Question 1

Why hire a Certified Organizational Specialist?

Accepted Answer

A Certified Organizational Specialist can help you determine your organizing style in order to create specialized, easy-to-follow organizational systems tailored to your lifestyle and routine.

This entails a hands-on approach to teach you how to sort, de-clutter, contain, file and label your belongings.

I will also help you maintain your newly organized home with follow-up sessions to make sure your household is running smoothly and stress levels are decreased for good!

Question 2

Will you work with me or just coach me?

Accepted Answer

Your assistance with the sessions is greatly encouraged, though not required.  The only stipulation I have is the initial purging of belongings that no longer serve you and your family.

This will ensure that nothing of value is accidentally discarded.  I will never throw away items without your consent.

The whole process can be accomplished working side-by-side with you.  If you'd like to experience the "Big Reveal", I would be happy to complete the project entirely for you, if you prefer.

Keep in mind that each family member may have differing organizational styles.  It would be beneficial for each member to take the Clutterbug quiz so as to create organizational systems tailored to each family member.

Individually unique systems of organization will need to be implemented for the optimal maintenance and success of each family member.

Involvement from you and your family will make the process more efficient and save you money!

Question 3

What if I can't afford new organizational products?

Accepted Answer

That is no problem!  I make every effort to utilize any available items in your home and work with your budget.  Purchasing additional products is completely optional.

If you do choose to purchase products but don't have the time to shop, I charge a $25/hr fee for full product sourcing and shopping.

However, the $25/hr shopping fee will be waived if you purchase a discounted Organizational Package of Hours HERE.

I usually find organizational tools, bins and baskets at IKEA, Home Goods, The Container Store, Marshalls, TJMaxx, Target, Walmart, Aldi, The Dollar Tree, and on-line (Amazon).  Please inform me if there are other specific stores that you prefer.

Question 4

Will you help me donate items?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  The goal of The Therapeutic Organizer is to make a positive impact on our community by donating household items, clothing, books and toys that are in good condition.

I'll be in charge of the removal of these items (except large furniture and appliances) to drop off at a charitable organization of your choice.

Recycling and donating electronics and appliances ensures that we are leaving as small a footprint as possible on our environment.  If donating, I will always give you a receipt for tax purposes.

Question 5

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Simply contact me for a complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call and let me know what needs to be addressed, what rooms/areas you’d like organized, and any other details you’d like to include.

We'll discuss your Clutterbug organizational style so please make sure you take the short quiz HERE before our call.

I'll share my simple Transformation Process, rates, package options and answer any questions you may have.

If we feel like we're a good fit for each other, we'll schedule an In-Home Assessment!

Question 6

What can I expect during our In-Home Assessment?

Accepted Answer

The process usually takes an hour.  I will evaluate the space(s) and together we will formulate a plan of action.

We'll discuss the issues you are having and what's currently not working for you.  We will capture the vision you have for the space.

I'll measure the space/s and we'll make a plan regarding which room we will start to declutter for our first work session.  I highly discourage clients from buying any organizational bins or baskets until the decluttering process is complete.  If you prefer, we can also locate bins and baskets around your home that we can use in order to save you money.

Lastly, I will estimate how many hours the project will take and book our first session.

We will sign a contract and a $70 payment (via cash, check, or Zelle) is required at the end of the assessment in order to secure the date we agree upon for our first work session.

If you decide to purchase an Organizational Package of Hours, the $70 In-Home Assessment will be waived.  50% payment is required for packages only in advance to receive the discount and to hold the session dates; the remaining 50% is due at the end of the organization project.

I will begin off-site planning of your space/s and send you information prior to our first session regarding tips, ideas and recommendations to assist you and your family in learning about your Clutterbug organizational style/s.

Book a Free 30-minute Discovery Call HERE

Question 7

Will you be flexible and able to work around my schedule?

Accepted Answer

I am available Monday through Thursday from 8am-8pm for typically 3-4 hour sessions.  I am also available Fridays-Sundays in the evenings (4-8pm).

Question 8

Is it OK if my kids are at home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  Toddlers and Teens and everything in between are perfectly fine, especially if we'll be organizing their spaces.  They will learn how to stay organized which is a skill they will utilize for life!  For optimal results, have your teens take the quick 5 minute Clutterbug quiz HERE as well in order to determine their organizational style too!  Most kiddos are Butterflies (very visual and macro organizers, benefitting from labels and bins without lids).

The only caveat is very young children who may slow down the process and therefore, a babysitter is recommended.  I want you to be able to get your money's worth!

Question 9

What if I only need you for a few hours?

Accepted Answer

That’s no problem!  I offer a $70/hour rate for smaller jobs with a minimum of 3-4 hours for each project.  My minimum session is $210-280 because anything less than that gives us time to make a mess, but not to clean it up and I want to always leave having made your life easier, not harder.

Our sessions will be limited to only a few hours at a time as the brain can get fatigued from making decisions on so many items in that time period.

However, if you feel you can work longer, I'd be happy to do that as well depending on my availability!  Purchasing a discounted package of hours saves you money in the long run. You can utilize any leftover hours for other areas of your home that need to be organized.

Question 10

What is your Covid-19 Protocol?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to COVID-19 safety measures that I adhere to HERE.

Question 11

Will my sessions be confidential?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteed! I will always respect your privacy and protect your personal information.  I will not utilize your Before and After pictures without your consent.

All meetings and discussions are 100% confidential and free of judgement!  To see other guidelines I stand by, please refer to my Privacy Policy.

Question 12

What are your rates?

Accepted Answer

My rate is $70/hr but I also provide the option of purchasing a discounted package of hours.  Please see my Services page for details.

Question 13

Do you charge a travel fee?

Accepted Answer

There is no travel fee for a location within a 25-mile radius (for the Hourly Rate) and a 30-mile radius (for the Organizing Packages).

Traveling outside of these perimeters will entail paying the standard IRS mileage business rate (72.5 cents per mile as of January 1, 2026, subject to change).

Question 14

When do you expect payment and how do you accept it?

Accepted Answer

Payment for sessions by the hourly rate ($70/hr) are due at the end of each work session (each day).

All packages require 50% payment upfront to receive the discount and to hold session date.  The remaining 50% is due at the end of the project.

Forms of payment include:
Cash
Check (payable to Eleanor Sangalang)
Bank ACH transfer via Zelle 
Apple Pay

Question 15

Do you offer a referral incentive?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  The success of this company is built on referrals and word of mouth recommendations.  As a thank-you, you'll receive a $50 gift card of your choice for each person you refer who becomes a client and completes their first session.  The highest compliment you can give is sharing my name with someone who could use support.

Frequently Asked Questions