Professional Organizers
Career summary
Professional organizers help their clients organize homes and offices.Professional organizers provide a variety of services for clients, including:
- Setting up filing systems
- Removing clutter
- Teaching clients how to maintain organization systems
Organizers create an action plan for clients and help them implement the plan. They provide both information and products for clients. For example, organizers may sell planners that help clients track information or manage schedules.
Professional organizers may focus on particular types of clients. Some help small business owners. Others work in households and may help plan weekly menus, set up a pantry, or organize the house.
Because most are self-employed, professional organizers must also be good businesspeople. They market their services, attract clients, and track expenses.
Related careers
This career is part of the Human Services cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study to consider
- Agricultural and Extension Education Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Family and Consumer Sciences, General
- Family Resource Management
- Office Management
Training
To work as a professional organizer, you typically need to:
- be highly organized and logical;
- think and act quickly; and
- have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Education after high school
There is no single way to become a professional organizer. Typically, people choose this career after working in another field. They often gained organizational and "people skills" in that job. Careers in teaching, business, accounting, and homemaking all teach the necessary skills for success in this field.
Some people take training courses, often through the National Association of Professional Organizers.
Helpful high school courses
You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Accounting
- Business Operations
- Computer Applications
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
- Word-of-mouth is very important in this field. Many times people hire professional organizers after hearing about them from a friend or coworker.
- Professional organizers must be very sensitive to the needs of others. They often have access to clients' private, personal belongings. In addition, some clients may have psychological problems with hoarding. Organizers must be able to handle their unique needs.
Other resources
Institute for Challenging Disorganization2005 Palmer Avenue #1068
Larchmont, NY 10538
314.416.2236
National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals
1120 Route 73, Suite 200
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
856.380.6828
US Small Business Administration
Seattle District Office
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
206.553.7310
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Enterprising (Business Communications)
COPSystem
- Business Professional