How to Find the Right Professional Organizer/Productivity Consultant

What can an organizing and productivity professional do for me?

If attempts to get organized on your own have not given you the results you desire, it's time to consider working with an organizing or productivity professional. Finding and hiring a professional is no different than choosing an accountant, personal trainer, doctor, or other service provider. You'll want to choose someone you “click” with, who takes time to get to know you, understands your needs, and has the expertise to advise you and help you achieve your goals.

When you hire an organizing and productivity professional, you’re hiring a skilled specialist who is trained to help people create order and help you tackle your most pressing organization and productivity challenges. These professionals use proven principles to develop solutions to meet the unique needs of both residential and business clients. They support you and provide motivation throughout the process, to teach you how to get organized, think in an organized way and maintain organization and a new level of productivity.

What kind of services do organizing and productivity professionals offer? Do they all do the same things?

Professional Organizers and Productivity Consultants offer a wide range of residential and business services, so knowing what you’re looking for in advance will help you choose the right person.

Many NAPO members are generalists, while many others choose to specialize in just a few areas of expertise. Here are some of the many and varied niche services available to clients:

• Chronic Disorganization Support
• Closet design
• Closet organization
• Coaching
• Collections and Inventories
• Electronic Documents and Filing
• Event and Meeting Planning
• Financial Organizing / Bill Paying / Bookkeeping
• Garage and Estate Sales
• Hoarding Tendencies Support
• Home Office Organizing
• Kitchen Organizing
• Living Spaces Organizing
• Moving and Relocation
• Office / Corporate Organizing
• Organizing for and with Seniors
• Paper Management and Filing Systems
• People with Disabilities Support
• Photos / Memorabilia Organizing
• Professional Office Organizing (Legal, medical, etc.)
• Space Planning
• Storage Space Organizing (warehouses, commercial storage areas, storage units)
• Student Organizing
• Time Management
• Virtual Organizing (working with clients via computer)

Why should I choose to work with a member of NAPO Georgia?

NAPO Georgia members have an advantage over those who are not part of the organization because they are associated with like-minded, credible, professional colleagues who support and educate one another. NAPO Georgia members are professionals who care not only about your success and satisfaction but also commit to ethical and sound business practices.

All NAPO Georgia members have pledged to work within the guidelines of the NAPO Code of Ethics, which includes providing confidentiality, as well as fair independent pricing to all clients. Members of the NAPO Georgia Chapter also have a directory of organizing resources at their fingertips that benefit clients in many ways. In addition, the NAPO Georgia Chapter provides its members with opportunities for continuing education, workshops, classes, seminars and conferences, as well as a supportive network of colleagues and mentors.

What questions should I ask to find the right organizing or productivity professional for me?

It’s vital to find someone with whom you feel comfortable. Trust your instincts during your initial conversation. You may not “click” with the first person you speak with, and that’s okay. If so, speak to a few more! Some good questions to ask are:

• What types of services do you offer?
• Do you have a specific area of expertise?
• Have you had special training or do you hold any certifications related to your work?
• Are you a member of NAPO and NAPO Georgia?
• How do you stay current on industry trends?
• Please describe a typical working session.
• What is your fee structure?
• I have tried to get organized before. How will this be different?
• What process do you use to help clients achieve their desired outcomes?
• Will I work directly with you, or will you assign an employee or subcontractor?
• Do you work with a written agreement?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Can you provide references?

How will I decide which Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant is right for me?

Your relationship with a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant will be a personal one. An experienced professional will ask a lot of questions about you, what you are looking for, and what you believe has prevented you from successfully getting organized in the past. They’ll want to understand your goals and determine whether they will be a good fit for you and vice-versa. It is in your best interest to be as candid and clear as possible about your needs and what you want to achieve.

Avoid choosing a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant strictly by price. Instead, focus on finding someone with the personality and skill set that match your needs. That person is most likely to deliver the greatest value by achieving the results you desire in the shortest amount of time.

Hiring a NAPO member means that you are hiring a committed businessperson who values education and professional development, and who stays current on trends and advancements in the industry. NAPO members have aligned themselves with a respected association that leads and advances the organizing and productivity profession, and whose members adhere to a Code of Ethics.

What should I expect to pay?

As with most professions, fees for services vary widely based on each professional’s experience, geographic location, and the type of services offered. Many organizing and productivity professionals charge by the hour, while others offer packages or charge by the project. Establish a budget for your project based on your conversations and decide what feels most comfortable to you.

What if I hire someone and it’s not working out?

Your choice of a professional service provider is not irreversible. If you begin working with someone and decide along the way that you’re not comfortable with their style, be honest and let the person know how you feel. This keeps communication open and gives the person an opportunity to remedy the situation. You are rarely under obligation to continue the relationship so in the event that it’s not a good fit, your professional is likely going to happily refer you to a colleague who will be a better fit for you.

Ultimately, the "right choice" for you will be the person who has the expertise, skill set, and personality that best suit you and your goals.

If you are ready to find a professional, check out the NAPO Georgia “Hire a Pro” search tool!