The embarrassing piles of clutter around your place forced you to cancel yet another pleasant dinner with your close friends. Your inbox at work is so full that it has become a workplace safety issue, even though you’re actually taking work home every night. So much for work-life balance. Meanwhile, the accounting department has just given up asking you for those receipts. All those business travel expenses are coming out of your own pocket. Finally, you’ve had enough; you know you need to hire a professional organizer.
But where to start looking?
Follow these seven steps to hire a professional organizer.
- Think hard about what you want to accomplish. Going through a marathon clean-up will get you organized. But at the end of the day, what most people want is not to get organized, but to keep organized. The organizer should be able to offer a process to help you stay organized over the long term at a price that you are comfortable with.
- Find out where they operate. Some organizers only work in certain geographic areas. If they have to travel, is that included in their rate?
- Check if they have a recommended service for disposal. When you are removing clutter from your life, it has to go somewhere. Does the organizer have a partnership with a recycling company? Will they shred documents? Some organizers will even help sell your disposed stuff online.
- Do a background check. Professional organizers have access to your personal stuff, from your underwear drawer to your most confidential papers. Is this person a Trained Professional Organizer (TPO)? Are they a member of Professional Organizers in Canada (POC)? How long have they been in business?
- Have a proper interview. Depending on the job, a phone interview may be enough. Sometimes it may be necessary for the organizer to come to the location to see the scope of the job. Understand the criteria to look for when hiring a professional organizer.
- Ask about services. Many organizers are specialized. Some work in residences. Others organize offices. Some niche operators will help people with Adult Deficit Disorder or special needs. Make sure they’re offering what you need.
- Compare prices. Professional organizing services can range from $50 per hour to several hundred dollars per hour. A one-time organizing job might cost $150 for an afternoon, but the total bill for a series of residential appointments using a team of organizing professionals might run up to $15,000 or $20,000 over two years. The price will depend on the type of package you require. Shop around and get a quote.
Following these seven simple steps will ensure you hire a professional organizer that’s right for you.
Still Need Help?
If you still need help, contact Linda at Out of Chaos. She is connected to a network of professional organizers across Canada and around the world.
