how do i get started?

Simply contact me through this website and tell me what you’d like addressed, including what rooms or areas you’d like organized, and any other information that you feel is important. I will then contact you to set up our initial meeting.

what takes place at the initial meeting?

Organizing your home is a deeply personal activity, so this complimentary 30-minute meeting is our chance to meet face-to-face and see if we are a good fit to work together.  I will come to your home and evaluate the space(s) as-is and formulate a plan of action. We will discuss your goals for the space, any challenges there are and what you would like to change. Together, we can assess whether the KonMari Method® is best or if general project-based organization is preferred. If we find that we are in agreement about the overall strategy, we can begin the first session immediately or schedule it at your convenience.

how should I prepare for the first session?

The most important thing is to have a vision of what you’d like to gain from your tidy home. Take some time to think about your goals, why you decided to start the process, how you visualize your ideal life and how you want to experience your home. This can be done by sketching, clipping magazine photos or even by creating a section in Pinterest or Evernote. Having a clear vision for your home will help keep you motivated as we move through the categories together. 

Some good supplies to have on hand include trash bags, bottled water, and enthusiasm! Please don’t clean up - it’s important for me to see your home in its natural state to get a sense of your day-to-day home experience. Remember, this process will be gentle, individual, and joyful.  I promise!

what is the konmari® process?

The first step is an interview, where we will determine your goals, and I’ll explain how the KonMari process works. From there we will tour your home.  Once we’ve completed this initial assessment we will begin organizing by category according to the KonMari Method®. The first category is clothing. All your clothes will be put in a pile and we’ll sort them based on what feels joyful to you. This technique is unique because you select what you keep based on what sparks joy, instead of what you think you no longer need. While my role is to help you hone your sorting skills, the beauty of the KonMari Method is that you will never feel forced to get rid of anything. 

What is the cost?

The initial 30-minute consultation at your home is complimentary.
The hourly rate is $85 per hour. A minimum of three hours per session is required.
The average session usually lasts five hours and can go up to eight hours with breaks.
Check, cash, PayPal and Venmo are all accepted. Payment is due at the end of each session (each day).

will my sessions be confidential?

Absolutely all meetings, conversations and questions are between you and me only, no one else. Before and After photos will be taken only with your consent, and all identifying information will be concealed if used for promotional purposes.

Should I buy storage products such as boxes, bins, and shelving before a session?

I don’t recommend spending a lot of money on expansive storage systems or fancy containers. Once you have identified the items that spark joy, you may find that your current storage will be sufficient. However, I do recommend saving shoe boxes and smaller boxes that will work as drawer dividers (iPhone boxes are my favorite!). Trays and small dishes are also helpful. Most of the items you need to organize are already in your home so we will start with what you have. Once you’ve begun finding a home for your beloved items, you may find that you do need more shelves or cabinets, and I will be happy to research and recommend the best systems for your needs. 

what do i do with my discarded items?

There are several options for items that no longer spark joy, including donating, discarding, recycling or selling them.  Occasionally giving items to someone you know is also an option, but you should be sure that they will spark joy for the recipient. Have bags or boxes on hand for sorting the discarded objects. If you plan to sell items, develop a specific selling plan and attach a completion date to it. Often, donating an item to charity and getting a tax receipt is just as financially advantageous as selling it. 

why is a tidying session so long?

A minimum of three hours per session is needed in order to make significant progress, develop your sorting skills, and make sure your home is in order before I leave. The average session usually last five hours. It’s important to ensure that you can be distraction-free for each session..

which areas do you service?

Thoughtful Order currently serves the North Shore of Chicago and surrounding areas.
Travel charges will be applied when travel exceeds a 30 minute one-way trip from Wilmette.