business plan for professional organizer

How to Start a Professional Organizing Business

Today's busy world means people are responsible for doing more than ever before. This multi-tasking environment requires a high-level of organization which few people have naturally. A professional organizing business helps clients develop these critical organizing skills through training and can jumpstart the process by providing a full range of organizing services.

You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas .

Learn how to start your own Professional Organizing Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a professional organizing business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Professional Organizing Business
• Form your Professional Organizing Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Professional Organizing Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Professional Organizing Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Professional Organizing Business
• Get Professional Organizing Business Insurance
• Define your Professional Organizing Business Brand
• Create your Professional Organizing Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your professional organizing business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Professional Organizing Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your professional organizing business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a professional organizing business.

The costs for starting a professional organizing business are minimal as most businesses of these type work from home. In addition to the typical costs of registering a business and getting legal, typical startup costs may include:

• Liability insurance, the cost depending on your area and how much insurance you need.
• Website design and hosting. This cost can range from very low to much more expensive. Since your site will be the main contact point for new customers, it is worth spending more. A budget of $1000 dollars should be more than enough to cover a well-designed site with one year of hosting.
• Transportation. Most likely you will use your own vehicle, so you won't need to invest in a new one.
• Computer. Chances are you already have one.
• Education. This is where you will spend the bulk of your startup capital. Professional organizer are not required to have a particular educational background, but certain certificates and education can make you stand out. One of the most sought-after programs is from the National Association of Professional Organizers whose NAPO University offers courses ranging from free to hundreds of dollars.
• Membership fees in a national organization. Becoming a member of industry organization can help you attract clients and help manage your business. There are several organizations you can choose to join, including NAPO .

What are the ongoing expenses for a professional organizing business?

The monthly expenses are minimal, and usually just include advertising and transportation costs.

Who is the target market?

The best clients for a professional organizing business are people who lack the skills to get and stay organized, those who don't have the time to stay organized, or individuals who hate to organize on their own. Many clients who employ professional organizers are busy professionals who are used to hiring assistants to take care of everyday tasks and are comfortable with handing over control without micromanaging.

How does a professional organizing business make money?

This business makes money by providing organizing services and training clients how to become better at organizing. Most professional organizers charge clients by the hour or per day. Other professional organizers choose to charge on a per task basis.

According to PayScale.com , the average hourly pay is just under $26 per hour.

How much profit can a professional organizing business make?

The income range for a professional organizer as listed on PayScale.com , is approximately $30,000 to $115,000 a year.

How can you make your business more profitable?

One of the best ways to make your business more profitable is to become a specialist in a particular aspect of the organization industry, such as moving organization. Choose whichever aspect of organizing is the most interesting to you, but it is usually more profitable to specialize in business-related areas.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your professional organizing business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a professional organizing business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Services Contract

Having a concise service contract will only help you. This will minimize your legal exposure to unknown factors, as well as align expectations between you and your client. Your contract should outline exactly what types of organization you will offer your clients, so there is no confusion.  Here is an example service agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your professional organizing business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Professional Organizing Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Professional Organizing Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a professional organizing business

Most clients look for services online, therefore, a website is essential for promoting your business. In addition to a company website, you should have a visible and active social media account. Opening an account on third-party sites like Angie's List or HomeAdvisor can expose your business to more potential clients. Depending on the type of client you are targeting, you may want to advertise in the local newspaper or an industry-specific publication.

How to keep customers coming back

The main barrier to getting more customers is that most people don't know that the professional organizing industry exists. Use social media and volunteer to give public talks on different organizing topics as promotions for your business.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Starting a professional organizing business is perfect for anyone who is good at creating systems to keep things organized. Successful owners of this type of business love to work directly with a variety of different types of people, and have the ability help others learn new skills. A professional organizing business offers flexible hours, but owners will need to be able to stick to project deadlines without any oversight.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a professional organizing business?

A large portion of the day is spent time working with clients in their home or office. If a professional organizer is hired to organize a business, the work usually revolves around organizing and creating storage solutions for business and financial documents. A professional organizer may also help business clients to find better ways to manage their time and put easy-to-follow systems in place. Meeting with a client at their home can mean organizing just about anything in the home from helping to arrange a functional clothing system to sorting through piles of boxes. When professional organizers are not visiting clients, they are usually promoting their businesses online or communicating with potential clients by email or on the phone.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful professional organizing business?

Of course, to succeed in the professional organizing business, you need to know how to organize, but that is not the only skill you need. A solid foundation in marketing, especially online marketing is important. There are a variety of companies that offer help with developing the type of skills you need to run a professional organizing business. Try contacting one of the several organizations which support businesses in this organization like the National Association of Professional Organizers to learn more.

What is the growth potential for a professional organizing business?

The growth potential for this type of business is very good due to the increasing demands on people from work. The job of a professional organizer is still quite new, and the market is not yet saturated. There are plenty of potential clients who are not yet aware of this type of service.

Not sure if a professional organizing business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a professional organizing business?

Those new to the professional organizing business industry tend to have better luck concentrating on residential clients in the beginning. Unless you have an extensive business background, or are confident in your ability you may want to look for work organizing homes. Try to market your business to families living in your area at first. Volunteering to speak about organizing and productivity at your local library is a great way to drum up business.  

How and when to build a team

Many professional organizing businesses are owner operated. It may be feasible to run a business managing a team of professional organizers, but you would need to build up an extensive list of clients beforehand to make it profitable.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• Clutterbusters - Franchise Opportunity
• The Tailored Closet - Franchise Opportunity

Real World Examples

• Ann Arbor, Michigan - A2 Home Organizers
• New York, New York - Andrew Mellen

Further Reading

• National Association of Professional Organizers

Additional Sources

• Metropolitan Organizing - 6 Steps for Starting a Professional Organizing Business
• Your Organizing Business - How to Start a Professional Organizing Business

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Professional Organizing Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Professional Organizing Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their professional organizing companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a professional organizing business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a professional organizing business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your professional organizing business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

If you’re looking to start a professional organizing business or grow your existing professional organizing company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your professional organizing business to improve your chances of success. Your professional organizing business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Professional Organizing Businesses

With regard to funding, the main sources of funding for a professional organizing business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for professional organizing companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a professional organizing business.

If you want to start a professional organizing business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your professional organizing business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of professional organizing business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a professional organizing business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of professional organizing businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the professional organizing industry.
• Discuss the type of professional organizing business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of professional organizing business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of professional organizing businesses:

• Home Organizing Services: These businesses focus on helping individuals declutter and organize their homes. Professional organizers work with clients to streamline belongings, create efficient storage systems, and implement organization solutions that fit the client’s lifestyle.
• Office and Workspace Organizing Services: This type of organizing business specializes in creating efficient office spaces and work environments. Professional organizers assist individuals in arranging office supplies, managing paperwork, and creating functional layouts to enhance productivity.
• Digital and Virtual Organizing Services: With the increase in digital clutter, virtual organizing businesses help clients organize their digital files, emails, and online documents. They provide guidance remotely and offer digital tools to help clients regain control over their digital spaces.
• Relocation and Moving Services: Organizers assist individuals and families with the process of moving homes. They help clients plan and execute a smooth relocation by coordinating packing, labeling, and organizing belongings, ensuring a seamless transition to the new living space.

