As a professional organizer, I have a very unique job. I enter client’s homes and work with their belongings - everything from everyday cleaning supplies to their most prized (and personal!) possessions. There is always an open dialogue in my process, and believe it or not, I’m not the only one asking questions - I get just as many. Questions about my work, my experience on the job, and a few silly and unexpected ones too!
So this month, I’m sharing the top 9 questions I get asked most often from clients. The last one is my favorite!
1. “Do you actually enjoy this? Isn’t it exhausting?”
Honestly,... I love it! As a professional organizer, each project is a new puzzle to be solved- like a lifesize Tetris game. I think it's the way I’m hard wired. I thrive on the ability to optimize space for my clients and create efficient and sustainable systems - especially in NYC where there is a shortage of space and an abundance of external noise and clutter.
It’s all worth it in that reveal moment—when a client steps into their newly organized space, their shoulders drop, they exhale with relief, and you can see them fall in love with their home all over again.
2. “Do you have all these organizing products in your house?”
The answer here may surprise you….no. (GASP!) I know, I know. This may seem shocking. Let me explain! I was very lucky to be born with the organization gene. I’m still a busy mom, wife, and business owner, so of course my home gets disorganized and chaotic! But herein lies the difference. Every single item in my space has a very specific home. I’ve created systems and made it a habit to stick with them, even without bins, baskets, and labels. Our team utilizes these items for clients to provide organizational structure and direction since not everyone was lucky enough to be born with the organization gene. For me, it’s not the product that makes it work - it’s all about my habits and routines. Although, I do have some gorgeous labeled baskets for all of my son’s clothes and toys, but I’ll get to that ;)
3. “Is your family super organized too?”
I have a 2 year old son so… not exactly. 😂 He doesn't fully understand how to be organized yet! But I do take every opportunity I can to teach him these habits. When we clean up together before bedtime, we talk about which toys belong in which categories (in his beautifully labeled bins!) and it has become a fun game for him. Watching him take ownership of his things is such a proud moment. Organizing isn’t something kids just ‘know’—but it is a skill we can teach. When you start teaching them young, it’s a gift they’ll carry for life.
4. “Do you judge people’s homes when you walk in?”
Absolutely not. Every client has a story, and life events often shape the reason they reach out. My role isn’t to judge—it’s to help solve the puzzle. At Sage Organization & Design, you’re always in safe hands. We’ve truly seen it all, and every project—whether simple or complex—is a new opportunity to bring order, ease, and calm back into a home.
5. “Are you a house cleaner?”
Nope! While my team and I will always make sure your space is clean before we put your items into their new homes, we are not a cleaning service. We will wipe down shelves and surfaces to make sure the finished product is up to our company standards, leaving you with fresh, functional spaces and systems. If you are in need of a true deep clean, we’re happy to refer you to an excellent cleaning service to ensure your space sparkles and shines the way you’d like.
6. “What is the hardest thing for people to let go of?”
Time and time again, clients struggle to part with things from or belonging to loved ones who have passed. This is a completely normal and justifiable challenge, as the items and the memories are all you have left of those cherished individuals.
Because of what I do professionally, when my father passed away, I was in charge of the majority of the decisions of what to keep, donate, and toss. For me, it made the most sense to keep things that my dad loved but also served a purpose. For example, I have his watch, and it brings me joy whenever I catch it on my wrist. After all, it's about love and memories, not about the stuff.
7. “What is the most challenging space you’ve ever seen?”
I had the lucky fortune of organizing a quintessential NYC kitchen - a postage stamp-sized space. This Upper East Side kitchen was 4 feet by 4 feet (not exaggerating) complete with a single burner stove and only one drawer. While the space itself was teeny tiny, the clients still had the average amount of kitchen items, including serving settings for 12, that needed to fit. It took LOTS of creative problem solving but in the end, the space was impeccably organized and the client was thrilled.
8. “My apartment is really small. That means organizing it will go really fast, right?”
Unfortunately…Wrong! It may seem counter-intuitive but the smaller the space, the harder the puzzle can be to solve! There is a lot more planning and intention required for smaller spaces because they typically are housing just as much stuff as a “normal” sized space. The larger the space, the more options exist for placement of categories and selection of product. A smaller space can prove to be a challenge but it’s one I always love!
9. “What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever been asked to organize?”
This would have to be a tie between organizing a pinball machine collection- not sure how they expected us to make the machines take up less space- and some… more intimate possessions -we’ve had more than one client with a little kink. Hey, we’re not here to judge! Go on with your kinky self. Haha I’ve also been asked to organize a Peleton in a way to “make it smaller” which gave me a really good laugh!
Got a burning question?
🔥 Ask away! 🔥
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If you’re looking for more insight about our steps of service and how the whole process works, check out our FAQ page or a Q+A with me for more info.