is this expensive?

when living in overwhelming chaos, something often drives people to call a professional for help.  There is a reason you are reading this website right now – you are trying to figure out the first steps toward a simpler life, and rightly so because you deserve it.  Once you get free of your stuff, you’ll realize that the price you will pay is actually pretty priceless.  You are paying for lifetime skills and techniques, and no one can take that away from you.  Whether you need my services for one hour or one year is up to you.  Since I do not use contracts, the expense is always entirely in your hands.  My fees are very straightforward and reasonable for the industry, and I strive to keep them that way so that all people can enjoy freedom from materialism, not just those with a lot of disposable income.  The other thing you might not yet realize is that simplifying your life can save you money in the long run.

are you just going to make me throw everything away?

absolutely not.  Although I am going to teach you how to simplify, that doesn’t mean that everything except your toothbrush and one favorite coffee cup will go.  You will simply learn techniques to make those tough decisions on what to keep and what to give or throw away.  You will learn about what is extraneous and draining and what isn’t.  You’re going to be amazed at how easy it gets to make final decisions on things that have been on the “fence” for years.

do I need to be home while you organize my stuff?

since my services are not simply “organizing services” or housecleaning, I do require that you be home while we simplify and organize your belongings.  This is most definitely a coaching service, so you are learning the techniques as we work alongside each other.  If you are looking for someone to come in and do everything while you’re at work or on vacation, this is probably not the service for you.  However, if you’re hoping to learn simple and creative techniques that last a lifetime as well as simplify and organize your current situation, this is probably perfect for you!

can I just do the work by myself and get information from you?

yes!  If you are interested in speaking with me just once or over the course of a few weeks or months, we can work out a plan that aids you in your endeavors.  I love the “do it yourself” attitude, and if what you need only requires ideas, coaching and motivation, perhaps all you need is a “virtual” and phone relationship with me.  It may still make sense for me to visit you and meet you and your shtuff personally, but it’s not a necessity either.

i’m embarrassed off my clutter problem, and I want to clean up before you come over or I send you pictures, is that ok?

a big and loud, “No!” I am deeply compassionate when it comes to clutter, chaos and hoarding.  I will never judge you, and I understand where you are coming from, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.  Your stuff does not define you (it never has), and perhaps that is one of the first things you’ll learn.  The most important thing is that you want to do something about it, and that is what we’re going to do – together.  I also ask that you not clean up at all if I ask you to send digital pictures of your home so I can have a better idea of your needs and your situation.

ok, so how long does organizing usually take?

working together to simplify takes as long as it takes and you get to decide when to stop, when to proceed completely on your own, and when the time is right for you to take a break.  (We can always start up again at any time!) While the typical simplification coaching relationship continues to add significant value to a life over a period of a few months to a year, I never require a contract or written commitment for any specific period. However, I do suggest that you make a mental commitment to yourself for at least an initial 1-3 month period. Within this period, you will begin to see and experience the major benefits of simplification & habit-forming.  It is also helpful if you can give me a little bit of a notice when you wish to take a break from simplifying so we can properly finish off anything we are working on.

i already know how to be organized.  Why do I need professional help in this area?

i will ask you to ask yourself this question instead.  You are searching for something on this site, and perhaps you came to the FAQ’s section to put your mind at ease about what these services entail.  I support that research 100%  — you  should definitely do your homework before hiring someone.  But now for the answer you may be really seeking – perhaps you are hoping to simplify your life and not simply “get organized”.  And, since you are here, I’m assuming you’re a smart cookie because you realized that this isn’t just about getting organized, it’s about minimizing the overabundance of stuff around you so you can get back to basics.  You can get back to your frame of mind that isn’t over-stimulated by the clutter around you.  That is where I can help you see the light.  If you are an organized person, then I say “awesome!”, but if you still need help with letting go of things, you’ve come to the right place.  You may also feel overwhelmed by what you want to accomplish, and perhaps you don’t know where to start.  Whatever the reason, we’ll figure out the solutions together … sometimes having a “partner” or cheerleader is all the reason you need.

what is your coaching / organizing style & philosophy?

