Do you find organizing a home a rewarding and satisfying experience? Then you should consider becoming a professional organizer either as a full-time or part-time career. Earning a living doing something that you find enjoyable is truly wonderful. If you’re ready to take the plunge into becoming a professional organizer, then it’s time to learn what a professional organizer business entails and how to get your business off the ground.
The biggest thing to expect in your first year running a professional organizing business is the steep learning curve of balancing appointments, running a business, managing accounts, and marketing. The start-up cost for a professional organizer business is relatively low, so it is ok to start small. Take time to build up a client base, learn the daily ins and outs of running a business, and figuring out a system to keep you…well, organized! In this article, we discuss the things you need to know to begin your own professional organizer business and what your first year might look like as a professional organizer.
What You Need To Get Started?
What you offer as a professional organizer is your eye for potential and your ability to break down the chaos and clutter into a peaceful and welcoming environment.
The first step is determining the scope of the services you’ll provide and who your target customer will be. Start by offering your services to friends and family. This will help you practice as well as build up a portfolio of your work.
Some professional organizer businesses provide organizing supplies for their customers, such as storage containers. If you want to offer organizing supplies, you will need to invest in the inventory of your favorite tools and items.
Another thing that many professional organizers invest in during the first year of business is software. General business software or specialized home organizer software can help keep track of your appointments, agreements, invoices, expenses, and other important information. You will also need to open a separate bank account to keep track of your finances.
Lastly, you’ll need to register your business, get all the necessary permits, licensing, and home organizer insurance. Professional Organizer Insurance protects your business from lawsuits or claims due to errors or omissions. Learn more about Professional Organizer Insurance for Home Organizers.
Startup Costs for a New Professional Organizer Business
The startup costs for a professional organizer business are relatively small compared to other new businesses. Almost every new professional organizer business will have to pay the typical fees for registering your business. Many first-year businesses will also invest in business management software, general supplies and tools, and professional organizer insurance.
Having various certifications or memberships to professional organizations are not necessary to start your business, but can boost your credentials and make you more appealing to potential customers. Many first-year business owners will also invest in website design and advertising to increase their market reach and draw in new clients. In all, many professional organizers can get their business started for less than $20,000.
How Much Does A Professional Organizer Make A Year?
The rates professional organizers charge varies from $40 to $200 an hour, but several factors regulate how much a professional organizer makes in a year. Professional organizers who treat their business as more of a ‘side-gig’ are going to make far less than those who pursue the career full time. Newer professional organizers will also typically make less until they build up a customer base and can charge more for their services once established.
How to Advertise Yourself as a Professional Organizer?
In the digital age, the best way to market yourself and your new professional organizer business is online. Invest in a website that shows off your organizational skills and showcases how you can potentially improve the living space for your clients. Engage in social media as well by creating business pages across visual platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok and encourage friends and family to follow you. Finally, when a customer expresses satisfaction with your work, encourage them to leave a review and refer you to potential future clients so that you can grow your customer base.
Why Do Professional Organizers Need Insurance?
Insurance is a necessary tool to protect you and your new business from the unexpected. In many cases, a general liability policy will cover any mishaps with your business, but a better option for professional organizers is professional liability insurance, or errors and omissions coverage. With the right insurance coverage, you can rest assured that your business will never go under while fighting off claims or fixing any damage that may arise in the course of your work.