Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to use "In Its Place Organizing", can't I do it myself?
How can I be assured my personal information will be kept confidential?
I already have a house cleaner, why do I need an organizer?
What are the benefits to being organized?
What will it cost me to get organized?
Do you charge for travel time?
How and when do I pay for your services?
Should I purchase organizing bins and supplies first?
What happens to all the "stuff" after it's been purged, will you take it with you?
How involved do I need to be in the process?
I'm too embarrassed of the mess and don't want to appear lazy!
Will hiring an organizer keep me organized for life?
OK, you organized me but I find myself in a bit of a mess again, help!
Why should I bother organizing or decluttering if I'm just going to sell my house anyway?

Why do I need to use "In Its Place Organizing", can't I do it myself?

Your time is valuable, and at the end of a long day or on the weekend, chances are the last thing you want to do is deal with clutter! An organizer can sort through the clutter, help you make the tough decisions on what to keep and what to let go and set up systems that will guide you to change your disorganized ways! Sometimes it takes someone from the outside with know-how to help you purge and sort items. I think logically and have a knack for organizing items in ways that may not have occurred to you. I also work fast!

How can I be assured my personal information will be kept confidential?

Clients place a very high level of trust in their organizers. As a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), I fully embrace the organization's emphasis on integrity, honesty, and confidentiality. I conduct business in a relaxing, non-judgmental, respectful environment while being fully committed to keeping all client information, both business and personal, completely confidential.

I already have a house cleaner, why do I need an organizer?

Having a clean house and having an organized house are not the same! A house cleaner will generally clean "around the clutter". My goal is to eliminate the clutter, thus giving you a peaceful, clutter-free environment and making your house cleaners more efficient!

What are the benefits to being organized?

Too numerous to list! Living amongst clutter (even that hidden clutter!) can add unnecessary mental stress and literally weigh you down. Once you get organized, you'll feel lighter, less stressed and more motivated--just ask some of my clients! Being organized also saves you money, makes you more productive and frees up time for the important things in life!

What will it cost me to get organized?

My rate is currently $50/hr. I provide a complimentary 1/2 hour consultation. I require a minimum booking of 3 hours. Garages, basements and attics are at a slightly higher rate ($65/hr) due to the fact that it is typically a more inhospitable environment and usually requires more physical labor. Either way I work quickly and efficiently!

Do you charge for travel time?

I do not charge for travel within a 30 minute driving distance.

How and when do I pay for your services?

All fees are due and payable at the end of each organizing session. Cash and checks are accepted, with checks made payable to Karen Buschini.

Should I purchase organizing bins and supplies first?

Generally I would say no. After our first consultation, whether in person or over the phone, I may recommend items to be purchased. Often times we won't know what is needed until we begin the job. I am happy to shop for the necessary items but please know that my hourly rate will be charged. There is no markup for the items that I purchase and I will furnish an itemized receipt.

What happens to all the "stuff" after it's been purged, will you take it with you?

Yes, I am happy to take the "stuff" that is donatable with me. The last thing you want when the project is complete is another pile that you have to deal with! I will also get a tax receipt from the donation center and mail it to you with your invoice if you would like.

How involved do I need to be in the process?

It's most efficient to work one on one through the sorting and purging so that I can help you separate emotionally from the items you truly no longer need and help you set up a system that works best for you. In some cases, after purging, I can organized what is staying on my own.

I'm too embarrassed of the mess and don't want to appear lazy!

Many organizational jobs are overwhelming and people don't even know where to begin so they jump right it, lose interest in the project and end up feeling more stressed by it all. I am non-judgemental, discreet and professional. I am are here to help you just like any other professional.

Will hiring an organizer keep me organized for life?

Getting and staying organized doesn't necessarily happen overnight. It will take some change of habits; however, once we have purged the clutter, staying organized is easy because now there is a place for everything, everything in its place!

OK, you organized me but I find myself in a bit of a mess again, help!

It will take some change of habits to stay organized but people are busy and sometimes, well...things tend to pile up again. I am happy to come back 3, 6 or 12 months later to do a "tune-up". This takes less time than the original job since I am already familiar with the systems in place.

Why should I bother organizing or decluttering if I'm just going to sell my house anyway?

Decluttering will make your home and storage areas such as closets, cabinets and countertops appear larger and more spacious and it will give potential buyers the feeling that if these areas are organized, then you probably take care of the rest of your house well too. Clutter creates a feeling of chaos and disorder. When buyers see clutter, they assume that the home has been neglected, with more to fix than meets the eye. This perception undermines your home's market value. Plus...you get a head start on packing!!