frequently asked questions

Have questions about working together? Here are some answers to help you feel comfortable getting started. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help!

what areas do you serve in northern virginia?

Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Clarke, Arlington, and Stafford Counties, as well as the independent cities within those counties.

what types of spaces do you organize?

Kitchens, closets, bedrooms, home offices, garages, laundry rooms, storage areas, vehicles, and other everyday spaces.

do i need to clean or organize before you arrive?

No. There’s no need to prepare or hide any mess. I’ll start with the space as is.

do i have to buy bins or organizing products?

No. I’ll start by using items you already have and only recommend new products if they genuinely improve the space.

can you help me choose and purchase organizing products?

Absolutely! My approach is to start with what you already have and recommend new products only when they will genuinely improve the space. If organizing bins, drawer dividers, shelving, or other products would be helpful, I can recommend options and handle the purchasing for you.

Any product purchases will be discussed and approved by you in advance. Product costs are separate from my organizing fees, and you’ll receive a breakdown of the expenses. My goal is to find practical solutions that fit your space, needs, and budget, not to sell you more stuff.

what if i have trouble letting go of things?

I understand that certain items may hold emotional or sentimental value. I will never pressure you to let go of your things, and we will work together to find solutions for how to store or display them.

what can i expect during an organizing session?

Every session is tailored to your space, needs, and goals. My approach is collaborative, practical, and judgment-free, so we’ll work together to create solutions that make your everyday life easier.

Before your session: Once your deposit is received, you’ll get an email and text confirming your appointment. I’ll plan ahead to make the most of our time together, and you’re welcome to send photos of your space beforehand so I can get a better sense of your needs.

During your session: We’ll walk through the space together, discuss your goals, and make a plan. We’ll sort through your belongings, grouping similar items and deciding together what to keep, relocate, donate, or discard. There’s no pressure to let go of anything you’re not ready to part with. I’ll work with you to create a functional arrangement that makes sense for your space and daily routine, prioritizing what you already own whenever possible.

Before we finish: We’ll review the organized space together and discuss simple ways to maintain it. My goal isn’t just to make your space look better, it’s to create practical systems that work for you long after our session ends.

You don’t need to clean up or get organized before I arrive. We’ll start where you are and work toward where you want to be!

how long does an organizing project take?

It depends on the space, amount of belongings, and your goals. We will discuss expectations during your consultation and make determinations about how much time will be needed. Every project is different, and some projects may require more than one session.

do you offer ongoing maintenance?

Yes! For established clients, I can stop by on a weekly, biweekly, monthly, or as-needed basis to help maintain your spaces.

can you help during a move or other major life transition?

Yes. I can assist with organization before or after a move, if you’re downsizing, preparing for a new baby, combining households, or transitioning a loved one into assisted living.

do i need to be home while you work?

Not necessarily. During your consultation, we will discuss your preferences and plan organizing sessions around what will best fit your schedule.

what happens to items i no longer want?

We’ll sort through your belongings together and decide what you’d like to keep, donate, recycle, or discard. Whenever possible, I’ll help identify options for giving usable items a second life. Donation drop-offs, pickups, and disposal can be discussed as part of your organizing plan so we know what works best for you.

are you insured?

Yes, Organized by Erica LLC is fully insured.

how do you approach client confidentiality?

Your privacy and trust are extremely important to me. My professional background in research and higher education has given me a strong understanding of the importance of privacy, confidentiality, and responsible handling of information. I take that responsibility seriously and would never share details about your home, belongings, or personal circumstances without your permission.

Confidentiality will also be addressed in a written agreement that we both sign before beginning work together, so you can feel comfortable knowing your privacy is respected throughout the process.

is a deposit required to book your services?

Yes, a 50% deposit of your estimate secures your date. The remaining balance is due on service day.

how do i pay for services?

You will receive an invoice via email to pay the deposit. On service day, I accept convenient, secure payments from physical cards and digital wallets through contactless Tap to Pay.

do you offer payment plans?

Yes, for services over $1,000. We can discuss this during your consultation.

what if i need to cancel or reschedule?

I understand that unexpected circumstances and scheduling conflicts can arise. To ensure I can plan my time and accommodate all clients, I ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations.

Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will result in the forfeiture of 50% of your deposit.

If you need to reschedule, please let me know as soon as possible. I’ll do my best to find a new date that works for you, and your deposit will be applied toward your rescheduled appointment.

ready to reclaim your space?