In addition to explaining the type of professional organizing business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of clients served, the value of contracts signed, reaching X amount of revenue yearly, etc.
• Your legal business structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the professional organizing industry.  While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the professional organizing industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.  Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends. The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your professional organizing business plan:

• How big is the professional organizing industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your professional organizing business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your professional organizing business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, families, home office businesses and all sizes of corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of professional organizing business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other professional organizing businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes packing assistance from friends, volunteer organizers, relatives who help organizing a home office. You need to mention such competition, as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But, you should be able to find out key things about them, such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of professional organizing business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regard to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And, don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide options for long-term contracts?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a professional organizing business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of professional organizing company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide office supplies and organizational tools with each service or will you offer regular organizing visits at a discount?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your professional organizing company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your professional organizing business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or is it a digital organizing business operating online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your professional organizing marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your professional organizing business, including answering calls, planning and scheduling individual organizing sessions, overseeing accounts payable and receivable.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth session, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your professional organizing business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your professional organizing business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing professional organizing businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But, also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a professional organizing business or successfully running a small company.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you see 20 clients per day, and offer move-in/move-out organizing services in addition? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your professional organizing business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a professional organizing business:

• Cost of equipment and office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a list of businesses already under contract with your organizing service.

Writing a business plan for your professional organizing business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the professional organizing industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful professional organizing business.

Professional Organizing Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my professional organizing business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your professional organizing business plan.

How Do You Start a Professional Organizing Business?

Starting a Professional Organizing business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Professional Organizing Business
• Create Your Professional Organizing Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Professional Organizing Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Professional Organizing Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Professional Organizing Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Professional Organizing Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Professional Organizing Business Equipment
• Develop Your Professional Organizing Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Professional Organizing Business
• Open for Business

Where Can I Download a Free Business Plan Template PDF?

Click here to download the pdf version of our basic business plan template.

Our free business plan template pdf allows you to see the key sections to complete in your plan and the key questions that each must answer. The business plan pdf will definitely get you started in the right direction.

We do offer a premium version of our business plan template. Click here to learn more about it. The premium version includes numerous features allowing you to quickly and easily create a professional business plan. Its most touted feature is its financial projections template which allows you to simply enter your estimated sales and growth rates, and it automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Here’s the link to our Ultimate Business Plan Template.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Professional Organizing business plan?

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Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business planning advisors can create your business plan for you.

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Professional Organizing Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Professional Organizing Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on January 5, 2022 Updated on March 13, 2024

Investment range

$2,050 - $5,500

Revenue potential

$78,000 - $260,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$70,000 - $234,000 p.a.

Industry trend

People like to have nice things – a lot of things. So much so that for many people, those things get out of control, and clutter takes over their homes. Professional organizing is a service that solves that problem for consumers. If you are a meticulous person who knows how to control clutter, a professional organizing business is a great opportunity to build a profitable company.

Launching a professional organizing business will have its challenges, and will take time, preparation, and knowledge. This step-by-step guide is full of information and insight to put you on your way to organizing your new entrepreneurial home.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a professional organizing business has pros and cons you should consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Low Startup Costs – No equipment or office needed
• Great Profit Margin – Few ongoing expenses
• Broad Market – Both individuals and businesses could be customers
• Messy – People can be slobs and things will get dirty
• Patience Needed – People may not want to get rid of their junk

Professional organizing industry trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth – The US home organization market has grown more than 40% over the last decade.(( https://www.statista.com/statistics/622446/value-of-the-us-home-organization-market/ )) Analyst Research and Markets values the US home organization products market at $12.2 billion in 2021.(( https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5389715/us-home-organization-products-market-2021-2030 ))  
• Growth forecast – Between 2018 and 2028, demand for professional organizers is expected to grow 7% and create 9,600 job opportunities across the US.(( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/ ))
• Number of people employed – There are nearly 45,000 organizers employed in the US.(( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/demographics/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends in professional organizing include:

• The aesthetics of organizing is becoming just as important as usability due to the social media influence. People are posting pictures of their closets and want them to be visually appealing.
• Professional organizing is becoming more of a science, considering the psychology of the customer and their needs. For example, some care more about what is most visible rather than making the most used items the easiest to reach.

Some challenges also exist in the professional organizing industry including:

• Big players are entering the industry such as The Container store, creating a more competitive environment.
• Barriers to entry into the industry are low, increasing the competitive environment even more.

What kind of people work in professional organizing?

• Gender – 53% of all organizers are female, while nearly 47% are male.(( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – 62% of organizers hold a bachelor’s degree and 11% finished high school. Organizers usually study political science, business, or psychology. (( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/education/ ))
• Average age – The average age of organizers is 40+ years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/organizer-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a professional organizing business?

Startup costs for a professional organizing business range from about $2,000 to $5,000. The largest expenses are for a website set up and an initial marketing budget. The high end also includes professional organizing classes which are not required but can add to your credibility. You can take classes through the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) . 

How much can you earn from a professional organizing business?

The average price that customers pay for an organizing job is about $500. The price will vary based on the size of the job and the time that it takes. Your profit margin should be around 90%. 

In your first year or two, you could do 3 organizing jobs per week, bringing in $78,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $70,000 in profit, assuming that 90% margin. As your brand gains recognition, sales could climb to 10 jobs per week. With expected annual revenue of $260,000, you would make about $234,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a professional organizing business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• You need to know good organizational methods
• It will take some marketing dollars to get a large customer base

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a professional organizing business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research professional organizing businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a professional business organizer. 

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry such as closet organization.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your products or services

You need to determine what types of organizing services you will do. You could specialize in something like closets, or you could organize a variety of things including:

• Kitchen cabinets and pantries
• Business establishments
• Home offices

How much should you charge for professional organizing services?

Prices for organizing jobs range from $250 to $800 and average about $500. You should determine your prices based on the time that the job takes you. Prices should work out to an average of $50 to $100 per hour. Your ongoing expenses should be limited to fuel and marketing so you should aim for a profit margin of about 90%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price point. Remember, the price you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be broad, although the people that will be willing and able to pay for your services are probably more established. You can find them on sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Professional Organizing Business Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “professional organizing” or “home organizing”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “TidyUp Solutions” over “Office Organizers”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step Business Name Generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Professional Organizing Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: Highlight the vision of your professional organizing business, its services, target market, and what will make it successful.
• Business Overview: Detail what organizing services your business will provide and the organizational problems it aims to solve.
• Product and Services: Describe the specific organizing packages you offer, like home decluttering, office systematization, or digital organization.
• Market Analysis: Examine the demand for organizing services in your area, including potential customer segments and their needs.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify other professional organizers in the market and how your business will differentiate itself in service quality, methods, and prices.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline how you will market your services and what strategies you will use to sell them, such as social media campaigns or partnerships.
• Management Team: Present the experience and qualifications of the team that will manage and grow the business.
• Operations Plan: Explain the process of how services will be delivered, client management, and workflow.
• Financial Plan: Summarize the financial aspects, including startup costs, pricing strategy, and projected financial growth.
• Appendix: Include any additional documents like client testimonials, detailed market research, or organizational certifications that support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan yourself before, it can be an intimidating task. Consider hiring an experienced business plan writer to create a professional business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to professional organizing businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your professional organizing business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2023

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

For a professional organizing business you probably won’t need any outside financing and can just use your personal funds since startup costs are low.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses and Permits

Starting a professional organizing business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. You can become a certified professional organizer through NAPO to add credibility to your business. 

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health license and permit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level licenses and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements. 

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

For peace of mind and to save time, we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state, and provide them to you to make sure you’re fully compliant.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account . Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your professional organizing business as a sole proprietorship. 

Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability : The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property : Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance : Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation : Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property : Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto : Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability : Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) : This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You can use industry-specific software, such as SMM Ware , to manage your sales, scheduling, quotes, and billing. 

