frequently asked questions

Q: How do you differ from traditional organizers?
A: Our role is to assist you in the removal of possessions. We are not organizers, estate sale coordinators or storage coordinators.

Q: Do I have to "throw my things away"?
A:  Our service is very specifically for individuals that are looking to remove items from your home and to eliminate items that pose a barrier between you and your peace of mind. 

Q: Will you help me donate the things I choose to part with?
A: Yes! We can provide you with an updated list of donation opportunities. Removing your items for you is an additional service and is charged at the same hourly rate. 

Q. Will you help me value items for resale?
A: The time to research, list and then ship each item is cost prohibitive and time consuming.  For that reason, we may gently discourage the practice of "reselling" but certainly we can assist you in earmarking your items for resale. We regret that we cannot provide valuations.

Q. What if I don’t want to get rid of things and I just need a better system?
A: We believe that people are naturally good at creating organizational systems once the extraneous clutter in their lives is removed. If you are committed to "organizing" vs "decluttering" we can refer you to several local area professional organizers. 

Q: What does a session look like?
A: Sessions are typically 2 , 2.5 or 3 hours. We will start with 15 minutes of reconnecting with you in your space, seeing what you’ve accomplished and letting you guide the session goal. The next 90 minutes will be spent working in the space. We will start in one area, sorting the items into four categories (keep, donate, recycle, or toss). Before we leave each space, we will create an action plan for how those items will be removed. We will then either assist you in tidying up that space, or we will move on to the next space freeing you to organize what’s “left behind” on your own. 
 
Q. Is there a fee for a consult?
A: A first time in-person consultation is $35 for 45 minutes.

Q: How long will it take to finish? Will 1 session be enough?
A: Every space and client is different. Decision making is easier and faster when there is limited emotional attachment to the items. For others, part of letting go is to acknowledge each item.. We take our cue from you, staying respectful but productive. 
 
Q. How many people will be at each session?
A: Most projects start with 2 service providers. As your project progresses, you may elect to work with two or reduce to one. You can learn more about us above.
 
Q: Do the sessions include the cost of organizing products? 
A: The cost of organizational tools is a separate fee. We will give you a supply list or we can purchase materials on your behalf.

Q: Do I need to be present during the sessions?
A: Yes. This service is to assist you in your decision making and for you to have helping hands for your labor.

Q: May I involve my children?
A:  For the first session, we will want to work with you exclusively to focus and concentrate on your needs. During future sessions, we can accommodate middle school age children or older, with notice, with the express understanding that even motivated capable participants typically slow the process down.


Q. I love the idea of having help but if I'm just "throwing things away", paying someone to help me do such a simple thing feels counterintuitive.  What's the value in this?
A. We bring objectivity, emotional neutrality, and expertise. We can move faster, more efficiently and help you stay targeted and focused on your goals. For us, clearing out space is not a punishment or a chore. We bring a positive judgement free mindset and a commitment to seeing you free from anything that doesn't serve you. 

One of the biggest barriers to decluttering is the destructive idea that it's a simple task that one should be able to do it by themselves. We live in a time when repurposing and recycling are paramount. In just 50 years we've seen scarcity, then innovation, then abundance. There are generation conflicts as well as practical. From physical limitations, work schedules, family commitments, emotion, to a lack of knowledge on how to dispose of your items are all barriers to success. There are lots of things we "can" do ourselves that we outsource - house cleaning, personal training, landscaping, food preparation and snow removal to name a few. Hiring a professional decluttering team is just another way of getting your needs met.  

 Q: I might be a hoarder. Can you still help me?
A: The best help we can give you is to tell you that hoarding isn't your fault. Hoarding is a complicated disorder that can come from many factors, including genetics, and triggers can range from stress to loss. Stored items serve an emotional need and it's important to acknowledge that need. If we are your first step, we will gently suggest that you locate a licensed therapist or speak to your physician first. The will to change your environment is to be nurtured, but not at the expense of your health and safety.

Q: My parent/spouse is a hoarder but I'm ready to work. Can you work with just me?
A. Please be reminded that hoarding is a complex disorder and we gently discourage “forcing” loved ones to remove items. Please work with a compassionate professional to establish a network for your loved one that supports a clearing out process. After you have established that network, we’ll be here to work with both of you. Due to the nature of some hoarding situations, we retain the right to respectfully decline your project if we feel the conditions are hazardous to our team.
 
Q: Is our work together confidential?
A: Yes. We do not take photographs of your space nor will we discuss your project with other clients. We also will not use any accolades or reactions (text or email) as a testimonial without your express consent.

Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes, we maintain a general liability policy. We assume no liability for miscataloging valuables and make no claim to recognize or reserve aside items of value. All valuations are to be done by the family only.

Q: How do I pay for your services?
A: Payment is collected at the end of each work day for single sessions.
We accept cash, check, Venmo, and PayPal.
 
Q. What if I change my mind?
A. Your items, your home and your time hold a value, and the removing of items can be painful, personal and emotionally consuming. If we come, and you need to cancel for any reason while we are onsite, we will charge you only for the time spent plus travel. Our goal, and mission, is to be there for you compassionately and ethically.

Q: Is there a travel fee?
A: Travel is included at no additional cost in our service area. Travel outside our service area is billed in quarter hour increments at our hourly rate. 

Q: Do you have a cancellation policy?
A: We require a minimum of 24 hours notice. Late cancellations or no-show appointments may be assessed a fee. Additional details are noted in our Terms of Service.