Sara Bereika is one of the few organizers in the area who is certified. Choosing a CPO® means you will have an experienced and committed organizer helping you!
Sara Jane Organizing has received reviews on Yelp, Facebook, and Google. Discover what clients have said and how SJO distinguishes itself from other organizing companies.
If your home feels cluttered and you need help decluttering and organizing, we’re here for you. It’s completely understandable that it can be hard to decide what to keep and what to let go of when you’re trying to create a space that truly works for you.
Sara Bereika is a certified professional organizer with over 20 years of experience. Very few organizers in Richmond hold the CPO® credential. Her coaching skills and education give you a distinct advantage when it comes to helping people with different needs declutter and get organized.
Our team also has a strong eye for design and a deep commitment to functionality, so we can help you create a home that is both beautiful and practical. We’ll coordinate hauling, selling, auctioning, or consignment to help you clear out what you no longer need.
Once everything is sorted, we’ll put your belongings away using systems tailored to you and your specific needs. We’ll return as needed, or as your life changes, to ensure the systems we’ve put in place continue to work smoothly for you.
At Sara Jane Organizing, we promote a strength-based approach. We believe it’s most efficient to spend your time doing what you love and do well, and outsource the rest when you can. Organizing, decluttering, time management, and planning are skills not everyone has. But we do! Ultimately, hiring us saves you time and money. It doesn’t mean you lack ability; it simply means you’re working smarter, not harder.
That’s why we offer maintenance sessions. After hiring us to get you organized and decluttered, we can return on a regular basis to help keep your home in order. Maintenance sessions can be booked monthly or quarterly. Since we’ve already worked with you and know you and your home, we can whip everything back into shape in no time. It’s like having a personal trainer for your house!
Many individuals with ADHD reach out to Sara Jane Organizing for support services. They may be facing challenges such as disorganization at home, feeling overwhelmed with tasks, difficulty in focusing and completing house chores, and/or struggling with time management and motivation at school or work. Sara Bereika, who herself lives with loved ones who have ADHD, has extensive experience working with individuals to help them achieve their organizational goals. You can learn more about Sara’s services for ADHD clients by reading Jody’s story.
Are you considering moving to a smaller home? Do you know what will fit in your new space? Are you ready to reduce your belongings? What will you do with the items you no longer want? How can you determine what is best to take with you?
Downsizing can be an overwhelming experience that involves a lot of decision-making. We often see the consequences of not downsizing before a move; clients end up in situations where they live among boxes for months and feel frustrated for spending money to move items they didn’t need.
We can assist you with decluttering before your move. This will help you save money by avoiding the transport of unnecessary items and make unpacking much easier. We provide a floor plan of your new home, so you know exactly what will fit. Our packing process is organized to ensure that unpacking is a breeze. Additionally, we handle the unpacking for you, making your transition seamless and stress-free.
If you love your home but are struggling to maintain it due to clutter, we can help. Our team knows what to look for to make your living conditions safer and more manageable. We specialize in decluttering and organizing spaces so that you have easy access to everything you need. Let us help you create a comfortable and organized home that meets your aging needs.
We can help you manage your move to a new senior community. Our services include drawing floor plans, organizing the movers, helping you unpack, and handling everything in between. This way, you can have a clear idea of what will fit in your new home and enjoy a hassle-free moving experience. Learn more about how we can help you by reading Michael’s story.
Renovating a home can be disruptive and stressful, but we are here to help minimize that stress. We assist you in managing your renovation timeline, scheduling offsite storage, organizing packing, and planning your space effectively. Our team collaborates with your interior designer, architect, and other professionals to ensure that your space functions well both during and after the renovation process.
We actively participate in design meetings, offering expert advice on organizational systems to enhance your space, and we work closely with your design team throughout the project. Our approach adds a functional perspective to your renovation team. Additionally, we take care of moving items, decluttering, packing, and unpacking for you.
To learn more about how we can support you during your renovation, read Clair’s story or Olivia’s story.
Packing services from SJO are different from the services a mover provides. Unlike movers, who often pack based on what’s in front of them on moving day, we pack with your new home in mind. That means unrelated items don’t get packed together, and your belongings are packed in an organized, intentional way.
We never dump a junk drawer into a box or pack cabinets full of items you haven’t touched in years. Instead, we declutter and organize everything before it’s packed, making unpacking faster, easier, and far less stressful.
