How to Hire a Professional Organizer: 9 Things to Know

1. Decide What You Need Help With

Before you start searching for a professional organizer, think about what you would like help with and which areas of your home you want to work on.

Every professional organizer offers different services. Some primarily focus on decluttering and home organizing, while others may also offer packing, unpacking, move management, senior downsizing, ADHD organizing, virtual organizing, college organizing, and other services.

Organizers can also specialize in certain areas of the home. Many work throughout the entire home, including kitchens, closets, bedrooms, home offices, garages, and other spaces. Others may focus on specific areas or may not work in spaces such as garages, attics, or basements.

If you already know you need help with a particular project or area of your home, make sure the organizer you're considering works on that type of project.

2. Search for Professional Organizers Near You

There are several ways to find a professional organizer.

Google is one of the most common places to start, but you can also use AI tools such as ChatGPT, professional organizer directories such as The Organizer Directory and Find My Organizer, service platforms such as Yelp, Thumbtack, and Angi, or social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

If you're using Google or an AI search tool, you can start with a search such as “professional organizer near me” or “professional organizer in [your city].”

You can also be more specific if you already know what you need. For example, you might search for “professional closet organizer near me,” “decluttering services near me,” or “packing and unpacking services in [your city].”

You can also use The Organizer Directory to look for organizers who serve your area.

3. Research the Professional Organizer

Start with their website or directory profile. Look at the services they offer and make sure they work on the type of project or area of the home you need help with. You can also look through their portfolio and before-and-after photos to see examples of their work.

Check their reviews, including Google reviews and any testimonials on their website or profile. Their Facebook and Instagram pages can also be helpful. Many organizers regularly share photos and videos from recent projects on social media, which can give you a better idea of the work they do.

It's also worth looking at their About page and learning more about the organizer or team. Their website may include certifications, professional memberships, local chamber memberships, awards, or publications and media outlets where they've been featured.

These aren't requirements for hiring a good organizer, but they can tell you more about their experience and involvement in the industry or local community.

4. Check Their Pricing and Typical Project Size

Some professional organizers list pricing on their website, while others require you to contact them. If pricing is available, look at how they charge and what's included.

There isn't one standard way professional organizers price their services. Some charge by the hour or session, while others offer packages or price projects based on the scope of the work. Pricing may also depend on the type of service, the size of the space, the amount of organizing or decluttering needed, the number of organizers working on the project, or other factors.

It's also worth finding out what size projects the organizer typically takes on. Some organizers work on smaller projects or individual spaces, while others regularly take on larger projects such as whole-home organizing, moves, or downsizing. Some may also have a minimum session length, package, or starting price.

If you're unsure whether an organizer fits your budget, ask what their services start at and what the majority of their projects or clients typically spend. This can give you a more realistic idea of the investment than an hourly rate alone.

5. Contact the Organizer

Once you've found a professional organizer you're interested in, you can call them directly, fill out a contact form, send an email, or schedule a consultation through their website.

Pay attention to their communication from the beginning. A company that responds within a reasonable amount of time, answers your questions, and clearly explains the next steps is a good sign.

They'll typically want to learn more about your project before recommending a service or giving you a better idea of pricing, timing, and what the project may involve.

6. Tell Them About Your Project

The organizer may ask which areas of your home you want to work on, what you're currently having trouble with, your timeline, your budget, and whether decluttering will be part of the project. Depending on the project, they may also ask you to send photos or schedule an in-home or virtual consultation.

If you've never worked with a professional organizer before, you don't need to know exactly what service to ask for. Explain what you need help with and what you'd like to accomplish, and the organizer can recommend the best fit.

7. Ask Questions Before You Hire

The initial conversation is your chance to learn how the organizer works and what to expect if you hire them. Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially if you've never worked with a professional organizer before.

Some helpful questions to ask include:

• How does your pricing work?
• What's included in the service?
• Is there anything that isn't included?
• Will I be working with one organizer or multiple organizers?
• Do I need to be home while you're organizing?
• How involved will I need to be?
• Do you bring organizing supplies?
• Are organizing products included, or do I purchase them separately?
• Do you help with donation drop-off?
• Do you provide any light cleaning during the organizing process?
• How long do you think my project may take?
• Do you have examples of projects similar to mine?
• What happens after I book?

You don't need to ask every question on this list. Focus on what's important for your project and anything that isn't already answered on the organizer's website or during your conversation.

If you're hiring someone for a specific type of project, such as a move, senior downsizing, garage, or whole-home organization, it's also worth asking about their experience with similar projects.

8. Make Sure They're a Good Fit

Before you hire a professional organizer, think about what matters most to you. You may be looking for someone with experience handling a specific type of project, a company with a strong portfolio and reviews, someone who can work within a certain timeframe, or an organizer who fits your budget.

Price may be an important part of your decision, but it doesn't have to be the only factor. Consider the organizer's experience, quality of work, communication, services, reviews, and how comfortable you feel working with them.

Professional organizing can be a personal service. Depending on the project, an organizer may work alongside you, going through closets, cabinets, paperwork, clothing, storage areas, and other belongings inside your home.

Pay attention to how they communicate with you and whether you feel comfortable asking questions and explaining what you need.