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Starting a Professional Organizing Business can be a rewarding venture, helping clients declutter and simplify their lives. In addition to creating a website and networking, here are some effective marketing strategies to boost your business:

• Targeted Workshops and Seminars: Offer free or low-cost organizing workshops or seminars in your local community to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients.
• Collaborate with Realtors: Partner with real estate agents to offer your organizing services to clients preparing to sell their homes, emphasizing the appeal of an organized space.
• Social Media Challenges: Engage your audience on social media by creating organizing challenges or tips series, encouraging followers to share their progress and experiences.
• Client Testimonials and Before/After Photos: Build credibility by sharing success stories and visually striking before/after photos on your website and social media platforms to demonstrate the tangible benefits of your services.
• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program that rewards existing clients or partners who refer new business to you, fostering a network of advocates for your services.
• Local Partnerships: Establish partnerships with local businesses like furniture stores, cleaning services, or home improvement stores to cross-promote services and tap into each other’s customer base.
• Printed Materials and Direct Mail: Design eye-catching brochures, flyers, or postcards to distribute in local businesses or mail to targeted neighborhoods, showcasing your services and offering exclusive discounts.
• Online Presence Optimization: Enhance your online presence through search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, ensuring that your business ranks high in local search results.
• Community Sponsorships: Sponsor local events, sports teams, or community activities to increase brand visibility and demonstrate your commitment to the community.
• Specialized Packages or Seasonal Promotions: Create special packages or promotions during peak seasons, such as spring cleaning or back-to-school, to attract clients looking for specific organizational solutions.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your professional organizing business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your professional organizing business could be: 

• Make your closet shine
• Can’t find stuff? Let us put your house in order
• De-clutter your office and improve your business efficiency

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a professional organizing business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in professional organizing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in professional organizing. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you might want to hire an assistant to help you with organizing jobs.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Professional Organizing Business – Start Making Money!

In a busy world, people need to stay organized to have time to do all there is to do. Professional organizers have expertise that can help to streamline people’s lives. Organizing has also risen in demand because people want their spaces to look nice, as well as be utilitarian, and they are willing to pay for a professional’s help. 

By starting a professional organizing business, you can capitalize on that demand and make a healthy profit. Now that you have all the knowledge that you need, you’re ready to start organizing your entrepreneurial plan and launch a successful business! 

• Professional Organizing Business FAQs

Absolutely!  The average organizing job costs $500, so even if you just have 3 clients a week, you can make a healthy profit. Your ongoing expenses are very low, so most of what you make will stay in your pocket.

Training is not required, but it can certainly add to your credibility, particularly if you are trained by a professional association. You can take classes through the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) . 

The duties of a professional organizer include assessing clients’ organizing needs, developing personalized organizing plans, decluttering and purging belongings, creating efficient storage systems, providing guidance and support, teaching organizing skills, and collaborating with clients to maximize space utilization.

Professional organizers can acquire clients through networking with related professionals, building an online presence, offering workshops or webinars, seeking referrals from satisfied clients, collaborating with local businesses, and utilizing targeted advertising or direct mail campaigns.

A professional organizing business can help organize various spaces, including residential spaces such as homes, apartments, closets, garages, basements, attics, and storage areas, as well as office spaces like home offices, corporate offices, and workspaces.

Professional organizing makes a great side hustle. Starting small and gradually expanding your client base can help manage workload and accommodate your other responsibilities. 

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Professional Organizing Business Name
• Create a Professional Organizing Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Professional Organizing Business - Start Making Money!

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How to Start a Professional Organizing Business in 2024

by Katherine Lawrence | Become a Professional Organizer

There are so many benefits to starting your own organizing business. Professional Organizers are creative problem solvers who use their talents and experience to help others live a more serene and ordered life. Your organizing business plan will evolve over time by getting both specialized and on-the-job training. 

When I’m coaching a new student to become a professional home organizer, we look at these three aspects of their professional organizing business plan:

•          Establish a Client Process
•          Set up a Legit Business
•          Find Customers 

For more free professional organizer training, watch my tutorials on YouTube and get your free launch guide HERE

Step 1 Establish a Client Process

You get an email, DM, text, call, or just a plain old face-to-face question: “How can I hire you to help me organize my life/home/workspace?” 

OH NO … DON’T PANIC !!!

You have skills, a fab label maker, know the Container Store like the back of your hand, and your own home is masterfully organized. But you have no idea how to walk into someone else’s house and create order from chaos.

Then you ask yourself: “What would I charge? How long will it take? What products will I need?” And of course, they are asking you the same questions. 

Before you are faced with that scenario, I recommend you create a simple process to take your client through that looks something like this:

My simple client process:

• Book a Call or Video Chat

Schedule an Initial Consultation

Schedule a project session.

• Follow up & Repeat

Book a Call or Video Chat to Assess your Client’s Needs

Book a call or video chat to learn more about the space and your (potential) client’s needs, goals, and budget. This is your intake process. I recommend asking open-ended questions that get your client talking. Believe it or not, the more your client is speaking the more likely you are to book the job.

Being patient, friendly, and an active listener builds trust with your client. Before they hire an organizer, your potential customer will need to know, like, and trust you. And it all begins with that first contact. 

▶get my intake form HERE + all the forms I use to run my business

▶get my exact client process + project management tips in this intro course designed to give you the confidence to book your first paid client.

From that first contact with your potential customer, be prepared to offer a paid service. You may find it easier to book an in-home consultation first, so have a rate prepared to offer them for an initial service. Come up with a rate you feel is fair for three to four hours of your time that is consistent with other home service rates in your market. 

This time will be spent – 

•          Commuting to your client’s home
•          Touring their home
•          Discussing challenges and solutions 
•          Creating an action plan 
•          Following up with your client and answering questions

I call this: “organizing your home on paper.” Essentially you are providing your client with resources, design, and space planning ideas, storage solutions, and product recommendations. You are also a sounding board and creative facilitator. 

▶Why organizers should charge for consultations

But Katherine, what if my client just wants me to organize one space like a closet or garage, can’t I just go in and start? 

Of course, you can (and should!) take paid organizing projects. You’ll need to decide on a rate before you book that initial call with your (soon to be) paying customer. But I will warn you, without an initial planning session you may run into challenges like – 

I showed up to organize a closet that I thought was filled with clothing, but it also contains boxes of papers that may need shredding .

We planned on organizing the garage, but it’s filled with books, clothes, and other household items that need a place inside the house .

I was hired to set-up a home office, but the office is hoarded with unopened QVC and Amazon packages. Do I deal with that first? 

Book a project session that is a few hours in length to provide time for dealing with the unexpected and follow a basic project plan. My basic project planning method is called GDP which stands for 

• G – Gather and sort like items
• D – Make Decisions
• P – Put away items in a neat and orderly fashion 

Whether I’m organizing a junk drawer, a closet, an attic, playroom, or home office, following this method breaks the project down into manageable tasks, keeps me focused, and helps establish a timeline. 

▶learn basic project management for Professional Organizers in my intro course

Follow up and repeat..

A client in the hand is worth two in the bush. Ok, that’s not the exact phrase. But think of it this way –

If you are only working a few hours with each new client on only one space in their home, you will need 5 to 10 new clients each week to create a full-time business and salary.

Maybe you are a marketing genius or have a hit organizing show on TV, but more likely you’re like me. Someone who loves to organize and hates to sell themselves. If I had to secure 10 new clients every week, I would have given up years ago. So how can I work as a full-time organizer without marketing full-time?

Because I often declutter and downsize an entire home (not just one closet) and I have repeat customers. Building lasting relationships and connections around your ideal client base is essential to creating a sustainable organizing business.

Step 2 Set up a Legit Business

Once you have mastered your client process and understand how to manage an organizing project, you’ll need to set-up a legit business to minimize tax and legal challenges when taking organizing jobs.

