+ What is the elevator pitch for Call Sheilah?

Call Sheilah! believes that asking for help is a spiritual act--the merging of what’s so (overwhelm, humility, a desire to put one’s energy elsewhere) with a willingness to rely on another to lighten our load. Still, we understand how difficult it is to ask.

Projects with multiple moving parts can be disruptive and daunting. Our mission in move in/move out management is to alleviate the stressful, emotional and time consuming tasks of moving by providing professional oversight with the highest level of customer service and transparency. Call Sheilah! offers a partnership for as much or as little as you require. We are a concierge service for busy people … here to lighten your load.

+ Who needs Call Sheilah!?

Our clients typically have many competing obligations and find great relief in outsourcing the myriad of details surrounding a move. Call Sheilah! is for anyone who wants easy, seamless downsizing and move in/move out assistance.

+ What areas do we serve?

New York State’s Capital Region and surrounding areas, including New York City and Central New York. Not sure if we come your way? Call Sheilah!

+ Is Call Sheilah! a moving company?

No. Call Sheilah! is a move management firm that manages all aspects of the move in/move out and downsizing process. We partner and sub-contract with competent and professional moving crews.

+ Does Call Sheilah! offer professional organizer or home organization service?

Call Sheilah! is not a professional organizing service, however, our team is organized, and will assist in this area if needed, but it is not our primary expertise. In fact, if you have organizing skills, get in touch. See next question.

+ Is Call Sheilah! hiring?

Call Sheilah! is always looking for reliable, detail-oriented, hardworking folks for part time employment. Must have references and impeccable results of our rigorous background checks. Shoot us an email.

+ What is the typical Call Sheilah customer journey?

It starts with a phone call. We then set up a 30 minute free on-site consultation to grasp the scope of the project and the individuals and family members involved. If the consultation goes over 30 minutes or is more than 25 miles away from our hub, we ask to be compensated for our time.

Our team customizes a service package and project schedule. We source quotes, recommend vendors (cleaners, movers, haulers, appraisers, estate sale managers), and assist with facilitating or subcontracting as appropriate. We provide thorough documentation of services, pre-approve expenditures for supplies, time accountability, and other details specific to your project. A team member can be on-site for all aspects of downsizing, vendor management, moving day oversight, new space design, unpacking and set-up ...

We partner for as much or as little as our clients prefer. From the first day of downsizing to unpacking that last box, we are available to you by phone, email, and text to answer questions and ensure a smooth transition.

+ How does the Call Sheilah contracting process work?

Call Sheilah! provides a comprehensive estimate which includes the predicted number of labor hours, our contractor agreement and client responsibilities. Our services are retained with a signed contract and non-refundable 50% deposit.

When half the estimated hours are expended, we reassess--if the work moves faster or slower than predicted, the balance is adjusted.

A word about pace: The possessions accumulated while living a life often inspire memories, especially when discerning what to keep and what to relinquish. We understand how emotional this can be. Plus, we love people and their stories! Accordingly, it is not always possible to anticipate how a client’s desire to share memories will impact the time it takes to complete a project.

+ Does Call Sheilah! hire the moving company?

Yes. But also, no. It’s up to you. Large contracts require large vendors (i.e. moving companies, car carriers, moving insurance, etc.). For clients who prefer one stop shopping--we handle the subcontracts. For clients who choose independent vendors, we are available to recommend resources and research reviews on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.

+ Does Call Sheilah! pay vendors directly?

For some jobs (and with client’s consent), Call Sheilah! subcontracts vendors with whom we have years of relationship – junk haulers, cleaning crews, movers, shredders, carpenters, contractors, painters and repair people. We have found that this efficient approach provides an experience of one stop shopping. Clients can always engage with additional vendors as needed.

+ What is Call Sheilah!’s COVID-19 policy?

