Behind the scenes of an organizing project

Recently a client asked us why we aren't able to itemize all the miscellaneous storage containers that we're going to use for a project in our proposals.  So we thought of writing this post document what goes on behind the scenes of a project. 

The truth of the matter is this: when we go into a residential project, we always have a plan, like in the main picture.  However, this plan is highly dependent on the clutter that we can see during the initial site assessment.  Usually, in 95% of the residential cases, there is a lot of clutter that we cannot see, simply because they're hidden deep in drawers or shelves, behind many other items; or the storage compartments cannot even be opened because of the clutter stuffed around and into them. 

Unlike an interior designer or a renovation contractor, which works with an empty site and has detailed floor plans (mandated and filed with the authorities) to guide them, we don't.  Why?  Because our clients don't have any documentation on the clutter that's in their homes - that's why they call us in the first place. 

So our plans are highly subject to change.  Very rarely do we encounter projects that go even 80% according to plan.  That's why we call ourselves the organizing experts, because we can figure out the right solution on the spot even if the clutter situation isn't what we expected.  That, plus we prepare loads of other items we think we may need.  

Contrary to what most people think, it really takes specialized skill and training, lot of knowledge, experience, and copious amounts of lateral thinking to achieve that level of fluidity.  We are like cooks who put up a gourmet feast (not just any feast) based on whatever we find in our client's kitchen and pantry (a particular episode of "Jamie's Great Italian Escape" comes to mind).  

OK, you may be wondering right now why we compare organizing with cooking, so let us share a quote from our favorite author on this subject, Marie Kondo.  She says, 

"Cooking skills and recipes are passed on as family traditions...yet one never hears of anyone passing on the family secrets of tidying, even within the same household."

So, the long and short of it?  Next time if come across our Edits Inc crew, take some time to appreciate their abilities in restoring order into your environment, and do try to refrain from asking us exactly how many of which types of storage containers we'll be using, before the project starts.  You may well just receive half a shrug from us. 

Hakuna matata.