Starting Out as a Professional Organizer

I was recently contacted by an aspiring organizer in the UK who has been following Minima for awhile. She had some great questions, so I thought I’d share our Q&A dialogue.

Q: What were the first two years like? What mistakes did you make?

A: The first two years were focused on developing the Minima brand and getting the business up and running. I don’t know of any big mistakes I made because I worked for another organizer for two years prior to starting my own business; I was able to learn the ropes and develop my skills during that time. The first two years were profitable, but money was tight. By the third year, I felt more financially secure.

Q: What skills are essential to succeed in the Professional Organizer industry?

A: It goes without saying that good organizing skills are essential. My training as an Architect has been extremely helpful in terms of understanding how to maximize space. Compassion, flexibility, patience, and good listening and communication skills are important because home organizing is a personal service. Much of my work is about teaching clients how to let go of items or mindsets that are holding them back. It’s important to put your own agenda aside and make sure you are focused on the client’s goals. Each client is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all organizing solution.

Q: What kind of rates can someone starting out expect to charge?

A: It depends where you live, but here in Richmond most people start out charging about $50/hr.

Q: Where did you find your first clients or customers?

A: I was a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Experts (NAPO) and the NAPO-Richmond chapter for many years, which is where my first clients found me. Today, people find Minima through press features, social media (primarily Instagram), and word of mouth. Speaking engagements and classes are a great way to meet potential clients as well—in-person events are still important and impactful.

This post was updated in July 2024. To read more about Minima’s evolution, check out “Minima Celebrates 10 Years: A Look at Our Evolution” (written in 2020).

I offer one-on-one mentorship sessions for new organizers all around the world. Simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!