Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of organizing projects do you do?

Since our inception in 2001, we have worked in both residential and business environments.

For our residential clients, we organize kitchens, home offices, bedrooms, family rooms, closets, basements, attics, garages and even automobiles. Projects may include one room or a whole house.

We particularly excel at arranging moves. The sorting, culling, packing, shipping and unpacking involve detailed strategic planning. We are very skilled at managing the myriad of details that arise in planning and executing moves.

We also have extensive experience with the liquidation of the contents of a home, and the preparation of a home for sale. Our roster of skilled and trusted service providers is key to providing a full-service experience for our clients.

Our business clients primarily utilize our skills for paper and time management. We generally work with individuals who home-office, but require the same level of organization as an off-site location. In a professional setting, we work with both groups and individuals, teaching a variety of methods for becoming and remaining organized.

Do you have any training or hold any certifications in organizing or related areas?

We are members in good standing of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). As such, we receive continuous updates on trends, discoveries and developments in the field. We have a long list of satisfied clients and successfully completed projects. We are pleased to provide references.

Nancy B. Katz, Clutter Consultants is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) GOLDEN CIRCLE. GOLDEN CIRCLE is a prestigious designation denoting to the general public that the professional organizing industry recognizes its members who have attained an elevated level of experience.

NAPO, by establishing the GOLDEN CIRCLE, nationally, duly acknowledges the expertise of its members who have engaged in the business of organizing for a period of no less than five years.

Can you describe your organizing process/approach?

We begin by scheduling a one-hour appointment to determine your organizational needs and style. At the assessment, we prepare a proposal of how we will work with you to create the structures and good habits that will enable you to be more productive and relaxed. We listen very carefully and form our approach by taking cues from you, the client.

Who is your typical/usual client?

Our clients fall into two groups, a designation that is non-judgmental, and is used for descriptive purposes only. The first group is described as "circumstantial." This group includes busy professionals and/or busy parents. They understand organizing principles, but have chaotic, active careers and lives that preclude having sufficient time to get and stay organized.

The second group is described as having psychological or physical reasons for disorganization. We have clients who are visually impaired, another who cannot bend or reach, and several who are frail. Grief and depression will also contribute to being disorganized. We have worked with many individuals who have suffered a loss of a loved one and need assistance to resume control over paperwork and mail, specifically, and their lives, in general. This group also includes our clients with ADD and ADHD. For these individuals, we are careful to structure the work in small, manageable projects and work very closely with them to build on small successes.

What are your specialties areas?

We have been quite successful working with both our circumstantial and our health-challenged clients. We believe our greatest specialty is being able to listen carefully to our clients to pick up cues on what works and what won't work for them. We are able to translate this into successful strategies that allow them to achieve and maintain their organizational goals. That said, we are always available to return to adjust and assist, as needed.

For someone scheduling a re-location, our ability to anticipate and manage the hundreds of details result in moves that are more efficient and certainly less stressful.

What is your confidentiality/privacy policy?

In our contract, we state that we observe strict confidentiality. We ask permission to take before and after photos but certainly understand if you do not want photographs taken of your project. Your name will never be discussed by me, or my staff, at any time. We are completely non-judgmental of any person, environment or project.

Nancy B. Katz, Nancy B. Katz, Clutter Consultant