Terms & Conditions

This document describes the terms on which Office Decluttering would be happy to help you.

Best Advice - Advice is given in good faith and it is always your decision to accept guidance on whether or not to keep particular possessions. Office Decluttering can’t therefore accept responsibility for the consequences of such decisions. From time to time, I may handle items which have a potentially high market value. While I will always use my best endeavours to identify such items amongst your possessions, you acknowledge that I am not a valuer, nor do I have expertise to identify items of special value or rarity, nor am I qualified to advice on valuation matters for insurance purposes.

Handling goods - When I handle goods belonging to customers I take great care to look after them. Unfortunately, accidents may occur. I shall not be liable for losses or damage, howsoever caused, and rely on you to carry insurance at all times which adequately compensates you for losses or damage howsoever caused by me in my capacity as your agent.

Removal of items - Items to be removed from your premises, either for disposal or to other locations, must be at your own discretion. Disposal will not take place without your authorisation.

Limits of work - I will do all I can to help you achieve the state of organisation and tidiness you desire. I am very happy to help you with some cleaning and vacuuming, as appropriate! I’m also happy to help you relocate items to more appropriate physical locations. However, we may well need to move heavy items during our work, and I prefer not to attempt any seriously heavy moving (e.g. filing cabinets) for the sake of my own back. You may wish to have a handyman lined up to assist if such moving proves necessary.

Hours of work - You will be charged for hours actually worked. Whilst a booking will generally be made for a pre-agreed period of time, it’s understood that it is not always possible to anticipate exactly how long will be needed. A day’s booking which turns out to involve five hours’ work will therefore be charged for five hours and not seven!

Breaks and refreshments - If a session covers lunchtime, it’s appreciated if you can provide a simple lunch (e.g. a sandwich). We’ll need to break occasionally for a few minutes – I’m happy to pause every two hours or so, but if you wish to stop more often (decluttering is physically and emotionally demanding) that’s fine. I won’t charge you for long (e.g. lunch) breaks.

Travel and accommodation - If you have booked for more than one day’s consecutive work, depending on your location, it may be more appropriate (and economical) to provide me with accommodation. This may either be in a modest local bed-and-breakfast or in your own home (if appropriate). For travel charges, see Payment Terms.

Cancellation - Both you and I have the right to cancel an appointment due to unforeseen circumstances. I would appreciate min. 24-48hrs notice or charges might be incurred. Travel charges or further expenses paid in advance for which I cannot obtain refunds are not refundable in any circumstances, and will be invoiced to you.

Confidentiality and Privacy - Office Decluttering is a professional service. I never divulge client information to third parties, nor any personal or business details that I may see in the course of my work (which, when decluttering, is generally unavoidable).

The only way in which your situation may be mentioned to others is in the context of my own services, and is depersonalised and unidentifiable (e.g. “a client in Buckinghamshire”, “John in North London”). It is helpful to be able to give examples to other clients of how particular situations can be addressed. For example: how long it took to deal with an office of a certain size, the furniture that was used for storage, the solutions we found whilst working together. If you are in agreement, I also like to take “before-and-after” photographs for use on my website, but this will only happen with your express permission.