Frequently Asked Questions
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Read what April's clients have to say ...
It was wonderful to come
in the office this morning and not see piles of useless stuff. I was able to
come in, turn on my workstation, pull out my "To Do today" file and get
right down to work.
I know it will take some time establishing new habits;
but it is so refreshing and energizing to have a clean slate or desk (as
in this case) to do it with.
Thank you very much.
Melissa Mitchell
April Kline is the
most efficient and professional person I've ever had the pleasure of
meeting. She is also pleasant and non-judgmental, a true
professional. April turned my unbearable office mess and clogged files
into a logical functioning system. Because it is functional it is
also simple. She eliminated the stress that was overwhelming me. I
can never thank her enough.
Carol Grier
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Q: Is everything you do for me held in confidence?
- Yes.
- What I see, hear and do remains confidential.
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Q: How do you charge for your services?
- The first ½ hour of your needs-assessment is free.
- I charge a flat hourly rate.
- Billable time begins when I arrive and ends when I leave. I also bill for any errands I run for you.
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Q: Do you estimate the time required to meet my objectives?
- No, every job and every client's pace of work and decision-making are different.
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Q: I'm embarrassed. Can I trust you will not be judgmental?
- Yes.
- I am here to help you, not judge you.
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Q: Emotionally, this might be a difficult process for me. Is that ok?
- Yes, this is ok. Change can be difficult.
- As a former litigation legal assistant, I have years of professional experience working in situations where people were emotionally involved in both the process and the outcome.
- I am acutely aware that I will be working in your personal space with your personal things and issues.
- Clear communication and confidentiality are priorities. If we can clearly communicate, I will know how to help minimize any emotional conflicts you might feel during this process.
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Q: What is a needs assessment?
- This is an on-site visit that results in a written set of objectives.
- It is a time where I focus primarily on listening.
- At a deeper level than what can be determined during that first 1/2 hour, we can examine what causes the disorganization and explore strategies and techniques that will enable you to establish positive new habits.
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Q: How does the work get done? What do you do? what do I do?
- This varies depending upon your needs.
- I can do all the physical work or we can work side by side.
- I can play a very active role in guiding decisions or I can play the role of "sounding-board".
- Sometimes, especially with space redesign, clients just want someone to listen and help them stay on track - an objective observer.
- I always encourage you to remain focused on your objectives and motivated to reach a conclusion that is satisfactory to you.
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Q: Who decides what "being organized" looks like?
- You do. I remain focused on your objectives, whatever they may be.
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| Q: What if I'm not stuck but just want to maximize efficiency?
- Sometimes, if a client is anticipating a change, like moving, having surgery or merging households, I work with them to set up systems to make the change as painless and easy to maintain as possible.
- Some clients have good systems in place but enjoy having regular periodic visits, just to keep on top of everything. Perhaps they want to address closets in January, the basement in February, and so on.
- Others may schedule time to set up files for the new fiscal year.
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| Q: Maintenance is my problem. Are your solutions easy to maintain?
- Yes. This is an absolutely essential part of the process.
- I help you create customized systems that are realistically easy for you to maintain.
- I help you discover motivational techniques that will work for you.
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Q: Do you accept Visa and Mastercard?
- Not at this time. However, clients from as far away as Kentucky have arranged for gift certificates for friends and loved ones in the Portland area. The process of paying by check has gone very smoothly.
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Q: Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
- My business card state that I am "Licensed". I use the term to indicate that my business is registered with the State of Oregon and I have a City of Portland business license.
- Professional Organizers, unlike building contractors, do not require any kind of licensing.
- In addition, I am bonded and insured through the insurance program set up by National Association of Professional Organizers, "NAPO".
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Q: Will you travel outside the Portland Metro Area?
- Yes, I have worked for clients as far away as Eugene and Longview. There is an additional charge for travel time and costs. I can combine visits with phone coaching if that will be effective.
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