If I collected a dime for every time I have heard that question, I could go on a great vacation. Just about every lead, client and even many friends and family have asked that question. The truth is, it depends on a whole host of variables, from the level of organization you want to achieve, to the amount of actual physical clutter you have, to how quickly you make decisions. All of these factors play a huge role in that all too familiar question, “How long will it take to get organized?”
Now, after so many years and so many projects as a professional organizer, I have learned, even with the variables, to determine with fairly good accuracy the time it should take a professional organizer to complete certain areas in a home. Today I would like to share with you this short list so that you may have an idea of what to anticipate when hiring a professional to help you create order out of the chaos.
- Home Office – 12 to 18 hours
- Garages – 12 to 20 hours
- Bathrooms – 2 to 4 hours
- Bedrooms – 2 to 6 hours
- Closets – 2 to 8 hours
- Kid’s rooms – 4 to 8 hours
- Kitchens – 4 to 8 hours
- Living Room – 3 to 6 hours
Your milage may vary. Please keep in mind that these times are just a guideline and nothing more.
Please also note that if you attempt to tackle these areas on your own you will most likely need to multiply the times listed by 2 or 3. Throughout the years we have found that what a professional can do in 1 hour a home owner will do in 2 to 3 hours.
Ultimately you are in control. The most important step is to get started. The best way and the most effective way to de-clutter and get organized is to make sure that you schedule the time in your calendar and stick to your appointment with your professional — and more importantly yourself!