professional organizer explorer
frequently asked questions

By Sara Pedersen
Every week, I respond to a fun categorization of career-related inquiries from people all over the world. They want to know if becoming a master personal digital assistant is the right career path for them. Questions range from the basic “ How much money can I make ? ” and “ What do you pack in your take-along bag ? ” to the more complex “ How long does it take to organize a kitchen ? ” and “ How do you stay safe in a foreign ’ s family ? ”
While I am happy to answer basic inquiries, I normally recommend that these folks start by reading my reserve, Born to Organize. It will answer about all of a career internet explorer ’ sulfur business start-up questions. then, if person wants to go more in-depth, I offer in-person, phone, and electronic mail coach. I love chatting with prospective professional organizers and sharing everything I ’ ve learned !
But, of course, you may have some questions that you want to be answered right now. so, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions and my answers. I hope they point you in the right direction.

All my best ,

is this a good time to enter the professional organizing industry?

In one give voice, yes ! Our industry is enjoying fast-paced growth due to demand from consumers. People have excessively much stuff, not enough space or time, and lack basic organizing skills. They desperately need master organizers. And thanks to television shows like “ Hoarders, ” the subject of organizing has become hot, hot, hot ! To give you an idea of growth, consider these numbers : In 1995, there were a bare 834 members of NAPO ( National Association of Professional Organizers. ) Within five years, that number grew to 1,358. immediately, there are well over 4,000 ! Our field is growing not merely due to consumer necessitate, but besides because it is a relatively easy and flexible clientele to establish .

what type of certification or training do I need to become a professional organizer?

To become a professional organizer, you don ’ t need any special certificate or specific train. Of course, there are helpful teleclasses, webinars, websites, and books that you ’ ll want to explore. I recommend you start by reading my ledger, Born to Organize. It is very comprehensive and will answer many of your questions. There is a authentication from the Board of Certified Professional Organizers® ( BCPO ) that you may consider obtaining after you ’ ve been in business for a while. however, to become a Certified Professional Organizer®, you ’ ll need at least 1500 hours of pay know over the by three years. indeed wear ’ metric ton get hung up on any type of certificate plan at this steer. While aim is by and large a good thing, you can surely get started without paying for any type of authentication or drawn-out education courses if you wish .

could you briefly outline the process of helping clients?

I start with a brief call reference to qualify them. ( Will they be a beneficial match for me and I for them ? ) At the first seance, I spend anywhere from 30-60 minutes doing an on-site appraisal using my client Assessment Form. then we dig in for the end of the time ( normally three hours per seance ). I work aboard them the integral clock, coaching, teaching skills, setting up newly systems, watching for tire, and encouraging them. When we wrap up, I offer homework assignments if they want to work on them between sessions on their own. It gives them accountability and gets the visualize done faster .

do you bring organizing supplies or have the client purchase them?

I always bring my label manufacturer, a well as a little arsenal of basic organizing supplies that work in fair about any situation. ( The list is included in my book, Born to Organize. ) Beyond the basics, if clients ask for merchandise recommendations, I give them. But a lack of memory containers is not normally the problem. Of course, there are some fabulous form products out there ( peruse my web log for some of my favs ), and they do make organizing so much more fun for both me and my clients. But I always work within my clients ’ budgets and first try to use what they already own.

do i need insurance?

Yes, for indisputable. You can purchase “ general indebtedness ” which covers property damage and bodily injury. But I recommend “ professional liability ” ( besides called “ errors and omissions ” ), which besides covers the advice that you give clients. NAPO members can purchase this type of plan through NAPOSure. If you are not a extremity, ask your believe friends or local business owners for recommendations .

what is the best way to market my business?

If you have a clientele, you need a web site. If you ’ ra not certain how to create a fabulous, effective site, I can help ! besides, you ’ ll want to maximize social media : Create a Facebook business page, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts. besides, sending a monthly e-newsletter will help you stay in touch with prospects on a regular basis. Some organizers join local network groups and/or give workshops to become more visible in their communities. There are many low-cost methods to promote your business !

how much money can i make as a professional organizer?

The sum of money you make depends on the number of client hours you have. The pace you charge depends upon where you live ( rural, urban, suburban ), what character of organizing you ’ re doing, and how long you ’ ve been organizing. I would caution against setting your fee besides abject. many newer organizers don ’ thymine think they ’ re worthy of the criterion organize fees, which is a huge misnomer. I normally recommend at least $ 40 – $ 50 per hour for brand-new organizers ( and I ’ ve known batch who have started out at $ 60+ ), but that will vary depending upon the factors listed above. Rates nationally vary from $ 40 to over $ 200 per hour .

should i work with hoarders?

Working with people in hoarding situations is not for everyone. It takes huge patience, train, and often a team approach. Do not attempt to work with hoarders until you have specific discipline. The Institute for Challenging Disorganization is a beneficial resource for educational opportunities, plus it ’ s a good locate to find referrals if you don ’ thymine feel comfortable working with hoarding clients .

what portion of society do your clients come from — geographically, economically, and socially?

They come from all areas… by and large I accept clients who live stopping point to me ( within 30 miles ) as a personal preference. They tend to be more suburban rather than in the city, possibly because I ’ m in a suburb, excessively. My target market is busy families. economically, it ’ south all over the place… I ’ ve had a few lower-income clients, some upper-income clients, and lots of middle-income clients. Those who in truth want to hire a professional organizer will normally find a way to afford it, even if they have to do some serious budget to fit it in. It ’ south important for us, as professional organizers, to stress the value of our services. Our clients are learning skills from us that will concluding a life .
calm have questions ? here are three options to move you forward :

Best wishes as you consider a career as a professional personal digital assistant !