20 FAQs For A Houston Professional Organizer

Hello reader! It’s been a minute since my last post, and I officially submit Maycember and a Wilde June (sorry, couldn’t resist) as the culprits. In truth, Wildely Organized has been busier than ever helping Houston moms like you organize their kitchens, playrooms, garages, closets, mudrooms, cabinets, pantries, and laundry rooms! As a professional organizer, I can’t tell you how much joy helping clients declutter and organize their homes brings me. The messier the better because there’s nothing I love more than helping moms feel empowered through sustainable home organization. With an increase in home organization project queries, I’ve been fielding a number of questions and thought it might be helpful to share the professional organizer Qs and As with you! Here are the top 20: 

What does a professional organizer do?

As a professional organizer, I help you declutter, arrange, and optimize your living spaces. My goal is to set up tidy, functional spaces that are easy for you and your family to maintain. Every professional organizer approaches projects differently, but here’s my process:

1. Connect: You book a call, and we assess your needs, wants, and organizational goals for your home. I’ll also spend a little time getting to know you and your family – how you get ready, work, play, relax, and spend time together – which helps me create a plan. P.S. It’s ok to speak in feelings. I have plenty of clients say, “I’m not sure what my goals are, I just feel really overwhelmed, stressed, and disorganized. Help!” I can totally work with that!
2. Customize: We walk your space and develop a personalized plan, custom-built for your home, lifestyle, and needs.
3. Clean: I declutter, clean, and prepare your space for its transformation.
4. Convert: I convert your space from mess to “yes!” with easy organizational systems that work for you and your family.
5. Cherish: You enjoy your beautiful, functional space, which has more room for joy, family, and fun!

How much do professional organizers charge?

The cost of hiring a professional organizer varies widely depending on the scope of the project, the organizer, and your budget. I ask my clients their budgets before beginning projects and typically can tailor my plans to meet them. Some organizers offer an hourly rate, which could be appropriate for certain projects, such as packing or unpacking. Getting a quote before starting any project is always a good idea. Professional organizers should be able to give you a quote and/or time estimate for your project before starting. 

Are professional organizers worth it?

My clients tell me 100 percent “YES!” Investing in a professional organizer isn’t just an investment in your home, it’s an investment in your happiness and mental health. According to wellness website VeryWell Mind, “Clutter and mess are linked to negative emotions like confusion, tension, and irritability while an organized home tends to produce more positive emotions like calmness and a sense of well-being.” Imagine walking into a kitchen where you can easily find every utensil and ingredient, or a kids’ playroom where toys are neatly stored and easily accessible. As one of my clients said, “I love how my spaces are set up. I know exactly where things go and can easily put them back in their place. It’s helped me come up with my own daily disciplines to stay decluttered!”

Do I tip a professional organizer?

Many professional organizers own their businesses and do not expect nor want tips. If you’re thrilled with the service, a positive review or referral is the best way to show your appreciation!

What should I expect from a professional organizer?

Expect a collaborative, supportive, and judgment-free process. As mentioned, most professional organizers require initial consults to ensure they create a functional plan that suits your needs and budget. From that step forward, you can be as involved or uninvolved in the process as you want. I have clients I don’t see until the final reveal and ones I collaborate with on each step. 

How do I find a professional organizer near me?

You can search online or ask for recommendations from friends and family. Local social media groups, like neighborhood Facebook pages or Nextdoor, can also be great resources for finding nearby professionals. Some organizers specialize in services tailored to the unique needs of the area’s residents, so searching for someone local is a good place to start.

How long have you been a Houston professional organizer?

I’ve been a professional organizer in Houston for over three years. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of helping numerous families create organized, functional spaces that bring joy and efficiency to their daily lives. Each project is unique, and I love the challenge of finding the perfect solutions for my clients. 

What Houston areas do you serve?