i believe in the “zen” of getting simplified.  What I mean by that is I feel a calming state of mind and new avenues of creativity may be achieved when the physical clutter around us is eliminated.  When physical clutter is eliminated and under control, so is the mental and emotional clutter that seems to follow.  Oddly, many of our physical surroundings can invoke feelings of anger, sadness and depression; so that being said, learning to let go of the “past” clutter can be so very freeing and lead us to happiness, joy, excitement and a zest for life.  I have a holistic belief when it comes to life simplification – feeling good about your surroundings manifests itself in your very core, and you will come out feeling ready to accomplish anything in this lifetime – perhaps even those dreams you’ve put off for so long.  I trust that you will amaze yourself during and after this project!

what is The Zenplicity Coach process?   What makes yours different than other professional organizers?

first, I don’t like to use the word “process”, because it just doesn’t sound fun!  I like to instill as much excitement and fun into getting simplified as possible so you will find that the techniques can be continued for the rest of your life.  Yes, the rest of your life!  I try to compare my services to changing your eating habits.  Now, most people will go on a “diet” when they are trying to lose weight (and many try to lose weight with the goal of looking better instead of feeling better).  You’re a smart cookie, so I know you know that it’s better to lose weight for the right reasons (feeling better).  If you “diet”, it’s uncomfortable, and it isn’t fun by any means.  But, if you do your research and you start learning about what foods are good for you and how to create new, exciting recipes, you stick with it over time!  That’s a life change, and that is the goal of life simplification services … to give you the tools and techniques that work for you for a lifetime.  Everyone’s organization and simplification styles are unique, so there is no one single way to do it right.  I also offer virtual services along with traditional in-home services because everyone is different in how they learn best.   You are going to be accountable for doing things even if I’m not there, and you are going to learn what it feels like to finally make the decisions you always wished you could make.

am I going to have to buy a bunch of stuff to organize my stuff?

although getting new stuff can be exciting, it’s not always necessary.  Most of the time we will get rid of so much stuff that you will have organizing shelves, boxes and spaces left over for what remains.  Sometimes it makes sense to buy things like dividers, photo boxes and file folders, but we won’t know that until we get through the stage of making decisions about what goes and what stays.  The best part is that you decide your budget, and we will work with what we have.

where the heck are we going to start?  My whole place is a crazy mess!

i am a firm believer in clearing “everyday spaces” first.  It’s important that you be able to get up, get dressed, have coffee and eat breakfast in areas that don’t cause you to have chest pain.  The beginning of your day sets the mood for the rest of your day, so if you’re trying to find your car keys beneath a stack of Glamour or Time magazines from 2004, that might be a good place to start.  There are no set rules, but clearing these spaces are an excellent place to start to get that feeling of “immediate results”.

do you have a blog?  What’s on it?

yes, I do have a blog — it’s this website!  I offer my website in a blog format because it’s simple, it’s more personal and I want to share life simplification insights and information with you as much as possible (usually daily).  I love to write, and to be able to share with you regularly while also hearing your feedback, tips and tidbits makes my day (as well as other readers’).  The blog also offers excellent tips, product info and projects to make your life easier in the realm of simplifying and organizing your life.

do you offer gift certificates?

i do offer them; however, getting simplified and organized is a very personal decision, and most people like to make that decision on their own.  Some may even be insulted by a surprise gift certificate to “get simplified” or “organized”.  But, a good way to go about it is to bring it up around that special someone to get his or her feedback and simply ask them if that is something they would consider.  If they are willing to work with a coach and learn techniques, they are probably a great candidate and would love the idea.

what and how much do you charge?

see the SERVICES page for fees, services and more exciting information.

what type(s) of payment do you accept?

I currently accept payment in the form of cash, personal check, money order or via Paypal (must have a confirmed Paypal account & address).  There is a returned check fee of $30.00.

what areas do you serve?

for in-home/hands-on organizing, I serve the Greater Metro Detroit area.  For all virtual services, I serve anyone and everyone in the world that wants to get simplified – that is the beauty of technology.  So, whether you are from The Netherlands, California or Rhode Island, contact me today so we can get started on your new simplified life.

can I refer a friend?

of course!  Absolutely, positively … and I’d be so flattered.  If you ever do so, and that person becomes a paying client, you will be entitled to a free session of your choice.