N E A T N I K
info @ neatnik.co
Home & Office Organizing for the Bay Area
Creating harmony in every corner.
neatnik (n.)
a person who is extremely neat, not only about their surroundings but the surroundings of those around them.
Ex: Ephi was such a neatnik he drove everyone nuts until they reluctantly asked him to organize their own shit and then eventually encouraged him to go into business.
Hi, I'm Ephi,
the Neatnik at large!
I'm a home & office declutterer/organizer,
furniture rearranger, interior designer,
neat freak extraordinaire, and a
compassionate, playful, nonjudgmental
advocate for personal change --
big and small.
If you're ready to finally create room
for something new and vibrant
in your home or office, read on!
How NEATNIK works:
STEP 1:
FREE ZOOM CONSULTATION
I like to start with a short video chat on your phone so you can show me the full range of the space you want to work on. At the end of our chat, I'll give you an estimate of how many hours the work will take.
To ensure comprehensive service within the initial four hours, my fee is a flat rate of $300. For any time exceeding this initial period, an hourly rate of $75 will be applied.
STEP 2:
"TAKING INVENTORY"
Upon arriving at your residence/office, we'll begin with a brief introductory discussion to understand your specific decluttering goals for the day. Following this, we'll embark on what I call the Inventory Phase. During this phase, we'll meticulously examine each item together and determine the most suitable category for each item based on a six-tiered system:
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Keep & Display: Items that will remain in the room and be visible.
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Store: Items that will be kept but not visibly displayed (e.g., closets, drawers, basement).
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Donate: Items in good condition that will be given to a charitable organization.
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Recycle: Items that can be recycled through local programs.
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Discard: Items that are broken, damaged, or no longer usable and will be thrown away.
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Review: Items that require further consideration or decision-making.
The duration of this phase may vary depending on the volume of items and your personal attachment to them. For clients with a significant amount of decluttering, multiple sessions may be necessary.
STEP 3:
STORING AND CREATING SPACE
Following the Inventory Phase, we will collaboratively sort through the Review pile, making definitive decisions about its categorization within the remaining five piles.
Next, I will proceed with organizing the Store pile. This involves meticulously sorting and packing items into appropriate containers (boxes/bins). To facilitate this process, I recommend purchasing a selection of containers in advance from a retailer such as Target or Home Depot. Retaining the receipt will allow you to return any unused containers.
While I focus on organizing that, you may concurrently address the items designated for Donate, Recycle, and Discard. Please note that my services include guidance and support in sorting through these items, however, transportation to donation centers or disposal sites is not included. I recommend exploring platforms like Thumbtack or TaskRabbit to schedule assistance with these specific activities.
Finally, we will collaborate on the Keep & Display pile. Together, we will strategically place these cherished items within your space, prioritizing ease of access, aesthetic appeal, balance, and an overall sense of flow.
STEP 4:
FOLLOWING UP & REDECORATING (optional)
When it's done, you will feel a HUGE sense of relief -- and hopefully some pride in yourself for making it happen! You may even feel motivated to reimagine your space through updates to your decor. Should you consider purchasing new furniture, I am happy to offer suggestions within your budget. However, you may be surprised at the transformative impact of simple enhancements such as introducing new colors, strategically placing lighting fixtures, and incorporating a touch of greenery with well-placed plants.
It's important to remember that just as personal growth is an ongoing journey, so too is the evolution of your living space. To maintain this newfound order and continue your decluttering journey, I offer ongoing support. I can provide regular check-ins, whether monthly or quarterly, to offer guidance and keep you on track. I am committed to partnering with you on this journey of creating an organized and inspiring home environment.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
Leonardo da Vinci
F.A.Q.
What if I need to get my place organized but I don’t even know where to begin?
I’ve found that even the smallest organizing jobs feel overwhelming for most people. For that reason, I recommend starting with just a closet or two and working your way up to the larger/more-cluttered spaces.
What if I know I want to do a large space at one time?
If you are committed to doing your whole apartment or office in one fell swoop, great! Just know that the stuff you have kept carries weight and can be triggering, especially in large doses.
If you had to describe the vibe of NEATNIK, what would it be?
Compassionate, playful, thorough, and tough-when-necessary! But letting go is a practice and though I always encourage leaving one's comfort zone, I'll never pressure you to throw anything out. I always want you to feel supported, wherever you are at.
How far will you drive?
Depending on the assignment, I’ll drive up to 90 minutes from San Francisco. Otherwise, I prefer to keep it local (45 minutes away or less).
Do I need to do anything at all to get the space ready before you come?
Some people are self-conscious about their spaces and will try to take inventory on their own or with a loved one before I get there. Whatever feels most comfortable for you is best, but I have found that it helps to create those six piles with me to avoid creating more clutter by simply moving items around instead of making definitive decisions.
How much is the security deposit if I know I want more than four hours of work in one day?
For a standard four-hour service, there is a non-refundable 25% deposit of $75. For longer engagements, the deposit amount will be adjusted accordingly. For example, an eight-hour service would require a $150 deposit, and two full days of service would necessitate a $300 deposit.
Will you accept the remainder in cash on the day(s) of services?