Much of our work requires on-site support. We are happy to discuss remote options when appropriate. Please note, team members will only visit clients at agreed upon times and will cancel if anyone (Call Sheilah!, vendors, client) feels unwell, has a fever, or discloses positive COVID-19 test results. To protect everyone, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, All Call Sheilah! team members, vendors and clients must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Team members will supplyPPE for anyone needing it. Call Sheilah! follows all City and State emergency mandates which may impact the ability to fulfill contract obligations. This will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

As of March 2021, all team members are fully vaccinated.

+ Does Call Sheilah! carry insurance?

Call Sheilah! carries general and professional liability insurance as well as an umbrella policy for a third layer. For clients bringing in their own crews, Call Sheilah! will work with you to make sure your vendors have adequate coverage given your risk tolerance.

+ What additional expenses could come up on top of the Call Sheilah! service package?

Any additional expenses are pre-approved by the client, including, but not limited to, travel fees (hotels, gas, mileage, parking, tolls, etc), and day of vendor payments such as document shredding, house cleaning, and cash tips.

Call Sheilah! Provides complimentary, initial packing materials, however clients should be prepared to pay for the bulk of theirpacking supply expenses.

+ What payment methods does Call Sheilah! accept?

Call Sheilah! accepts digital cash payments as well as credit cards, checks and cash.

+ Does Call Sheilah! handle my give away and donation items?

Yes. Let us know if you have a specific charity or community organization in mind.

Call Sheilah! prefers to donate directly to individuals when appropriate and approved by the client. Additionally, we prefer to work with local charities rather than national organizations.

We are aligned with work that combats anti-trans legislation and protects transgender and gender non-conforming youth. We also support advocacy organizations that work for equity and justice for the queer community. During warmer months, we sell donated items at our Charity Garage Sales where all proceeds beyond overhead are donated to local organizations.

+ Does Call Sheilah! handle selling valuable items?

Yes, depending on the size and scope of the items. We assist in a myriad of ways including referrals to estate sale managers, securing estimates from professional appraisers, prepping/running tag sales, and posting items (photographing, writing ads and monitoring sales) on social media. We are happy to discuss your options.

+ How does Call Sheilah! determine costs of service?

During the consultation, we estimate the number of hours to complete your project and send a detailed description of the scope of services. Our rate is based on $75/labor hour. Clients can pay per session however, discounts are available for prepaid packages.

For rush jobs, expedited services may have a service fee.

+ Call Sheilah! used to be a personal concierge service--do you still do that? (Also, what’s a personal concierge?)

Absolutely.

Call Sheilah is available for all your errands, projects and tasks. The possibilities are endless! Click here for examples.

Historically, concierges have been hotel employees who assist guests by arranging tours and securing dinner and theater reservations. In France, concierges live onsite and act as caretakers for apartment complexes and small hotels. In recent years personal concierges have become popular and can be thought of as personal assistant meets the freelance gig economy.

+ Does it matter that I have no idea where to begin on my project?

Nope. That’s why you’re bringing us in. No judgments!

+ What are your hours?

We work anytime but we do not work all the time. Many of our clients require evening and weekend hours and we will work out a timeline to suit your needs.

+ Is there anything you won’t do?

Of course, but we would love to decide what that is. Ideally, you should Call Sheilah! and we can figure out if we’re the best team for your project.

+ What is the most unique gig you ever had?

There are two. We were asked to find the perfect puppy breed for a family of five. That was unique and fun. The photos of the kids with their new Goldendoodle, Ashley, were beyond adorable.

We were also contracted to staff two memorial services at a magnificent property in Berne NY. The attendees were mostly coming from a nearby assisted-living residence. We arranged for them to step off their group bus onto golf carts so they could seamlessly and comfortably travel the sprawling property. Driving elderly folks (some with oxygen tanks) in a luxury golf cart was a touching and memorable experience. They loved it and so did we.

+ Do you, Sheilah, do all the work yourself?

When I started Call Sheilah! in 2015, I did. But when word spread, I became so busy I had to hire workers. (An excellent problem!) Now, I have a small team and many trusted and vetted subcontractors. For projects with large staffing requirements, I am fortunate to have spent 30+ years living and working in the Capital Region and have cultivated relationships within a variety of industries.