BACK TO SCHOOL — BACK TO YOU Decluttering + Organizing Reset Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Home Organizing Services Portland, Oregon
Hiring a professional organizer can feel like a big step, and you probably have a lot of questions about the process. At The Organized House, we’ve helped families across all of Portland, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tigard, Beaverton, and beyond create homes that feel lighter, easier to maintain, and more functional for daily life. This page answers the most frequently asked questions we hear — from what an organizer actually does, to how long projects take, and to whether you need to buy bins before we show up.
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL HOME ORGANIZING
What does a professional home organizer actually do?
A professional organizer helps you declutter and create systems so your home runs more smoothly.
A professional organizer helps you declutter, set up systems, and create storage solutions so your home works better for your daily life. We don’t just tidy up for the day — we create sustainable systems you can actually live with. That might mean designing a pantry with labeled bins so your kids can grab snacks without pulling everything off the shelf, or reworking a garage with Elfa shelving so sports gear, holiday décor, and tools each have their own zone. These kinds of systems make it easy to put things away, find what you need quickly, and keep your home organized long-term.
Is decluttering the same as organizing?
No — decluttering comes first, organizing comes after.
Decluttering comes first — it’s the process of deciding what stays and what goes. Organizing is what happens after, when we create systems and storage solutions for the items you’ve chosen to keep. Skipping decluttering is like putting everything you own into new bins without asking whether you actually want or need it. For example, in a pantry we’ll start by clearing out expired food and duplicates, then set up zones and containers so the items you use most often are easy to see and grab.
Does home organizing include cleaning?
No — cleaning and organizing are different.
Cleaning and home organizing are two different services. Cleaning involves dusting, scrubbing, and wiping down surfaces. Home organizing is about setting up systems so everything has a place and your home functions better day to day. That said, during a project, we’ll often do light surface wiping — like dusting shelves before bins go back in, and vacuuming to make the space look fresh. But we don’t provide deep-cleaning services.
HOME ORGANIZING PRODUCTS + SYSTEMS
What organizing products do you recommend?
We use trusted favorites like Elfa, hyacinth baskets, acrylic bins, and lazy susans — but we customize every project.
We definitely have our tried-and-true favorites — things like Elfa systems, hyacinth baskets, acrylic bins, and lazy susans — but no two projects are ever the same. Every home is unique, so we choose products that fit your space, support your daily routines, and blend seamlessly with your style. We want your systems to function well and look like they belong in your home. And because budget matters too, we always make sure the products we recommend work within yours.
Can I reuse the organizing products I already have?
Yes — we always try to use what you have.
We always start by looking at what you already own — baskets, bins, shelves — and make those work whenever possible. Then we fill in the gaps with products that fit your space and your routines, so the systems we set up not only look good but also make sense for the long haul.
PRICING FOR HOME ORGANIZING
How much does it cost to hire The Organized House?
On average, projects run between $1,200 and $5,000, depending on size and scope.
In Portland, most professional organizers charge anywhere from about $75 to $200 an hour. The Organized House sits right in the middle — we’re not the cheapest, and we’re not the most expensive either. What you get with us is a team that’s been inside hundreds of homes, knows the little tricks that actually make a difference, and builds systems that hold up over time. The whole point is making sure what you spend comes back to you in the form of less stress and a home that just works better day to day.
Do you have a minimum?
Yes — six hours.
Our home organizing projects have a six-hour minimum. We’ve found that this amount of time allows us to make meaningful progress — whether that’s decluttering a playroom, resetting a pantry, or starting a garage overhaul. Anything less usually feels rushed and doesn’t give you the results you’re looking for.
HOME ORGANIZING PROJECTS
Do you offer a packing service? Or help with packing/unpacking?
We don’t offer traditional packing; instead, we provide bespoke move preparation and unpacking services.
We don’t do traditional packing like a moving company, but we do move prep and unpacking, so you land with systems from day one. That often starts with decluttering so you’re not paying to move items you no longer need. From there, we set up organized categories — like grouping kitchen gadgets together or packing kids’ toys by type — which makes unpacking faster and less stressful. Once you’re in your new home, our team specializes in unpacking and organizing so you can settle in with systems that actually work from day one. We also partner with some of the best moving companies in Portland, so reach out to learn more about our full move management service.
Do you organize garages and attics?
Absolutely — garages are one of our most popular projects.
Garages are one of our most requested organizing projects because they tend to collect everything that doesn’t fit inside the house. We create customized zones for tools, sports gear, seasonal décor, and household overflow so everything has a clear home. Depending on your needs, that can mean installing sturdy shelving and labeled bins, or going further with upgrades like epoxy floors, slat walls, pulley systems, and ceiling-mounted storage. The end result is a garage that’s functional, safe, and easy to maintain — not just a place where things get dumped.
Book your free consultation. It’s a quick, easy chat where we talk through your space, what feels overwhelming, and how life at home could flow better. No pressure, no judgment, no commitments—just real conversation, honest insight, and practical ways The Organized House can help you create a space that truly supports you.