Be a P. O.

Our NAPO Nashville chapter gets a lot of inquiries about how to get into the business of being a Professional Organizer.  We do host free quarterly coffees to discuss just this (check our calendar for dates) but here is some information to get you started.

The first thing we recommend is to take the following classes on napo.net:

PO-OO1W Introduction to Professional Organizing

PO-101W Starting an Organizing Business

These two classes will give you an idea of what it takes to be a Professional Organizer.  If, after taking these classes, you feel it is a good fit for you, follow up with the other classes in the 100 level series (Fundamental Organizing Principles and Starting Out As A  Residential Organizer).

Some books that are good to start out with:

Organizing From The Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern

Getting Things Done by David Allen

The Organized Student by Donna Goldberg

Conquering Chronic Disorganization by Judith Kolberg

Organizing Plain and Simple by Donna Smallin

How To Start A Home-Based Professional Organizing Business by Dawn Noble

This is by no means an exclusive list – it’s a taste of what’s out there.  The BCPO (The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers) has a more thorough list on their website.

Commonly asked questions:

Q: Do I need to be a CPO (Certified Professional Organizer) in order to start organizing as a business?

A: No. In fact, you need to have years of experience and training in order to become a CPO.

Q: Do I need to be a member of NAPO in order to start organizing as a business?

A: No, but it is highly recommended. NAPO offers extensive training and education, camaraderie in a field that is often isolated, support, credibility to prospective clients, and, in a local chapter, all of the above plus regular contact with other professionals that can be invaluable as you grow your business.

Q: What sorts of things do I need to get started?

A: While we are not accountants, lawyers or the like, starting this business is like any other. You want to be sure you are covered legally and financially. Determine your business structure (LLC, sole proprietor, etc), get insurance, file all paperwork with your city/county/state, keep good bookkeeping records and file your taxes properly. Treat this like any other business – in a professional manner.

As for other needs – most organizers start out with a label maker and a Sharpie and go from there.

NAPO National and local chapter membership is also highly recommended.

Q: Do all Professional Organizers do the same thing? What kinds of ways can you organize?

A: Most organizers start out in the residential arena (decluttering and organizing closets, pantries, garages, etc.) but there’s so much more than this.  We encourage potential organizers to explore their own background and use this when looking at what direction they’d like to explore. Organizers do so much more than sort, purge and containerize.  We can assist clients with home office organization, time management, corporate efficiency, specialized components such as photos or coupons, blogging/books/lectures, virtual organizing, working with hoarding or chronically disorganized clients, and more.  Organizing flows over so many parts of our lives both in our homes and our businesses that the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can do in this profession.

Q: Do Professional Organizers work alone or with others?

A: Some do, some don’t.  There are a lot of business models out there though many organizers begin either as a sole proprietor or working for another organizer.  NAPO has a nice outline of a variety of models HERE.

Q: Are there any rules or guidelines for Professional Organizers?

A: Organizers tend to be pretty independent minded, however they are asked to follow NAPO’s Code of Ethics which has been established by the National Association of Professional Organizers as guidelines for how to act and conduct business in a forthright, honest manner with our clients and other Industry Members.  Creating your own business focus and methodology stems from training, experience and education.

Q: Should I contact area organizers and ask them questions?

A: Please keep in mind that we are all small business owners that also have busy family and social lives. We are a generally giving group of people. Be mindful of the time you take up asking questions and do consider offering to pay for an organizers time their hourly rate to work with you and perhaps do some training. It will probably be the best money you can spend.

Testimonial from former Newbie, Vanessa McPeak of Effective Organizing Solutions:

NAPO…A vital tool

“One important tool in the professional organizing business is, literally, the tool kit. Most organizers have one. I remember the day I was ready to build my tool kit. I gained much pleasure browsing the aisles searching for just the right container to house all my tools. After deciding upon the perfect container I loaded it up with the “tools of the trade”… a label maker, sticky notes, rubber gloves, measuring tape, etc. While building my tool kit I focused on my main goal which was to be as organized, efficient and helpful to my clients as possible. On the job I would be lost without my tool kit.

However, I have another tool kit that is equally vital to my business. Included in this “tool kit” are my website, marketing plan, business goals, and my memberships to NAPO and NAPO Nashville.  I would be lost without this tool kit as well.

The first step I took when beginning my organizing business was to join NAPO. (I recommend any new, interested or seasoned organizer to visit their website to see what numerous and beneficial resources NAPO membership has to offer.) It was through the NAPO resources that I learned of NAPO Nashville.  Since then I have experienced the satisfaction and excitement of building my own business and setting my own goals.  NAPO Nashville has been instrumental in this process.

NAPO Nashville has provided me with the tools and knowledge I need to work effectively and successfully with clients. Membership and participation provides me with credibility and shows my dedication to the organizing industry. Involvement with the chapter offers volunteer opportunities that let me give back to the community.  I feel a sense of camaraderie and learn from the shared experiences of seasoned organizers. I gain knowledge from the interesting and informative speakers and with increased knowledge I gain greater self confidence. Membership gives me access to an incredible website (visit NAPONashville.com and see for yourself!), an extensive library of educational resources and my business listing on the website directory. I am able to take advantage of resourcing and networking opportunities through interaction with the chapter’s associate members.

I encourage any professional organizer to seriously consider joining the NAPO Nashville chapter.  It won’t take long before you discover that this organization is indeed a vital tool in your tool kit.”

NAPO Nashville welcomes guests at our monthly meetings. We look forward to seeing you there!