Professional Organizing companies are a fairly new phenomenon. Thanks in part to the TV series HOARDERS and Marie Kondo, the public is now aware that there are trained specialists that can help them take control of their living and work environment. However, you do not need to be a hoarder to reap the benefits of hiring a professional organizer. By decluttering and organizing your house you will be able to find what you are looking for with ease and eliminate repurchasing items, thereby making you less stressed and more productive at home and work.
Finding the correct organizer can be overwhelming. Googling professional organizers in your area brings up a host of people who are organizers plus home service advertising collectives, so where to go from there? How do you find the person/people that are the correct fit?
The questions below may be a good guide to what to ask when interviewing various companies.
What is your organizing philosophy? Do you tackle a room at a time or do you organize by category? Can you organize my attic, playroom and kitchen or do you specialize in areas such as paper management or memorabilia?
Are you going to get rid of all my belongings? (please note: this is a trick question)
Do you offer consults? Is there a charge or are they free?
Are you a member of NAPO, the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals? Members are required to take education courses before joining.
Are you insured?
What is a typical day like? How long it a typical session and how many organizers does my project warrant?
Will you provide references if necessary?
Will you bring the necessary supplies? Do you provide a concierge service if I need organizing systems and products such as bins or drawer organizers?
Is your rate hourly or based on the whole project?
Will you help me to find places to donate, sell or dispose of the items I no longer want to keep?
Since most people have not worked with an organizer before and many of us are not used to having people work in their homes, these questions are important to making sure everyone has the same goals. Most importantly, make sure you have a good connection with who you hire. You are a vital part of the process so you should feel you can trust your organizers and have a good working relationship with them.
