Organization

Phone: 703-980-1114

If you are tired of feeling overwhelmed because you can't take the way things look, you can't find items you know you have and you realize you have spent money on things you already own then you're probably ready for us to help you get organized. Organization is not just about the things in your life that don't have a place, it's about the habits you've formed or the lack of having a system in place (lit. and fig.).

At Extra You we organize a lot more than just shelves, closets, files or nic-nacs: we are pros at organizing and streamlining your life. Regardless of what you are organizing, it all begins with eliminating clutter, deciding what to donate, what to trash and what to keep. "Boxing" everything you have is not organizing.

Having someone in your home is the first step and we realize that if you've come this far then you have already taken a huge first step in the right direction. Our experience shows that serving as a neutral third party prevents emotional attachment to the items that are unnecessarily cluttering your household and your lifestyle. We recognize that de-cluttering is as much a logistical process as it is emotional, and for this reason we consider it truly an honor to be invited into your home to assist you in getting organized.

We understand and respect your hesitancy, fears and concerns about inviting strangers into your home and into your personal life. We are confident we will assuage your fears and we look forward to helping you initiate a new, positive, and streamlined chapter in your life!

The most common question we get is "How long will this take?"

It is virtually impossible to predict how much time a de-cluttering project will take. Papers are tedious and piles can be layers. As an example, we once had a project wherein a large T-Cart and antique chair that opened needed to be cleaned out. It also had bags on and around it. If I were to guess I would have thought 2 hours MAXIMUM... but the project took 5 hours! We came to find out after starting the project that we were dealing with almost 6 years of papers, bags of small miscellaneous items, and objects from every part of the home. You simply don't know until you get into the project. On other projects I've estimated 20 hours and it took 12-16 hours.

The average project requires 12-16 hours.

We offer a 30 minute phone consultation at no charge to you to discuss your needs.

We offer a 1 hour consultation in person for $60 which will be credited to your first invoice if you opt to move forward within 30 days. See our rates

Actually seeing a project doesn't change any of the factors about the project.

We can help you.

We won't come with items pre-purchased.
We aren't solving any issues or changing anything about the situation on our initial visit, we simply get to meet you, but it is not necessary that we see it first.
We aren't recommending or referring you to anyone on a consultation.
We start with what you are ready to start with most or what is bothering you the most.
We help you establish your goals.

The most important questions to ask yourself prior to approaching us:

Are you ready?

What are your goals in de-cluttering or organizing?

Examples might be: To be clutter free, to have my "peace" back, to make your "Junk room" your Art room again, to be more productive, to think clearer, to feel more relaxed, my own mental and physical health, to be able to clean house thoroughly with clutter on the floor, etc.

Organizational Myth Busters

If the truth be known....

Myth #1: Getting organized will cost too much...

Actually, you've probably spent more time and money by not getting organized. The costs you have absorbed unknowingly range from your mental and physical health, to unnecessary anxiety, to literally money you're spending on things you already own. And if that doesn’t convince you, just consider the fact that de-cluttering through Extra You is much cheaper than therapy!

Myth #2: I'll be made to throw out stuff...

No, we won't make you do anything you're not ready to do or want to do. We may "reason with you" and remind you about your goals, but we won't force you to do anything.

Myth #3 I'll be so embarrassed to have someone in...

You may already be embarrassed and that's what is keeping you from having anyone in. This is very common. Many people drop friends, won't invite neighbors in, or no longer have dinners at their home because they are embarrassed. We understand, and we have likely seen a situation similar to yours before.

Myth #4 What will they think? Sigh...I'll be judged

Actually the truth is we think you're courageous for taking the initiative to put things back in order and realize it's a huge step to reach out. Way to go....you're half way there!

Myth #5 This would (will) cause to much stress for me...

Our coming into your home or office will raise your anxiety level initially, but you will experience the opposite effect once you see results from organizing the first room. The anxiety you are living with has been much worse. Confronting your fears is the only way to overcome them.

Myth #6 I'll be pushed into deciding what to do with things that I don't know what to do with!

No one is going to push you. We believe in leading and guiding- NOT pushing- and thus the reason we are coming....because you don't know what to do with them, we do! We will offer suggestions and help come to a decision on how you can deal with those uncertain items in your life.

Myth #7 That's the problem, I don't know what to do with all this....

Yes, we understand and we will help you get there. You knowing what to do with your excess stuff has nothing to do with a project being completed. Some clients choose to give us guidelines, then walk out the door and return upon our completion. Whether you stay and remain involved or choose to leave the project to us, you will be thrilled with the results!

Myth #8 I don't know where to start...

It's okay, we do. You don't need to know. We are experts at guiding and directing projects.

Myth #9 I can't stay focused...

Again, you ability to stay focused doesn't mean we can't get a project done for you. We'll help you, don't worry....It is precisely your worries and emotional attachments that prevent you from streamlining. Since we don’t enter a project with these same attachments, we can better offer suggestions and help guide you to a focused decision on how to best de-clutter.

Myth #10 I'm really afraid and don't know why...

It's okay- most people don’t truly understand their fears. One reason you're likely afraid is because you're having strangers into your home or office to witness a very personal and possibly embarrassing disorganization. Another reason could be that you don't know what to expect, and the unexpected often leads to fear in people. You could be afraid for trust reasons (or the lack thereof). If you'd like to visit with us for awhile, then by all means....let's take the time to chat and settle those fears. MOST things we are afraid of will never come true, are magnified, or stem from fear associated with the concept of change.

Myth #11 I feel like I'm letting go of a family member (or old friend) by parting with their things...

You aren't. Your relationship was never in that tea set, china or cards. Your relationship is with the person, and never was with the things. Your grandmother won't be grieving if you pass along her china set to someone who will truly treasure and love it. Wouldn’t she prefer that the china set be enjoyed over realizing that it lives in boxes, never to see a dining room table again? Your grandmother had a certain "taste" and you have a certain preference in things. Perhaps those don't line up anymore (or never did). Keep the items you LOVE and let the rest go with the understanding they are physical objects and not stand-ins for our loved ones. You can never put a price on memories.

Myth #12 I'll feel sad, empty or as if I lost something close, personal or comfortable if I let this go...

You may find you have let yourself go in the process of accumulating stuff you don't have a space for. You probably already feel sad depending on how long you have been accumulating....we understand and to the degree you may feel sad, you'll feel double the joy when it's all done! We've seen people cry many times in feeling overwhelmed with joy at the completion of a de-cluttering project.

A picture is worth a thousand words (Fred R. Barnard)

Visit our Photo Gallery to see some great before and after photos

Have organized: