When new clients contact Out of Chaos, often one of their concerns is the cost of decluttering and organizing. I completely understand because people are more financially conscientious than ever in the current economic climate. However, the cost of professional organizing services can vary widely depending on the project. Here are some of the factors that influence the overall costs.
Size and Scope of the Project
The scope of the project is the most significant factor affecting the cost of decluttering and organizing. Larger and more cluttered spaces will generally require more time and effort. For example, a small bedroom closet may only take a few hours to declutter. On the other hand, it might require several days to reorganize a large, cluttered kitchen. Therefore, the more time the project demands, the higher the cost.
The advantage of hiring Out of Chaos is that we have an experienced team that divides and handles tasks simultaneously. This means we can complete projects quickly and efficiently in much less time than a homeowner working alone.
Imagine that the large, cluttered kitchen I mentioned would take 24 hours to declutter and reorganize. The homeowner would spend three 8-hour days on that job—the equivalent of an entire holiday long weekend. Additionally, during the process, their kitchen might be in chaos. They would have trouble preparing meals, and when they did, it would contribute to the mess.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to accomplish the task in one day? Now, imagine this scenario. The Out of Chaos team arrives after breakfast; by dinner time, you have a streamlined, well-organized kitchen – and an entire long weekend free from obligations.
Client Involvement
The client’s involvement significantly impacts the cost of decluttering and organizing. Generally, the process is much more efficient if the client is available to provide input and make quick decisions on every item. In fact, the Out of Chaos team uses some time-saving techniques. For example, we sort and categorize items. Then, the client chooses the items they want to keep (or toss) because it is easier to make decisions when they can see everything at once.
However, when projects involve decluttering sentimental items, decision-making is challenging. Additionally, the client might need input from other family members, which can prolong the process. In this case, we consolidate these items and place them in a designated area so the client can consult with loved ones later.
Materials and Supplies
Another contributing factor to the cost of decluttering and organizing is the style and quality of materials and supplies, such as storage containers and shelving units.
The goal of the Out of Chaos team is to ensure that the organizational systems function regardless of the client’s budget. We often repurpose items the client already owns to create more functional storage. We also work with people who enjoy finding unique, eco-, and budget-friendly storage containers at discount stores and thrift shops.
Of course, some clients require bespoke storage solutions, custom-built shelving, or specific organizational products that fit their space and style preferences. These specialty items increase the overall costs but are typically worth the investment.
One advantage of working with Out of Chaos is that during our 20+ years of business, we have curated a list of reliable vendors and suppliers. We are always happy to share these contacts with our clients so they can take advantage of high-quality products and services.
Disposal and Donation Fees
Decluttering generally involves removing unwanted items from the home. Unfortunately, disposal and donation fees can add to the cost of the decluttering and organizing project.
Some homeowners, specifically those with large vehicles, take items to the landfill or transfer station themselves and pay only the disposal fees; others must hire a junk removal service. Generally, the costs vary based on the amount of stuff the homeowner needs to transport.
Many people think that if they donate items, there is no “disposal” cost. Sadly, this is not necessarily the case. Most charities work on an extremely tight budget and do not have the funds to collect donations. (It is expensive to buy, insure, and maintain a large truck, and then there is the additional challenge of finding qualified drivers.) Consequently, many charities charge a collection fee or rely on the person donating to transport the items.
However, some charities offer a free collection service but only on specific dates in specific neighbourhoods. Therefore, planning your decluttering project is essential so the donations are ready when the truck is in your area.
Two More Factors Affecting the Cost of Decluttering and Organizing
Experience and Expertise: Highly experienced organizers and those with specialized certifications usually charge more for their services. This expertise often leads to more efficient and effective results, justifying the higher cost.
Geographic Location: Geographic location plays a role in the cost of decluttering and organizing services. Rates can vary widely depending on the city or region. Generally, prices are higher in urban areas because of the higher cost of living. However, most professional organizers charge travel fees in rural areas, affecting the overall price.
As you can see, factors such as the project’s scope, the client’s involvement, supplies and equipment, and disposal fees affect the cost of decluttering and organizing services. Accordingly, our goal at Out of Chaos is to ensure that our clients receive an exceptional return on their investment by providing them with a more streamlined, stress-reduced space while respecting their budget. To learn more about Out of Chaos or get a no-obligation estimate, contact us today.
