StaceyinLA Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 I have someone (well several people actually) asking me to help her organize and clean out her home. As far as I can tell, that will mean throwing out old stuff and figuring out a better way to store the rest. I do this often, and many people have told me I should start a business (this is unlikely, but I don't mind doing the occasional project). Most are friends and I do it as a barter thing, but this lady is someone I've only met once and I need to know a fair price to charge. Now I don't do all the closet shelving installation and stuff like that. I may buy containers (which of course would be at her expense), but mostly I try to work within what someone already has. Help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 I think I would figure out an hourly rate - $15 an hour? $20? What's the going rate there for cleaning houses? I would guess I would be paying around $25 here for house cleaning services, but we are on the upper end. If they want a fixed amount, bid it based on 1.5x the number of hours you think it will require (other people's stuff, ya know?) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgo95 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 That sounds more like a professional organizer than a housecleaner. Here's a link that might help: http://www.metropolitanorganizing.com/managing-modern-life-blog/professional-organizers-charge/. My friend uses one periodically but I don't know what her organizer charges. I know it's more than a house cleaner, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rose Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 I'd say about $20/hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BooksandBoys Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 If this is on the level of housecleaning or professional organizing, I suspect that here such services would go for $50-$75 an hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 I do not know, but I used to love watching that show on HGTV that threw all the stuff on the lawn in 3 piles, had the big garage sale, and then did a room remodel after all the clutter was gone. I could use some help like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah CB Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 I would definitely charge more than a regular cleaner. Or maybe charge in the high-end range of house keeping? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 (1) I suggest that you charge by the hour. Not a "flat rate" for the job, which the client may never be satisfied is completed to their satisfaction. (2) The hourly rate you charge will vary depending upon the COL where you live. If you live in TX you can work for a lot less than someone in CA or NYC, etc. (3) You may want to become a "Task Rabbit". I have seen an "Extra: with the woman who started that company, several times, when viewers in the states are watching commercials. https://www.taskrabbit.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatechip Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 If this is on the level of housecleaning or professional organizing, I suspect that here such services would go for $50-$75 an hour. WOW! You must live in a very high COL area!!! I've never heard of anyone in this area charging close to that, and this isn't a super cheap place to live! I would ask to look at the job first, and estimate how many hours it will take. I'd calculate the hourly wage based on ~$20/hr, then bump it up to a nice even number, maybe giving some room for the job to take longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted August 24, 2015 Author Share Posted August 24, 2015 Thanks for the input, and the links - will definitely check those out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 There's an organization for professional organizershttp://www.napo.net. You can search for them in your area and see what they charge. That would give you a ball park. I love to organize and have helped a few friends out. I have thought about it for a business, but I don't think I'd be a good small business owner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 I'd do a minimum charge for a whole day, plus an hourly rate for exceeding whatever number of hours you think. I'd probably pay $500/day, for an 8 hour day, and $80/hour after that, given that housekeepers who come in are generally more than $150/house for less than two hours. Half that for friends & family. I realize that might seem high, but I freelance in photography and have learned a lot recently about how undercharging gets you the wrong customers. Charge high and you get customers that assume you know what you're doing and aren't a problem. Charge low and you get people who try to nickle and dime and discount and hassle you... keep the 80/20 rule in mind here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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