We can also begin packing well in advance of your move, taking into account the items you use daily and the items you don’t. That makes moving day less stressful. Packing supplies are always provided, so you don’t have to estimate what you need or shop for them yourself. Every box is labeled by the room it belongs in, which makes the movers’ job easier and helps the move go more smoothly.
Note: We don’t pack specialty items such as wall art, sculptures, certain TVs, or oversized wall mirrors, as these items may require special crates or boxes.
Throughout the packing process, you may need support in a variety of ways. This could include coordinating with movers, handling specialty items, coordinating the cleaning of area rugs, managing move day, arranging off-site or on-site storage, hauling away large items, or delivering items to a family member or consignment shop. If you have a large home or small children, this kind of service can be invaluable for preserving your sanity and making sure nothing gets overlooked.
We can also assess your new space to determine how your home will function for you. Seeing the space in person helps us identify what will fit and what won’t. In addition, we can consult on any renovations you plan to complete before your move, ensuring you make the best storage choices for your lifestyle.
Decluttering is a key part of preparing your home for sale. Buyers don’t want to walk into a home that feels overcrowded or cluttered. Helping you declutter is the first step in getting your home ready for real estate photos. If your real estate agent is handling staging, we can provide a clean slate for them to work with. If you need staging support, we can arrange the rooms to highlight the home’s best features for buyers. We’ll make sure everything is ready for the photographer, so you can stay focused and avoid deadline stress.
Movers may offer unpacking services, but what we do is different. Movers simply take items out of boxes and haul away the empties. We place your belongings where they belong and create the home systems you need to live comfortably. We take your family’s habits and routines into account so everything ends up in practical, sensible places. If needed, we also bring organizing products such as bins, drawer organizers, and hangers. You’ll be settled in quickly, avoiding the hassle of living out of boxes for weeks or even months. Once we finish unpacking, all boxes will be dismantled and removed, leaving you feeling cozy and truly at home in no time.
If you have piles of paperwork that need organizing, we are well-equipped to help you with this task. Organizing paper requires focus, knowledge, and patience. One of the most frustrating aspects of sorting through paper is figuring out what is truly important. How can you be sure you won’t need specific information later? It can also be intimidating to let someone else see your private information.
We are experienced in identifying what to keep and what to discard. While paper organizing does take time, the relief it brings to you and your family can be significant, especially considering concerns related to natural disasters, health issues, or family dynamics. With nearly 20 years in business, we have earned the trust of our clients by handling their most prized possessions with care. Trust is paramount in our work; without it, we wouldn’t be able to succeed.
We can help you sort and organize your files. Reach out to us to find out how we can assist you in organizing your paperwork. We offer various approaches and are willing to accommodate your needs to ensure a successful outcome.
Organizing digital files such as emails, photos, or documents can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, we are here to help. If you book a phone consultation with us, we will discuss your specific needs and determine the best next step. Whether it’s an in-person or virtual session, we will work with your systems to make sure your files are organized and sorted. This means you can create photo albums, have tax files ready to go, or simply enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a clear email inbox. Get started today and take the first step towards a more organized digital life!
We utilize our extensive knowledge of organization and our coaching expertise to work with you virtually and assist you in achieving your objectives. Our aim is to offer guidance and structure while you put the plan into action. We begin by conducting a virtual tour of your home and then create a plan tailored to your needs. You have complete control over what we see and the sessions are brief, making them easy to fit into your schedule and less overwhelming. You’ll maintain focus because we’ll be with you while you work. It’s like having a virtual personal trainer for your home! Read Laila’s story and learn how we might be able to help you.
Small projects may include one room or one area of a room, a closet, a pantry, etc. Every space represents unique challenges therefore we may work with you one-on-one or bring in an additional team member to assist. Generally, it could take one to three sessions to see progress or complete a set goal.
Larger projects require planning, more sessions, and more team members. For projects this size we are the coordinator and organizer. We collaborate with your contractor, interior designer, real estate agent, hauling company, mover, etc. Together, we determine how to assist you best and provide a general estimate.
If you don’t live in Richmond, VA, are tight on time, or have a tight budget virtual organizing may be a good option for you. Virtual organizing is best if you want to learn and do the work but need an organizer coach to support you. Sessions are no more than two hours long.
