Lots of people live in apartments in Atlanta to be closer to their workplace, and having an apartment can be more affordable and flexible than having a house. There are plenty of perks to living in an apartment, but one drawback is their size. Apartments are tiny. There’s a limited amount of space in the city, so living quarters can get a little squishy sometimes. This is where working with a professional organizing service might be a good idea.
A professional organizer can help you declutter and sort your belongings. They have serious skills when it comes to helping their clients maximize the amount of space in their apartments or homes so that they have a more comfortable place to live. You might also consider hiring a professional organizer if you’re moving into a new home or apartment.
We’ve put together some tips on finding a professional organizer in Atlanta by talking to the professionals. We’ve reached out to two professional organizers in the Atlanta area to ask for their advice.
*Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only. InsuranceHub does not endorse any of the businesses below.
First up is Andi Wills of Goodlife Organizing (Perry, GA)
What three things should an apartment renter know before choosing a professional organizer?
- Check out their website and see what they specialize in. No need [to call a] Professional Organizer who specializes in offices and productivity when what you really need is someone to help organize your closet.
- Schedule a phone call with them. Most offer a free phone consultation. This will let you get to know them a little bit and see if you will work well together.
- Ask if they are a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (napo.net). There are good organizers that are not members, but the people who take the step to belong to the industry’s main professional organization pledge to abide by a certain code of ethics and have a great pool of resources with the group.
What common mistakes do people make when organizing themselves?
- Don’t buy your containers, bins, baskets, and hangers until after you’ve decluttered your belongings.
- You can’t know the best way to containerize your belongings until you know exactly where you stand.
Can you give three tips to help apartment renters organize their small space?
- Think vertical. Add hooks if you are allowed on the back of doors, on small sections of wall in the closet. Command Hook™ is a great solution that won’t damage your walls.
- Over-the-door shoe organizers for storing anything from shoes to scarfs to cleaning supplies utilize an often overlooked piece of real estate.
- Don’t forget about the space underneath your beds, couches, and dressers. Under the bed boxes are great for storing out of season clothing and even old paperwork.
Any specials to let our readers know about?
BRAND NEW in the Good Life Organizing Store! The Home Organizing DIY Assessment workbook – for all of your DIYers out there who want to get started but just aren’t sure where to begin. Grab your copy today.
Next we’ve got Kristen Schneider of Truorder (Atlanta, GA)
What 3 things should an apartment/ home renter know BEFORE choosing a Professional Organizer?
- Not everyone advertising as a professional organizer has experience or training. It’s important to ask how many years experience they have as an organizer. Professional organizers with many years experience make quicker decisions, have more ideas and solutions, and organize a space quicker than someone with little experience.
- Reputable professional organizers charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour. If the organizer charges less they may not have any experience, pay taxes or have professional organizers insurance.
- Professional organizers are not housekeepers and housekeepers are not professional organizers. Many housekeepers and home cleaning services list home organizing as one of their services. This does not mean they know what they are doing or have the same professionalise as a professional organizer.
What common mistakes do home/apartment renters make when organizing themselves?
- A common mistake many home and apartment renters make is bringing too many items into their new space. This makes it almost impossible to get truly organized. Not everyone is naturally good at home organization.
- Another common mistake is stuffing filled moving boxes into a storage closet or basement and forgetting about the contents.
- The biggest mistake of all is not getting enough help with relocation. Moving is an exhausting task and getting organized takes time in a new space. People will make an easier relocation with the help of a moving company, friends and/or a professional organizer.
Can you give three tips to help apartment renters organize their small space?
- My most important top tip to help someone get organized is to de-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. If you are disorganized or you cannot put everything away, you most likely have too much stuff.
- When I help a client with relocation, we always start with the kitchen. Sort like items together and place handy kitchen organizers where needed.
- Take a break when you need it. So many people overdo it and end up straining their backs because of tackling too much in a day. Set up what is most important in your everyday life and leave the rest of the items to work on for a few weeks until you are settled in your new space.
Any specials to let our readers know about?
Anyone can purchase a time block or gift certificate online to get started.
Truorder takes credit cards, checks, and cash as payment.
If you’re extremely busy or if you’ve just moved (or if you’re just a pack rat), hiring a professional organizer might be a good idea for you. Remember, before you hire an organizer it’s smart to:
- Read online reviews on Yelp or Google.
- Ask friends and family for referrals or recommendations.
- Check references.
- Take the advice offered by our pros and ask for a free phone consultation.
You can even turn this into an opportunity to do a home inventory of all your belongings. While you’re doing your inventory, take photos or video so that you’ll be prepared if you’re ever faced with having to file a claim.
Thanks again to our panel of Georgia professional organizers for the helpful tips they shared with us today!
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