FAQs
What areas of my home do you work in?
My service is lead by you. So, if you need help in your laundry, living areas or garden shed, I can help. I can also help with off-site storage units.
What does a usual session look like?
My first priority is your safety. We will focus on blocked fire exits, trip and falls hazards, and any other threats to your safety or wellbeing. Following a process where we remove rubbish and unwanted items, we will then declutter and sort, and finish by cleaning the space and organising the items that will remain. We can start in any room you wish, but a quick victory will keep you motivated to keep going. We will try to complete a category or whole room each session if possible.
How long is each session?
Our first initial hands-on session will be 2 hours. This session starts with a tour of your home and discussions about your problem areas, what organising you have tried in the past, where you would like the start, and any concerns you have. We then work on a small project together, a kitchen drawer or small cupboard. This will give you a feel for the process and the emotions behind why we find decluttering and organising difficult.
How next sessions will be 3 to 4 hours. Everyone copes with different levels of physical and mental energy, so we can be a little flexible and not work you too hard. During these sessions, we will work on whole storage areas, think wardrobes or pantries, or a room. Our progress will be determined by your energy levels and how quickly decisions about each item are made.
Will I need to be there?
Yes, you will. Part of the decluttering and organising process is learning how to manage your items in the future, so you can maintain an organised home. The process for decluttering and organising your home needs you to make decisions that are best for you. I will help you learn how to make decisions and process items as they come into your home.
For large pre-declutter sorting projects, I may be able to work unaccompanied. We can discuss this type of project if required.
How many sessions will I need?
This answer is different for everyone and the process may take longer than you first think. The size of your home, level of clutter, and your decision-making processes all affect the time it takes to declutter a room or home. I can set small homework projects for you in between sessions. This will help you make the most of the skills you learn each session and speed up the process. Some clients need support for their entire home project, others need minimal support and like the accountability of having me in their home.
Do I need to tidy up before you come?
No, please don’t tidy before I come. It actually makes my job easier if you don’t. This will help me clearly see the big problem areas and the areas you are managing on your own.
What do you bring with you?
So we can get started as quickly as possible, I bring with me a basic tool kit and consumables including garbage bags, ziplock bags, sorting tubs, and rubber bands. I can also supply some recycled cardboard boxes for you to use if required. All of these basic supplies are part of my services and free of charge. We will try to reuse as many of the products you already have in your home as we can.
Will you make me throw away my precious items?
Most definitely not! I am here to support you and guide you when making decisions about the items you want to keep and those you want to get rid of. Sometimes, after carefully thinking about why you want to keep an item and talking about your feelings, you may decide that you no longer want to keep it.
Can I choose where to donate my unwanted items?
Yes, you can. You will be able to make most of the decluttering decisions yourself, including local charities you wish to support. I can give you ideas on community groups that accept donations that you may not have thought of.
Can you help if I have limited mobility or low energy levels?
Everyone has different mobility and energy levels and this should be no barrier to you decluttering and organising your home. I can modify our sessions and support you to achieve your organising goals. It’s ok if some days all you can manage is to sit comfortably and make decisions, while I do the physical work, and other days you have boundless energy to work along side me.
How far do you travel and do you charge to travel?
Yes. I will travel as far as you need me to. Travel time is charged after the first 30 minutes at $55.00 per hour with charging increments of fifteen (15) minutes and $0.80 per kilometre after the first 50 kilometres, in both directions.
Do you work in hoarded homes?
Hoarded homes require an extra level of care and their residents need specialised emotional support. I work in hoarded homes from level I to III on the Clutter to Hoarding Scale, if the person is also receiving professional mental health support. I do not work in level IV or V homes. You can learn more about the Clutter to Hoarding Scale here.
How much training have you had?
Prior to becoming a professional organiser, I worked in healthcare as a nurse, records manager, and work health and safety coordinator. I have completed training in professional organising through The Professional Organisers Edge and hoarding through Hoarding Home Solutions. I am a member of the Institute of Professional Organisers, work to their code of conduct for professional organisers, and have completed many of their professional training packages. I have also completed Mental Health First Aid training.
Is what you see in my home private and confidential?
Yes. Like any professional service provider, I am bound by a code of conduct. Your home and the services I provide are private and confidential. I do take photos at the beginning of our sessions. These are to show progress and motivate you but won’t be used for social media without your consent.
What don’t you do?
General Waste Removal and Cleaning Services: I am not a domestic cleaner or rubbish removalist, or a trauma cleaner. I do however help you clean the areas we are decluttering and organising. This may include wiping shelving before repacking a pantry or vacuuming the floor before we arrange furniture. Trauma cleaning requires specialists in rubbish removal and safe use of industrial cleaning chemicals.
Removalist Services: I do not provide removalist or storage services, but can help you declutter before or after a move. I can also help you source local service providers who may offer these services.
Declutter other people’s belongings: Owning and letting go of items is a deeply personal experience. I can only declutter items for a consenting client. This includes children living in your household or older family members you may care for.