Professional Organizing can be a lucrative business, but you do not want liability, legal, or financial issues to derail your business plan.

Here is a checklist to get you started –

• Decide on a Name for your business
• Ask your local government if you need a license or other requirements to operate in your area
• Meet with an attorney to determine your best legal structure
• Meet with an accountant to set-up bookkeeping + instructions on filing taxes
• Get business insurance
• Set up a business bank account
• Set up credit card processing
• Create a budget
• Set up a home office space
• Set up business e-mail, voicemail, and/or other messaging options
• Create forms and contracts

One of the best resources we have in the U.S. is SCORE. SCORE provides workshops and free mentoring to business startups. Connect with a SCORE mentor HERE.

▶click here for my Professional Organizer’s workbook + planner

Do not be afraid to set-up a legit business! It could save you a lot of hassles in the future and give you the confidence to become a transformative force in the lives of others!

Step 3 Find Customers 

Now you know what to do when a potential customer wants to hire you and what it takes to set-up a legitimate business.

But wait … Katherine … I don’t have any customers and no one is hiring me!!

Yes! The primary ingredient for any successful business is paying customers. I know I titled this section “find customers,” but really we need customers to find you.

You need to be top-of-mind in your community to attract your ideal client. To do that you will need to –

Be Visible + Be Known + Be Credible

▶7 Ways to Get Customers for your Home Organizing business

Make your organizing business visible.

•          Design a logo or color scheme (try Canva ❤❤❤)
•          Get a business card (again, Canva )
•          Create a website
•          Set-up your business on Google
•          Create a Facebook business page
•          Create an Instagram business account
•          Create a LinkedIn profile (or update your existing one with your organizing credentials)
•          Create other social media business accounts where your ideal client could see (YouTube, Tik Tok, Twitter, Pinterest … really the list is endless)

It is a little overwhelming to think of all the places our customers can find us and nearly impossible to be known everywhere without a full-time marketing team. It will also take time to establish your business’s online profile.

Start with a platform where you are already engaged and have a community.

For example, if you spend a lot of time on Facebook or Instagram already and have a following, it will be easier to inform them of your new business venture. But if you have never shot a video in your life, YouTube can be a bit overwhelming. You may want to just start by listing your business with Google, creating a simple website, and build from there.

Be Known as the Professional Organizer who…

• Unpacks houses
• Loves staging and redesign
• Works with hoarders
• Downsizes seniors
• Teaches the KonMari Method
• Works with ADHD Clients
• Installs closet systems

What will set you apart from the competition? Even more important, what types of clients will other organizers refer to you? I call this niche marketing.

▶Free Niche Worksheet + Launch Guide

You must be known for something unique before others can refer business to you!!

Build your Credibility by…

• Speaking + giving workshops
• Attending networking events
• Getting to know related business and service providers IRL (in real life) over coffee, at trade shows, or community events
• Networking with other Professional Organizers like in NAPO or POC
• Writing and posting content to social media accounts and/or blog
• Following up with existing clients or e-mail list
• Making media appearances
• Getting published
• Training or earning a certification
• Writing and speaking for others  
• Getting referrals from existing clients
• Posting content (tips and advice) to other’s social media accounts

Ok, yes, I’m listing writing and speaking twice. Here’s why:

You can post tips and advice via your own business channels like social media accounts, website, or IRL. And also you gain credibility when sharing information with another communit y ‘s audience.

In the blogging world, this is called a backlink, or when another site posts a link to your content, blog, or website. Here is a backlink I received for garage organizing tips –

https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/things-organized-garages-have-in-common/

When I was a total newbie, I asked a closet design company if I could work their booth at a trade show. It gave me an opportunity to talk about my services in front of an ideal client.

I’ve presented to local neighborhood associations, thrift stores, libraries, and senior centers. In addition to gaining an audience, each group would publish my contact information on their website, newsletters, and social media accounts.

Yes! It is free and relatively easy to become visible and credible in your community.

What to do next …

If you are starting a home organizing business this year you will need to establish a client process, create a unique client experience, set up a legit business, and find customers. I would love to help you out!

>Watch tutorials on my YouTube Channel

>get your free launch guide, >read more about becoming an organizer.

Happy Organizing!

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Geralin Thomas, Career Coach for Professional Organizers - Raleigh NC, Cary NC

November 15, 2022

6 Steps for Starting a Professional Organizing Business

Download your to-do list for starting a professional organizing business..

by Geralin Thomas

This is a comprehensive list for new professional organizers starting a productivity consulting or professional organizing business. While reading the list, please keep in mind that there are no right or wrong ways to tackle these six steps for starting a professional organizing business.

Remember, this is your business. You are the boss and the decision-maker. Take your time and enjoy this process. 
I suggest selecting just one or two sections to focus on at a time. Read the entire list before deciding where you want to start, and whatever you do, don’t let the number of to-dos on this list intimidate or overwhelm you.

Remember, you’re welcome to schedule a free call with me if you have questions!

1. Research the Professional Organizing Industry

•  Read organizing books and organizing blogs.
•  Read blog posts from homeowners or business owners to learn what kind of organizing challenges people are experiencing.
•  Research business advice websites. For some, membership is required.
•  Join an organization for networking (like your local Chamber of Commerce), accreditations, coaching, etc. Start with the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) , your local NAPO chapter, and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) .
•  Find a mentor, coach , or business consultant.
•  Market research — try to pinpoint the types of clients you’d like to work with.
•  Consider developing a niche or area of expertise .

2. Name Your Business

• Create a unique name for your business and maybe a tagline, too.
• Check if the domain is available ( WHOis.net , GoDaddy.com , NetworkSolutions.com , NameCheap , or do a Google search).
• Check your Secretary of State’s website to see if your business name is available and how to proceed regarding filing for a DBA (Doing Business As).

3. Legal, Financial, and Logistical

• Write a business plan . Okay, this is not really a legal task, and it’s not 100% necessary to write a business plan before starting a business. Still, it will be time well spent because you’ll need to be as strategic as possible when starting a business. After all, there are a lot of “shiny objects” that may distract you.
•   Decide on your business structure, also known as an entity. You have four options:  C Corporation, S Corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Most professional organizers are sole proprietors. Educate yourself at your Secretary of State’s website and Registrar of Deeds website.
• Register your business name at any required agencies (city/county for licenses or zoning permits), or use a service like BizFilings .
• Research tax requirements for your state and apply for tax-exempt status (if needed) with your state’s Department of Revenue.
• Purchase business insurance (general liability, home & business equipment, errors & omissions).
• Once your registration paperwork has been approved and returned to you, complete the federal SS-4 form and obtain a nine-digit  EIN number  before setting up a bank account in your business name. This is critical because it separates business and personal finances.
• Get a business debit card and/or credit card.
• Set up a merchant account to accept credit cards or a service like  PayPal or  Square .
• Create a budget and establish a routine for business tasks (depositing payments, recording expenses, reconciling bank statements.)
• Choose an accounting tool and connect it to your bank account. QuickBooks is one option. It needs to be appropriate for small business tasks, and it needs to be user-friendly.
• Set up your desk and office space.
• Set up a phone number and an appropriate voicemail message.
• Purchase a computer, supplies, and business equipment (scanner, printer, headset).
• Decide which digital tools (software apps, services) you need to run your business.
• Create a signature line for your email, including your area code and phone number.
• Purchase a backup system for your computer ( iDrive , Backblaze , Carbonite , iCloud , etc.).

