AKorganizing

Angela Kantarellis - NYC Organizing and Productivity Expert 

How long have you been a professional organizer and how did you get started?

I started my business, AKorganizing in 2006 while I was preparing to go to grad school. I was pursuing an MA in Psychology and I knew it wouldn't be easy going back to school. I needed something with flexible hours that drew on my existing skill-set so that I could really hit the ground running. Because my first career was in real estate, I already had an arsenal of organizing, space management and design secrets to draw on. I put the word out and within 2 weeks I had 14 clients!

By the time I completed my Masters in 2008, AKorganizing had already taken on a life of its own. The organizing industry was booming and the demand was high. At the same time, I had applied and was accepted into several PhD programs in Psychology. It was a real defining moment in my life. "Do I go on to get a PhD and become a Psychologist or do I continue to grow my organizing business?"  

I knew I wanted to help people but I am also very results oriented. I love the immediate, tangible results of organizing and how great it makes people feel both mentally and physically. I decided to grow the business and of course it has made all the difference.

I have since made a commitment to dedicate the rest of my professional life to helping people become more organized and ultimately happier and more productive through the art and science of professional organizing and coaching.

NAPO (The National Association of Professional Organizers) seems to be the gold standard in the professional organizing industry. Are you a member and how will that benefit me?

Yes. I am very active in NAPO and currently serve on the Board of the NAPO-NY chapter.  I attend monthly meetings with cutting edge educational programming as well as the NAPO annual conference. I also have a wide network of colleagues in the field as a result of my membership in NAPO.

The ability to draw on the collective knowledge and experience of my NAPO colleagues is an invaluable resource.  For example, you may need a piano mover, a rug cleaner or a place to sell your vintage record collection - no matter what the request, my colleagues and I are sure to come up with vetted and trusted resources to refer you to.

Lastly, NAPO has a professional code of ethics so in addition to my own confidentiality agreement, you can rest assured that our work together and your information will always be held in strictest confidence.

What types of clients do you typically work with?

My clients tend to fall into one of two categories.

The first category consists of well-educated professionals, business owners and artists who have a lot on their plate and they need help in order to stay on top of it all.  They may need help during a major life event such as a marriage, move, retirement, start of new business, birth of a child, divorce etc. Overall, they look to us to help them implement systems to make their home or workspace run more efficiently. They could probably do the work themselves but recognize the value of bringing in a professional. They come to AKorganizing for knowledge, manpower, efficiency and expertise. 

The second type of client we work with, also well-educated professionals, business owners and artists, is overwhelmed by clutter. They may feel like clutter, disorganization and ineffective time management may be holding them back personally or professionally. Their creativity may be stifled and their business may be at a standstill. They are blocked and distressed by the clutter and lack of systems in their lives. They often feel like they cannot move forward unless they address the clutter issue. They come to AKorganizing for practical skills, knowledge, accountability, compassion and support.

More specifically, over the last 6 years I've worked with entrepreneurs, business owners, real estate agents, artists, doctors, lawyers, musicians, executives in the non-profit world, consultants, dancers, comedians, graphic artists, moms, educators, professors, grad students and retirees.

What is your process...How does it work?

It all starts with an initial complimentary phone consultation so I can learn more about you and your project. You can reach me at 646-245-1248 or at ak@akorganizing.com. 

It is important that we are a good match. If we are not a good fit, I will refer you to a colleague who can better help you.

If your project is targeted and specific and you know exactly what you want to accomplish, we can schedule our first appointment. I may ask you to send me photos of the space so I have a better sense of your style. I will also make recommendations on supplies to purchase or actions to take before I arrive.

If you have a larger project with many components or you are not clear exactly how to begin, we will schedule an on-site consult so I can see the space and discuss the project more in depth with you. I may, with your permission, take photos of the space to use as reference. During the onsite consult (60-90 minutes), we will clarify your goals and develop a customized action plan for your project. We will then schedule your first  organizing appointment. Woohoo!

I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter to start receiving valuable tips and tools right away. You will also receive my highly regarded "7 Organizing Mistakes to Avoid in 2012." Subscribe here. 

How do I know which pricing option or organizing package is right for me?

At AKorganizing we offer 3 pricing options. 

1. Hourly
2. Per project
3. All Inclusive Packages (Silver, Gold, Platinum)
   

The hourly rate is best when you have a small and specific project that will take 4 hours or less. You know exactly what you want to accomplish and you are ready to get started. For example, when you want to declutter and organize a closet or your desk.  Another example is when you want to clear some backlog that has piled up during a particularly busy time.

The per project option is best when you have a large, time bound project with specific deliverables. Moves are a great example of this.

Our special packages have been designed for our clients that want to "get organized" but need help developing and implementing an action plan. Our packages include valuable extras such as shopping for supplies and most importantly they provide accountability, focus and support to help clients declutter and put systems into place.

Our special packages are also ideal for clients that are going through a major life change or want to make a major life change. Examples of this are retirement, a child going off to college, the birth of a baby, marriage, divorce, combining of households or starting a new business. 

Can I contact some of your former clients to see what it's like to work with you?

Yes, I encourage you to! I only work with clients that are thrilled to be working with me and feel absolutely certain they have made the best choice for their professional organizing needs.

After our initial consult, I provide you with 3-4 references. We do our best to match you up with clients that are in a similar situation as you.

You can also visit our Rave Reviews page to see some of our client's testimonials. 

How quickly can I expect to see results?

You will see results after your very first session with AKorganizing.

Do you work alone or with a team?

This varies depending on the client's needs, budget and comfort level.

Typically I work side by side with my clients. I will also bring in my assistant at times to do detail work such as labeling or filing. For larger, deadline driven projects such as moves I will bring in a team of professional organizers.

Angela, I want to work with you but I am not sure I want to invest in a package right off the bat. Will you upgrade me if I start out with just one session at the hourly rate? 

Absolutely! We want you to get exceptional value and great results and our special packages are the best way to do that. If after the first session you want to take advantage of the bonus services included in our special packages (up to a $650 value!), we will go ahead and upgrade you. Click here for PDF.

If I'm not sure I'm ready to get started, how can I sample your work at a low cost to see if it's right for me? 

You'll definitely want to sign up for my FREE newsletter "News from AKorganizing" because I do offer special promotions throughout the year. As a bonus you'll also receive my "7 Organizing Mistakes to avoid in 2012." It's a great way to get started. Subscribe here.

You'll also want to check out  the resource section of my website, my archived newsletters and blog. They are jam packed with proven tips, tools and personal stories so you are sure to learn more about me and my work.

OK, I'm ready to get started, but I have a couple of additional questions. Can I call you?

Yes, you can reach me at 646-245-1248 or email me at ak@akoganizing.com and I'll be happy to walk you through all the different options to see which one will be the best for you.  

Photo: Judy Schiller/Fotoqueen