One of the most common things I hear from clients is “I bet your house is perfectly organized,” or some variation seeking insight into my space. I try to be an open book with my clients, so I always respond with a resounding and emphatic “NO!”

While clutter does happen, I have systems in place that allow me and my partner to easily tidy. We have homes for everything, and spending just 10-15 minutes a week allows us to put things away and straighten up.

Does this fact surprise you, like when Chandler discovered Monica’s secret closet? I don’t have a secret, messy closet, but I’m human, too.

This is just one of several recurring questions I hear quite often, and my answers sometimes surprise folks.

Common questions I receive from prospects and clients:

1. Will getting organized cost a lot of money?

Decluttering and organizing is an investment in yourself, your home, and even your health. Yes, the act of hiring a professional organizer costs money—just like hiring a lawyer, accountant, or plumber—but it can also save you money by helping you avoid buying duplicate items because you can’t find the other(s). I’ve also found unexpired gift cards and wads of cash when organizing clients’ spaces. Not to mention you’ll feel less stressed, which is worth its weight in gold, so it all balances out.

2. My home is the worst you’ve seen, right?

I get it—we’re our own worst critics—but the answer is always “no.” When I first started my business, I supported another organizer and her team with clearing out a hoarded home. It was a wonderful learning experience for me, but I discovered quickly that it’s not my niche. Those aren’t the situations I work in because the DC area already has amazing organizing teams who specialize in clients with chronic disorganization. So rest assured, I’ve always seen worse.

3. I hate simply wadding them up; can you teach me to fold these fitted sheets?

I wish I could, but I can’t. My mom has tried to teach me no less than 5 times, and I can never do it. I know the basic steps, but try as I might I can’t get it to fold smoothly; it basically just ends up like a flattened roll. Womp womp.

4. I don’t have much time, so I assume you can get this done in one day? Or, how long will this project take?

Over the past few years, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and Get Organized with The Home Edit greatly increased awareness of professional organizing. Truth it, it’s a relatively new field, and many people still have no idea our services exist. However, seeing amazing transformations inside a 60-minute episode implies that any project—no matter how big—can be tackled in a day.

That’s simply not true. Some projects can, but some take time or require very large teams. There’s a process, so it’s important to work through every step to ensure the best results and ongoing success.

5. Do you love organizing?

Yes, yes, YES! I’ve been an organized person all my life, and everything I’ve owned has always had its “home.” So when I learned that people get paid for organizing, the light bulb went off, and I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I love helping people, and the past two and a half years have proven to me that I’m on the right path.

Do you have other questions about me, professional organizing, or the organizing process? Feel free to reach out; I’m always happy to chat.