If you’re looking for a career that can help others declutter their lives, becoming a professional organizer may be the perfect choice for you. There are many things to consider when making the switch from employee to business owner, but with the right planning and preparation, you can make it happen. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to take.
Understand the Role of a Professional Organizer
The first step to becoming a professional organizer is understanding what the job entails. Professional organizers help their clients create systems and routines for managing their space, time, and belongings. They work with people of all ages in both residential and commercial settings.
While some clients may need help organizing their entire home or office, others may only need assistance with specific areas, such as a cluttered closet or disorganized desk. Professional organizers typically offer both in-person and virtual services.
Types of jobs that professional organizers complete are:
- Space planning: This involves assessing a client’s needs and creating a floor plan that maximizes space.
- Decluttering: This involves helping clients get rid of unwanted items and deciding what to keep, donate, or sell.
- Organizing: This involves putting items in an efficient and easily accessible storage system.
- Time management: This involves teaching clients how to use their time more effectively.
- Productivity: This involves helping clients find ways to be more productive in their work and personal lives.
How To Become a Professional Organizer
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming a professional organizer. The best way to start is by taking some classes and obtaining certification.
Take Some Classes
While there are no specific educational requirements to become a professional organizer, taking some courses can help you learn the necessary skills. There are many online and in-person classes available, as well as programs offered by professional organizations, such as the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO).
Obtain Certification
While certification is not required to become a professional organizer, it can give you an advantage when marketing your business. The two main certifying organizations are the Board of Certified Professional Organizers (BCPO) and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). To become certified, you must meet certain education and experience requirements and pass an exam.
Choose a Niche
One of the best ways to stand out in the professional organizing industry is to specialize in a certain area. This could be anything from organizing for people with chronic disorganization to helping small businesses get organized.
Improve Your Skills
In addition to taking classes and obtaining certification, there are many other ways to improve your skills as a professional organizer. These include reading books and blogs, attending conferences, and taking advantage of online resources.
Professional organizers require hard and soft skills such as:
- Communication: This involves being able to effectively communicate with clients, understand their needs, and provide helpful suggestions.
- Interpersonal: This involves being able to build relationships with clients and work well as part of a team.
- Organizational: This involves being able to create efficient storage solutions and time-management systems.
- Technical: This involves being able to use technology, such as project management software, to stay organized.
- Physical: This involves being able to lift and move heavy objects, as well as climb ladders and reach high shelves.
Register Your Business
Once you have the necessary skills and experience, it’s time to start your own professional organizing business. This involves registering your business with the government and getting the required licenses and permits.
In addition, you’ll need to purchase insurance, choose a business structure, and open a business bank account.
Marketing Your Professional Organizer Business
After you’ve registered your business and obtained the necessary licenses, it’s time to start marketing your professional organizing services. There are many ways to market your business, including online and offline methods.
Some of the most effective marketing strategies for professional organizers include:
- Creating a website: This is a great way to showcase your services and attract new clients.
- Creating blog content: This can help you attract new clients and build trust with potential customers.
- Using social media: Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are great for promoting your business and connecting with potential clients.
- Creating a portfolio: This can help show potential clients what you’re capable of and how you’ve helped others.
- Speaking at events: This is a great way to build your reputation as an expert in the field and attract new clients.
Conclusion
Becoming a professional organizer is a great way to help people get organized and improve their productivity. While there are no specific educational requirements, taking classes and obtaining certification can give you an advantage when marketing your business. It’s also important to specialize in a certain area and continually improve your skills. Once you have the necessary skills and experience, you can start your venture.