Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does proactive planning differ from just running errands?

    Proactive planning means reverse-engineering tasks from outcome back to first steps, solving problems before they develop. Instead of reacting to what's already overdue, we anticipate needs—monitoring grocery inventory, scheduling seasonal maintenance before weather changes, and managing vendor coordination from research through completion. This prevents last-minute scrambling and decision fatigue.

  • Can a personal concierge handle gift shopping without making it feel impersonal?

    We partner with you on budget and parameters, then visit specific stores you choose—boutiques in Ridgewood or toy stores in Westwood—to find gifts that reflect your thoughtfulness. Gift wrapping and packaging options are available. The recipient experiences your generosity; you avoid the time drain of shopping, wrapping, and delivery logistics.

  • What's included in grocery shopping services beyond just buying from a list?

    Services range from shopping and hand-off to full inventory monitoring, multi-store trips, putting away groceries, transferring takeout into your storage containers, and prepping fruits and vegetables. We shop one client at a time, read labels for allergies, select produce to your ripeness specifications, and provide access to store discounts like ShopRite cards and Prime membership.

  • How does house watching catch problems that smart home sensors miss?

    Room-by-room walkthroughs identify issues technology overlooks—we've found basement flooding that evaded water sensors. We check for leaks, signs of entry, and irregularities, then contact plumbers or roofers and grant access for repairs. Varied arrival times create an occupied appearance, and we handle mail, packages, and plant watering on your schedule.

  • What does it mean to take ownership of a task from planning to completion?

    We meet clients where they are—handling everything from initial research and vendor comparison through execution and follow-up, or jumping in at any stage. For home maintenance, that might mean creating the schedule, booking the service, being on-site during the appointment, and confirming completion. The depth of involvement matches your comfort level and need.

  • How does a teaching background apply to household management?

    Thirty years teaching instrumental music built skills in reverse-engineering projects, attention to detail, reading individual personalities, and observing what's unsaid. Managing classrooms requires anticipating needs and maintaining complex schedules—the same systems that prevent household tasks from falling through cracks. Pattern recognition catches problems before they escalate.

  • Can you handle online returns and customer service calls for delivered items?

    We manage returns from generating codes through drop-off at stores, UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Customer service calls for order cancellations, defective items, or delivery issues are handled on your behalf. We also unpack deliveries, put items away, and break down boxes for recycling according to your town's regulations.

  • What kind of research gets compiled into side-by-side comparisons?

    We research day camps, vendors, salons, spas, appliances, hotels, and household maintenance best practices, then compile findings into easy-to-read formats without tab-toggling. Comparisons highlight salient points across options. Once you decide, we can book appointments and be on-site to let service providers into your home.

  • What seasonal services go beyond decorating and holiday cards?

    We retrieve holiday decorations from storage, assist with indoor holiday decoration removal, write and mail cards or invitations, purchase and wrap gifts, rotate seasonal wardrobe items between storage and closets, and install batteries in decorations. Live greenery can be taken for repair or maintenance, keeping traditions intact without the physical and planning burden.

  • Why does shopping one client at a time matter for grocery services?

    Single-client focus means reading every label for allergens, selecting meat leanness and produce ripeness to your exact specifications, and visiting multiple stores for specific items. Batching orders across clients would compromise attention to dietary restrictions and quality standards. Your needs drive each shopping trip without competing priorities.

  • Why should I consider using ChoreVoyant’s errand and household management services?

    ChoreVoyant partners with clients to serve not only as an extra set of hands, but as an extra pair of eyes and ears. We keep an eye on your inventory—groceries and personal care items—and listen for those passing comments. A child saying he likes blueberry yogurt now, not strawberry. The time you muttered that you had to buy a birthday present for your cousin. Our mission is to not only do, but to help you keep track. The benefit is that you can live life, not manage a to-do list.

  • What if I need a service that is not listed?

    Just ask! If we are able to provide it, we will. If we can’t, we will work to connect you with the appropriate service provider.

  • What areas do you serve?

    We serve all of Bergen County.

  • What types of payment does ChoreVoyant accept?

    We accept checks, credit cards and PayPal. The simplest way to pay is directly through our invoice (“Pay now” button).

  • Are you insured?

    Yes, ChoreVoyant is both insured and bonded.

  • Why use a service like ChoreVoyant when stores & apps have their own delivery services?

    In a word, relationship. ChoreVoyant builds relationships with individual clients, and provides a far more customized and personal experience. We view ourselves as your partner, not just your service provider.

  • How do I get started?

    Use the contact form on our website, email us at marcia@chorevoyant.com, or call us at (201) 707-5813.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    All services must be scheduled no later than Sunday of the week in which they will occur. ChoreVoyant must be notified of cancellations at least 24 hours prior to the date of service. While we realize that there may be instances of sudden illness or emergency, repeated same-day cancellations will result in a $50 service charge. This charge will be instituted after five instances of same-day cancellations. The sixth same-day cancellation will result in an assessment of the $50 service charge.

  • How does ChoreVoyant work?

    It starts with an initial phone consultation, where we discover what your needs are, the type of help you’re looking for, and the amount or frequency of help you would like. This helps us to arrive together at an appropriate package of hours. Packages, with the exception of the ala carte option, can be divided into two-to-four-hour blocks. Once the number of package hours has been drawn down, clients may continue by purchasing another set of package hours. Typically, a 12-hour package—divided into once-weekly, three-hour sessions—typically lasts one month. Specialty packages can be drafted if those listed are too small to meet your needs. Prior to starting services, clients receive a service agreement outlining the parameters discussed in the discovery call, as well as additional onboarding materials.

  • Are your services confidential?

    ChoreVoyant values your privacy. Our website and billing software is secured, so all transactions are encrypted. Your information will not be shared or sold to any third party. The number of hours you purchase, as well as the types of services you purchase, will not be shared or sold to anyone. All service records are kept confidential and are used only for the purposes of record-keeping, billing, and review of offerings.