Frequently Asked Questions
At Habitus, our intention is to make your life easier by creating clean, calm, and functional spaces that support your well-being. We believe a home should feel grounding, peaceful, and effortless to maintain, and our services are designed with that purpose in mind. This FAQ section was created to give you clear, simple answers about how we work, what you can expect, and how we help transform your home with care, detail, and intention. If you have questions not listed here, we’re always happy to chat.
Frequently asked questions
CLEANING SERVICES
FAQ's Do cleaning services charge extra for pet hair or odors? Habitus does not automatically add fees for pet hair or odors, but extremely heavy buildup may require additional time. If extra hours are needed, we always let clients know before starting. Our goal is to give you clarity and keep your quote transparent. Homes with pets are always welcome. What’s included in a standard home cleaning by Habitus? Our standard Flow Clean™ includes surfaces, floors, bathrooms, the kitchen, and high-touch areas. It focuses on restoring order, reducing sensory load, and supporting calm daily living. The service is meant to maintain a regulated environment, not perform deep detailing. For more intensive work, we recommend Deep Clean. Do cleaning services bring their own supplies and equipment? Yes — Habitus brings eco-conscious, high-quality supplies and tools to every appointment. If you have sensitivities or fragrance-free requests, we can adjust products to fit your home. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. Does Habitus offer eco-friendly or fragrance-free cleaning options? Yes. We default to gentle, environmentally mindful products and can go fully fragrance-free upon request. Just let us know ahead of time so we can customize your kit. How often should I schedule a professional cleaning? Most clients book biweekly or monthly Flow Clean™ sessions to maintain consistency and reduce home overwhelm. High-traffic homes or families with children/pets often choose weekly. We help you determine a rhythm that aligns with your lifestyle and stress load. How much does home cleaning cost in Austin? Habitus cleaning starts at $45/hr with a 3–6 hour service range depending on your home’s needs. Quotes are based on size, buildup level, and the details you want addressed. A Flow Clean™ generally begins at $135. How much does a move-in or move-out clean cost in Austin? Move-in/move-out cleaning requires more detail and more time than standard maintenance. Pricing is hourly at $60/hr with a minimum of 4–6 hours depending on the home. After seeing the space size and condition, we provide a precise estimate. Can I get same-day or next-day cleaning in Austin? Sometimes — availability varies week to week. If we have an opening, we’re happy to support last-minute needs. Contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
ORGANIZING & FLOW COHERENCE™
FAQ's What does a Habitus organizing session look like from start to finish? We begin with a walkthrough and a quick regulation plan based on your priorities and stress points. Then we declutter with you (or for you), create zones, and install systems that reduce cognitive load. Sessions end with clear surfaces, functional order, and a simple maintenance guide. The process is calm, collaborative, and judgment-free. How long does it take to organize a kitchen, pantry, or closet? Most individual spaces take 3–6 hours depending on volume, layout, and decision speed. Kitchens and pantries usually require more sorting; closets depend on wardrobe size. We always give time estimates during your quote. Does Habitus help create long-term organization systems? Yes — this is a core part of our Flow Coherence™ approach. We build systems that match your habits, not generic Pinterest layouts. The goal is to make your home easier to maintain long after the session ends. Do organizers declutter, donate, or haul away items? We declutter with you (or independently if preferred) and can handle donation drop-off for small loads. Large hauls may require a third-party service. We always clarify disposal needs in advance. How much does professional organizing cost in Austin? Organizing is $65-75/hr with a 3–6 hour minimum depending on project size. Larger resets or multiple-room projects are quoted with a clear hour range so you know exactly what to expect. Supplies are optional and can be added based on your goals. What’s the difference between a cleaner and an organizer? Cleaning restores sanitation and surface clarity; organizing restores structure, function, and mental calm. Habitus offers both, but our organizing services include system design, decluttering, and home flow improvements — not just tidying.
MOVE-IN/ MOVE-OUT SERVICES
FAQ's What’s included in a move-out cleaning? Move-out cleaning includes bathrooms, kitchen, floors, appliances, cabinets, dusting, and debris removal. Our goal is to return the home to a move-ready condition. Heavily soiled or neglected areas may require additional hours, but we always communicate first. What’s included in a Habitus Move-In Harmony™ unpacking service? We unpack, sort, organize, and set up your home so it functions from day one. This includes the kitchen, bathrooms, closets, and essential zones first. We prioritize flow, everyday ease, and long-term system design. Does Habitus provide furniture placement or full home setup? Yes — within reason. We handle light furniture placement, room flow layout, and organizational setup. Heavy or large items may require movers, but we coordinate the rest. Can Habitus unpack my kitchen and bathroom the same day I move in? Yes, if scheduling allows. Kitchens and bathrooms are our first priority during Move-In Harmony™ sessions. Most homes can have these essentials fully unpacked and organized in one service window. How long does it take to fully set up a new home after moving? Most homes take 1–3 days depending on size, number of boxes, and system complexity. One-bedrooms can often be completed in a single extended session. Larger homes require multi-day support. Is move-in organizing worth it if I’m downsizing or starting fresh? Absolutely — move-in is the best time to reset your space intentionally. We help you reduce clutter, design functional zones, and avoid recreating the overwhelm from your last home. It saves time, stress, and long-term frustration. How far in advance should I book move-in or move-out services? 1–2 weeks is ideal, but last-minute openings do happen. If you know your lease or closing timeline, booking early guarantees availability.
POLICIES, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & TRUST
FAQ's What is Habitus’ cancellation or rescheduling policy? We ask for 24-hour notice to cancel or reschedule. Same-day cancellations may incur a fee to cover reserved time. We keep this simple, fair, and transparent. Is Habitus insured, background-checked, and vetted? Yes — Habitus is fully insured, and all service providers are vetted. Safety and trust are foundational to how we work in your home. Are add-ons or upgrades available? Yes — add-ons include organizing time, deep detailing, product sourcing, and unpacking support. These can be requested before your appointment so we can plan accordingly.
PRICING, QUOTES & TIMING
FAQ'S How much does Habitus home cleaning cost? Cleaning is billed hourly at $45/hr with service windows between 3–6 hours. Exact estimates depend on home size and current condition. We provide clear, upfront quotes through our quote form. How much does unpacking and setup cost in Austin? Move-In Harmony™ unpacking and setup is also $70/hr. Projects are quoted with an estimated hour range based on room count, number of boxes, and organization goals. How long does a typical Habitus session last? Most sessions fall between 3–6 hours. Larger organizing or move-in projects may require full-day or multi-day support. We build timeframes around your priorities. What affects total service time or pricing? Time is affected by clutter volume, decision speed, service type, and whether you want system installation or simple setup. We always communicate expectations so you know what the investment will be. Do you help new homeowners set up systems that last? Yes — this is a core part of the Habitus method. We design long-term systems that reduce stress, simplify upkeep, and support the way you naturally live.