Feeling overwhelmed by clutter or struggling to organize your space? You’re not alone! Whether you’re balancing a busy work schedule, adjusting to a major life change, or simply not sure how to start organizing your home, a professional declutterer might be the solution you’re looking for. To learn more about what they do and how to hire a professional organizer that meets your needs, check out our guide below!
What Is a Professional Organizer?
A professional organizer does more than clean up your space—they help you declutter while also developing sustainable storage and organization systems that suit your home and lifestyle. From decluttering your closet to managing paperwork, professional organizers offer tailored solutions to your unique needs and challenges. After working with you to uncover the root causes of disorganization in your home, an organization expert will devise customized solutions to your organizational problems. Their goal is to teach you organizing skills that allow you to regain control of your environment, helping you form habits to manage your space and keep it free of clutter long term.
When to Hire a Professional Organizer
Whether you’re navigating major life changes—like moving cross-country or downsizing your home—or you simply need assistance with everyday challenges, an organization consultant can help you design a living space that makes sense for you.
You might consider hiring an organizer if you:
- Are overwhelmed by clutter in your home
- Feel embarrassed about the state of your living space
- Struggle with organizational habits or find it difficult to stay organized despite repeated attempts
- Lack the time to dedicate toward finding lasting organizational solutions
- Need help organizing paperwork or creating productive workspaces at home
- Want expert advice on how to maximize your space before starting remodeling projects
What to Do Before Hiring a Professional Organizer
If you think seeking help from a professional organizer is the right choice for you, it’s important to know how to find the best fit. Before you hire a personal organizer, consider the following steps.
Figure Out Your Goals
To find a professional organizer that meets your needs, you have to first understand your goals. Are you tackling one specific problem area—like the garage, attic, living room, kids room, bathroom, basement, bedroom, or backyard shed—or do you want help organizing your entire home? Are you looking for something more like a routine and recycle system for mail, or for someone to kick-off your decluttering journey? Identifying your unique challenges and goals will give you a better idea of your needs and help you communicate your expectations to potential organizers. Plus, some organization professionals specialize in certain areas, which can also help narrow your search!
Make a Budget
Your budget is one of the most important things to keep in mind as you search for a decluttering expert. The average cost of a professional organizer is around $50 to $100 an hour. However, the total cost can vary based on factors such as the level of experience they have, your geographical location, and the scope of the work. Set a budget that makes sense for your lifestyle. Keep in mind you may need to budget for any organizing supplies your professional recommends, like storage bins or shelving. Those with significant decluttering needs also may want to factor in costs for trash or donation pickups. If you’re working with a smaller budget, consider hiring a professional for your biggest problem areas, then use what you learn to tackle the rest of your living space on your own.
Do Your Research
Finding the right home organizer is all about knowing where to look. Start by browsing reputable directories like the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO), which offers a comprehensive database of home organizers and Certified Professional Organizers (CPOs). This can help you connect with trusted professionals near you that meet your personal preferences, budget, and needs. Be sure to check reviews and testimonials to get a better sense of an organizer’s expertise and customer satisfaction rates. Asking friends, family, or neighbors to provide recommendations is another great way to find organizers in your area.
Set Up Consultations
Once you’ve narrowed down a list of professional organizers that might meet your criteria, reach out to potential candidates to schedule a consultation. This gives you time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and assess if their approach aligns with your preferences and needs. If possible, arrange for the meeting to take place in your home so candidates can see your space first-hand and provide more tailored answers.
Here are some questions to ask a professional organizer:
- Can you tell me about your background and credentials?
- What do your services include? What do you specialize in?
- What does your organization process look like?
- How do you tailor your approach to individual clients?
- How will you develop organization systems that align with my home’s unique style?
- Can you provide references, testimonials, and/or before-and-after photos from past clients?
- How long do you expect this project to take?
- Do you offer maintenance plans or follow-up sessions after the initial work is complete?
- How much do you charge for your services?
Look for Compatibility & Other Qualities
When hiring a home organizer, it’s essential to look for the right characteristics. You’re inviting this person into your home to handle your precious belongings, so trustworthiness is crucial. It’s also important to look out for red flags—for example, if a candidate takes photos of your home without your permission or pressures you to toss out or declutter sentimental items you’re not yet ready to part with, this could be a sign that they’re not the right fit. Find someone you feel comfortable with discussing your lifestyle challenges and preferences. Prioritize non-judgmental individuals with great listening skills—they should be understanding of your circumstances and sensitive to your feelings. In addition, a great clutter coach will be able to offer customized strategies rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
Determine Your Timeline
Find the right match? Whether you’re organizing your home office, decluttering your kitchen, or tackling your entire living space, it’s best to set a timeline with your organizer before getting started. This will help you both stay on track and ensure goals are met efficiently. Consider how much time you can dedicate to the process, including whether you prefer to tackle everything all at once or spread sessions out over several weeks. Then work with your organizer to agree on a realistic timeline. Establishing clear deadlines will give you a better idea of what to expect and how soon you’ll be able to enjoy your newly organized space!
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