How Long Does it Take to Organize?

Organizing is a process that takes TIME to do. Remember we need TIME to do the transfer of (organizing) skill. Without learning it will just go back to the way it was before I came to organize

Everyone wants to know the answer to this before we even start. Remember organizing focuses on defining who you are (your personality) and what is important to you as a person. I design your space so that it reflects just that. Also it is important that arranging things logically and efficiently so that staying organized will be easy for you. I want to make sure that the function will work! I want the purchases if any to have meaning and be the perfect match to your particular needs.

  • First we must spend time analyzing the situation. We first have to define where you are, where you are going, what's holding you back and why it's important to get there?

  • Second we have to create a plan of action for the physical transformation of your room or space. We define your zones in a particular room and then map out the space. Below is a realistic schedule for making it happen.

    A session is 6 to 8 hours.
    The fee is based on the number of hours.

    Most rooms are 1 or 2 sessions
    Attics may take 3 or 4 sessions
    Bathrooms make take only a 1/2 session
    Closets depending on the size can take 1 to 4 hours. (Large walk-in closets will take longer)
    Full Basements 3 or 4 sessions
    Garages take 1 1/2 sessions
    Home offices usually take 2 sessions
    Kitchens usually take 1 session

    Remember every organizing job varies and is manageable. It also depends on how long is takes you to make decisions. Organizing is all about making decisions. By delaying decision making (procrastination) it will only prolong the process.

  • Third we physically and methodically dive into the clutter, sorting and arranging items to reflect the way you think, making sure you see visible, dramatic results as we work. We will sort first and then purge. Then we will place the items within their home in the right container, hangar, shelf, folder, basket, caddy, chest, trunk, box, tray, drawer, furniture piece, bag, shoebox, crate, bin, rack, canister, holder, unit, cabinet, turntable (lazy susan) or pegboard. The floor is not an option. Then we will label if warranted. This way the system remains habitual.

Also it takes time to deal with the emotional and psychological issues of letting go of the items in question. It takes time to make a decision of where, when and why and then it takes times to let go of the item once the decision is made. I deal with all of this. I am there for you in supporting and wanting you to understand your decisions.

Make Time For Organizing

The most common excuse people use for not getting organized is not having enough time. Ironically, those who are organized end up having more time to focus on the things they enjoy most, like their family & friends. Making time to get organized should be a top priority for everyone. The results can magnify the rewards.

Good news, organization is a skill that can be learned, not a character trait that you are born with-or without! Once you learn some basic organizing principles, the easier it becomes to get organized and stay organized.

Cynthia Braun is a certified professional organizer for Suffolk County, New York