Hiring organizer firm requires care, consideration
The arrival of the new year kindles enthusiasm in some people to tackle clutter and create a more organized environment, but when it comes time to actually do the work, you realize organization takes more time and patience than first thought.
Some people may choose to hire a professional organizer rather than focusing on it themselves.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers advice to homeowners before they hire someone to come into their space to sort through confidential paperwork and valuables:
• Do your homework. Research companies at BBBHouston.org before signing a contract to see how the business responds to and answers complaints, if any have been received, and read any reviews from former customers.
• Find out if the organizer is insured. If anything goes wrong at your home or with your personal effects, you will want to make sure the business has insurance, in advance.
• Ask thorough questions. Ask the organizer to explain their process, so you can gain a clear understanding of what they do and how they go about doing it. Interview the organizer about their style. Think about what kind of person you want to work with. For example, will you work best in a stricter environment or with someone who treats you like a friend?
• Check on home preparation steps. Ask how you can best prepare for a professional organizer to come to your home or workplace. Find out specifically what the organizer needs from you.
For instance, you may need to commit personal time to get your home prepared for the organization process.
Determine what you may need to purchase.
Seek clarification on what their services include, for example, purchasing of supplies for the organization process, such as storage containers, etc.
• Inquire about the fee structure. Will you need to pay by the job or by the hour? Be clear about your budget, and do not sign any contracts until you fully understand what is or isn’t included in the service.
• Create a timeline. Ask for an estimate on how long the projects you have in mind will take to complete. Inquire about what might change or modify the timeline.
• Find out how the organizer disposes of items removed from your home or office and if there are additional fees. Are the items recycled, donated, or shredded?
Make sure you feel comfortable with the plan, especially if items are personal or confidential in nature.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.