Frequently Asked Questions
I'm so lost and I don't know where to begin!
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What is chronic disorganization and how can professional organization help me?
According to the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, chronic disorganization persists over a long period of time, frequently undermines quality of life, and recurs despite repeated self-help attempts. Chronic disorganization may be present with brain-based challenges such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, hoarding disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and more. Here is their five-minute video introduction to chronic disorganization.
Professional organization benefits you when you don't know where to begin, too busy, feel like a failure, or ready to no longer be blind to the clutter. We work together determining which items to declutter, sort, categorize, and organize. When you share your story and needs, suggestions of new strategies or ideas on how to approach your space from an educated perspective for your current life stage will be addressed.
How long do projects take?
All sessions are not created equally and are customized to each individual or family.
Working together, projects run approximately 4-8 hours for one small area of a room, eg: closet, pantry, or office. A counter can estimate about two hours. Whole house decluttering estimates 1-3 ongoing weeks, though we strongly advise spreading the days out.
The time estimate for paper management and digital organization start at five hours and increases from there.
These times are only estimates and not guaranteed. Every client is different. What might take eight hours for one person, may take twenty-four hours for another.
Do I need to be home and present during the decluttering session?
Yes! This is a hands-on activity and you will be required to work alongside me. What I may view as donation or discard, may be your treasure. Your home is your personal space and having a stranger go through your things can cause great anxiety. Working together will not only save time, but also help walk you through the process mentally and physically.
I will work with your children and a guardian must be present at all times. I also love animals, including bearded dragons, however, if my presence introduces abnormal behavior, I will kindly ask you to separate them to another location of the home.
What are your payment and cancellation policies?
A non-refundable 50% deposit is required at the time of calendar session booking. The remaining balance is due at the end of each session.
Once a deposit has been received and schedule set, no refunds will be given. I understand that life happens and cancellations are necessary within the hour of the session. In the instance of a personal emergency, sessions may be rescheduled. Please allow at least 3 days' notice. A cancellation fee will be assessed for notices less than 48 hours.
For urgent emergencies, you may call or text message me at my provided number during consultation.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash and checks (made out to Collected Abundance LLC). Bounced checks incur a $35 fee. I also accept Zelle payments and all major credit card providers.
Are new storage solutions, like baskets, included in the hourly or package pricing? Will you bring anything with you?
No. I advocate conservation and do not recommend buying anything. I will incorporate what you already have on hand. If desired, we can discuss the goals and styles you'd like to achieve after a system is set, and if your budget allows, I will provide recommendations.
I also will not be bringing any tools with me if you already have the item at home. We will utilize what you already have in the home. You spent your hard earned money on that label maker. Let's learn how to use it, and implement it to your storage solutions!
What environmental impact solutions do you provide to reduce waste, resource use, or carbon emissions?
I provide environmental impact solutions by helping you declutter responsibly, donating or recycling items instead of sending them to landfills, encouraging the use of sustainable storage solutions, and promoting digital organization to reduce paper waste.
I also support mindful consumption practices, so you buy only what you truly need, which reduces overall resource use and carbon emissions.
I am connected with many upcycling and reuse businesses in our community, allowing for opportunity to reallocate items in our Greater Austin area.
Should I clean and declutter my house before my session?
There is no need to clean and declutter ahead of time. Leaving things where they are help me understand how you live your daily life, and organize things in places that make sense for you. We're all embarrassed by our living situation when it gets out of hand. This is a judgment-free zone.
Will you clean my home as well?
No. I will only dust and clean in the focused area(s) of decluttering and organizing.
For restoration, cleaning and other in-home services beyond professional organizing, we can discuss resources in the neighborhood or local community that can provide the best assistance for your needs.
What if the decluttering session reveals the need for other services, such as cleaning or small repairs?
We can discuss resources in the neighborhood and local community that can provide the best assistance for your needs. For guidance, you may browse the recommended resources as a place to start your research.
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Confidentiality
This is a very personal business, and all work is kept confidential. I uphold the Code of Ethics from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization and Faithful Organizers. There are no signs on my vehicle, and no company-printed or embroidered apparel worn. A name badge will be present as uniform unless otherwise requested for discretion and safety.
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Donations
All on-site sessions include one complimentary trunk load of donations, delivered to a local recipient of your choice. A tax deduction form will be handed to you during the next session, or sent digitally. I am associated with and support many local charities. If you do not have a preference, I will choose an organization that fits your interests or someone in most need. For larger items, trucks can be scheduled to haul away the donations for a possible additional cost.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
I will do my best to recycle whenever possible. As an advocate of the circular economy, very little is thrown in the trash. Items not accepted by donation or city recycling centers will be branched out to local Austin organizations such as Material Union and Boxifly. Junk removal services in the circular economy can also be coordinated for an additional cost.
Hear From Our Clients
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Duval neighbor // entire house
"Julianna, thank you so much for helping me with my move. You worked so hard! The amount of work you have done is amazing. From unloading the vases you had efficiently packed. My deepest gratitude.
I thought it would be impossible. I was past exhaustion and your presence alone gave me full strength to finish. I was so anxious and your calmness allowed me to feel calm. Please know how grateful I am for your invaluable assistance!
You were sterling today once more. Thank you ever so much Julianna!"
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Wells Branch neighbor // front entry, hallway and stairs
"We’ve been going through a bit of a rough time [and] our house has been in complete disarray lately. Julianna came by and helped with some tremendous organization tasks, especially in the entry way of our house, our out-of-control shoe baskets, and the little closet under the stairs that had become a monstrous clutter-filled nightmare.
Thank you so much again Julianna!!! It means more than you know."
Before and after photos are not shared to respect client confidentiality.
"It doesn’t matter if you’re a model maker, a potter, a dancer, a programmer, a writer, a political activist, a teacher, a musician, a milliner, whatever. It’s all the same. Making is making, and none of it is failure."
Adam Savage