Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in your hourly rate?

  • All communication via email, text, and phone. However, if a phone conversation takes longer than 15 minutes, I begin billing by the quarter-hour.

What is not included?

  • I do not physically handle your possessions. While this has been my business model since the inception, my body just can’t keep up anymore! I’m happy to provide resources of who I trust if you need hands or hauling.

Are there any additional fees?

  • Travel: For speaking engagements that are driveable, I bill my hourly rate from the time I leave my home and return.

How do you estimate how long it will take?

I take into consideration all phases of the project including de-cluttering, installation or repurposing of a framework, and rearranging the stuff within the framework.  As a general guideline for a low to medium amount of clutter, I estimate one hour per linear horizontal foot of wall space.  Example: A 4-foot closet that needs to be purged and the clothing rearranged would take about four hours.  If a new closet system were being installed, that would add on another 2-4 hours.

What are the levels of clutter you encounter?

I've seen it all.  Be not afraid.

Do you have a team?

There are preferred professionals that I contact for specific work in carpentry, cleaning, and psychology.  Occasionally I reach out to other organizers in the area for assistance with a large project or engage a part-time assistant. 

How do purchases work?

All materials needed for a project up to $500 are included on the invoice for services.  Items over $500 are charged directly to the client.

Can I do my own shopping?

I would love to teach you about making decisions to align with goals and functionality to do your own shopping. There are things to consider like how it mounts, measurements, limitations of space, etc.

When do you expect payment and how do you accept it?

I appreciate payment immediately upon receipt of my invoice.  All invoices are emailed via Quickbooks.  If a client pays before I send the invoice, I denote on the invoice that the amount has already been paid.  Forms of payment include:

  • Cash

  • Check (payable to Kate Fisher or The Neatist, LLC)

  • Venmo (my handle is Kate-Fisher-12)

Where do you make donations and how do you dispose of trash?

Once a client has decided to let go of items, two goals of The Neatist are to leave the smallest footprint possible on our environment and make a positive impact on our community.  If anything can be recycled, it is recycled.  But if it is beyond repair, unsafe, or expired it must be trashed.  Batteries, electronics, appliances, scrap metal, lumber can be all recycled or donated as long as they are in acceptable condition.  Household items, toys, and clothing can be donated if in good condition.  

Frequently used donation recipients are: Goodwill, Salvation Army, local swap shops, and Habitat ReStore.