FAQs

“SIMPLE CAN BE HARDER THAN COMPLEX:YOU HAVE TO WORK HARD TO GET YOUR THINKING CLEAN TO MAKE IT SIMPLE. BUT IT’S WORTH IT IN THE END BECAUSE ONCE YOU GET THERE, YOU CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS” – Steve Jobs

With whom do you work?

SHED Organizing Services works with individuals, homeowners, businesspeople, and Realtors.

I’m a little embarrassed to call you! I feel like I’m a wreck! Is that normal?

Totally normal. Everyone wants to show the world that they have it all together, but in reality, most people are just like you. Recognizing you need help, and picking up the phone to call us is a BIG first step. At SHED, we are not into “shaming;” we view your challenges as an organizational problem to be solved. We help you set systems in place to keep the problem from recurring.

How does the organizing process work?

Typically, a brief phone message or email from you starts the process. I return all messages within 24 hours. Once we connect, we discuss your priorities and how SHED can help. Most people set up an onsite consultation, which lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. It is very helpful for us to see what the challenges are so we can figure out the best way to work together, lay out a plan of action, and then make it happen.

How long does an organizing project take?

Time on a project can vary, depending on the volume and deadlines of the job. It can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the level of commitment from the client. Typically, we do not work with residential clients more than six hours in a single day, as the decision-making process can be intense.

Do you work evenings or weekends?

Basic Appointments Schedule:
Monday – Saturday: 9:00am – 4:00pm.
Sunday Afternoon: 12:00pm – 4:00pm, from September 15 – May 15.
No evening hours.

Appointments are scheduled at the client’s convenience, and to accommodate their organizing goals – so some flexibility is necessary and available.

That said, in the past 2 years, the DC traffic situation has become very “challenging” – to say the least. To best utilize everyone’s time, avoid fees for travel time, and save the sanity of all involved – it’s become a scheduling factor that we expect to have to work around.

How much does professional organizing cost?

We have an hourly rate for our work, and charge a reasonable fee for our services. Most people say it is “well worth it.” During the onsite consultation, we will provide you with a quote to address your organizing goals. It will outline our services and fees.

Please note: When the scope of a project is very large, a retainer will be required before work begins.

Does SHED Organizing have a minimum hourly requirement?

For individual and business clients, we require a three-hour minimum engagement for Monday through Saturday appointments, and a four-hour minimum for Sundays. With most Realtors, we work on an hourly or contracted basis.

Does SHED Organizing require a deposit?

Yes. Upon engagement, a non-refundable deposit for the first appointment is due in advance.

What types of payment does SHED Organizing accept?

We accept cash, checks, and VENMO.

Does SHED Organizing have a cancellation policy?

For appointments cancelled, and not rescheduled, 48 hours prior to their scheduled appointment time, there is a $100.00 cancellation fee.

Do we work directly with Mary Ann or does SHED use assistants?

Mary Ann is the point of contact on every job, however, in some cases, where the job scope is large or important deadlines are imminent, experienced assistants may be called in to help.

Do I need to be present while the organizer is working?

You are best served by being part of the decision-making process during your organizing session. Once all decisions have been made, the organizer can work independently.

How do I prepare for the organizer?

There is nothing you need to do for preparation except determine your goals. We like to see what your space looks like before we begin so we can help organize from the ground up.

Will you make me throw out everything?

Of course not! We all love our stuff! Our goal is to separate the stuff you love from that which you merely like or never use. We help identify items that are still valued, important and useful. Then we help you make the decisions about what to keep or discard.

Can you help me dispose of items we discard?

This is part of our service. We can facilitate the sale, recycling, donation or disposal of anything you don’t want to keep.

Can you show me how to keep the mess from coming back?

We will put systems into place as we organize, and show you how to easily maintain order in your home or business.

What do we do with our pets?

We love all animals, but for their safety and to expedite our process, we ask that pets be secured during house visits.