Before hiring a professional organizer, consider a few factors. Most professional organizers recommend an initial in-person consultation, which allows them to evaluate the space and your lifestyle. This consultation also helps them develop strategies and next steps. If necessary, they can provide an estimated timeline. By having an idea of the work ahead, you can prepare for the organizing service.
Cost per hour
Most professional organizers charge between $35 and $100 per hour, depending on the level of experience. In addition to removing clutter, they also do simple housekeeping tasks, such as dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping. Prices for these services will vary, and you should be sure to negotiate with your organizer to make sure that you get the best deal. For instance, one professional organizer might charge you $85 to dust a single room, while another may charge you up to $600 for a whole house organization project.
When it comes to cost, experience is the most important factor. Some professional organizers are new, while others have been in the industry for several years. Experience matters the most when determining the cost per hour for these services. The more experienced the professional, the higher the rate per hour will be.
Professional organizers charge by the hour, but this varies by geography, expertise, and business model. Hourly rates for large projects tend to be in the $50-$60 range, depending on the size of the job. Some jobs require more hands than others, and their hourly rates can be much higher. Smaller jobs, however, may only require a single organizer.
Home organizers typically charge between $35 and $85 per hour. This includes the cost of the consultation, and the total time required for the job. If you’d like a professional organizer to organize your home, it’s best to hire one who works as a generalist. They can declutter areas that need the most help.
If you’re looking for a professional organizer to help you get rid of a large amount of clutter, the cost per hour may go up. Many organizers include minimal removal services within their hourly rates, but you should discuss the cost with your organizer if your needs are more extensive.
Membership fees
Professional organizing services may want to become a member of associations and professional groups. The Organizers Guild of America, for instance, requires membership fees of $299 per year. Becoming a member is a way to guarantee a certain level of professionalism in the field. These organizations offer members educational teleclasses, networking opportunities, and more.
Some professional organizing services offer pre-paid packages. For example, Ellen Faye Organizing offers three-hour sessions for $200, and a six-hour session for $375. Another organization, B Organized, advertises a two-hour assessment for $150 and monthly appointments for $240. Other services offered by professional organizers include telephone consultations, estate organization, and the management of paperwork.
Educational requirements
To become certified as a professional organizer, you must have at least a high school diploma and have completed at least 1,500 hours of paid work in the field. In addition, you must adhere to a strict code of ethics. To continue your education, you can enroll in continuing education courses or take the CPO exam. To remain certified, you must continue to take at least 45 hours of continuing education each year.
The Institute for Challenging Disorganization, or ICD, offers a number of certificates at five levels. Among these are the Certified Professional Organizer-Chronic Disorganization Certification (CPO-CD) and the Certificate of Study in Time Management and Productivity (CPOS). To earn the credential, organizers must complete the program’s application, pay a program fee, and sign a confidentiality agreement with a mentor.
Most professional organizers have a bachelor’s degree or higher, although some have GEDs or high school diplomas. Some also pursue graduate degrees in organizational psychology or design. If you’re planning on working with chronically disorganized clients, a college degree in psychology or social work will be helpful.
As a professional organizer, it’s important to be knowledgeable in your specialty area. You should also be able to provide references to prospective clients. Most professional organizers start as freelancers. They advertise their services through professional journals and newspapers. Some may also take private training programs tailored to their area.
In addition to having the right skills and experience, certification can help you become more confident and successful in your field. As an added benefit, becoming certified is a great way to distinguish yourself from other organizers. By becoming certified, you will become a recognized expert, which can have a significant impact on your business.
Additional services offered by professional organizers
Professional organizers provide a variety of additional services, including home staging, professional cleaning, and scanning and uploading of photos. They can also install shelving, closet storage units, and window treatments. Some will even replace furniture or label items. The fees for these additional services vary based on their level of service.
A professional organizer can organize one room or an entire home. Their experience can help you design more efficient storage systems, as well as maximize existing space. They can help you organize the kitchen, kid’s room, closet, garage, and home office, among other places. If you’re moving, professional organizers can also help you find the best moving company, pack and unpack your belongings, and manage the process from start to finish.
While many organizers are generalists, others specialize in particular areas. For example, a digital organizer deals with digital clutter, teaches proper tech use, and sets up the office for optimal productivity. And an office organizer handles filing systems and office space. Some are certified in hoarding prevention, eco-friendly organizing, or time management.
Professional organizers can be self-employed, employees, or independent contractors. They can work full-time or part-time, onsite or virtually, and bill clients according to their work. In most cases, they bill their clients on a per-project or hour basis. Depending on how much time they spend on each project, they may charge more or less than other professional organizers.
Professional organizers may offer additional services such as home staging and moving services. Many of these professionals are bonded and insured. Additionally, some offer other services such as personal shopping, gift wrapping, package retrieval, and holiday decorating. Some companies also provide virtual consultations.
Questions to ask
If you’re interested in hiring a professional organizer, you’ll want to find out about their qualifications. These professionals work with clients who have varying levels of organization needs and goals. In addition to the organizational skills they bring to the table, they should also have the ability to build and maintain an effective system. Some of the questions to ask professional organizing services include the following:
Identify the amount of time and effort they’ll spend on your project. Make sure they’re able to provide a contract and work time estimate. Ask how many hours they’ll spend with you and whether they’ll be using a subcontractor. Also, ask them why their service is superior to other options.
In addition, professional organizers should explain how their organizing systems work. If they’re working with clients who have different opinions, ask about their process for resolving conflicts. If your organizer is able to explain their reasoning and the process that they go through to create a plan that will meet your needs, that’s a good sign.
Another important question to ask professional organizers is whether they can evaluate the quality of information they obtain from various sources. In the field of professional organizing, a professional organizer must make decisions that are in the best interest of the client. A professional organizer should be able to evaluate the advice gathered from magazines, blogs, and other resources. In this way, clients can be confident in their decisions and the results of their project.
In addition to organizing services, professional organizers should be able to provide you with interior design guidance. Depending on the type of organization you need, this service may be offered separately or in a package. However, it is important to understand that interior design guidance can come at a higher price. In addition, professional organizers may also offer other services, such as home staging, scanning in photos, and furniture hauling.
