Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the initial consultation cost? 

Nothing! Speaking and consulting before booking is free. 

How does booking work? 

Email, test, or call me  - links are provided at the tab on this website called "Book My Services". If you are seeking housecleaning, I will likely ask you a few questions about your space to get a sense of how much time it may take. If you are seeking decluttering/organizing, we will have a more in-depth consultation, ideally in a video call  we will schedule together. The video consultation is free. In that call, I'll ask you lots of questions about your space and goals, and get a literal look at it, and then we will schedule our first decluttering/organizing session. If you want to save some time in booking my services, fill out my intake form, which is one of the tabs on this website. However, I suggest you reach out via text, call, or email first.

I'm nervous about having someone come over to my house because I am really embarrassed about how bad it might look to others, even a house cleaner. How judgmental will you be if and when I hire you for services? 

My ethos in this business is to be compassionate, trauma-informed, practical, and nonjudgmental. I can provide practical support of all kinds without making harsh, judgmental statements about your home or lifestyle. I am not here to judge you and have no desire to do that. I'm honored and glad you have chosen me to support you through my service. As someone currently training to be a psychotherapist, and as someone who has received support in the past while learning how best to keep my space neat and clean, I am in no place to judge, and come from a place of solidarity, expertise, and empathy. 

My house is dangerously dirty and I'm worried it is too much for you to handle. What are your limits? 

Tell me this in your consultation. There are some practical limits but in many cases, I am still able to do my work. If you think your case may be a very extreme one, let me know, and even if I cannot provide my service, I may be able to refer you to other applicable, supportive services and/or businesses. 

Does the hourly fee you charge also include your travel time? 

No, I do not charge hourly for my travel time. In some cases, I may charge a fee to cover gas if you are far enough outside of my area, but if this is the case, I will be transparent about it during the consultation. 

How far do you travel for clients before there's an additional fee? 

Roughly between Central Street in Evanston (north), to Kedzie Avenue (West), to Addison (South) there's definitely no fee. Farther north, west, or south, there may be a fee.  

Who pays for parking if it isn't free? 

I always seek free street parking if there's not an assigned parking spot a client has to give me. If I have absolutely no other option nearby, I will pay for parking and add this to your bill. In the areas I tend to serve, parking costs are usually not more than $10, but it varies depending on the neighborhood. 

How do I pay you? 

I accept cash or Venmo. I can also accept PayPal but there will be a 3.5% fee due to their fee for transaction. 

How will I know how much you services for me will cost?

I will be upfront and transparent about my estimate before starting, and if anything comes up during the cleaning that was unexpected as could incur additional cost, I will check in with you and make sure this is acceptable before continuing.

Are tips required? 

No, but very much appreciated, and commonly given in this profession. Please tip as you are able and as makes sense to you.

How can I get in touch with you, even if I am not ready to book anything? 

You can call or text me at (872) 222-8082, or email me at cleanerwithjulia@gmail.com. I will get back to you as soon as possible. 

What are your available hours? 

I have extensive availability most days of the week! I am more available daytime than evening hours. I prefer weekdays or Sundays. 

What if I want your service at a time when I won't be home? Can you still do it?  

Yes, it is possible. However, I strongly prefer only doing this after we have had at least one session with you present, so I have a sense of your expectations. We can arrange in advance how I will enter and leave (key or something else). I can do House Cleaning when you are not home. In-Person Organizing is possible without you present, but will be more limited, and will likely require a minimum of a half hour (paid) of planning together for what I will do while you are not present. 

Are you okay with pets and pet hair? 

Generally, I am able to do jobs with pets present in most cases, as long as the animal is restrained away from my work if they are the type that is likely to interfere. It is important you mention you have a pet during our initial consultation.

I am allergic to cats; if you know people with cat allergies struggle a lot in your home, please tell me in advance, and I may refer you to another house cleaner I would recommend who is not allergic. That said, I regularly clean houses with dogs and cats and am fine with it in many cases. 

Is Organizing/Decluttering/Body Doubling/Coaching the same thing as Therapy? 

No, I am not a licensed therapist of any kind. I am studying social work and intend to become a psychotherapist within a few years, but cannot legally provide that service now. The services offered through my website are completely separate from therapy services. Please know that while some of the coaching  provide will entail supporting you through emotional aspects of decluttering and cleaning, I am not a therapist in this role.