Frequently Asked Questions

There really is no such thing as a silly question!

What do you do?

We declutter and organise any area within your home, garden, garage, storage facility, office or work space.

How do you do it?

As each space and the people who occupy it will differ, so does the approach to establishing a goal for the session. In every case we listen to your needs, expectations and desires. Finding out what is and is not working in a space is essential to determine the next step. It’s part of our job to keep you focused and gently remind you of your target/goals. We will make sure that you have breaks if you need them. Along the way we offer support, fun and encouragement enabling you to keep on track so that making decisions becomes easy. We will make suggestions so that practical solutions can be implemented. You may feel the need to know the rough value of items so sometimes we will look up the current eBay offerings. We do not sell your items off-site but we can arrange a Vintage Cash Cow collection for example. 

Do I need an initial consultation?

We suggest an initial consultation, ideally we would have a chat on the telephone to find out what prompted you to get in touch. It can be helpful to see the space that we are talking about, so sending photographs or having a video-call can work particularly well. It is important to discuss your priorities and establish a realistic action plan. Our working relationship will be built on an understanding of who usually lives in or uses the place where we shall be working. In some instances a site visit may be beneficial, particularly if a written report is required prior to work commencing.

How can I prepare for a session?

It is not necessary to clear up for our visit but clearing your diary of commitments and allowing people to leave a message on your telephone will help to use yours and our time most appropriately. By ensuring there are no other planned distractions you will get the most out of your session. Please read our Terms & Conditions.

Do I need to provide anything?

Yes, you need to have commitment to the process and a willingness to let go of items that no longer serve you. Boxes and bags are always useful for sorting if you have them already. We will often have a small supply of reusable boxes with us. We will require access to hand-washing facilities please.

What storage do I need to buy before we start?

You don’t! We are very practiced at making use of and utilising existing storage from around a property. More often than not, it is possible to improve a space without having to source additional items. You may find as we declutterer and rationalise what you wish to keep, less storage is required. It is also good to realise that you won’t know what to buy until you ascertain which items you have left to store. 

Will you make me throw everything away?

No! We are not minimalists policing the number of belongings you own. We will however help you to choose which items you keep and help guide you to find a good place for everything to be stored.

Will I have to be there?

Yes. It’s important for the items owner to be a part of the decluttering process. It is more than likely that we will do the physical work, but it’s important for you to make decisions about items that you wish to pass on or keep and where you want to store them. 

This does not mean to say that we can not work remotely for instance in a probate case if a vacant property requires sorting and clearing. We are also able to offer off-site research, plan, organise and project manage work on your behalf. 

How long will it take?

Each person is an individual and we all work at different paces. There are some overriding factors including your impetus for change and also your physical and emotional energy levels. If the items you are dealing with have not been in your life for very long, sometimes it can be easier to let them go. After the first session we will have a benchmark to make a fairer assessment of your situation.

Our sessions are for a minimum of 3 hours. We are willing to roll over at the end of a session if you don’t want the fun to stop! We generally work as a team, since we find more can be achieved with two of us filling the van.

Will I get a lunch break?

Yes. If we are scheduled to work for a full day, a break time will be allocated at a mutually agreed time. You will not be charged for this period and you will not be expected to provide refreshments.

Will I be given homework?

If you would like some! We will agree on a plan for you to continue to progress between each decluttering session. It can sometimes be helpful to enable you to stay on target and maintain your motivation.

What happens to the items I do not keep?

The serviceable items that you no longer need will be redistributed within the local community. Clothes, furniture or small appliances are often required at hostels or refuges so we will make sure the items get to those in need. We also take goods to foodbanks and charity shops. 

Sometimes an item is more suited to a Freecycle listing or to be used as part of an art project. We do not advocate the use of landfill and will always recycle as much as possible. Electrical cables for instance will be taken to support a local social enterprise. 

Do you have Public Liability Insurance? 

Yes we do, we are currently insured with Westminster Insurance Ltd, more information is available if desired upon request.

Do you have a COVID-19 Policy?

We are aware that COVID has not gone away, we work with many households suffering as a result of Long-Covid. We are very happy to talk about safe working practices. Social distancing and use of personal protective equipment can continue to be implemented. We continue to appreciate fresh air during a session and hope to never offend by using alcohol gel and wearing gloves as standard.

Are you registered with the Information Commissioner's Office?

Yes, we take your personal data and confidentiality very seriously. We are compliant with all General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes. We can also provide an email, text or WhatsApp picture voucher, we don’t want to add to paper clutter if we can help it.

Will Phil try on all hats before putting them in the charity box?

Absolutely, Phil is yet to resist a bit of fun :)

Will Rebecca organise items in alphabetical or numerical order?

She will work to what suits the people using the space best and loves any opportunity to use the label maker machine. It is no secret that at home her books and CD’s are arranged in rainbow order!