4. Develop Your Services and Pricing

• Create a list of services you’ll offer.
• Estimate your business costs.
• Define how you price your services and what your rates will be (hourly rate, tiered pricing, package pricing, project pricing, retainer fees, cancellation, shopping, and research fees).
• Establish billing policies and a Services Agreement and/or Independent Contractor Agreement .
• Purchase and set up accounting software; create an invoice and bookkeeping system.
• Decide if you want to hire a bookkeeper or accountant .

5. Marketing + Branding

• Purchase a domain name or a few domain names, including your own name.
• Set up website hosting and email.
• Create a logo, symbol, or wordmark for your business (or hire a graphic designer)
• Get at least one professional headshot.
• Write a professional bio.
• Create business cards and other stationery using Vistaprint or your local print shop (letterhead, notecards, envelopes, address labels).
• Design a website yourself or hire a web designer. Either way, you’ll need a website template and content management system (like WordPress , Wix , Weebly , and Squarespace ) and text and images to put on your website. (Pages on your site might include: about you, contact info, services, pricing, testimonials from clients, etc.).
• Create social media profiles on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.
• Get the word out that you are open for business with a media release, social media posts, and forum posts. Call friends, family, and clients, ask for referrals, create a brochure or mass mailing, etc.

6. Define Client Experience and Create:

• New organizing client questionnaires, known as intake or assessment forms (You can find these ready-to-use forms and more in the New Organizers’ Essentials Kit ).
• Consultation process — set expectations of what’s expected and what is not included in your services; explain your billing process.
• A welcome letter and booking confirmation.
• Feedback form, testimonials, and online reviews (Google, Yelp).

Congratulations! You are on your way to starting your own professional organizing business. With my master to-do list, you are bound to feel more confident in your ability to plan your time and budget. My goal is to have you grow your new organizing business in a sensible, sustainable manner. Make sure you watch the related video on YouTube – How to Start an Organizing Business in Six Steps with Geralin Thomas.

Want to ask a question about the steps for starting a professional organizing business? Let’s talk! I offer a free, no-obligation consultation call; schedule it here. 

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How to Start an Organizing Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   February 13, 2024

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The home organizing market is booming. After reaching $11.4 billion in 2021 , organizing is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% from 2021 to 2025. It’s a good time for newcomers to join the professional organizing business.

With the right business plan and organizational skills, aspiring entrepreneurs can capitalize on this demand and build a successful business. From decluttering homes to streamlining offices, professional organizers help clients take control of their spaces and lives.

This guide will walk you through how to start a organizing business. Topics include market research, registering an EIN, forming a business entity, competitive analysis, marketing, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about starting your own professional organizing business.

1. Conduct Organizing Market Research

To start a professional organizing career you need to know about the professional organizing industry. Market research offers insight into your target market, service trends, local market saturation, and more.

Some details you’ll learn as you sort through research on organizing and storage solutions include:

• The target market for professional organizers is vast and varied.
• The most typical clients are middle-to-upper-income households overwhelmed by clutter and disorganization.
• 80% of US households feel cluttered, indicating massive market potential.
• Key demographics include parents with busy kids, young professionals in small city apartments, seniors downsizing, and small business owners.
• With hectic modern lifestyles, people increasingly value time over organizing themselves.
• Hiring a professional organizer saves clients time and stress.
• As more baby boomers near retirement, demand for downsizing and estate organization will also rise.
• Competitive advantage can come from specialization.
• Some organizers focus on specific client groups like hoarders, seniors, or families with ADHD. Others specialize in spaces like garages, offices, closets, and kitchens.
• Virtual organizing is a new trend that provides added convenience.
• Pricing is an important consideration. The typical hourly rate is $50-150 , with higher prices in major metro areas.
• Packages and memberships that offer ongoing maintenance are also popular. To build a client base, new organizers may consider discounted intro offers.
• Specializing in an underserved niche can also enable higher rates.
• A key driver of growth is increased consumer awareness of the benefits of an organized space and lifestyle.
• Social media posts and home-organizing TV shows have made organizing cool and accessible. As more people use professional organizers, word-of-mouth also builds momentum.

Specialization allows organizers to dominate a niche. Low startup costs and the remote/virtual organizing models also minimize risk for new solo entrepreneurs. For organized, empathetic individuals, now is the prime time to capitalize on demand and launch a profitable organizing business.

2. Analyze the Competition

Thorough competitive analysis is crucial when launching an organizing business. Assess both local brick-and-mortar competitors and larger national brands with an online presence.

Some ways to better analyze other professional organizing businesses include:

• Visit their websites and social media pages to evaluate services, pricing, and branding.
• Note specialties, target client demographics, and any unique offerings.
• Drive by physical office locations if applicable.
• Research national organizing franchises and chains like The Container Store and Neat Method .
• Browse their websites and visit local franchises if possible.
• Evaluate their service menus and fee structures.
• Take note of any services lacking in your area that present an opportunity. Review their brand messaging and marketing content.
• Analyze the online presence and visibility of local and national competitors.
• Search key organizing terms on Google to see whose website, blog posts, and local business listings rank highly.
• Check how many and what kinds of reviews they have on sites like Yelp.
• Visit their Instagram and Facebook pages to assess follower count and engagement.

A detailed understanding of established competitors will inform your organizing business strategy. You can decide about your niche, pricing, services, and marketing with your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.

3. Costs to Start an Organizing Business

Starting an organizing business has relatively low barriers to entry compared to other service industries. With careful planning and budgeting, the initial investments can be minimal. Here is an overview of typical start-up and ongoing costs to factor into your organizing business plan:

Start-Up Costs

• Business Licensing Fees – $50-$500+ depending on your state and local municipality. Most areas require at least a basic business license to operate legally.
• Professional Organizing Certification – $200-$500 for various training programs and certificates like the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO) or Certified Professional Organizers (CPO) credentials. While optional, certification bolsters your expertise and credibility.
• Website – $50-300+ to purchase a domain, security certificate, and basic website hosting package. Many website builders like Wix and Squarespace offer free templates to create your site affordably.
• Business Cards – $50-100 for starter packs of 250-500 basic cards to hand out to prospective clients.
• Insurance – $300-1000+ for general liability insurance to protect yourself from any damages, injuries, or lawsuits, especially if working inside client homes. Quotes will vary based on your location and coverage levels.
• Technology – $200-500+ for a laptop, smartphone, cloud storage, productivity software, CRM, and other core tech needs.
• Office Supplies – $100-300 for storage bins, labels, hanging files, shelving, and other inventory to equip your organizing office or vehicle.
• Marketing Materials – $100-300+ for flyers, brochures, business cards, and promotional giveaways for networking and advertising.

Total Minimum Start-Up Costs: $1,000 – $3,000

Ongoing Costs

• Insurance – $50-150 to pay premiums on your liability and any other business insurance.
• Office Rent – $200-1000+ depending on if you lease dedicated office space or work from home. Virtual organizing businesses can skip this cost.
• Utilities – $50-200 for cell phone, internet, electricity, and other services to run your business, especially if leasing an office.
• Accounting Software – $10-50 per month for apps like Quickbooks or Wave to manage billing, expenses, and taxes.
• Website Hosting – $10-20 for hosting fees to keep your site online.
• Marketing – $50-500+ per month for advertising, content creation, SEO, and other promotion of your services.
• Professional Fees – $100-500 for legal, accounting, consulting, or other specialized services.
• Transportation – $100-300 for gas, maintenance, parking, etc. to travel to client locations.
• Supplies – $50-100 to replenish any inventory of organizing products and tools.

Annual Ongoing Expenses

• Taxes and Licenses – $500-2000 to file quarterly/annual taxes and renew your business license and certificates.
• Continuing Education – $100-500 for courses, conferences, and training to maintain your professional organizing credentials.
• Website Maintenance – $100-500 for updates, security, and enhancing your online presence.
• Financial Planning & Accounting – $300-1000 to work with accountants and advisors to manage your finances and cash flow.

