Terms and Conditions

Definitions

In this agreement: a) ‘I’ and ‘my’ and ‘me’ refers to Tidy Happy Calm with Kate Yiannacou as the owner and sole trader; b) ‘you’ and ‘your’ and ‘yours’ refers to the client who has signed this agreement; and c) ‘my services’ means the provision of our services for which you have engaged me. 

Privacy and confidentiality

I recognise that the nature of the work provided by me is personal and requires a high level of trust; therefore you can expect confidentiality at all times, except to the extent disclosure may be required by law. Please see my separate Privacy Policy for further information. 

As a member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers I adhere to their code of ethics which sets out expectations of confidentiality, honesty and integrity. You can read the code of ethics here.

Data protection

Your data will never be shared with any third party businesses, and will only be used in relation to the services you have contracted me for. Please see my separate Privacy Policy for further information.

Insurance and handling possessions

I carry full public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Although every care will be taken whilst handling possessions during the session, you should ensure you have sufficient home insurance to cover for any loss or accidental damage that may occur when handling belongings. I will not be held liable for any accidental damage or loss howsoever caused. 

Advice given in good faith 

I provide advice and encouragement in the decluttering and organising processes. It is ultimately your decision to let go of items and I accept no responsibility for the actions you take on the basis of my advice, whether given at the time of the initial consultation, during the organising or decluttering process, or at any subsequent or future date. You will be responsible for obtaining from other parties (e.g. landlord, government or competent authority) any consents that may be necessary for my services to be provided. 

I cannot provide financial advice or valuation on any high-value items. If suggestions for third party services are provided, I am not liable for the services they provide. 

Client presence

You are required to be present during all sessions and to assist with the project throughout each session. I am not responsible for other persons or pets inside of the premises.

Deposit and payment terms

To secure my services a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the cost of the first session is required at least 48 hours after the initial consultation session. This deposit will then be used as part-payment for the session if it goes ahead as planned. The remaining 50% of the cost quoted, and any additional charges (e.g. additional hours booked) is to be paid within 7 days of completion of the session. 

You will receive an invoice for every session booked, and payment can be made either in cash (if an in-person session) or by bank transfer within 4 days of the session. I do not accept cheques. 

I do not charge VAT or for travel costs within a 15-mile radius of Cheshunt (EN8). Travel outside this distance will be charged at 45p per mile of the whole journey and the cost will be added on to your invoice. Any parking costs incurred will also be added to the final invoice. 

Interest at 8% is charged on any balance remaining unpaid 7 days after session completion.

Cancellations

Both I and you have the right to cancel a session due to unavoidable circumstances. If a session is cancelled by you less than 24 hours before the agreed date and time, I have the right to retain the 50% session deposit unless rebooked for another session, in which case the deposit will carry over. 

Hours of work

For in-person sessions I generally work in slots of between 3 and 6 hours with 30-minute break for lunch but I will agree start and finish times to suit you. If a lunch break is taken, it will not be part of the chargeable hours.

Parking

Where a session takes place in person, I will require a space / permit to park vehicle for the time spent at your property. If any cost is associated with this, it will be added to your final invoice.

Duty of care

You must inform me of any health and safety concerns at least 48 hours prior to our booked session. You have a duty of care to ensure that the premises are safe to complete any agreed work. 

Cleaning and moving

I do not provide a full cleaning or removal service. Any large or heavy items that need removing may require a third party to help. If removal is required to carry out the session this should be discussed with me in advance, and any additional costs that this may incur will be your responsibility. Light cleaning may be required as part of organising and decluttering process which I can assist with during the session using your own cleaning materials. 

Disposal of unwanted items

At the end of each session I can take away any items that are in a suitable condition to be donated to a charity shop on your behalf (a single car boot’s worth of items). Any large items that for council refuse / recycling centres much be done at your own discretion and by yourself.

Photography

From time to time I may display ‘before and after’ images across marketing and web platforms. I will always gain written consent from you prior to taking and sharing these pictures, and you can withdraw your consent at any time by emailing kate@tidyhappycalm.co.uk

General

If any provisions of this agreement are unenforceable, such provisions shall be severed from this agreement and the remainder of the provisions shall remain in full force and effect. This agreement shall be construed in accordance with English law and you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 shall not apply to this agreement.