Service Agreement

The Ordersmith

This agreement outlines the terms and conditions for decluttering and home organising services provided by The Ordersmith, operated by Laura Middleton.

By booking a session, you agree to the terms below.

1. Definitions

In this agreement:

“I”, “me” or “my” refers to The Ordersmith (Laura Middleton)
“you” or “your” refers to the client receiving the service
“services” refers to decluttering and home organising support provided by The Ordersmith

2. Services Provided

The Ordersmith provides in-home decluttering and organising support.

This is a collaborative, client-led service. You remain fully responsible for all decisions regarding your belongings, including what to keep, donate, sell or discard.

All guidance and recommendations are offered in good faith. Final decisions always rest with you.

3. Fees & Payment

The hourly rate is £50 per hour
A minimum booking of 4 hours applies
Sessions are charged based on time worked

If you’d like me to source products or create Amazon wish lists for you, this can absolutely be included, but will be charged at my hourly rate. Alternatively, you’re welcome to shop yourself, or I can share a general list of my top recommendations—more detailed or personalised sourcing is chargeable.

An invoice will be issued following each session. Payment is due within 7 days by bank transfer, unless otherwise agreed.

The 24-hour package is designed for larger or ongoing projects and offers a £100 saving. This package is payable in full in advance and can be used flexibly across multiple sessions. Hours must be used within 6 months of the first session. A 50% upfront payment option is available, with the remaining balance due upon completion of the final session.

Vouchers must be used within 12 months of purchase.

4. Working Hours

Sessions are currently available:

Thursday and Friday
Typically between 9:30am and 3:00pm

Alternative times (including weekends) may be available by prior arrangement.

For longer sessions, a short break will be taken as needed.

5. Cancellation & Rescheduling

If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, please provide as much notice as possible.

Where possible, I will always aim to rearrange your session to a mutually convenient time.

Repeated last-minute cancellations may result in future bookings requiring a deposit.

6. Client Responsibilities

You (or a representative) are required to be present during sessions to make decisions and provide input.

You are responsible for:

identifying items to keep, donate or discard
ensuring access to all relevant working areas
the welfare of any other persons or pets present

I will bring a step ladder for general use. However, access to any areas beyond this (e.g. high loft spaces or hard-to-reach storage) remains your responsibility.

I do not undertake heavy lifting of large or bulky items (such as wardrobes or large furniture). If required, this will need to be arranged separately.

Light cleaning may be carried out as part of the organising process (for example, wiping surfaces before returning items), however this is not a deep cleaning service and all cleaning products must be provided by you.

7. Disposal of Items

The Ordersmith does not provide a removal or waste disposal service.

You remain responsible for arranging the disposal, donation or sale of items.

I can provide guidance and a list of local services to support you with this.

8. Product Recommendations & “Car Boot Shop”

Where appropriate, I may recommend storage products or organisational solutions.

I may also provide access to a curated selection of items available to purchase on the day (“car boot shop”), as well as links to recommended products.

You are under no obligation to purchase any items.

All purchasing decisions remain your responsibility.

I cannot accept liability for third-party products or services.

9. Confidentiality & Privacy

I understand that this work is personal in nature and treat all client information with complete confidentiality and discretion.

Your data will only be used in relation to the services provided and handled in accordance with my Privacy Policy.

As a member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO), I adhere to their Code of Ethics, including standards of confidentiality, honesty and integrity.

10. Insurance & Liability

The Ordersmith holds appropriate Public Liability Insurance.

While every care is taken when handling belongings, I cannot accept responsibility for:

accidental damage unless caused by negligence
loss or damage to items not disclosed as fragile or valuable

I do not provide financial valuations or specialist advice. Any third-party services are used at your own discretion.

11. Travel & Parking

Travel within 30 minutes of Godstone (RH9) is included.

Locations beyond this may incur an additional charge, which will be agreed in advance.

Parking must be available for the duration of the session. Any parking costs will be added to your invoice.

12. Photography

Before and after photographs may be taken to document progress.

These will only be used for marketing purposes with your explicit permission and will never include identifying details.

13. Additional Terms for Clients Who Are Parents/Guardians of Children at the School Where I Teach

Where you are a parent or guardian of a child attending the school at which I teach, the following additional terms apply:

My role as a teacher and my role as a professional organiser are entirely separate. Engagement in my services will not influence, and will not be influenced by, any aspect of your child’s education or school experience.
Use of my services does not provide any direct or indirect advantage within the school setting.
We will not discuss your child, other children, staff, or any matters relating to the school during our work together.
I will not share any information about you, your home, or our work together with anyone connected to the school or otherwise, and all information will be handled in accordance with my privacy obligations.
All communication relating to my services must take place outside of school hours and through my business contact channels only. School communication systems must not be used.
Engagement in my services is a private arrangement and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the school in any way.
Where a potential conflict of interest arises, I reserve the right to decline or discontinue services.
My services relate solely to organising spaces and do not include childcare or supervision of children.
I reserve the right to terminate services where continuation may create a conflict of interest or impact my professional responsibilities.

14. Amendments

The Ordersmith reserves the right to update these terms and conditions.

Any sessions already booked will honour the terms in place at the time of booking.