Frequently Asked Questions

Please complete the enquiry form through the Contact page on my website.

Once I’ve reviewed your enquiry, I’ll be in touch to arrange a free in-home consultation where we can discuss your goals, the challenges you are facing, and the most suitable approach for your space.

Following the consultation, I will provide a personalised written proposal outlining my recommendations and suggested next steps.

During the consultation, we will discuss your goals, the challenges you are currently facing, and the areas of your home you would most like support with.  If you feel comfortable doing so, you may also choose to show me around the relevant spaces.

The consultation also gives me an opportunity to assess the volume of items, understand how the space is currently functioning, and recommend the most suitable approach moving forward.

A personalised written proposal will then be provided within 48 hours.

Consultations take no more than 1 hour. 

Many clients feel anxious about somebody seeing their home as it currently is, but there is no expectation for you to tidy, clean or prepare beforehand.

The consultation and organising process are designed to meet you where you are, without judgement.

Yes.  I understand that clutter and organisation challenges are often connected to overwhelm, decision fatigue, executive functioning difficulties and life circumstances.

Sessions are always approached with compassion, flexibility and without judgement.

Sessions are delivered in focussed 3-hour blocks, offered at available morning or afternoon times.

For larger or more complex projects, multiple sessions or a longer-term approach may be recommended to allow for sustainable progress without overwhelm.

This varies from home to home and depends on the number of areas you would like support with, the volume of items involved, and how quickly decisions can be made during the process.

Some clients need support with a single space, while others benefit from ongoing support over a longer period of time.

I usually aim to arrive a little early for the first session (don’t be alarmed — this does not mean the session will start early!).   Whilst I am enthusiastic, this gives me time to transition between the journey and the session itself.  We will likely both be feeling a little anxious, and transitions can sometimes feel difficult.  It’s important that we begin with as calm and grounded a mindset as possible, and we can build energy and momentum from there if that works for you.

I always arrive with my kit bag and coloured trugs.   I will take off my shoes and we will usually begin with a quick chat, where I will complete a Progress Form to document the agreed aims for the session, before starting the area or category that will be the focus of our session.

I usually take some photographs at the start of the session and set timers at 30-minute intervals so we can remain aware of both the time and the progress we are making together.

At the end of the session, I will complete the Progress Form with what we achieved, what we have taken away and any agreed homework (if applicable), before asking you to sign it, giving your consent for the items listed on the form to be removed.   I will take final photographs and all before-and-after images will be shared with you afterwards via WhatsApp or email.

Yes please!  This is a partnership, and it’s important that you feel in control of the process.  I am there to support and help you in making decisions about your stuff, and I work much better, and enjoy myself much more, when I am with someone else!

You are the expert on you, your life and your space, so ultimately there is a much greater chance of success working together. 

Yes.  A break is important for both of us.  These usually happen mid-way through (or at another logical point during) the session.  Breaks are usually about 10 minutes long and I encourage us to be separate both from each other and from the space that we are working on during this time.   I will usually have my snack and a drink at this point. 

I operate with a 5-mile radius from KT15.  If you live further afield, these are considered at my discretion and may incur additional travel costs.  

If you live within a 5-mile radius of KT15 then there is no additional travel cost.

If you live further afield, sessions may still be available, subject to an additional travel charge. This will be confirmed in advance based on distance. 

This is also applicable to consultations that are outside a 5-mile radius of KT15.

Payment is required in full at the time of booking to secure your session.

Payment details will be provided when session dates and times are offered. Payment can be made by bank transfer or card payment link.

If you need to reschedule a session, please provide a minimum of 48 hours’ notice.  Sessions may be rescheduled once without penalty and will be offered at available times.

Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable, as your session time has been specifically reserved and is unlikely to be filled at short notice.

Having a plan for where your items will go afterwards is advised.

At my discretion, I can take donations to charity at the end of each session.  The majority of your donations go to The Salvation Army Shop, or Oxfam, in Addlestone. 

I also pass on your donations to Woking and Sam Beare Hospice, Manor Mead school, and a local kennel for retired Greyhounds (towels, duvets, bed linen etc).   I can also take items for donations to the food bank. 

I’m happy to help you make arrangements for the removal of larger items, items you wish to give away and items for recycling or disposal. 

No.  This is not part of the services that I offer.

No.  This is not part of the services that I offer.

I joined APDO (Association for Professional Declutters and Organisers) and launched Crowded House Decluttering in March 2023. 

I have attended the below courses:

APDO Starting A Professional Organising Business - May 2023

ADHD for Organisers Course' (Sarah Bickers - Free Your Space) - May 2024

APDO Paperwork Simplified – September 2024

APDO Effective Listening - October 2024

Hoarding Disorders UK Virtual Hoarding Awareness Training - Stage 1 - February 2025

Hoarding Disorders UK Virtual Hoarding Awareness Training - Stage 2 - November 2025

Yes.  Crowded House Decluttering holds both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.

Yes.  I hold a current Basic DBS certificate.

Please feel free to ask if you would like further information.

‍I am a member of the Association for Professional Declutters and Organisers (APDO).  Being an APDO member means:

I am fully insured to work with you

‍I have access to continued professional development ‍

We share good practice between members

I adhere to their code of ethics which sets out expectations of confidentiality, honesty and integrity. You can read the code of ethics here.

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