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Organizing FAQWhether you're tired of always being short on time or frustrated at the state of your garage, the reasons for turning to professional organizers are as varied and unique as the people who hire them. At POC, we want to make sure you've got all the information you need to make an informed decision about finding and hiring an organizer that's a perfect fit for your specific needs. We've gathered some of the most common questions that we get asked and assembled the answers for you. What is a professional organizer?
What is a professional organizer?The official definition is this: A professional organizer provides information, products and assistance to help individuals and businesses achieve their specific organizing needs. But what this translates to in reality is that these organizing professionals guide, encourage and educate you on how to overcome your organizing challenges by offering support, focus and direction. Professional organizers are excellent listeners, non-judgmental and extremely dedicated to their clients. They help you to do more in less time, with more energy. A professional organizer offers both consulting as well as hands-on organizing services, giving you the skills and tools you need to reduce stress and banish that awful feeling of being overwhelmed. Are all professional organizers the same?Like other professionals, many organizers have an area of specialization, and bring different areas of expertise, certifications and skills to the table. The three broad service areas of professional organizing comprise:
Within those broader areas professional organizers may assist with time management, paper management, clutter control, chronic disorganization, behaviour modification, space planning, filing, organizing coaching, wardrobes, closet systems, event planning, errands, personal shopping, financial management, downsizing, packing/moving, records management, and so much more. Some professional organizers work with specific populations such as, seniors, children, students, and people with ADD, hoarding issues or who are chronically disorganized. Some organizers specialize in specific niche professions such as healthcare/medical or legal offices. Others offer products, seminars and workshops on organizing or targeting a specific organizing subject. Why should I choose a professional organizer over a cleaning service?A cleaning service will come into your home or office and clean it from top to bottom. But a professional organizer gets to the root of the issue and then creates a plan to help you put the processes and systems in place to keep your home or office organized. In other words, hire a professional organizer and you'll have the skills in place to keep your home or office clean and organized. I need a professional organizer but live in a rural/remote area. What should I do?Most of the time a professional organizer will work with you in your home or office, but sometimes that's just not possible – particularly if you live in a rural or remote area. Thanks to the internet and digital technology, virtual organization is now possible. Simply use our Find an Organizer search tool and select "Virtual Organizing" from the Special Needs section. How do I hire a professional organizer?You may want to start by asking trusted friends and colleagues for any recommendations. POC has a professional organizer database that is easy to use. You can search by company name, or scroll down to search by years of experience or by geographic location and area of expertise. How do I make sure the professional organizer is the right person?Just as you would if you were hiring a contractor, lawyer or any other service professional, you need to look at expertise, background and skills. Equally as important, take time to evaluate the organizer's personality and communication style during your preliminary call to see if you "click" and are comfortable with the organizer. The organizer that is right for you will be an active listener, and gather information about your lifestyle or work routine. The organizer will take the time to find out what you've tried in the past and why it hasn't worked. They will develop an organizing system that is tailored to your needs. The organizing skills and processes must fit with your style, so that they are sustainable. Please note: Ideally, you should talk to two or three organizers before making a decision. Email or telephone conversations are almost always free, but be aware that if you want an on-site assessment or consultation organizers may charge for their time. What questions should I ask before I hire an organizer?Important questions to ask may include:
What should I expect to pay an organizer?Some organizers base their fees on the overall project, and others charge an hourly rate. Others might offer special packages. Hourly rates can vary. An organizer's rate is based on a variety of factors including:
While pricing may be a consideration when choosing a professional organizer, it should never be the sole criterion for making a final decision. Experience, expertise and a good fit are all important considerations. My mother/son/friend/husband is so disorganized/may be a hoarder. Should I hire an organizer on their behalf?POC does not recommend hiring a professional organizer on behalf of another person unless they have specifically requested you to do so, or unless you are hiring an office organizer to come in and train staff members. To be truly effective, organizers need to know their clients are as committed as they are to effecting true change. Often, persons with hoarding issues will not approach a professional organizer until pressured by family members or landlords to make changes. Download an informative tip sheet for dealing with hoarders. Why should I choose a POC member as my professional organizer?Lots of reasons! You benefit from our Trained Professional Organizer program, a training courses designed to facilitate professional development. Only POC members are allowed to take the exam and become POC Trained Professional Organizers. All of our Chapters offer regular meetings where organizers share the latest organizing techniques, products and practices to keep on top of trends and industry knowledge. POC members are committed to professional excellence and adhere to a strict code of ethics. |
HoardersAre you a hoarder? Do you know someone who might be? Download these tips on finding a Professional Organizer who can work with you. |
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