As a professional organizer, you will help people declutter their homes and lives. You will teach them how to let go of things they don’t need, and how to organize their space so that it is functional and efficient. To start this business, you’ll need to complete a few steps.
Here are the 10 steps you can take to get started on building your very own professional organizing business.
10 Steps to Launching a New Professional Organizing Business
1. Choose Your Type of Professional Organizing Business
The first step in launching an organizing business is to identify the type of professional organizing business you want to launch. You might choose from the following types among others:
Home-based business: You can operate your professional organizing business from a home office. This type of business has low overhead costs, but you’ll need to be comfortable working in other people’s homes instead of in an office.
Online business: You can launch an online professional organizing business and reach clients all over the world. You’ll need a strong website and online marketing strategy to make this type of business successful.
Storefront business: You can open a brick-and-mortar organizing business. This type of business requires more overhead costs, but it can be a great way to build a brand and reach local clients.
2. Name Your Professional Organizing Business
Give your professional organizing business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your professional organizing business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your professional organizing business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so that clients will want to work with your company.
3. Determine Your Professional Organizing Business Model
There are several possible types of business models for a professional organizing business including:
- One-on-one sessions: You can work with clients one-on-one to help them declutter and organize their homes. This type of business model requires a lot of time and energy, but you can charge higher rates.
- Group sessions: You can also offer group sessions to help people declutter and organize their homes. This type of business model is less time-consuming, but you’ll need to charge lower rates.
- Do-it-for-them service: You can offer a do-it-for-them service where you declutter and organize people’s homes for them. This type of business model is the most time-consuming, but you can charge the highest rates.
- Do-it-with-them service: You can offer a do-it-with-them service where you help people declutter and organize their homes with them. This type of business model is somewhere in between the other two options in terms of time commitment and rates.
No matter which model you choose, make sure that it aligns with your business goals and the professional organizing services you offer.
4. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your professional organizing business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your professional organizing business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common professional organizing business structures.
5. Write a Professional Organizing Business Plan
All professional organizing business owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
When developing your professional organizing business plan and strategy, you should think about the following questions your customers might have:
- What services do you offer?
- How much do your services cost?
- Do you have any before and after pictures of your work?
- What are your qualifications?
- Can you provide a list of references?
- Do you have insurance?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What are your hours of operation?
- Do you offer a free consultation?
- Are you bonded?
- Do you offer any discounts?
- What forms of payment do you accept?
Read our article about how to write a professional organizing business plan.
6. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your professional organizing business.
For example, if you’re going to sell organizing products, you may need a reseller’s permit and/or a retail sales license.
You must also register your professional organizing business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.
7. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your professional organizing business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your professional organizing business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your professional organizing business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
8. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your professional organizing business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in project management software to help keep track of your clients’ projects, as well as your own to-do list.
Other professional organizing business owners use scheduling software to manage their time and appointments with clients.
Some popular project management and scheduling software programs include Trello, Basecamp, and Wrike.
9. Market Your Professional Organizing Business to Potential Clients
Before you start selling your services, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your services and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the professional organizing industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Professional organizing businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
- Offer free consultations to potential clients to show them what services you offer and how you can help them.
- Create helpful content on your website, such as tips for organizing your home, office, or garage.
- Develop relationships with other professionals who may be able to refer clients to your business, such as real estate agents, interior designers, and home stagers.
- Sponsor or attend community events related to organization, such as garage sales, home shows, and business expos.
- Volunteer your services to a local charity or non-profit organization to get exposure for your business.
Read our article about how to market your professional organizing business for more tips.
10. Get New Clients & Grow Your Business
When you promote your services, you’ll start to get interest from potential clients.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these clients. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your professional organizing business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your professional organizing business to learn more.
Starting a Professional Organizing Business FAQs
Why Start a Professional Organizing Business?
There are many reasons to start a professional organizing business. Perhaps you’re passionate about helping people get their lives in order and you want to turn that passion into a career. Or, maybe you’re good at organizing and you’re looking for a business opportunity with low start-up costs. Whatever your reason, if you’re thinking about starting a professional organizing business, there are a few things you should know.
What is Needed to Start a Successful Professional Organizing Business?
To start a successful professional organizing business, you need to be organized yourself. That means having systems in place to track your finances, manage your time, and keep your projects on track. You also need to be good at promoting your business and finding new clients. And, finally, you need to be able to execute your projects and deliver results that exceed the expectations of your clients.
How Can I Start a Professional Organizing Business From Home?
Starting a professional organizing business from home is a great way to get your business up and running quickly with minimal overhead costs. To get started, all you need is a quiet space to work, a computer, and a phone. You can also connect with clients online using video conferencing tools like Skype or Google Hangouts. Once you have the basics in place, you can start promoting your business and finding new clients.
How Can I Start a Professional Organizing Business Online?
Starting a professional organizing business online is a great way to reach a wide audience of potential clients. To get started, you need to create a website and start promoting your business through social media and other online channels. You can also use online tools to connect with clients and manage your projects. Once you have the basics in place, you can start building your business and finding new clients.
Ensure that clients can book your services online.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Professional Organizing Business?
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Get organized yourself. Before you can help others get organized, you need to have your own systems in place.
- Develop a business plan. This will help define your business goals and objectives and map out a path to success.
- Promote your business. Get the word out about your business through social media, networking, and advertising.
- Find new clients. Use online tools to connect with potential clients and grow your business.
- Deliver results. Exceed the expectations of your clients by delivering quality results that meet their needs.
- Grow your business. As your business grows, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs.
- Train your team. As you grow your business, you’ll need to find and train the right people to help you achieve your goals.
- Manage your finances. Keep track of your income and expenses and manage your cash flow so you can continue to grow your business.
- Stay organized. As your business grows, it’s important to stay organized so you can continue to deliver high-quality results to your clients.
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Professional Organizing Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting an professional organizing business follows:
- Choose Your Type of Professional Organizing Firm: This should be based on what you are best at and how much experience you have. Remember to keep your interests, skills, and experience in mind at all times.
- Name Your Professional Organizing Business: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Determine Your Professional Organizing Business Model: Determine how your business will make money. Will you sell products, services, or a combination of both?
- Write a Professional Organizing Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your Professional Organizing Business to Potential Clients: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the services they truly need.
- Get Clients & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your services.
Summary
Starting a professional organizing business can be a great way to help others get their lives in order, while also making a good income. However, there are many things to consider before launching such a business. Use the checklist provided to make sure you have everything covered and then put together a detailed business plan so you can hit the ground running.
Other Helpful Articles
Professional Organizer Salary: How Much Do They Make?