What to Consider Before Hiring a Home Organizer

I've been going to physical therapy for the past six weeks due to a shoulder injury. While lying on my stomach and working on Y’s, T’s, and A’s during one of my sessions, the physical therapy assistant asked me what I do for a living. I gave her an overview and explained how I often work with seniors who need extra support, such as during transitions or illness. She then told me that her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, needed to downsize to a smaller unit in her current assisted living facility. She didn’t know exactly how they would handle the move or what that process even looked like, but asked if I would be able to help.

The PTA had never heard of a home organizer before–something I encounter quite often. My conversation with her inspired this post.

Identify Your “Why” and Your Goals

The organization process often represents a turning point in one’s life, so this is a great opportunity to create a vision for the future. Clarify why you want to get organized and how you want to feel in your newly organized space. A strong “why” will motivate you and guide future decisions.

Communicate with the Others in Your Household

If you share a space you're trying to organize with someone else, it's important to discuss both individual and shared goals. Setting expectations and boundaries can help prevent potential misunderstandings.

Decide On Your Budget

Some home organizers, such as myself, charge hourly rates that are comparable to those of other service providers. Others offer package pricing. Having a budget ensures that you can plan for the amount of help you can realistically afford.

Consider Your Timeline and Available Time Commitment 

Are you moving within the next few months and need to downsize before packing? Do you want someone to help with a weekly reset routine to keep your house organized? Each organizing goal requires a different amount of time, and each person has a unique schedule for how much time they can devote to their project. 

Be Flexible and Realistic

Be flexible about what is possible given your budget, time availability, and desired goals. If you are limited in resources, it may be best to use what you already have rather than replacing or purchasing new storage containers. If having more of your time is a priority, spending extra money to hire an organizer who can handle the organizing rather than doing it yourself might be a better option.

Understand the Value of the Service

This is about priorities and asking how you want to allocate your money to support a desired outcome. Yes, it is important to look at how much an organizing service costs and, more importantly, to consider the value you will gain. What would it be worth to you to have _____________________ (more time, less stress) after this process? Hiring a home organizer is an investment towards that.

The people who have the most success when working with a home organizer typically have a vision and need help to make it happen. They see the value that can be gained from working with a home organizer. 

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What are some things you are considering? Let me know in the comments below!