How to Choose a Home Organizer
Home organization has become a distinctive method to improve and enhance the function, beauty, and comfort of the home. Homes are shaped as much by the right people as by the belongings themselves. Curating each space to work for your lifestyle and habits can bring more ease into your days.
Choosing an organizer for this purpose requires careful screening and thoughtful consideration. After all, this person or team will be entering one of the most private spaces in your life.
This post is for those who are hiring an organizer for the first time or are looking for a refresher. It is created to help guide you through key considerations and questions during your search.
Begin with Research
There are many ways to find a home organizer:
○ Search online for local organizers who service your area
○ Read Google reviews
○ Use a professional directory like the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO)
○ Ask your friends, family, and community for recommendations
○ Search or post in your local Facebook or online community group
Read through each website to get a feel for the organizer’s personality, philosophy, offerings, and pricing. Check out their social media profiles to see more of their work and online presence.
What to Consider During Your Search
Identify Specialties and Niches
Are you looking for help with moving and unpacking? Or maybe you live with a hoarding disorder and want to work with someone who understands your condition. Depending on your situation, match yourself with someone who has experience and passion for the specific problem you have or the goal you hope to achieve. Home organizers typically focus on one or more niches – specific categories within the home organizing industry. Some examples include:
○ ADHD organizing
○ Digital organizing
○ Grief-informed organizing
○ Luxury organizing
○ Paper management
○ Senior downsizing
○ Sustainable organizing
Read About Their Organizing Method
Learning about an organizer’s methodology or philosophy can help you determine if it resonates with you. This information is usually available on the homepage or in the About section. If you have a preferred organizing philosophy, search online for a home organizer who specializes in that specific method. Examples include:
○ Dana K. White’s No Mess Decluttering Process
○ Kayleen Kelly’s DeclutterCore Method
○ Marie Kondo’s KonMari method
○ Minimalism
○ Swedish Death Cleaning
Learn About Their Service Features
The services and features offered by home organizers vary greatly. Here are a few considerations:
○ Project vs. Hourly Pricing
Project-based organizing offers a fixed rate for a specific organizing project. This allows clients to know the cost upfront. Hourly-based organizing services charge for the total number of hours worked.
○ Do-it-with-you vs. Do-it-for-you
A do-it-with-you service is collaborative, with the client actively involved as the organizer guides decisions. A do-it-for-you service is more hands-off for clients who are busy or want a professional to manage the project details.
○ Virtual vs. In-Person
Since the pandemic, remote virtual sessions have become more popular. This allows both the organizer and client to work together regardless of their location. Organizers offering in-person sessions usually have a local service area, often listed on their website. Some will travel to clients for an additional fee. It is important to determine if an organizer serves the area where your organizing project is located.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Home Organizer
Once you've completed your research and narrowed your list, it's time to schedule a consultation. Note—some offer complimentary consultations, while others charge. Here are some questions to ask:
Individual/Team
Do you work solo or as part of a team?
What education, experience, or certifications do you have related to home organizing?
How long have you been in business?
How long have you been working with people who are not friends or family?
Can you provide references who aren't friends or family?
Do you have an active business license?
Are you insured?
What are your hours of operation?
Process
What is your method and philosophy of organizing?
Do you have a portfolio of your work that I can look at?
What does a session look like?
How do you handle shared spaces?
Will you use existing storage products?
How do you manage situations where clients require emotional support throughout the process?
Will you be taking any breaks? If so, are they paid or unpaid?
Do you offer donations or dump runs?
Do you have a service contract? I want to review the terms and conditions.
Pricing and Payment
How will you calculate the cost of my project?
What is included in your rate?
Does your rate include shopping, products, or returns?
What are your payment policies?
What payment options do you accept?
Follow-Up
What happens at the end of my project?
Do you provide follow-up or maintenance options?
What options do I have if I need help in the future?
Important Note
Hiring a home organizer is an investment, so take your time to find the right fit. You don't need to make a decision during the consultation if you’re not ready.
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Is there anything else I should add to this list? If you have any questions or thoughts you’d like to share about this process, leave a comment below or contact me here. Click here to learn more about my philosophy, and here for a list of my services.
