Nothing is more exhausting than the task that is never started.

– Gretchen Rubin

 

How do we start?

First, we have a phone conversation to discuss your needs. Once we decide to work together, we schedule our first session. You may opt for a Needs Assessment, a walk-through to view the spaces and plan the project scope. Or you may prefer to start immediately with hands-on work.

How should I prepare?

Don’t tidy up as it’s important that we see how you live and work, so we can see the problems. If you have pets or small children, it’s best that they are not present in the space where we are working.

What supplies should I buy?

Once you schedule, we can forward a list of a few basic supplies. Usually you have products in your home we can re-purpose. Buying without a plan often creates added clutter. Being sensitive to budget, I help you measure and source quality products once we determine what you really need. We can shop online or together at the store or I can recommend what you should purchase. At times, I can offer you trade discounts.

Will you make me toss my stuff?

We never make you toss anything. We will make recommendations to encourage and guide you to make the right decision. We can help you find creative solutions for storage. But there is only one decision maker and that’s you.

How long will it take?

It’s impossible to say how long a project will take. It depends on the size and scope of the project, the size of the space, and how quickly you make decisions. People work at different paces. Additionally, the density of objects, the number of projects, and the level of complexity factor in. It is individual and difficult to estimate but most projects take multiple sessions. Our minimum session is four hours, unless special arrangements are made. The session includes time to consult, set up, organize, and tidy up to the extent possible.  We try to keep the mess contained but sometimes it’s an archeological dig, and we find items you haven’t seen in a while. We eliminate the trash and items no longer needed in your current life and we discover the treasures. We can work longer if there is a tight deadline.

What is the organizing process?

During our hands-on session, we decide where to begin according to your goals. Sometimes you have a specific project in mind. Other times it’s simply what cause the most stress. We sort similar items together, so we can see how much of each item you have. We’ll edit out those items that no longer serve your current lifestyle. We provide guidance but you are in charge of what to declutter. Then, we’ll determine storage and decide on products to purchase or we may repurpose containers you already have. We’ll organize, contain and place items into proper homes. We sort and weed paper and create a simple, file system, customized to you and your needs so you can easily file and retrieve important documents. We store clothing in dressers and closets to simplify wardrobe choices and maintenance. We’ll also help you recycle and re-purpose, whenever possible. We request that donations be removed quickly to create breathing space.

What results can I expect?

We can’t guarantee results because so much depends on you. Clients who see the best results understand it doesn’t happen overnight. They work with us regularly to maintain momentum. Those who trust the process and take direction to complete projects, say they experience less stress, more ease and comfort. They save money, find items they need, become more effective, and can focus on important things without distractions and clutter.

How can I be assured we will work well together?

We know everyone has clutter and we do not judge. Our clients trust us with personal information and valuable items. We provide confidentiality according to our Code of Ethics. We customize solutions and work to meet your personal goals. Read our Success Stories (link) to see what our clients say.

My relative is deceased. Can you help me sort and clear a lifetime of stuff and organize the estate?

Anna Lieber has extensive experience clearing estates. She has personally served as executor of four family members’ estates. She is sensitive to the emotional challenges of clearing a lifetime of possessions. Anna and her team can help you sort the paper and she has firsthand knowledge of financial, legal and tax requirements. She can help you and your family decide what to keep, donate or sell. With many years of expertise she can help you evaluate items which are vintage, antique and collectIble. We do not sell but we do recommend resources for selling items. We source charities that accept donations, and recommend junk haulers, if you are pressed to vacate or sell the home on a deadline.

What if the stuff belongs to my parent, spouse, or child?

We prefer to work directly with the owner of the items, whenever possible. We must ensure that they agree to the decisions being made. If we work with a couple, we ask that one person takes the lead, and clears decisions with the other, to avoid spending all our time on debates.

Do you work with people who have ADHD or hoarding challenges?

Anna Lieber is trained to work with special needs. She has attended weekly trainings for years on topics including working with seniors, people with ADHD, chronic disorganization, and those who have amassed large collections. See her credentials in the About Anna section.

We are a New York City Organization and Productivity company. For a free phone consultation, go to our Contact Us page and fill out the brief form. We will respond quickly.