These estimates provide an approximate overview of what starting an organizing business entails. Your exact costs will vary based on your location, professional experience, services offered, number of employees, and other factors.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

When starting an organizing business, one of the first legal steps is choosing your business structure. The four main options each have advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest structure with no formal business registration needed beyond licenses. You operate as an individual managing all aspects of the business.

• Pros: Easy and inexpensive to set up. No complex paperwork or legal fees. You retain full control and get to keep all profits.
• Cons: You have unlimited personal liability for debts and any legal issues. No options for investment funding. Less credibility with clients than a registered corporation. Difficult to scale if you want to grow and hire employees.

Partnership

A partnership allows two or more owners to establish and manage the business together. You register a partnership agreement outlining financial and managerial details.

• Pros: Easy to establish with minimal legal paperwork. Shared expertise and investment between partners.
• Cons: Partners are jointly liable for all financial and legal obligations. A poorly executed partnership can lead to disputes and gridlock. Turnover in partners can disrupt operations. Difficult to raise outside investments and funding.

Another definition of a partnership is working together with specific companies on a regular basis. For instance, you could partner with pallet businesses , laundromats , restaurants, furniture stores, locksmiths , car shops, bike shops , and more, to organize their inventory.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC combines the pass-through taxation of a partnership with the limited liability of a corporation. Owners aren’t personally responsible for debts and legal issues beyond their investment.

• Pros: Liability protection for owners’ assets. Flexible management options. Easy to add new investors or owners. Credibility of formal business registration.
• Cons: More complex paperwork and registration requirements than a sole proprietorship. Must comply with regulations to maintain LLC status. Self-employment taxes still apply.

Corporation

A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners. Shareholders have limited liability based on their ownership percentage.

• Pros: Complete liability protection for owners. Additional tax deductions. Can raise funds through stock offerings. Continuity even with changes in ownership. High credibility with customers.
• Cons: Most expensive and complex entity to establish with extensive legal paperwork. Double taxation of profits and dividends. Extensive record-keeping and reporting requirements.

5. Register Your Business For Taxes

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique tax ID number that identifies your business to the IRS and state tax authorities. An EIN is required to legally operate any type of business entity besides a sole proprietorship.

As an LLC or corporation, your organizing business needs its own EIN for important tax and banking purposes. An EIN is necessary to:

• Open a business bank account
• File business tax returns
• Hire employees and process payroll
• Apply for business licenses and permits

Applying for an EIN is free and can be done online via the IRS in just a few minutes:

• Go to IRS EIN Assistant and select Apply Online
• Choose View Additional Types including Limited Liability Companies, and select Continue
• Select Limited Liability Company, enter your LLC information, and submit the online form
• Receive your EIN immediately on submission

It’s that simple! Be sure to keep your EIN private and secure. Once you have your EIN, contact your state revenue agency to register for any tax accounts needed for sales, payroll, or other business taxes in your state.

6. Setup Your Accounting

As an organizing business owner, ensuring your financial records and taxes are in order is crucial. Investing in quality accounting tools and services from the start will save you significant time and headaches down the road.

Accounting Software

Using small business accounting software like QuickBooks is highly recommended. QuickBooks seamlessly syncs with your business bank accounts and credit cards, automatically importing and categorizing transactions to simplify bookkeeping.

It generates invoices, tracks receivables and payables, monitors cash flow, and runs reports for taxes. The automation frees you to focus on clients, not manual paperwork.

Hire an Accountant

Pairing software with an accountant provides maximum financial oversight and expertise. A bookkeeper can handle tasks like monthly reconciliations in Quickbooks to ensure accuracy. Come tax time, your accountant will prepare and file business tax returns, advise on deductions and credits, and navigate any IRS correspondence.

Expect to invest around $200-$500 monthly for a bookkeeper and $1000-$3000 to have your accountant prepare fiscal year-end filings.

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping personal and business expenses completely separate is also non-negotiable. Register for an Employer ID Number (EIN) and open a dedicated business checking account in your LLC’s name. Never commingle funds or pay personal expenses from the business account.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

Applying for a business credit card in your LLC’s name is also advised. Business cards don’t use your credit score, so you can establish a spending limit and history tied solely to your organizing company. Dedicated business accounts and cards simplify expense tracking and year-end reporting.

7. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Before welcoming your first organizing clients, it’s crucial to ensure your business is properly licensed and permitted at both the state and local levels. Find federal license requirements through the U.S. Small Business Administration . The SBA local search tool offers insight into state requirements.

One of the first steps is to check with your city or county clerk’s office on any general business licenses required locally. Most municipalities require at least a basic business license to legally operate within their jurisdiction. Fees are generally $50-$100 annually.

If you plan to operate your organizing business out of a commercial office space, you’ll likely need a certificate of occupancy (COO) from the local building department. A COO confirms the space is zoned for commercial use and meets code requirements. Expect to pay $200-$500 for the necessary inspections and certificates.

Check your state’s Secretary of State website for any business registrations required at the state level. For example, California requires LLCs to file a Statement of Information. Florida mandates an annual report for LLCs. Stay compliant with any annual state filings.

Most states also require a reseller permit or sales tax license if selling physical products. For organizing businesses focusing solely on services, this may not apply but double check with your state revenue department. Optional specialty licenses like waste transport licenses may also apply depending on your services.

Do you plan to travel to organize clients’ homes? States often regulate service industries like home contractors. In Texas, household organizing requires a Property Tax Consultant license. Louisiana enacted a Home Organizer license category. Check for any similar regulations in your state.

At the local level, some cities require additional business licenses for service providers working inside residences. Verify the rules in the municipalities you plan to serve. You want to avoid expensive compliance violations.

8. Get Business Insurance

Carrying adequate business insurance is highly advised to protect your organizing company against unexpected liabilities. Without coverage, a single incident could destroy everything you’ve built.

Imagine a client slips and falls in your office, resulting in an expensive injury claim. Or while organizing a client’s home, you accidentally damage a prized furniture piece or art object. Your assets could be seized in a lawsuit if you lack insurance.

Other risks like fire, theft, or natural disasters could destroy your office and equipment. Cyber incidents could expose private customer data. Employees may be injured on the job. Insurance covers these disruptions so your business can survive.

Follow this process to get insured:

• Research policy options like general liability, commercial property, professional liability, workers’ compensation, cyber, and business auto. Review costs and coverage explanations on sites like CoverWallet .
• Speak with an insurance broker who can assess your specific risks and make coverage recommendations. Expect to pay $500-$2,000 annually depending on your needs.
• Provide requested information like your employee count, office details, service regions, revenue projections, and client contracts. Insurers will use this data to quote premiums.
• Review multiple quotes in detail and ask brokers to clarify exclusions or limitations. Select a policy that fits your budget while providing robust protection.
• Pay your policy premium to activate coverage. Ensure you understand the requirements for submitting claims if incidents occur.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—get insured from the start. Comprehensive business insurance gives organizing entrepreneurs peace of mind to grow without fear of financial ruin from unforeseen events.

9. Create an Office Space

Having a professional office space can give your organizing business credibility and provide a centralized hub for meeting with clients. The right office setup for your needs depends on your budget, location, and work style.

Home Office

A home office is the most affordable option, with no leasing costs beyond dedicated supplies and furnishings. It offers convenience and flexibility for solo entrepreneurs. However, home offices lack the legitimacy of commercial spaces and can hamper productivity with household distractions. They also provide no space for employees as you scale.

