Before Your Organizing Session
We're so excited to help you create a home that feels calmer, more functional, and easier to maintain. Here's everything you need to know before, during, and after your organizing session.
What to Know
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What to Know ✳︎
No Need to Organize Before We Arrive
There's no need to organize or declutter before your session we'll take care of that together. We simply ask that your home is in sanitary condition before we arrive.
Having everyday items clean and ready to organize allows us to make the most of your session and helps you clearly see everything you own during the decluttering process.
For example, having laundry washed before a closet organizing session or dishes cleaned before a kitchen or pantry project allows us to sort, categorize, and organize everything at once, creating systems that are both functional and easy to maintain.
Of course, we understand life gets busy. If you haven't had time to get everything cleaned beforehand, don't worry we'll simply work with what we have and make the most of your session.
Set Aside Personal Documents
If you have confidential paperwork, financial records, or sentimental items you'd prefer to review on your own, feel free to set those aside before your session.
Decision Makers
If multiple people share the space or make household decisions, we recommend they're available for larger decluttering decisions during the session.
Parking & Entry Information
If you live in a gated community, apartment building, or neighborhood with visitor parking requirements, please send any gate codes, parking instructions, or visitor pass information before your appointment. This helps us arrive on time and maximize your session.
Photo Release Form
Before your session, please complete the photo and content release form that will be sent to you through Square. This form lets us know whether you're comfortable with Habitual Home Organizing capturing and using before and after photos or videos of your project for our website, social media, and other marketing materials. Your decision is completely optional and will never affect the quality of service you receive.
Before We Arrive
During Your Session
We Start With a Walkthrough
We'll begin with a walkthrough of your space to discuss your goals, routines, and priorities before creating a plan for the session.
Decluttering Comes First
We'll sort everything into categories and guide you through the decluttering process before creating functional organizing systems. You'll always have the final say on what stays, what gets donated, and what gets discarded.
We Work at Your Pace
Once we've established a plan, we'll begin sorting, categorizing, and organizing your space. For most projects, we're able to work independently for 30–40 minutes at a time while creating systems, allowing you to continue working, relaxing, or spending time with your family. We'll then check in with you to review decluttering decisions before moving forward.
Some projects—such as playrooms, children's spaces, sentimental belongings, or large scale organizing projects require more frequent collaboration to determine what is staying and what is leaving. Please plan to be available throughout your session for these larger decision making moments so we can keep your project moving efficiently.
If you're unable to step away, we're happy to text photos whenever possible so you can make decisions remotely.
We'll always work at your pace. We never pressure you to make decisions, and our goal is to create systems that fit your home, your routines, and your lifestyle.
Trust the Process
It's completely normal for your space to look messier before it gets better! We temporarily remove items so we can properly sort, declutter, categorize, and create systems that truly work. Trust the process—it all comes together.
Organizing Products
If organizing products would improve your space, we'll discuss our recommendations with you before purchasing anything. We believe in selecting products that fit your space, budget, and lifestyle rather than buying containers just for the sake of organizing. All organizing products and supplies are billed separately.
Donations & Junk Removal
Decluttering naturally creates donation piles, recycling, and household trash. Here's what to expect at the end of your session.
Donation Drop-Off
We're happy to take up to six bags of donations to a local donation center on your behalf.
To ensure we can safely transport your items, please note:
Donations must be clean and securely bagged or boxed.
We cannot remove items that were already stored in your garage, outside, or elsewhere before the session.
Once donation items have been placed in our vehicle, they are considered approved for donation and cannot be returned. Please make sure you've removed any personal, sentimental, or valuable items before your donations are loaded.
If your project results in more than six bags of donations, we're happy to discuss additional options.
Trash & Junk Removal
While we'll bag trash generated during the organizing process, we're unable to remove household trash, cardboard, or large amounts of recycling from your home.
For larger clean-outs or bulky items, we're happy to coordinate a quote with one of our trusted local junk hauling partners. If you think your project may require junk removal, please let us know before your appointment so we can plan accordingly.
Clothing Consignment
For designer, luxury, or high-end clothing and accessories, we also partner with several trusted consignment professionals in Austin. If you're interested in exploring resale opportunities, let us know before or during your session, and we'll be happy to discuss whether your items may be a good fit.
Payment
Payment is due upon completion of your session.
We prefer payment via Zelle, though we also accept bank transfer and major credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Never. We'll guide you through the decision making process, but every decision is ultimately yours.
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No. We recommend waiting until we've measured your space and understand exactly what your home needs. This helps avoid unnecessary purchases and ensures everything fits properly.
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Not at all! We work with homes of all sizes and clutter levels. Our goal is to help you create functional systems that make your home easier to maintain.
However, we do ask that your home is in sanitary condition before your session. At this time, Habitual Home Organizing is not able to take on hoarding projects or work in environments with unsafe conditions, including excessive dirt, mold, pests, or other biohazards.
If you're unsure whether your project is the right fit, please reach out before booking. We're happy to discuss your space and answer any questions.
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Every project is unique. We'll prioritize the areas that matter most and create a plan if additional sessions are needed.
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Yes! Habitual Home Organizing is fully insured for your peace of mind.