How to Become a Professional Organizer: A Comprehensive Guide

Becoming a professional organizer is an exciting career path that combines personal problem-solving skills, interpersonal relationships, and entrepreneurial savvy. This article will guide you through the steps you need to take to become a successful professional organizer.

Key Qualities for a Professional Organizer

Professional organizers are hired to solve organization problems requiring an outside perspective. These problems can range from de-cluttering a home office to facilitating a family move to new premises. Additionally, they can involve organizing a business system, helping clients find new ways to organize their financial and filing systems, or teaching organizational planning and goal setting.

1. Be a Problem Solver

Professional organizing is much more than simply physical organization; it's about creating a life and work environment that functions efficiently and effectively. Some organizers excel at spatial organization, which involves making a client's home more livable by intuitively maximizing space and functionality. Others specialize in systems organization, helping clients see a new system to organize their finances or files. The goal is to increase productivity and profits by better organization in a business setting. Moreover, they help individuals and businesses plan and reach their life goals.

2. Love Working with People

Professional organizers are not just highly organized individuals; they are also people-oriented. Their job fulfillment comes from seeing tangible improvements in their clients' lives. Teaching and coaching are often central to their work, as they may reorganize a person's home but also teach them how to maintain the organizational system.

3. Think Like an Entrepreneur

Most professional organizers operate independently, building their business through networking and client referrals, and specializing in a niche type of organization. This requires entrepreneurial skills, including marketing oneself, staying current with industry trends, and strategically growing the business.

Gaining Skills and Training

The path to becoming a professional organizer involves more than just coming up with solutions. It includes acquiring specialized knowledge and certifications.

1. Join a Professional Association

Professional associations such as the National Organization of Professional Organizers (NOPO) or the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) provide a wealth of resources and networking opportunities. Dive into association activities, attend gatherings and conferences, and take on projects to demonstrate your dedication.

2. Get Educated

Many professional associations offer classes ranging from introductory courses to advanced topics. Teleclasses or webinars can be more affordable. While these classes don't necessarily lead to a degree, they are designed to educate and build confidence.

3. Consider a Training Program

Training programs offered by companies can be another option. However, research is crucial. Ensure that the program is reputable and recognized by other professional organizers to ensure a worthwhile investment.

Succeeding as a Professional Organizer

Becoming a professional organizer is just the beginning. Once you feel confident in your skills, it's time to take on jobs and build your business.

1. Start Organizing

Take on small jobs and build rapport with your clients. Be available to help their friends, and remember that fostering positive relationships is key to a successful professional organizing business.

2. Market Yourself

When you have a few successful jobs, it's time to spread the word:

Create a website with concise web copy, professional photos, and tasteful testimonials. Create a Facebook page and a Twitter account for your business, update with organizational trends, and show your expertise. Print and carry business cards to conferences and trainings, and have them on hand for spontaneous conversations.

3. Get Certified

After a few years in the business and a consistent passion for professional organizing, consider getting certified by the Board of Certified Professional Organizers (BCPO). This requires:

A minimum of a high school diploma. 1500 hours of documented paid work as a professional organizer (250 hours can be substituted with educational training). A commitment to adhering to the Code of Ethics for Certified Professional Organizers. Passing the BCPO certification exam.

Let your passion and expertise shine in your career as a professional organizer. With dedication and the right tools, you can establish a successful, fulfilling, and rewarding professional organizing business.