Upon completion of the decluttering session, the remaining balance is due in full. Payment can be made in cash or via the same payment application used for the initial deposit. Please note that I do not accept checks or credit cards.
Do you offer any discount packages?
Absolutely! I offer a range of flexible packages designed to meet your specific needs. Here are a few options to consider:"
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"The Intensive": Five four-hour sessions (or two-and-a-half eight-hour sessions) for $1200. Save $300.
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"The Comprehensive": Ten four-hour sessions (or five eight-hour sessions) for $2500. Save $500.
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"The Ultimate": Twenty four-hour sessions (or ten eight-hour sessions) for $4000. That's $2000 in savings!
Is there any paperwork I need to fill out before the session?
I'll send you an email with a quote and a contract to review and sign. Once I get that back and your deposit, all systems are a go!
Are there any hidden fees?
No, there are no hidden fees. However, if you would like me to assist with purchasing necessary supplies such as bins, boxes, or other organizational materials, I will require reimbursement for those expenses. The time spent procuring these items, including any travel time required, will be included within the agreed-upon session duration. Also, a rescheduling fee of $50 applies for cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled session time.
How much cleaning do you do in addition to organizing/decluttering?
Though I love do love the occasional Clorox wipe, I don't mop, scrub, or vacuum. If it's clear upon my arrival that your space is excessively dirty or there are vermin (especially in basements, attics, garages), I reserve the right to cancel. If you are having doubts about the cleanliness, please consider getting a professional cleaner or exterminator before the session.
Is it okay if I'm just in the next room doing work while you do your thing?
I understand that scheduling constraints may occasionally require us to communicate via text during the sessions. While in-person communication is generally most efficient for a productive decluttering process, I am flexible and willing to adapt to your schedule.
However, it's important to note that frequent text communication can potentially slow down the overall progress and may not always be the most effective method for addressing complex decisions or resolving challenges that may arise during the decluttering process.
Do you have any formal design training or professional organizing certification? No, I learned purely by experience -- decades of living in small, storage-less apartments in big cities, and by assisting friends and family. Also, I'm a screenwriter and filmmaker, and what I’ve learned from visual storytelling – attention to detail, appreciation of color and composition, “killing your darlings” for a cohesive narrative – has served me well with in this endeavor. I see professional organizing as a way to fulfill my OCD urges, sure, but also as a way to help people edit and recreate their narratives through their living / work space.
What if I know I could help but I'm just not sure if the time is right? If you've gotten so far as to research home organizers, you're probably more ready than you think! But feel free to shoot me a message below or at info@neatnik.co with any questions you may have!
Want to chat? Leave me a message below!
I'll get back to you shortly.
Marisa B.
"Ephi transformed our house into a home — a super stylish one! With an incredible eye for composition, balance, and an innate sense of feng shui, he helped us work with what we had (plus some smart suggestions for a few affordable pieces) to create a warm and modern living room, kid's room, and slick office space. As a bonus, he turned his organizational wizardry upon our chaotic closets and kitchen cabinets creating systems that we could actually maintain. He's also kind, funny, responsive, and unafraid to tackle your most embarrassing organizational disaster with zero judgment. You need Ephi in your life.."
Pablo M.
"I recently worked with Ephi to organize my house, and it was such a great experience! It went beyond just decluttering—his design skills were amazing. He helped me incorporate more plants and rearranged my furniture to create intimate, functional spaces. I especially loved that we were able to reuse a lot of my existing furniture, which made everything feel fresh without needing to buy new stuff. Ephi also worked wonders on my closets and kitchen cabinets, organizing everything perfectly. We ended up donating a lot of things I wasn’t using, which felt so good. He’s super detail-oriented, a hard worker, and a great communicator. He really listened to what I wanted, and I’m so happy with how everything turned out. I highly recommend him!"
Siri S.
"Choosing paint colors is something that I've always really struggled with and Ephi was great at helping me pick out the perfect light blue-green hue that brings warmth & serenity to my space.The best part about it all was that Ephi made a task I had been dreading, truly enjoyable. He's got a gift for conversation, humor, and professionalism, all wrapped in one. I HIGHLY recommend working with him---it's one of the best investments I've made, especially when I consider how much happier I now am when I'm at home. Thank you, Ephi!!"
Glen H.
"To be a Neatnik is a wonderful thing. Particularly if you are not one. I wouldn't call myself a slob, but I have trouble with clutter, with letting go of things I don't exactly need. Ephi helped me out with my jam-packed, catchall closet (I'm too embarrassed to show you the 'before' picture!). Working together we weeded, cleared and organized. Now it is a walk-in closet you can actually walk in!"
Estee N.
"Wow, what a game-changer working with Ephi has been! He didn't ask me to drop thousands of dollars buying new furniture to make the place look better---he was able to work with what I had to give my place the overhaul it needed. My head literally feels clearer when I open up my re-organized drawers, and see less clutter all around my space.
Evan S.
"I can’t say enough great things about Ephi, and how he transformed my space! I was in a rut, and he came in and helped me go through all my extra “stuff” and pair it down to the essentials. On top of that he actually made the whole process FUN! Incredible. Then we played around with the furniture, and found a much better flow for the space.. it’s like having a new apartment."