What to Expect During Your Organizing Session with The House Finch

We’re so excited to work with you! This guide walks you through how to prepare, what will happen during your session and answers to common questions - so you can feel relaxed and confident heading into organizing day.

Before your session:

• Think about goals. What’s working? What’s frustrating? Are there specific routines you want to improve?

• Clear surfaces only if easy. If you can, leave floors and countertops accessible, but this is optional.

• Set aside decision-makers. If multiple people use the space, let them know decisions may be needed.

• Plan for kids/pets (if possible). We’ll work around real life, but fewer interruptions can help momentum. We love dogs, but if your dog is a jumper or will be a tripping hazard, please put him in another room.

• Avoid buying bins ahead of time. We prefer to design systems first, then recommend products that truly fit. We’ll bring solutions that we can plug in while we work in your space. 

The most important thing to do? Show up as you are. Messy spaces are expected—that’s why we’re here.

Think about goals. What’s working? What’s frustrating? Are there specific routines you want to improve?

• Clear surfaces only if easy. If you can, leave floors and countertops accessible, but this is optional.

• Set aside decision-makers. If multiple people use the space, let them know decisions may be needed.

• Plan for kids/pets (if possible). We’ll work around real life, but fewer interruptions can help momentum. We love dogs, but if your dog is a jumper or will be a tripping hazard, please put him in another room.

• Avoid buying bins ahead of time. We prefer to design systems first, then recommend products that truly fit. We’ll bring solutions that we can plug in while we work in your space. 

The most important thing to do? Show up as you are. Messy spaces are expected—that’s why we’re here.

Every session is customized, but most follow this flow:

1. Quick check-in to confirm priorities and pace

2. Edit & sort items together (keep, donate, discard, relocate)

3. Create simple systems that match your habits and lifestyle

4. Contain & label where appropriate

5. Walk through + next steps, we’ll give you a tour of your newly organized space and remind you of where items are now stored. If you have another session or project coming up, we’ll take a peek at that space and make a plan. 

The goal is not perfection—it’s function, calm, and sustainability.

How involved do I need to be?

As involved as you’d like. Some clients work side-by-side with us; others pop in to make decisions and let us handle the rest; some are not even home. Your presence is most helpful during keep/donate decisions, but we’ll let you know what we need from you either way.

Should I provide lunch?

No need at all. For longer sessions, we’ll take a quick working break. Feel free to do your own thing—no hosting required.

Do I tip?

Tipping is never expected. If you feel moved to tip, it’s always appreciated but truly optional. Referrals and reviews mean just as much.

What about pets?

We love pets! If your pet is comfortable around new people and activity, no changes are needed. If they’re anxious or protective, it’s helpful to have them in another space during the session.

What does it cost?

Pricing is shared with the proposal you’ll receive. Sessions are billed at an hourly rate, with a minimum session of four hours. Your proposal will include a supply budget if needed. You’ll approve this and we’ll come prepared with supplies.

Will you take donations away?

Yes! We will transport as many carloads of donations as we have organizers at your session. We deliver them to trusted local nonprofits in the Richmond area. We work with several community partners and thoughtfully match donated items to the organizations that can benefit most. 

What if we don’t finish?

Totally normal. Some spaces take multiple sessions. We’ll prioritize the most impactful areas first and recommend next steps if needed.

Do you offer membership options?

Yes! We offer a monthly or bi-monthly membership designed for clients who want consistent support and long-term progress. With membership, you receive a 4-hour organizing session each month (enough time to dig into meaningful work) with one or two organizers, plus 10% off standard hourly rates and priority scheduling. Membership helps you maintain organized spaces year-round instead of tackling them sporadically. 

• Please wear comfortable clothes—you may find yourself jumping in!

• Progress can feel emotional. That’s normal, and we’ll move at your pace.

• Our systems are designed for real life, not Instagram perfection.

We Can’t Wait to Get Started

If you have questions before your session, don’t hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, we’ll see you soon—and we’ll bring the calm.

Thank you for trusting The House Finch with your home.