Coworking Office

Coworking spaces like WeWork offer affordable monthly memberships ($200-$500) for shared office environments. You gain amenities like meeting rooms, office equipment, and networking without the cost of solo leased space. Downsides are potential distractions and no long-term stability if you later relocate.

Retail Office

Short-term retail spaces may suit organizing consultants who meet clients on-site. Kiosks in malls or booths at markets let you book affordable space ($25-$100/day) only when needed versus a permanent lease. You gain exposure to customer traffic but spaces are small and lack privacy.

Commercial Office

For established agencies, leasing dedicated commercial office space provides the most professional setup for meeting clients on your turf. Expect monthly rents of $1000-$5000 depending on location, size, and amenities. The fixed overhead is substantial but offers long-term stability and unlimited growth capacity on-site.

10. Source Your Equipment

An organizing business has relatively minimal equipment needs, with most materials able to be sourced affordably. Here are some options for acquiring the necessary supplies:

Core inventory like storage bins, shelves, and hanging files can be purchased new from general retailers like Target , Walmart , and Amazon . Office supply stores also carry essentials like labels, binders, and organization systems. Expect to invest $500-$1000 to stock up on quality gear to use with clients and outfit your office.

Buying Used

Used and vintage storage containers, shelving units, file cabinets and more can be sourced secondhand for cost savings. Scout local thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, and online markets like Craigslist , Facebook Marketplace , and eBay for unique bins, baskets, and shelves to add character to your office.

Consider renting a storage unit near your office to house surplus inventory between client jobs. A 5×5 unit rents for approximately $50-$150 monthly, providing flexible overflow storage without buying unnecessary supplies. Portable shelving units and storage pods can also be rented on demand for large client projects.

Leasing options are limited for organizing equipment, though new companies like Fernish rent premium furniture and decor to stage organized spaces for clients. There are also office equipment leasing companies for copiers, printers, and technology needs.

11. Establish Your Brand Assets

Developing a strong brand identity is crucial for organizing businesses to stand out and be remembered.

Follow these key steps to create professional brand assets as you launch your company:

Getting a Business Phone Number

A business phone number lends legitimacy versus using a personal cell. Services like RingCentral offer virtual phone numbers with custom greetings, extensions, call routing, and more for $25-$50 monthly. A professional number builds trust when prospects call your organizing business.

Creating a Logo and Brand Assets

A logo encapsulates your brand identity. Consider an organizing logo with clean lines and categories or a fun character like “The Clutter Slayer.” Looka makes custom logo design easy starting at $20.

Use your logo across assets like business cards, invoices, office signage, your website, and social media. Brand consistency boosts recognition so prospects remember you.

Creating Business Cards and Signage

Business cards establish your professionalism in person. Signage marks your organizing office. Vistaprint offers affordable custom cards, door decals, banners, and more starting at $10.

Hand your card to prospects at networking events, client meetings, and when asked what you do. Display signage so passersby can easily find your office.

Purchasing a Domain Name

Secure a domain like YourOrganizingBiz.com using a registrar like Namecheap . Pick a name that’s memorable, short, and describes your services. Buying the .com establishes brand authority online.

Building a Website

Every home-organizing business needs a professional organizing business website. Use DIY builders like Wix to create your site for free. Or hire a contractor on Fiverr for $500.

Your site is a digital brochure for services, credentials, and booking. Ensure a professional design aligned with your brand.

Investing in core brand assets gives startups like organizing businesses an instantly polished identity. This engages prospects and builds company value.

12. Join Associations and Groups

Joining relevant local groups and associations provides invaluable connections when starting an organizing business.

Local Associations

Look for local chapters of larger professional organizing associations like NAPO ( National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals ) or ICD ( Institute for Challenging Disorganization ).

Attending association events puts you in touch with fellow organizers to exchange insights, leads, and advice. Displaying association membership also builds your credibility with clients.

Local Meetups

Sites like Meetup list events for organizers and small business owners in your city. Attend these meetups to connect face-to-face with potential mentors, partners, and clients.

Look for meetups focused on decluttering, productivity, home organization, small business marketing, women entrepreneurs, and related topics. Bring plenty of business cards to distribute.

Facebook Groups

Facebook communities create valuable virtual networking at your fingertips. Search for and join groups like CLEANING BUSINESS OWNERS , Organizers Unleashed: The Art of Professional Organizing , and Organizing Experts to tap into thousands of fellow organizers worldwide.

13. How to Market an Organizing Business

Implementing an effective marketing strategy is essential for organizing businesses to attract clients and expand. Try these key tactics to get the word out:

Referral Marketing

Marketing builds awareness so prospects seek out and hire your services. Satisfied clients also provide invaluable referrals, so prioritize excellence. Offer referral rewards like a $25 gift card or account credit to incentivize shares. Send thank you notes and testimonial requests to happy customers.

Digital Marketing

• Search ads – Run Google/Bing ads targeting and organizing keywords in your area. Pay only when prospects click your ad.
• Social media ads – Facebook and Instagram ads can target local demographics who may need organizing help.
• SEO optimization – Ensure your website has organized keywords to rank highly in search engines.
• Video content – Create a YouTube channel sharing organizing tips and tour client projects.
• Blogging – Write weekly organizing advice posts to build website traffic and expertise.
• Email marketing – Send emails to subscribers with decluttering tips and special offers.
• Social media – Post regularly on your business’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Share before/after photos, client testimonials, etc.

Traditional Marketing

• Direct mail – Send promotional postcards showcasing your services to local households.
• Flyers – Distribute flyers at community centers, libraries, real estate offices, and other high-traffic areas.
• Radio ads – Ads on local radio stations can promote your organizing business.
• Newspaper ads – Local paper ads target older demographics who may need organizing help.
• Billboards – A roadside billboard offers high visibility but can be costly.
• Vehicle wrap – Brand your car or van to essentially make it a moving advertisement.

While digital marketing provides advantages like better targeting and measurement, don’t rule out traditional mediums completely. A mix of digital and traditional tactics combined with an amazing client experience is the recipe for rapid organizing business growth.

14. Focus on the Customer

Providing an incredible customer service experience is crucial for organizing businesses to drive referrals and growth. Some ways to improve your customer focus as a successful professional organizing business include:

• After you’ve helped organize a home or office, ask happy customers to share their positive experiences on review sites like Yelp.
• Send follow-up thank you notes after a job and include a referral code they can pass to friends for 10% off.
• Offer additional value like free maintenance visits every 3-6 months.
• Check-in on your organizing systems and make tweaks.
• Clients will appreciate the continued attention and be more inclined to tell contacts about your amazing service.
• Be transparent about your fees and timeline so clients know what to expect. Thoroughly explain your organizing process and methods during a consultation.
• Avoid pressuring clients to purchase add-ons or extras. Deliver services on time as promised.
• Personal touches also build lasting relationships with customers. Remember and use client names frequently.
• Ask about any upcoming events or milestones in their lives. Send a handwritten congratulations card if a client mentions a new baby or promotion at work.

Providing this level of customer service shows you care about more than just a transaction. Clients are so impressed that they can’t help but share your organizing business with family and friends. Word travels fast, bringing in a stream of new clients from referrals.

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How To Write a Business Plan for Professional Organizing in 9 Steps: Checklist

By alex ryzhkov, resources on professional organizing.

• Financial Model
• Business Plan
• Value Proposition
• One-Page Business Plan

In the ever-evolving world of professional organizing, having a solid business plan is key to success. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, a well-structured plan can guide you through the process of establishing and growing your business. But where do you begin? In this blog post, we'll break down the nine essential steps to writing a business plan for professional organizing, providing you with a helpful checklist along the way.

