5 questions to ask a professional organizer before you hire one
If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter or struggling to maintain an organized space, hiring a professional organizer can be a game-changer. Not only can we bring order to your home, but we also save you time, stress, and mental energy. Imagine walking into a space where everything has a designated place—and you no longer waste time searching for things you know you own. That’s the power of working with a professional organizer.
But before you hire just anyone, it’s important to make sure the organizer you choose is the right fit for your needs and lifestyle. I’m going to cover the top 5 questions you should ask before bringing in a professional.
Hi, I’m Erin and I am the founder and owner of Live Organized by Erin, a professional organizing business based out of Austin, TX. We love helping busy families and professional live a more organized life. When I have a consultation with a potential client these are the talking points that I make sure I cover so that there are clear expectations and no surprises throughout the organizing process.
What is your process?
Across the professional organizing world there are going to be many different answers to this question. For most organizers they are going to want to start with an in home consultation to talk to you about your space and take measurements. From there they should be able to provide you with a proposal for your space which should include the projected cost for time and products to complete your space. Once you sign a contract and put down a deposit the organizer will get to work planning your space and working with you to make sure that every detail is handled.
How do you charge?
There is no standard for how professional organizers determine their fees. Some charge hourly + organizing products (like me), some charge a lump sum for the entire project or offer a package, others will charge hourly + a shopping fee + product, and I have also heard of some charging hourly + a % of the amount of product used. All of these models work well, but it is a great question to ask up front so that you do not have any surprises in the end.
Where can I see your work?
Any organizer should be able to point you to their website, or at the very least, their social media page. When looking through their pictures make sure that you are satisfied with what you see as an end result and that it fits your goals. A lot of us organizers take into account the aesthetic and design of your home so that your organized space fits your home. We also offer different types of labels, so keep an eye out for the details and ask questions if you don’t see what you’re looking for.
How do you handle decluttering?
At Live Organized by Erin we work with our clients throughout the decluttering process, and most other organizers handle it the same as we do. This is the most important step to organizing your space and it is not one that we can do alone… because it is your stuff! You get to decide what stays, what goes, and what gets donated. Ask your organizer if you can choose where donations are dropped or if they drop them for you (we take up to one car load of donations). Your organizer should also be able to speak to organizations that will take donations in your area and provide suggestions. If there is a large amount of trash, your organizer should be able to arrange a pick up for you or provide a recommendation on where items can be dropped if you prefer to handle it yourself.
How involved do I need to be in the process?
I always tell my clients that they can be as hands on or hands off as they want. Some just want it to be handled and others want to see product samples before the organizing begins. Regardless, you will have to be involved in the decluttering process. I prefer to do this with my clients in person whenever possible, but if we can’t make that work then we will text pictures, we can facetime, or you can do it on your own time as “homework” before we return. Regardless of your time constraints, your organizer should be able to work with you to make the process as easy as possible.
Hiring a professional organizer isn’t just about making things look neat and tidy—it’s about creating a comprehensive system that effectively works for you and your unique lifestyle. It’s about saving you time on busy mornings getting the kids off to school, making your grocery shopping easier, getting to events easier, and so much more. We strive to make your days easier by organizing your space for YOU so you can spend your time on more important things.
Ready to experience the freedom of living organized? Be sure to ask these 5 questions so you can enter your organizing journey with comfort and confidence!
