1. What does a professional organizer do?

Organizing and Productivity Professionals can help you achieve your short-term goals and provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term success. They can offer you judgement-free assistance by breaking down overwhelming tasks, managing your time, decluttering your living and work spaces, and putting systems in place to help you be more productive and eliminate distractions.

2. What should I look for in an organizer?

Finding and hiring a professional is no different than choosing an accountant, personal trainer, doctor, or other service provider. You will want to work with someone who takes the time to get to know you, understands your needs, and has the expertise to advise you and help you achieve your goals.

3. How do I find an organizer near me?

The NAPO (www.napo.net) Professional Directory lets you search by type of service, distance from your location, or both. You will receive a list of professionals in your area, along with information about their businesses, including links to their websites and contact information. You might also do a simple search on your preferred search engine (Google, Safari, etc) for “professional organizers near me.”

4. What should I consider when hiring someone?

Formal training, education, and experience can vary widely among organizing professionals. You should consider the individual’s experience in your particular problem area or project, how many years they’ve been in business, any certifications or advanced training they may have, and how they work with clients (approach, time-frame, availability). NAPO offers a hiring guide that can be downloaded for free.

5. How much do professional organizers charge?

As with most professions, fees will vary widely based on the professional’s experience, your geographic location, and the services you are requesting. Many will charge by the hour, while others offer packages or charge by the project. It is best to establish a budget that is comfortable for you and keep this in mind when choosing who to work with. Be aware of any initial consultation fees, additional costs for needed materials and supplies, and disposal fees that may or may not be included.