The pace of each home organizing session depends on your mood and level of engagement. Some days you may feel motivated and energized, while other days you may feel less enthusiastic. Making quick decisions might be easy on some days but challenging on others. You may choose to leave home during some sessions. We’re here to support you no matter what. We never throw anything away without your approval, and progress is always made. You’ll feel accomplished by the end of the session.
Our sessions usually last between four to six hours, and typically involve more than one organizer. During the assessment, we discuss the most effective approach to tackle the project. We take into account your budget, timeline, and any other factors that may influence achieving the goal.
After each session, we accept donations that can fit in our truck at no charge. We do not accept items that must be disposed of at the dump.
Whether you have a large or small project, you may require organizing products during a home organizing session. We strive to find eco-friendly products, but did you know that the most eco-friendly products are the ones you already have? We always aim to be resourceful and save money, while ensuring that your project looks fabulous once it’s completed. We coordinate the purchase of products online and also make use of local resources as needed. During your assessment, we discuss your product requirements and plan accordingly.
We hope you get all your questions answered below. If not, please book a FREE phone consultation or call us at 804-625-4411.
The length of a session depends on the size of a project and your budget. However, most clients prefer full-day sessions, which run about 6 hours.
The assessment is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and determine whether we’re a good fit for working together. After we see your home, we can create a roadmap to help you achieve your organizing goals. It’s also a chance for you to ask any questions you’ve always wanted to ask about organizing your home.
The assessment usually takes about an hour, though it may sometimes take longer. We understand that letting someone new into your home is a big step, and we take that seriously. We use this time to build your trust, learn more about you, and understand how we can best support you.
Session costs can vary depending on the size of the project and the number of consultants. Pricing is discussed during the assessment to gauge your comfort, budget, and any deadlines. Session prices start at $350.
Payments can be made via check, cash, or using a credit/debit card via our online payment system. We can also take Zelle payments if preferred.
At the end of every session, we take items away for donation. Items are donated at the most convenient drop-off location on the day of the session. If you have a specific organization you prefer and it is within a reasonable distance, just let us know, and we will take the donations there.
During the in-home assessment, we discuss whether one or more organizers will be present during a session.
This is totally normal and understandable. You are taking a big step in having a new person in your home. However, It’s not uncommon for our clients to say “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” or “Wow, that wasn’t so bad!” You’ll see as soon as you open your door how friendly and non-judgmental we are.
No, absolutely not. Home is a personal space and it’s normal to ask this question. However, comparing one person’s lifestyle to another person’s lifestyle is not productive. We are all unique and our homes are special in their own way.
We offer a customized approach when it comes to products. If you already have products that can be repurposed, we will do our best to use them. However, if you prioritize aesthetics and want all your products to look coordinated and curated, we can source new products that match your preferences. With our extensive experience with products, we know exactly where to find what you need. We will work closely with you to find the best products for your needs. We also have our own stash of organizing products that we bring with us to sessions, so sometimes we can implement products on the spot and add the product charge to your invoice.
Additionally, we do not make money from your product orders. We never want you to think we are suggesting products for our own benefit. We only suggest products because we know they will actually work for you. The only time a fee may be charged is if we purchase products for you and you reimburse us using a credit card, since we are charged credit card processing fees.
There are so many options to choose from it can be overwhelming. But we are here to help you make decisions that best suit your budget and lifestyle. Whether it’s buying a shelving unit, getting a custom closet installed, or installing pull-out drawers in an existing cabinet we know what/who to recommend. We are happy to coordinate appointments with recommended service providers and meet with them to ensure you are covering all the important details. If you need to order products online to install we will measure and ensure you get all the necessary parts ordered.
Yes! When you are planning a renovation, we can offer you our assistance in numerous ways. A renovation is like a move. We can assist with decluttering so you aren’t storing/packing items you won’t need later. If you plan on living elsewhere while the renovation takes place, we can help you prepare and pack your belongings. Moreover, we can create a detailed inventory of items that will be in storage so that you can easily access them when required. We can also book hauling, storage, or pod delivery services for you and ensure that you have enough space to store all your items. In addition to that, we can collaborate with your designer and builder to assist them in understanding your organizational needs and ensure that your updated home has sufficient storage space. This becomes particularly helpful when renovating kitchens!
Yes! It’s a great idea to declutter before you move. This way, you won’t have to pay to move items that you no longer need or want. We can also help you plan your new home systems, pack your items, and unpack everything at your new home. By working with you in advance of the move, we can get to know your needs and wants and be a second set of eyes and hands to make sure that your move is quick and easy.