I serve many areas in Houston, including West University, The Heights, Montrose, Briargrove, Tanglewood, Spring Branch, Memorial, River Oaks, Bellaire, Galleria Area, Museum District, Oak Forest, and Timbergrove. My clients’ spaces and organizational needs vary by location, and I love creating solutions that fit their unique needs. 

What is your favorite organizational products?

My favorite organization product has to be clear storage bins. They are versatile, come in various sizes, and allow you to see what’s inside without having to dig through everything. Whether it’s for the pantry, closets, or kids’ toys, clear bins make it easy to maintain order and find what you need quickly. I love the Everything Organizer from the Container Store. 

Do you follow an organizational method?

I follow a blend of popular organizational methods and tailor them to each client’s needs. The KonMari Method, for example, is fantastic for helping clients declutter by focusing on items that spark joy. I also incorporate the principles of the Home Edit, which emphasizes color-coding and labeling. My main focus is on function, creating spaces that work well and offer sustainable organization for my clients and their families.

What are your organizing tips for my small closet?

Small closets are so common, especially in older homes, and they can be a challenge. But with the right strategy, your little closet can hold more than you think! Here are my top tips:

1. Declutter ruthlessly: Remove anything you haven’t worn in the past year. Of course, you might have specialty items you want to keep but only wear occasionally, such as ski clothes, heavy coats, etc. Those items can be stored elsewhere. 
2. Use slim hangers: They save space and keep your clothes aligned neatly.
3. Add shelves: Utilize vertical space for shoes, bags, and folded items.
4. Install hooks: Use the back of the door or empty wall space for accessories.
5. Maximize your floor space: Use stackable solutions to store shoes and other accessories.
6. Rotate Seasonally: Store seasonal items or less frequently used accessories in labeled bins.

How do I organize kitchen cabinets?

Organizing kitchen cabinets makes meal prep, cooking, and cleaning so much easier. Here’s what I recommend:

1. Empty all cabinets: Start with a clean slate.
2. Categorize items: Group similar items together, like baking supplies, canned goods, and spices.
3. Use shelf risers and drawer dividers: Maximize vertical space, keeping categories separate.
4. Label everything: Clear labels help everyone in the household know where things go.
5. Store frequently used items at eye level: Keep everyday essentials within easy reach.

How do I organize my walk-in pantry?

A well-organized walk-in pantry is a game-changer. Here’s how to achieve it:

1. Declutter and clean: Remove expired items and clean the shelves.
2. Use uniform containers: Transfer dry goods to clear, airtight containers.
3. Label containers and shelves: Clear labels ensure everything has its place.
4. Use Snack Bins: For pre-packaged snacks, such as chips, goldfish, and granola bars, use snack bins for easy grab-n-go. Open clear or wired bins are best for this.
5. Create zones: Designate areas for snacks, baking supplies, canned goods, etc.

Check out my blog post on pantry organization for more details and the amazing benefits of a well-organized pantry!

How do I organize kids’ playrooms?

Organizing the kids’ playroom can encourage more independent play and easier clean-up. Here’s how:

1. Declutter regularly: Donate or store toys that are no longer used.
2. Use open bins and baskets: Make it easy for kids to see and access their toys.
3. Label with pictures and words: Helps younger children identify where things go.
4. Create designated play areas: Separate zones for different activities like reading, building, and arts and crafts.
5. Rotate toys: Keep a selection of toys out and store the rest; rotate them to keep things fresh.

For step-by-step details on how to organize playrooms with a toy rotation system, check out my Playroom Magic: Unveiling the Secrets of Toy Rotation post. 

What are your top products for garage organization?

Garages can become catch-alls for clutter, but with the right products, they can be incredibly functional:

1. Heavy-duty shelving units: Store bulky items and keep the floor clear.
2. Wall-mounted storage systems: Utilize vertical space for tools, bikes, and sports equipment.
3. Clear plastic bins: For seasonal items and smaller tools. Label everything.
4. Pegboards: Perfect for organizing tools and keeping them within easy reach.
5. Overhead storage racks: Utilize ceiling space for rarely used items like holiday decorations.

