FAQs for in home organising
1 / What locations do you cover?
I predominantly work in North and Mid Oxfordshire (including Oxford), Warwickshire, the Cotswolds, South Northamptonshire and West Buckinghamshire. If you're outside of these areas please contact me to discuss if I can help you.
2 / Do I need a consultation?
Yes. I offer a free, no obligation, 30 minute consultation to help us both understand what you would like from the decluttering and organising process.
3 / How long are sessions?
The minimum in person session length is 3 hours. My aim is to help you through the process of decluttering and organising but at a pace that supports you.
Full day sessions are 6 hours with a 30 minute break.
4 / Can I add time to a session if we need longer?
Depending on my availability that day, we may be able to add in some more time. Additional hours attached to a session are charged at £45 per hour.
5 / How long will my project take?
Whilst I can give you an estimate, this is never going to be an exact science. Progress is often dependent on how you feel at a session, what we uncover and the pace that you feel you can sustain. The need for additional hours is always discussed with you before any further commitment to spend money has to be made.
6 / Do I need to be present?
Yes, it's really helpful for you to be there so we can work together. You can own the process and make the changes that you are comfortable with.
If we are working on a home that's part of a probate sale, I can work on my own but any items for donation or disposal will not be removed without permission of you the client or the executors.
7 / Do I need to tidy up before you come?
Please don’t. It’s very helpful for me to see how you are using the space in your home so that together, we can work up the best plan to support you and how you need to use the available space in your home.
8 / Should I buy storage before the start of the session?
No, please don’t buy anything extra. Wherever possible we will look at what you already have and what can be repurposed. If you need more storage then I can help you make a decision on what you need.
9 / Will you make me throw things out?
No, absolutely not. I will walk you through a number of steps so that you can make your own decisions on what to keep and what to recycle, donate or dispose of. I can also advise you on how to remove items from your home.
10 / What about cleaning?
I am not a cleaner but as we are going through items, I will help you to clean surfaces, shelving or other storage solutions as items are returned to their new space.
11 / Do you take things away?
I can take good quality donations for charity as part of my services. Where there are items that need to be disposed of or recycled, you will receive the House Calmer Quick Guide for your local authority that highlights options for waste disposal, selling or donating.
FAQs for virtual sessions
1 / What tech do I need to have a virtual session?
We can have a call using any tech that you are comfortable with but it's really useful to be able to see your space so a video call is perfect. You can use a mobile phone, tablet or laptop.
2 / Do I need a consultation?
Yes. I offer a free, no obligation, 30 minute consultation to help us both understand what you would like from the decluttering and organising process.
3 / How long are sessions?
The minimum virtual session length is 1 hour. There is no maximum but many people find between 1 and 2 hours is great.
4 / Can I add time to a session if we need longer?
Depending on my availability that day, we may be able to add in some more time. Additional time is charged at £45 per hour.
5 / How long will my project take?
Whilst I can give you an estimate, this is never going to be an exact science. Progress is often dependent on how you feel at a session, what we uncover and the pace that you feel you can sustain. The need for additional hours is always discussed with you before any further commitment to spend money has to be made.
6 / Can I have someone with me?
Yes of course you can. This is useful if you need help with moving items around and and extra pair of hands is needed.
If it is someone who isn't normally part of your household, do introduce them to me on the call. You and I are the ones who will agree on what needs to happen during the session.
7 / Do I need to tidy up before the call?
Please don’t. It’s very helpful for me to see how you are using the space in your home so that together, we can work up the best plan to support you and how you need to use the available space in your home.
8 / Should I buy storage before the start of the session?
No, please don’t buy anything extra. I will ask you what you already have and we will look at what can be repurposed. If you need more storage then I can help you make a decision on what you need.
9 / Will you make me throw things out?
No, absolutely not. I will walk you through a number of steps so that you can make your own decisions on what to keep and what to recycle, donate or dispose of. I can also advise you on how to remove items from your home.
10 / What about cleaning?
As it's a virtual session, you take the decision as to whether you want to clean during the time we have together or do it after the session has ended.
11 / Do you take things away?
As I'm not with you in your home, you will need to factor in time and effort to remove items from your home. You will receive a free guide at our first session, that is bespoke to your District Council outlining how items can be disposed of and other outlets for donations.