Hiring a Professional Organizer
What to look for when hiring a Professional Organizer
Here are some questions to ask and things to look for when hiring a Professional Organizer to declutter and organize your home.
You've tried on your own to bring those shrunken sweaters to the Salvation Army, and yet still they sit at the bottom of your closet. You've tried to banish those scraped up pots and pans to the trash, but somehow they end up creeping back into your kitchen. You've had it, and you're now ready to bring in the big guns.
Well, good for you for your resolve to get organized! Hiring a Professional Organizer is one of the best things you can do if you are truly ready to change. But there are lots of organizers out there, how do you know who's best for you?
First off, it's important to get a few different quotes. Professional Organizers will probably be fairly close in their rates in a given area, but it's always a good idea to see what the range is. This also gives you a chance to shop personality. Think about it- you're going to be working with this person for a period of a few hours to several weeks or months, going through some very personal items. You want to make sure that you feel comfortable with them and that you get along together. So, get at least 3 quotes. You can visit the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) website and, by typing in your zip code, you can get a list of professional organizers in your area. You're also assured that, by going through NAPO, you get a credible, qualified professional and not someone just out to make a buck.
When you do start having organizers out to give quotes, make sure you ask them the following questions:
- How long have you been doing this?
- What led you to the field of professional organizing?
- What is your organizing philosophy?
- What happens during sessions? Will I work directly with you?
- Do you have any "Before" and "After" pictures I can look at?
- Will you give me any "homework" between sessions?
- Do you have any previous clients I can contact for references?
If you have any special needs (if you're elderly, have medical problems or learning disorders, have ADD or OCD, are chronically disorganized, etc.) ask the organizer if they have experience or training in these areas. Everyone learns differently, and it's very important to find an organizer who is skilled at customizing organizing solutions for your specific needs.
It's also important to find out their specific rates. Do they charge by the job or by the hour? Will they charge travel time? Will you have to buy organizing supplies or will they pick that up for you?
Remember, all of this counts for nothing if you don't feel good about the person. Professional Organizers should be, well, professional! They should assure you that anything seen or discussed during your sessions will remain completely confidential. They should exude an air of confidence and stability. You want to feel comfortable with them.
Red Flags to look for:
- Bad mouthing previous clients- If you bring an Professional Organizer in and they mention previous client's personal information, or bad mouth them in any way, this should be a red flag.
- No client references- If a Professional Organizer has been in business a while and they can't give you any references, be wary.
Hiring a Professional Organizer can truly change your life. There is nothing quite like the experience of turning chaos into calm! Utilizing a Professional Organizer's experience and skills can propel you forward much faster than if you tried working on your own. It's important, however, to spend the time in the beginning looking for someone that you personally enjoy being around!
