Organize With Ease: How to Become a Professional Organizer

If you are looking to declutter your workspace or wondering how to organize your workplace, you probably need a professional organizer. A professional organizer can help you manage your space more efficiently. In this article, we will discuss how to become a professional organizer and how to become a professional organizer.   

Who is a Professional Organizer 

A professional organizer has sufficient skills in organization and uses his knowledge to help others become more organized. They help their clients in creating a more efficient approach to organization and downsizing. Professional organizers can either act as independent consultants or find work in some professional capacity.  

What Does a Professional Organizer Do 

While every professional organizer finds a new project with every client, there are some basic responsibilities that one can expect in this field. Some of these may include:   

• Communicating with the clients regarding their short-term and long-term organizational needs. 
• Creating a long-term plan so that the client can stay organized. 
• Organizing individual rooms, spaces, homes, or even entire buildings. 

Organizing personal space may also involve moving, recycling, or donating items that possess some emotional significance. Therefore, professional organizers must possess the necessary skills to comfort their clients and help them through the offloading process.

You must also project empathy to understand your client's position when they are parting with some sentimental items. You must work closely with your clients to determine what is best for them and formulate an action plan accordingly. Businesses also require professional organizers. They often hire them to organize their workspaces and create a more harmonious environment. Professional organizers can also act as consultants in a business capacity.  

How To Become a Professional Organizer  

To become a professional organizer, here are some steps you need to follow:  

Complete Your Training and Education  

Not all professional organizers possess any certifications or training. Some people have a natural talent for organizing and, thus, lend their skills to help others. However, you must have a high school diploma to make a career in this profession. You can also opt for other routes and earn a professional certification if you wish to legitimize your organizational skills.    

Certification  

Professional organizers must get a CPO certification from The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals. While this certification is not mandatory, it adds to your credibility as an organizer. Additionally, this certificate will help you stand apart from your competition.  

The minimum criteria to acquire this certification is a high school diploma or equivalent. The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) also requires proof of at least 1500 hours of paid work as an organizer in a professional capacity in the last five years from the prospective organizers. The candidates also need to adhere to a strict code of ethics and clear a written examination that consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. 

Individual members are also expected to give NAPO an annual membership fee of around $275. While it is optional, it may help with future prospects.    

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Look For Clients 

After completing your training and certification, you are ready to offer your skills to clients. Apart from outside clients, you can also look for such friends or family members who require organization. You may also offer free consultations to establish a name for yourself. This can help you project your skills and connect with new clients.  

Skills Needed for The Job  

Becoming a professional organizer entails a few basic skills. Here are a few of them:  

Organizational Skills  

Any professional organizer must have the ability to pinpoint organizational issues. They also need to create an action plan and help enact it. These skills must be reflected in their personal as well as professional life. They must know about utilizing space and should have an organized home as well as an office. 

Problem-Solving Skills  

A professional organizer is hired to solve the problems of their clients. Hence, they must possess excellent problem-solving skills. If you can identify a problem and suggest an effective solution, it will make you stand out from the competition.   

Empathy 

Empathy allows you to bridge the gap of understanding between people. Professional organizers must possess this quality to understand their clients' needs. It helps them understand why it is difficult for the client to move, recycle or donate specific items. Additionally, it gives them a better insight into their clients’ resistance and helps in facilitating more effective goals.  

Read Also: Leading with Empathy: The Most Important Leadership Skill 

Detail Oriented 

Any professional organizer must have an eye for detail. They must have the ability to see things that others have missed. Attention to detail is what separates a professional organizer from any everyday home organizer. 

Communication Skills  

Communicating effectively with clients is crucial for any professional organizer. Apart from understanding the needs and goals of the project, they can also help prevent misunderstandings or conflicts.  

Creativity  

Apart from logical reasoning, professional organizers must possess creativity as well. There may be problems that require a different approach. Hence, creativity can help solve such issues effectively.  

From the points mentioned above, you will gain some insights into how to become a professional organizer. Therefore, if you possess remarkable organizational skills, you can easily offer consultations and help people around you to become more organized.