If you enjoy organizing things such as closets, drawers, kitchens, bedrooms and even entire houses, among many other things, you might decide you want to become a professional organizer. It might be easier to become a professional organizer than you think. In most localities, there is no formal licensing process, aside from a business license. Some organizations offer courses designed to help an individual become a professional organizer. Upon completion of these courses, you can become a certified professional organizer.
A business license is needed to legally conduct business in many areas. This is the only form of licensure needed to become a professional organizer in most areas. Other than this license, courses in professional organizing might assist you in pulling together your organizing business. Courses are available online and through various schools and organizations.
You can do several things to give your business as a professional organizer a good start. Testing yourself by completing jobs for family members and friends is a good way to see whether you can make the transition from personal organization to organization for others. You will begin to get an idea of what your strengths and weaknesses are, as well as the things you enjoy doing and the things that you would rather subcontract out. As you complete jobs, take pictures before, during and after your work to demonstrate your abilities and the success you have had organizing various things.
As you begin, compile an effective toolbox stuffed with the things that you might need to complete your job as a professional organizer, such as a tape measure, screwdriver, level and camera. Do not spend much money getting started, because you will get a better feel for what you will need on a daily basis as you continue to complete jobs. Keeping costs low as you start out can help you avoid going into debt at the beginning of your business.
Also, consider marketing your business. If you want to become a professional organizer, you will need work to gain repeat and referral business. Inexpensive marketing, such as joining the local chamber of commerce or building a simple website, can go a long way to help build your business.
As you become a professional organizer, be sure to build your skills frequently. Attend refresher courses, take courses in new methods and network with other professional organizers. Few things are more helpful getting firsthand pointers from those who have been in the field longer than you have.
