Q&A: 5 Common Questions I Get During Consultations

The consultation is where the magic begins!

Before a single bin is placed or a drawer is labeled, we’re already thinking big picture—how your home feels, how you move through it, and what’s getting in the way of that everyday ease we’re all craving.

This phase is where we get clear on what matters to you, ease any nerves about the process, and start building a plan that’s just as functional as it is elevated.

Here’s the thing: getting organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming. And it definitely doesn’t have to be done alone!

After working in homes across Seattle, Bellingham, and the surrounding areas, I’ve answered just about every question under the sun during client consultations. So whether you’re preparing for a move, refreshing a few key spaces, or dreaming of a whole-home overhaul, consider this your inside peek at what to expect—and how we can make it all feel a little more doable!

 
professional organization consultation
 

“Do I need to be present during my organizing session?”

Totally up to you! Some clients want to be hands-on, some want to say hello and head back to work. Both are welcome!

That said, certain spaces (like garages or closets) usually require a bit more client participation, especially when it comes to purging and decision-making. Others—like pantries, bathrooms, and laundry rooms—are often more straightforward. We can typically make confident calls based on your goals and the way you live.

You’ll always be invited to do as much or as little as you’d like! All we ask is that you’re available at the beginning of the session to walk us through the space, and reachable during the day in case we have questions. Popping in and out for meetings or errands is totally normal.

And no, you don’t have to lift a finger—unless you want to. 😉

 
luxury organized pantry in seattle, washington
 

“How far out are you scheduling?”

It depends on the project.

For larger-scale work—like moving projects or whole-home transformations—we recommend reaching out at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance. These projects have a lot of moving parts, and we want to make sure everything is timed just right.

Smaller single-space sessions (think: linen closets or pantry refreshes) are typically easier to schedule on shorter notice—we can often fit those in within a couple of weeks as they require a smaller team.

“Should I book my whole house at once—or one room at a time?”

This is a great question—and it really depends on your budget, timeline, and availability.

That said, if you’re leaning toward a full-home reset, I always suggest booking a series of weekly sessions up front. Why? Because once you get a taste of what an organized space feels like...you’ll want to keep going, trust me! This also allows you to secure your dates on our calendar, and we often book weeks in advance.

There’s also a strategy behind it: organizing is like putting together a giant, beautiful puzzle. If you only work on one corner, you might miss how certain pieces connect across the board. The most impactful systems come together when we can zoom out and make sure every space supports the others.

Section-by-section works too—it just might take a bit longer to accomplish.

 
luxury organized laundry room
 

“Do you work on weekends?”

Our regular client sessions run Monday through Friday from 9–3. That’s when our team is fully staffed, our warehouse is operating, and our systems are in motion.

On rare occasions, we can accommodate weekend projects—but because our team is already operating at capacity during the week, there’s an additional $150/person per day weekend fee for Saturday or Sunday sessions.

“What happens to the stuff I want donated?”

We’ve got it covered!

At the end of every session, we’ll haul away as much as we can fit in our vehicle, free of charge. This keeps the process moving and clears your space quickly—no lingering donation piles necessary.

We generally donate to whichever drop-off location is most accessible that day. While we wish we could deliver everything to specialty spots (like blankets to animal shelters or books to libraries), the volume we handle makes that tricky.

One exception? We always make a special trip to the Bellingham Food Bank to donate unopened, expired food up to 2 years past the best-by date. It’s one small way we’re able to support our community during kitchen and pantry cleanouts.

We don’t haul away trash, but if your project includes a major purge, we can coordinate with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to handle removal during your session.

 
luxury organized master bedroom closet
 

Ready to Get Started?

The truth is, organizing your home is personal. It’s not just about tidy drawers or matching bins—it’s about creating ease in the everyday. It’s about being able to breathe when you walk through the door. And it’s about setting up systems that support your life, not just your stuff.

Whether you’re starting with a single space or ready to tackle your entire home, our team is here to guide you through the process with clarity, care, and zero judgment.

It all starts with a complimentary consultation! We’ll answer your questions, walk through your goals, and create a plan that works for your life, your home, and your schedule.

Located in Seattle, Bellingham, or the surrounding areas? Book your consultation today—your future self will thank you!

Next
Next

What to Expect When You Work with The Orderly Space