I’m often asked “what is a professional home organiser and how can they help me?” so let me cut through the clutter and explain what exactly we do.
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You can hire someone to help organise your home
A professional organiser is like having a personal trainer for your home. If you’ve read home organisation books but have struggled to get started, hiring a professional organiser is an efficient way to make sure that the job gets done. As you’re paying someone to help, you’ll be more focused and motivated. Plus, they’ll teach you lots of hints and tips that make the process as easy as possible.
Working with a professional organiser is easier than asking friends or family to help, as you’ll be working with someone who is non-judgemental and has a fresh perspective. They’ll be an extra pair of hands to help you get started and keep on task until your home looks and feels just how you want it to.
What does a professional organiser do?
As experts in decluttering and organising, a professional organiser can help you sort out both your physical and digital spaces, across all areas of your home (wardrobe, kitchen, playroom) or workspace. If you’re overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, a professional organiser can motivate you and keep you on track throughout the process.
A decluttering expert will provide you with guidance and support as you sort through your possessions. With their structured approach, they will assist you in making decisions about what to keep and what to discard. This process will give you the confidence and permission to let go of items that you may have previously struggled to make decisions about.
A professional organiser can help you organise your home by suggesting new storage solutions or making use of what you already have. It's not just about home organisation; they will establish systems that integrate with your lifestyle and daily routines, making it easier for you to maintain a space that looks and feels exactly the way you want it to.
They can also provide advice on how to sell unwanted items, where to donate to charity and how to recycle unwanted items to reduce what ends up in landfill.
Types of Professional Home Organising Services
Professional organisers offer a variety of services including:
1. One-off Decluttering Sessions to tackle a specific area.
This is a great solution to get on top of something that’s been bothering you and an opportunity to learn some skills and techniques that you can use to work through other areas of your home.
2. Home Organisation Packages
Some professional organisers offer a discounted rate if you book a package of 3 or more sessions to declutter, organise and reset your home. This is a great way to ensure that your home is set up in a way that works for you and your family. The more time you spend with a professional organiser, the better they understand your lifestyle and ensure that the solutions they put in place work well for you. They will be able to advise you on the best way to sell, trade-in or donate the items you no longer need. The number of sessions you need will depend on the volume of items you own, the speed at which you can make decisions and whether you can work independently between sessions.
3. Virtual Decluttering and Organising Sessions
Some professional organisers offer a remote organising service over Zoom, WhatsApp or Facetime. They work with you to understand your needs and then set you tasks to complete. During the call they will provide guidance and act as an accountability coach to keep you on track.
4. Decluttering and Organising Courses
If you prefer a DIY solution but need guidance, then a decluttering organising course is an excellent way to get the motivation to get started and learn the skills to declutter and organise your own home. Some courses, such as “6 weeks to A Life More Organised”, have an associated Facebook support group so you have a network of attendees working through the same steps, who can support and celebrate your successes.
What can a professional organiser help me with?
If you recognise any of the following, maybe it’s time to call in some external help.
I feel overwhelmed by my stuff and don’t know where to start
My wardrobe is bursting but I can’t find anything I enjoy wearing
I can’t get on top of my paperwork and would love a system that works for me.
I’m moving and don’t want to take the things I no longer need with me
My parents are downsizing… help!
The kids have left home, what do I do with all this stuff?
What’s the best way to organise a playroom so it’s easily tidied?
My kitchen is so full I don’t enjoy cooking in it
My spare room / garage / loft is full and I need the space
What’s the best way to organise my……..
I find it hard to let go of sentimental items (even the ones I don’t really like)!
Where can I donate these items?
There are so many things a professional organiser can help with – we’re great problem solvers! Even if you can’t find your particular need listed on a website contact the organiser to see if they can help. Even if they aren’t able to help they probably know someone who can!
Home Organisation Methods and Specialisms
There is a Professional Organiser for everyone, regardless of your individual situation or need. Each organiser has different training, experience and expertise and understands that there isn’t a one size fits all solution. Finding the right person to help with your situation will make the process easier and more enjoyable for you. A good place to start is The Association of Professional Organisers and Declutterers (APDO) where you can search for a local organiser by specialisms.
Professional Organiser Specialisms include:
KonMari Consultants – this is my specialism as I trained with Marie Kondo in 2018 and use the KonMari Method to guide my clients through letting go of things that no longer serve them.
Home Moving/Downsizing Support – I’m also an experienced move manager helping clients through the planning, rightsizing and admin before a move and home organisation in their new home.
Decluttering
Business and work productivity
Photo Organising
Supporting clients with ADHD
Selling things ebay, music magpie
Supporting clients with hoarding behaviours
Home staging
For more information about the KonMari Method take a look at How to declutter and organise your home with Marie Kondo's KonMari Method®
Will a professional organiser make me get rid of all my stuff?
A professional organiser won't force you to get rid of anything you don't want to. However, it's important to keep in mind that you have requested their help in getting organised. So, be prepared for them to ask you plenty of questions and encourage you to consider the role that each item plays in your home.
Many clients find that it becomes easier to make decisions about what to keep and what to move on when they have a different perspective.
Should I tidy up before the professional organiser arrives?
Please avoid tidying up before your professional organiser arrives. It's helpful for them to see how you currently use the space in your home, so they can understand why it’s challenging for you to declutter and get organised. This also helps ensure that any systems they suggest will fit your lifestyle and the way you use your home.
Will I be able to keep my home organised once the professional organiser has finished?
Every client is unique, so your professional organiser will work closely with you to organise your home in a way that easily fits in with your lifestyle. There’s no point in organising your home in a way that makes it more difficult for you to find and use things.
How much does it cost to hire a professional organiser?
Professional organisers usually offer a free consultation before starting to work with you. This consultation allows you to discuss the specifics of your organising project and get an estimate of the time required for completion.
The hourly rate charged by professional organisers varies significantly across the UK and ranges between £35 and £65+ per hour in London. A typical session lasts between 3-6 hours, depending on the amount of stuff and how quickly you can make decisions. Please note that any storage items that you use would incur an additional cost.
I recommend working with a professional organiser who is accredited by APDO (Association of Professional Organisers and Declutterers). This ensures that the organiser is insured, adheres to a code of conduct and has systems in place to protect the safety and confidentiality of their clients, which is an important consideration when you work with someone in your home.
There's a professional organiser for you!
If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter and don't know where to start, remember that there are professional organisers who can help. They offer tailored solutions, use various organisational methods, and help you address common challenges. With their guidance, you can reclaim your time, reduce stress, and create a living environment that brings you joy. Contact me if you'd like to clear time and space in your home.
Let me know if you've used a professional organiser in the comments below. Is it something you'd consider in future if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by a project?
Please share this blog if you found it useful and take a look at my recent posts below.
I’m Sue, a professional home organiser and KonMari Consultant based in Hampshire. I trained with Marie Kondo and the KonMari team in 2018, and I help busy women create time and space in their lives so they can do more of the stuff they love.
Book your FREE consultation for a no-obligation chat about how I can help you get organised
m: 07740 782575
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