1. Do I need to clean or tidy up before our first session?
Please don't! We prefer to see your home in its "natural state." Seeing where the clutter naturally piles up helps us understand your habits and identify exactly where your current systems are breaking down. Leaving the mess as-is allows us to create a more effective, long-term solution for you.
2. Will you make me throw away all my things?
Never. You are always the final decision-maker. Our role is to guide you through the process, ask the right questions, and help you decide what truly adds value to your life. We will challenge you when necessary, but we will never force you to part with something you aren't ready to let go of.
3. How is this different from a cleaning service?
A cleaning service focuses on dirt and surface-level tidying. As professional organizers, we get to the root of why the clutter is there in the first place. We create custom systems, zones, and habits that make it easy for you to maintain a tidy home long after we’ve left. After we've cleared the items out of a space we will thoroughly clean the area prior to moving things back in.
4. How long does a typical project take?
Every home is different, but as a general rule:
Pantry or Bathroom: 3-6 hours
Master Closet: 8-12 hours
Kitchen: 12-16+ hours
During our introductory session, we will provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific space and goals.
5. Do you provide the bins and baskets?
We can! Many clients prefer "Full Service," where we measure your space, shop for the perfect products, and bring them to the session. If you prefer to use what you already have or shop for them yourself, we are happy to provide a recommended shopping list instead. Material costs are not included in the session rate.
6. Is our work together confidential?
Absolutely. We follow a strict Code of Ethics. Your privacy is paramount, and we will never share photos or details of your home without your explicit written permission. My sessions are 100% judgment-free.
7. What do you do with the items I decide to get rid of?
To help you clear the space immediately, we include one carload of donation removal per session. We typically drop items off at local Calgary charities like WINS (Women In Need Society) or Goodwill. For larger furniture or junk removal, we can help you coordinate a specialized hauling service.
8. Is the Introductory Session free?
No. Because we respect the time and expertise required to build a customized Healthy Home plan, our 90-minute introductory sessions are billed at a flat rate. This isn’t just a walkthrough; it’s a working session. We spend the final hour achieving a "small win" (like an under-sink cabinet or junk drawer) so you can experience the Larch Life difference immediately while we finalize your project estimate.
9. How much of the work do I need to do?
Much of the work can be done without your assistance, but when it comes to the "edit," the long-term success of the project relies on a partnership between the curator and the client. The most harmonious spaces are created through intentional downsizing. While we can design beautiful systems for any volume of items, a system is only as sustainable as the inventory within it.
If we attempt to organize without first decluttering, the result may look nice temporarily, but it often leads to a congested and unmanageable space in the near future. For a truly transformative, "clutter-free" life, we ask that you come prepared to make honest decisions about what truly serves your future.
Preparing for Transformation
Lasting change often requires a sense of openness.
Pursuing the life you want can feel a little uncomfortable at first as we break old habits and let go of the unnecessary. We ask our clients to lean into that discomfort, knowing that on the other side is the calm, clutter-free life you deserve.
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Terms & Conditions
1. 4-Hour Session Policy
All organizing and deep-cleaning projects are booked in minimum 4-hour blocks. This ensures we have the necessary time to declutter, deep-clean, and implement sustainable systems. If a project is completed in under 4 hours, the full session fee still applies to cover "behind-the-scenes" research and procurement.
2. Cancellation & Rescheduling
Your time is reserved exclusively for you.
Cancellations made with more than 48 hours' notice: No fee.
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice: 50% of the session fee will be charged.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice (or "no-shows"): 100% of the session fee will be charged.
3. The "Small Win" Introductory Session
The $150 Introductory Session is a working consultation. This fee is non-refundable and is due at the time of booking to secure your date.
4. Product Procurement
Clients are responsible for the cost of all organizing products (bins, labels, etc.).
If Larch Life sources these items, a procurement fee (billed at the standard hourly rate) will apply for shopping and delivery.
Larch Life is not responsible for the manufacturer’s warranty on third-party products.
5. Client Participation & Decision Making
While we do the heavy lifting, the decluttering process requires client input. We act as guides and curators; however, the final decision to discard or donate an item rests solely with the client. Larch Life is not liable for items discarded at the client’s request.
6. Safety & Right to Refuse Work
In accordance with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), we reserve the right to suspend service or leave a job site if we encounter an environment that is deemed unsafe or unsanitary (e.g., active pest infestations, structural instability, or extreme mold).
7. Payment Terms
Payment is due upon receipt of invoice following each session. We accept e-transfer and Credit Card payments. Late payments exceeding 7 days will incur a 5% late fee.
Scope of Service: The Larch Life Boundaries
While we strive to be your comprehensive home partner, for the safety of our team and the integrity of your home, there are certain tasks we do not perform:
Hazardous Materials: We do not clean or disturb areas containing toxic black mold, asbestos, lead paint, or bio-hazards (including blood or significant animal waste).
Heavy Lifting: For safety and liability reasons, we do not move furniture or appliances weighing over 35 lbs.
Heights: We do not clean areas higher than what can be reached with a standard two-step stool.
Extreme Hoarding: Our services are designed for functional home organization; we do not provide specialized hoarding remediation.
Outdoor/Construction: We do not provide outdoor maintenance or post-construction cleaning involving heavy drywall dust or debris.