Downsizing and organizing for the next chapter in life.
Have you been in your family home for 40 years, and have now decided that it is time to move to a smaller, easier to manage location? Or do you just want to simplify and be ready for a potential move in the future?
Are your kids getting older and it’s time to sort through all the outgrown stuff to make room for your current lives?
Does your parent need to move from their family home and you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of dealing with all the stuff? Are you not willing or able to use weeks of vacation time to go through the stuff?
Your Next Chapter is here to help.
I am a librarian by training who had to decide what to do with my next chapter of life. I returned to Ann Arbor in 2016 after a 10 year absence and no longer wanted to pursue a career as a librarian. After exploring options, I landed on a combination of professional organizing, de-cluttering, move management and concierge services – combining my organization skills with a librarian’s natural need to help people. In 2023, I added training as a professional organizer and became a professional member of NAPO – the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals.
Effective January 1, 2025, de-cluttering, downsizing and organizing service fees are $225 for a 3 hour session. Sessions are scheduled Monday-Friday either 9AM-12PM or 12:30/1:00 to 3:30/4:00. Some flexibility in those times is possible. Additional hours are billed at a rate of $75/hour and pro-rated in 15 minute increments.
Weekend sessions are available at a rate of $170 for a 2 hour session. Additional hours are billed at a rate of $85/hour and pro-rated in 15 minute increments.
Move management fees are $75/hour with a 6 hour minimum, because I need to block off the whole day. I will make sure the movers have drinks, lunch, snacks, and whatever else they need.
Each session includes removal of one trunkload of donations and non-curbside recyclables. This includes items to be donated at a general thrift store or to specialty locations. Toxics included in the base fee are limited to the 2 boxes the Home Toxics Center accepts without an appointment; quantities larger than that will require special arrangements.
I generally work within a 10 mile radius of downtown Ann Arbor. Other locations may be possible with a travel fee.
Items sold on behalf of a client are subject to a 30% commission before any fees associated with selling the item (such as advertising, ebay fees, and shipping).
Listing items for sale that clients will manage can be done within the bounds of a work session. For example: I will take pictures and list the item on Facebook Marketplace but any inquiries will be directed to you to manage the actual process of interacting with the buyer.
I am a solo-practitioner with a limited number of appointments available each week. Last minute cancellations result in a loss of income. A minimum 48 hours notice is requested for cancellations and re-scheduling. Payment of the session fee is requested for cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice if I cannot fill your slot. Of course, things come up and exceptions can be made. When scheduling online, a credit card is requested to hold your spot. This will only be charged for cancellations of less than 24 hours.
Instead of adding more clutter to your friend or family members’ home for the next birthday or holiday, give the gift of de-cluttering. E-gift cards may be purchased online through Square, or paper gift certificates can be ordered by contacting info@yournextchaptera2.com
Click here to purchase an e-gift card.
Tell me a bit about what you’re facing and I’ll be in touch to find a time. Nothing is booked automatically — we’ll agree on a session together.
Ann Arbor, Michigan. I generally work within a 10 mile radius of downtown Ann Arbor. Other locations may be possible with a travel fee.
Weekdays 9AM-12PM or 12:30/1:00 to 3:30/4:00, with weekend sessions also available. See services & rates.
