FAQs

Good to Know

We like to start with a discovery call!  Each person has a unique reason for engaging the services of a professional organizer and we want to discover yours!  From there, we will let you know if we need to schedule an onsite consultation.

We service Ancaster, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Caledon, Georgetown, Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Hamilton, Dundas, Carlisle, Caledonia, Grimsby, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Erin, Durham, Newmarket, Stoney Creek, Aurora and Thronhill. We also service other smaller centres that are too numerous to mention.

Yes, we require a deposit on all projects.  Larger deposits will be required for jobs that include a large quantity of supplies, junk removal, movers and a team of organizers.

We accept etransfers, personal cheques and credit cards.

A deposit is due prior to the commencement of the job.  The balance is due upon completion of the job.

There is a 48-hour cancellation policy to cancel or reschedule an appointment.  Within 48 hours, our four hour minimum rate will be charged and taken from the deposit paid.

Yes, some of the organizers on our team are happy to work evenings and weekends when available.

You need to be available to establish goals for the project. While it is desirable to have you physically present during the purging phase, there are work around solutions if it is necessary for you to be away.

Yes, Neatspaces including the organizing team and third-party providers are insured.

Yes, the owner of Neatspaces is a member of the Professional Organizers in Canada (POC Link?) and NAPO.  Membership in these organizations demand compliance with a stated code of ethics.

Yes, the owner of Neatspaces is a member of the Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and NAPO.

Downsizing

Neatspaces has worked with Seniors for over 15 years. Edie personally has worked with seniors in retirement and long term care. Lead team members have years of experience working with seniors.

We will advise you on how best to dispose of items/belonging that won’t fit into your new space.  Options include auction, consignment, donation and disposal.

Yes, part of the planning process is to visit your new home for space planning purposes.  Following this, we can better advise you about what to take with you and what will need to find a new home.

Yes all supplies will be delivered to your home prior to the commencement of the project.

Yes, we work with several fully insured professional moving companies

Yes, we work with a wonderful team of cleaners that can tackle almost any project

Yes, we have relationships with many realtors across the province. If desired, we can recommend one who is specially trained to address the needs of seniors.

Absolutely!  We understand the vision your realtor has to show your house in its best light.

Move Management

Moving companies tend to pack in place.  An organizer packs with the future in mind.  Can it be purged?  Is it in the right place so unpacking and set up with be more efficient?

Yes, we can arrange for a handyman, cleaners, gardeners, junk removal, donation removal, boxes, paper and tape and almost anything else.

It depends on the size of the house and the project.  If it is a downsize we may schedule a few days well in advance to sort and pack what is not being moved finishing the pack for the move a day or two before.  For large house moves, we send a team in several days before.

While hiring a move manager does add cost to the move, the organization and coordination of services needed to make the overall project run efficiently can often save you money in the overall project.

Estate Services

While the demand for antiques and collectibles has changed, we do work with several auction houses, consignment companies and other vendors to monetize what we can for our clients.

With all of the technology available, many clients give us the key when they return home and we communicate by text, facetime, email etc. quite efficiently.

Neatspaces organizers are all trained to create a “safe zone” on the job site where all valuables, personal correspondence, photos, legal documents etc. will be gathered for family review.

Yes, we can coordinate the services of cleaners, handymen, gardeners etc. to help you prepare the house for sale as required.

Yes, we have established relationships with many realtors some of who specialize in the senior market.

Yes, we often meet with families to discuss best practices given our years of experience in the downsizing and estate services industry.

Organizing

No you do not need to do any work before your first appointment.  Together with the organizer, you can define your goals, plan and procure anything that is needed.

There is a four hour minimum.  A typical work day is six hours but each job has different demands and timing can be flexible.

Organizers typically work for six hours each day.  We have a four hour minimum.

It depends on the project.  Sometimes it is best to work one on one with an organizer and some jobs work more efficiently using a team approach.

We will advise you regarding the disposition of your unwanted things. We have the experience to know what can go to auction, consignment or donation.  We do our best to keep things out of landfill and always ensure that things are disposed of in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

The cost to hire an organizer varies but a minimum cost is $300 plus tax for four hours.

Yes, we require a telephone conversation with each client to determine the scope of the job, their goals and timeline.  We may request pictures.  For larger jobs, an onsite assessment will be required.

Organizing services are often given as gifts.  We issue gift certificates in the person’s name for various occasions.  We are happy to speak with caregivers, concerned family or friends of people with chronic disorganization.  We can help you begin a conversation with them.

Shame, guilt and feelings of being overwhelmed are common feelings for those experiencing disorganization.  There is no judgement.  We are trained professionals experienced in helping in these situations.

Special Project Cleaning

Yes, our service includes carpet cleaning.

Yes, our services include a deep clean before you list your home for sale.  Even a clean home, usually needs those hard to reach places thoroughly cleaned before a house goes on the market.

Yes, our service includes cleaning following a move to provide a clean home for new owners.  We also clean homes before you move in so that you can place furniture and unpack with ease the day of the move.

Yes, we provide full service cleaning for post renovation and post construction cleaning.

Yes, we love assisting realtors prepare homes for sale.  Neatspaces will do a pre-listing declutter, organize and reposition furniture as required, stylize closets and cupboards and arrange for third party services including junk removal, cleaners and handymen.  Contact us for joint marketing ideas!