Professional Organizer

Education and Training: None

Salary: Starting—$25 to $35 per hour

Employment Outlook: Very good

Definition and Nature of the Work

Professional organizers bring order to everything from office filing systems and medical records to family budgets and bedroom closets. They help businesses and individuals gain more control over time and space, reduce stress, and increase productivity by providing information and ideas, structure, and comprehensive organizational systems.

While some professional organizers will organize just about anything for a client, others specialize in a particular area. Those who specialize usually choose an area related to the field in which they worked before becoming organizers. For example, an organizer who previously worked in banking may specialize in organizing financial matters such as bill paying and retirement accounts. Other specialties include residential or office organizing, closet/storage design and organizing, relocation management, records or filing systems management, memorabilia organizing, and time and space management.

Education and Training Requirements

There are no specific educational or training requirements needed to become a professional organizer. However, organizers should be experienced and knowledgeable in their area of expertise and be able to provide references for potential clients. Most professional organizers enter the field after working for several years in other professions. All organizers must have good communication and management skills and must be detail oriented.

Getting the Job

Prospective organizers can consult the member directory of the National Association of Professional Organizers for names of organization/management consulting firms in their area. Many people who enter the field begin work as free lancers and set up their own small businesses. They advertise in newspapers, magazines, and professional journals to attract clients.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Advancement in this field depends on gaining a reputation for performing quality service. Some professional organizers advance by moving from smaller rural markets to more lucrative metropolitan areas. Others start their own businesses after holding positions in large management firms.

The field of professional organizing is growing rapidly, primarily due to the increasing demands placed on people by the complex technology of the Information Age. More and more people are turning to organizers to help them put aspects of their personal and professional lives in order. Therefore, the job outlook for professional organizers is very good through the year 2014.

Working Conditions

Professional organizers generally work out of offices or their own homes. They spend a great deal of time meeting with clients and working at clients' homes and business offices. Many work flexible hours. Professional organizers also spend time designing organizational plans and negotiating with suppliers.

Earnings and Benefits

Earnings for professional organizers vary widely according to qualifications, experience, type of service offered, and geographic area. Organizers may start out with an hourly fee of $25 to $35, while those with more experience may charge as much as $125 per hour. Some organizers charge by the day, collecting as much as $1,500 for an eight-to ten-hour day.

Where to Go for More Information

International Association of Professional Organizers
243 Fifth Ave., Ste. 335
New York, NY 10016
(212) 920-1440
http://www.organizingtheworld.org

National Association of Professional Organizers
4700 W Lake Ave.
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 375-4746
http://www.napo.net

Large management consulting firms usually provide health insurance, paid vacations, and retirement plans to their employees. Professional organizers who work on a freelance basis must provide their own benefits.