Are you considering hiring a professional organizer? Or at least wondering if you should?
Professional organizers are trained to set up spaces that are efficient, clutter-free, and function smoothly. They even teach you how to maintain the system long after they’re gone.
But as with any other service, there are times you actually need a professional organizer and times you don’t. So, how do you distinguish?
Keep reading! We’ve created a comprehensive guide that contains everything you need to know about when to hire a home organizer and when not to.
When Should You Not Hire a Professional Organizer?
Some people are naturally gifted with organization skills and know how to manage their time effectively, so a home organizer may not be required for them.
1. Focused and self-motivated
If you’re someone who wakes up at 5 am and goes to the gym without the push of a personal trainer, you probably don’t need professional organizer services.
We’re assuming you have the same discipline and motivation for your home that you do for your body, that is.
These people are rare, but some can find ways to keep themselves motivated and focused with no outside help.
2. Not Easily Stressed
If you can effectively break down large projects into small steps and stay on course, then you probably won’t need assistance decluttering and organizing your home.
3. Organized & decisive
Do you know what you like and what you don’t? Do you have a clear understanding of when enough is enough stuff?
You’ll be fine on your own if you’re typically a well-organized person and are crafty in coming up with sustainable and functional storage solutions.
But, if we’re being honest, those traits don’t describe most of us. However, if they do – that’s wonderful; you don’t need to hire a home organizer service.
Yet, if at least some of those traits sound like you, keep reading – you’re not going to want to miss number five on our list!
When Should You Hire a Professional Organizer Service?
Here we go! Let’s take a look at the reasons you should hire a professional organizer service.
1. Difficulty finding the time
One of the most common reasons people hire home organizers is that you are paying this person to hold you accountable for making organizing and decluttering a priority.
It’s easy to ignore the task when it’s on your personal list of things to do, but when you’re paying someone to help, it becomes a priority.
The reason is simple: when you invest money toward a goal, you value it more. So, the money spent is a great motivating factor to help you move forward with the project faster than you would alone.
2. Motivated yet overwhelmed
A professional organizer could be exactly what you need if you want to get the project done but get too overwhelmed just by looking at it.
This person will act as a coach to help you get on track. They will have easy ways to break the project down into smaller steps, allowing you to focus on one task at a time.
Hiring professional organizer services will provide you with the proper direction and guidance to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed.
3. You’re preparing to move
Another great time to hire a professional organizer is either before, during, or after a move.
Generally, the best time to hire them is before the move, as they will help you declutter and organize your belongings, making it easier to pack.
Either way, if you wait until after the move, that’s fine too. The organizer will help you find the best places to put everything, allowing you to start your new chapter in a well-organized, clutter-free home.
4. Fickle & Indecisive
Do you change your mind often? Or have trouble with making decisions? If so, hiring professional organizer services will make it much easier to declutter.
Remember that you can’t rely on the organizer to make every decision for you; they should ask good questions to help you make a choice faster.
And a great home organizer will challenge you when you try to keep things you probably shouldn’t.
So, rather than spin your wheels and exhaust yourself with the same questions over and over, get an outsider’s perspective to help you through the process.
5. You Want to Make Daily Tasks Easier
This is our favorite reason to hire a professional organizer! The truth is that proper organization can make your life and routines so much easier!
Let’s say you want to eat healthier; a professional organizer can help you whip your pantry and fridge into shape, making it easier to find ingredients when preparing meals.
Once you’ve worked with the person to organize the most important rooms in your home, you can spend more time on the things you want to do and less time managing your home.
Consider These Things Before Hiring Professional Organizer Services
The truth is that there are many professional organizer services in every market, so how do you choose one that’s reputable and right for you?
You can begin by asking friends and family members for referrals. Or you can call around and schedule consultation visits with home organizers near you. At the very minimum, you should send an email to start and see what type of response you get.
Ensure that you ask lots of questions about their approach and philosophies before signing a contract.
Beware of home organizers that:
- Claim to have “magic” storage solutions
- Want to do the work without you present
- Do not declutter before they start organizing
“Magic” Storage Solutions
Organizer companies that claim to possess all the secrets and magic systems are usually best avoided, especially when they don’t want to share their “secrets” with you. Knowing this is vital to help you maintain their system in the long run.
It may also be wise to avoid companies that believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. There’s not one organizational system that works for every situation because every family and household is unique.
Doing work only while you’re away
It goes without saying that you should avoid companies who strictly want to declutter and organize your home when you are not present.
This can be very tempting, especially if you are busy, but this doesn’t solve your problems long-term and may even create new challenges.
Just think, how can an outsider come into your home and know what you need and what you don’t?
Everyone has a different definition of clutter, and the organizer may get rid of something useful or meaningful, not knowing any better.
Furthermore, to prevent your home from becoming cluttered again, you need to learn how to stop the flow of clutter, and working with a home organizer, most people realize they simply buy too much stuff.
Figuring out the mistakes you make is the best way to learn from them in the future. So, do yourself a favor, and be present when you hire organizer services.
We here at Clutterless Home Solutions meet with you and create a plan of action for your home. On cleaning day, we want you there! You don’t necessarily have to play a part in the process if you choose not to, but at least you’re there when we need you!
By the time we’re done, we want you to have helped with decluttering decisions, and most importantly, we want you to know where your belongings are and how to keep them organized moving forward.
Alternative Options
Perhaps the most important consideration is how much does a professional organizer cost? Most organizers charge an hourly rate between $55 and $200+ per hour.
For some, this may not fit into their budget. But if you can’t afford it, no worries, there are other options!
Do you have friends or family members who could help declutter your home? Just be sure that the person is a good balance for you.
In other words, you probably won’t get too far together if the other person is also easily overwhelmed. Choose someone who will be honest and can lead you toward getting the most out of the experience.
Another great option is to find an accountability partner. This works well for competitive people, as they simply choose a friend or small group and keep each other accountable for decluttering their homes.
In fact, there are numerous Facebook groups related to this, so you may want to check that out!
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, if you have too much stuff and cannot declutter on your own, you will definitely benefit from hiring a home organizer service.
On the other hand, if you are naturally self-driven, organized, and good at coming up with new solutions, you’re probably find on your own
If you live anywhere in the Denver, Colorado, metro area, give us a call today, and let’s discuss your needs! We service all areas from Aurora to Lakewood, Henderson to Littleton, and every town in between!