If your garage isn’t climate-controlled, take weather into account when selecting your storage products. In Houston, I use heat-resistant products that can endure our scorching summers and keep pests out. Check out my blog post on organizing a Houston garage for details!

What are your tips for organizing kids’ rooms?

Keeping kids’ rooms organized is a constant battle, but these tips can help:

1. Involve your kids: Teach them how to tidy up and make it fun. Check out this post for details!
2. Use bins and baskets: Make it easy for kids to put things away.
3. Utilize under-bed storage: Great for off-season clothes or toys.
4. Install hooks and wall shelves: Keep floors clear and use vertical space. Put the things they use most often and your hooks at a kid’s reachable level. 
5. Create a daily routine: Encourage tidying up as part of the daily routine.

What is your number one tip for organizing a bathroom?

My top tip for bathroom organization is to use drawer dividers and trays. They help keep small items like makeup, toiletries, and hair accessories neatly separated and easy to find. Group similar items together and label the trays if needed. This way, you can avoid the “junk drawer” syndrome and maintain a tidy, functional space. Designate one drawer for the items you use every day, such as your skincare products, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss. 

How do I keep my mudroom organized?

Mudrooms can easily become the drop zone of everything you don’t want anywhere else. They can hold that title and still be organized. A few mudroom organization tips: 

1. Install hooks and cubbies: Assign a hook or cubby to each family member for coats, bags, and shoes. Many mudrooms have locker or cabinet built-ins, which is great! It then becomes about creating the processes and habits to use them effectively.
2. Use a bench with storage: A bench provides seating and hidden storage for items like hats and gloves.
3. Place a mat or tray for shoes: Keep muddy and wet shoes contained.
4. Create a drop zone: If your mudroom is the catch-all room, create a drop zone for things that end up around the house, and set up a recurring time for you or your kids to go through it and put things in their proper place.
5. Regularly declutter: Remove items that don’t belong or are out of season.

How do I know if I need a professional organizer?

Organization is a form of self-care. It can improve your mental health, well-being, and happiness. I love this quote by Christina Scalise: 

 “Organizing isn’t about perfection; it’s about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money, and improving your overall quality of life.”  

Hiring a professional organizer is a good idea if you: 

• Feel overwhelmed by clutter and don’t know where to start.
• Spend too much time looking for things.
• Buy things you already have because you didn’t know you had them.
• Want to create more functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces.
• Need help developing systems and routines to maintain organization.
• Have recently gone through a major life change (moving, new baby, etc.) and need assistance adapting your space.
• Have an organizing plan that you don’t have time to execute.

What are the benefits of hiring a professional organizer vs. doing it myself?

DIY organization can be cathartic and a mental health exercise in its own right. If you have the time, desire, and vision for organizing, I encourage you to go for it! However, hiring a professional organizer offers several benefits:

1. Expertise: Professional organizers have experience and knowledge of best practices and products.
2. Efficiency: They can complete projects faster and more effectively.
3. Personalization: Solutions are tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.
4. Systems and Routines: An important part of being organized is staying organized, and a professional organizer can help you create the systems and routines necessary to maintain your organization.
5. Stress reduction: If you feel a huge wave of relief at the thought of coming home to a decluttered kitchen, a beautifully organized pantry, or a playroom with toys neatly in their places, you’re ready for a professional organizer. 

Check out this post for more details on the benefits of working with Wildely Organized! 

My goal is to help as many moms as I can reduce stress and reclaim their spaces! If you’re in Houston and are interested in hiring a professional organizer, I would love to hear from you! Click here to contact us. If you’re outside the Houston area, want to DIY, or learn more about Wildely Organized, check out my website for more resources! Together, we’ll make space for more– in your home, your family, and your life.