Frequently Asked Questions

We believe in providing value right from the start.

Our 45-minute Discovery Session is a hands-on consultation where we’ll tour your space, talk through your goals, and assess your organizing needs. You’ll walk away with a customized strategy, product recommendations, and a clear plan to make your home more functional.

We focus on 1–2 spaces to break up large projects into manageable chunks. Whether you decide to book an Organizing Session or use the tips on your own, the ideas are yours to keep—no obligation.

Please don’t!

It’s not necessary to clean or tidy before we arrive. In fact, we do our best work when we can see the real state of your space, including the piles and problem areas.

Your willingness to show us the mess is an act of courage—we’re here to turn that stress and clutter into more calm and joy, not to judge how things look today.

You can expect a lot of movement and visible progress.

We usually start with sorting, categorizing, and shifting items to set up your space for better function. We’ll explain what we’re doing and share tips as we go so you can learn the process too.

Sometimes it gets messier before it gets better—but don't worry! We promise to leave your space more functional and put together than when we started.

At the end of each session, we can take one carload of donations. If you’d like, we can also leave you with simple “Next Steps” so you can continue our progress on your own.

It depends on the space, your goals, and how quickly you like to make decisions.

A small pantry may take one 3-hour session, while a whole house might take a series of sessions over time.

We offer the option to work with one organizer or a team of organizers, depending on your timeline and budget.

We’ll give you a more specific estimate during your Discovery Session, and we’re always happy to plan one session at a time so you can work and budget at your own pace.

It’s totally up to you.

Many clients like to work side-by-side with us so they feel empowered by a space they helped create. Other clients are juggling full schedules and would rather have us take the lead.

Either way, we’ll keep you informed, check in on key decisions, and make sure the systems fit your life. For safety and efficiency, we do require two organizers for sessions where the homeowner won’t be present.

Yes, gift cards are available.

We recommend chatting with the recipient first to make sure they’re open to the idea of hiring a professional organizer. Gift certificates must be redeemed within 6 months of purchase and include a Discovery Session for new clients. 

You can purchase a gift card HERE.

We’re organizers first.

During sessions, we’ll absolutely wipe shelves, pick up trash, and can vacuum the areas we’re working in. If your space needs deep cleaning in addition to organizing, we’re happy to recommend professional cleaning companies.

Yes. Your privacy is very important to us.

We routinely encounter personal and sensitive items, and all interactions with Joyful Spaces are treated as confidential. We don’t share personally identifiable information or even confirm that you’re a client.

If you’d like us to coordinate with someone else—such as a family member paying for sessions or permission to use before/after photos—we’ll only do so with your written consent.

Use our Disposal & Recycling Guide to find the right spot for your specific items.