There are many variables that can go into calculating the cost.  Every client has their own goals they want to accomplish.   Some of the things that may increase the cost are how quickly you are able to make decisions and how active you want to be in participating in the process.   One way to reduce the costs is to do “homework” that we may assign at the end of the session.  Align also prides itself in repurposing your existing items to minimize the need for you to purchase new organizing materials. 

How long will it take to get organized? 
There is no magic formula as you may see on the organizing shows on TV.  Every project is different and will depend on the size of your home or business, the amount of clutter that has accumulated and how active and decisive you are during the process.

Do you offer Gift Certificates? 
We do offer gift certificates.  However an important consideration when giving gift certificates is to be sure the recipient is ready and willing to start the organizing process before purchasing.  If the individual is not ready, they will not benefit from the work we would do together.