The Fine Print and FAQs
I request a minimum of 3 hours on-site for an organizing session. At the end of each session, we will establish a plan for our next session, as needed.
Payment is expected following the discovery call in the amount of 50% of the planned first session. The balance of the first session costs is due at the end of the first session. For a Spruce It For Me project, 50% of the anticipated project costs will be due prior to the planned first session.
An electronic invoice will be generated on site and payment by Venmo, credit card, cash or check is accepted.
Transparency
I believe in being up-front with costs, timing and expectations. I appreciate knowing your budget in advance as we make plans. I'm a frugal person! I will always work within your budget and make the best use of our time and resources. If you have any questions along the way, let's discuss.
Materials
As we begin our work, we will develop a list of recommended materials (storage containers, hangers, etc) and sources for those materials. I arrive on site with organizing basics (post it notes and labels, trash bags and cardboard boxes) to use as we organize. I often use Dollar Store containers to create a temporary "structure" for the space. All these materials are at no additional cost to you.
Need to cancel an appointment?
Life happens. I am grateful for at least 24 hours cancellation notice. Unfortunately, same day cancellations must be subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
Does Spruce sell items for me? Yes - and no. These days reselling is simply not as productive as it used to be and we strongly recommend donation. Unless an item has a proven residual value, we generally do not advise trying to sell items. This is in the interest of maintaining your momentum. That said - we are happy to help with photos and creating a for sale posting that you can use to sell via eBay or Craiglist. We can also recommend consignment vendors.
Does Spruce take away items (ie, junk removal)? Happy to! We'll remove one complimentary car-load of donations or recycling (and we pack it full!!) and deliver them to the appropriate tried-and-true locations. If more items are being hauled out, we will help coordinate the pick up and removal with one of our trusted vendors.
What do you do with my donations?
Most donations go to Savers / Good Will and one of the many Planet Aid textile recycling bins along my route(s). Non-expired or very recently expired food or household goods will be delivered to the local food pantry. I routinely schedule pick ups at my own home from Big Brother Big Sister and Vietnam Veteran Association. I am happy to provide a tax receipt for you. I am also happy to research and coordinate donations in special circumstances - such as items for a theater department or other specific charity.
Will Spruce force me to get rid of things? Never. There are many strategies to use if you're unsure about what to keep and discard. We will help you consider the pros and cons of items you're uncertain about. Nothing gets tossed without your consent. Any professional organizer you hire should adhere to this ethical principle.
Do I need to be home when Spruce is working on my organizing project? No, not for a Spruce It For Me project. A communications plan will be established such as whether to use text or phone and the best times to touch base. We happily work independently... freeing you up to focus on other things!
The Spruce Mission
About Carrie Martin
My mission? To empower people to take control of their spaces by making organizing simple, cost-effective and stress free. We will laugh, we might cry, and we will leave you feeling lighter, freer and more in control today and in the future. You've got this.
Spruce grew out of a love of - and personal experiences with - organizing challenges. Home downsizes, office moves, preschool classroom design, organizing a kitchen for food allergy safety... these are the foundational experiences that led Carrie to start Spruce Home Organization in 2019.
With a background in psychology and research from Smith College and Harvard University, Carrie brings a sense of humor, knowledge and compassion to the most challenging organizing projects.
Carrie holds a residential organizing certificate from the National Association of Professional Organizers and has completed a series of courses on client coaching, with curriculum developed especially for home organizers through the Coach Approach Training Institute.