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of creating your business plan, let's take a moment to explore the industry's growth and potential. According to recent statistics, the demand for professional organizing services has been steadily increasing, with a growth rate of 6.1% over the past five years. This upward trend is projected to continue, providing ample opportunities for individuals looking to tap into this lucrative field.

Now that we've established the industry's promising growth, let's dive into the nine steps that will lay the foundation for your professional organizing business. From conducting market research and identifying your target audience to developing a marketing strategy and defining your services – each step is a crucial piece of the puzzle that will contribute to your ultimate success.

So, if you're ready to embark on your journey to becoming a successful professional organizer, sharpen your pencil and get ready to check off each step of this comprehensive checklist. Let's get started!

Conduct Market Research

Conducting thorough market research is essential when writing a business plan for professional organizing. It is important to gather relevant information about the industry, target market, and competition to make informed decisions and set realistic goals. Here are some important steps to follow when conducting market research:

• Identify the target market: Determine the demographics and characteristics of the individuals or businesses that are likely to require professional organizing services. Consider factors such as age, income level, location, and specific organizational needs.
• Analyze the market demand: Assess the current demand for professional organizing services in your target market. Understand the challenges individuals or businesses face that can be addressed by your services and identify any trends or opportunities within the industry.
• Research the competition: Identify and evaluate other professional organizers operating in your target market. Understand their offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies. Analyzing the competition can help you differentiate your services and find unique selling points.
• Seek customer feedback: Reach out to potential clients or conduct surveys to gather insights on their needs and preferences. Understanding what potential customers are looking for can help you tailor your services to meet those demands.
• Study industry best practices: Research successful professional organizing businesses to understand their strategies and best practices. Look for ideas to improve service quality, streamline operations, and develop customer loyalty.

Tips for Conducting Market Research:

• Utilize online resources: Online databases, industry associations, and market research reports can provide valuable market insights.
• Network with professionals: Attend industry conferences, join professional groups, and connect with other organizers to gain knowledge and build valuable relationships.
• Stay updated on industry trends: Continuously monitor industry trends and innovations to stay ahead of the competition and identify new growth opportunities.

Identify Target Audience

Identifying your target audience is a critical step in developing a successful business plan for professional organizing. Understanding who your ideal clients are will help you tailor your services to meet their specific needs and preferences. Here are some important points to consider when identifying your target audience:

• Demographics: Start by determining the demographic characteristics of your target audience, such as age, gender, location, and income level. These factors will play a significant role in shaping your marketing and branding strategies.
• Psychographics: Dive deeper into the psychographic profile of your target audience. This includes their interests, lifestyle, values, and behaviors. Understanding these aspects will enable you to connect with your audience on a more personal level.
• Specific Needs: Identify the specific pain points or challenges that your target audience faces when it comes to organization. Are they busy professionals seeking more efficiency? Do they struggle with clutter and lack of storage space? Pinpointing their needs will allow you to position yourself as the solution.
• Communication Channels: Determine the preferred communication channels of your target audience. Are they active on social media platforms, or do they prefer traditional media channels? This information will guide your marketing efforts in reaching your audience effectively.
• Conduct surveys or interviews with potential clients to gather valuable insights into their preferences and pain points.
• Research industry trends and patterns to understand the current demands of your target audience.
• Stay updated with competitor analysis to identify gaps in the market that you can fill for your target audience.

By identifying your target audience, you can tailor your services, marketing strategies, and branding efforts to resonate with them. This targeted approach will help you attract and retain loyal clients who value professional organizing services.

Analyze Competition

One crucial step in developing a successful business plan for professional organizing is analyzing the competition in your target market. This analysis will provide you with valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors, giving you a competitive edge and helping you differentiate your services.

Start by identifying your direct competitors – professional organizing businesses that offer similar services to your target audience. Research their websites, social media profiles, and any other online platforms where they promote their services. Take note of their pricing, service offerings, and unique selling propositions (USPs).

Consider their target audience and identify any gaps in the market that your business can fill. Look for opportunities to offer services that are not currently provided by your competitors or find ways to improve upon existing services. This will help you stand out in a crowded market and attract customers who are looking for something different.

Tips for Analyzing Competition:

• Take note of your competitors' strengths and weaknesses to understand how you can position your business to offer a unique value proposition.
• Identify any gaps in the market that your business can fill to differentiate yourself from competitors.
• Research the pricing and service offerings of your competitors to determine the market standard and set competitive pricing for your own services.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging competitors to ensure your business remains competitive in the long run.

By thoroughly analyzing your competition, you will gain a deeper understanding of the industry landscape and how to position your professional organizing business for success. Use this information to refine your own service offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies, ensuring that you meet the needs of your target audience while standing out from the competition.

Define Business Goals And Objectives

Defining clear business goals and objectives is crucial to establishing a strong foundation for your professional organizing business. This step outlines the direction and purpose of your business, helping you stay focused and motivated in pursuing your vision. Here are some key points to consider:

• Identify your long-term vision: Start by envisioning where you want your business to be in the next few years. This could include aspects like the size of your client base, the type of projects you want to work on, or the areas in which you want to specialize.
• Set SMART goals: Make sure your business goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By setting specific targets, such as increasing your client base by a certain percentage or generating a specific amount of revenue, you can track your progress and have a clear benchmark for success.
• Consider your personal objectives: Your business goals should align with your personal aspirations. Reflect on what you want to achieve personally, whether it's financial stability, work-life balance, or the opportunity for growth and development.
• Regularly revisit and reassess your business goals as your journey progresses. Adjusting these goals based on new opportunities or challenges can help keep you on track and adaptable to changes in the market.
• Collaborate with a mentor or fellow professional organizers to gain insights and advice on setting effective business goals.
• Break down your long-term goals into smaller, actionable steps to make them more manageable and achievable.

By defining your business goals and objectives, you establish a roadmap for your professional organizing business. It empowers you to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and measure your progress towards success.

Determine Pricing And Financial Projections

One crucial step in developing a business plan for professional organizing is determining the pricing for your services. Setting the right price is essential to ensure profitability and attract clients in a competitive market.

When determining your pricing, consider factors such as your level of expertise, the demand for your services, and the rates charged by competitors in your area. It is important to strike a balance between offering competitive prices that appeal to clients and ensuring that your rates are sustainable for your business.

To determine your pricing:

• Evaluate the time and effort required for each service you offer. Consider the complexity of the task, the resources needed, and any additional expenses, such as organizing tools or materials.
• Calculate your overhead costs, including rent for office space, insurance premiums, marketing expenses, and any other monthly or yearly expenses related to running your business.
• Factor in the desired profit margin you wish to achieve. This will depend on your business goals, the market demand, and the value you provide to clients.
• Consider offering tiered pricing options to cater to clients with different needs and budgets. This can include basic packages with essential services and higher-priced packages that include additional perks or extended support.
• Regularly review and adjust your pricing strategy as your business grows and market conditions change. Keep track of the costs associated with your services to ensure your pricing remains profitable.
• Take into account any additional revenue streams you may have, such as consultation or coaching services, to create a comprehensive financial projection for your business.

Financial projections are another important aspect of determining the viability of your business. This involves estimating your expected revenue, expenses, and profits over a specific period, typically the first three to five years of operation.

Financial projections help you understand the financial health of your business and make informed decisions. They assist in identifying potential funding needs, planning for growth, and measuring your progress against your goals.

When creating your financial projections, consider the following:

• Estimate your projected revenue based on your pricing, target audience, and marketing efforts. Be realistic and take into account any seasonality or fluctuations in demand.
• List all your expenses, including personnel costs, marketing expenses, rent, utility bills, equipment purchases, and other recurring or one-time costs.
• Generate a cash flow projection to understand the timing of your expenses and revenue. This will help you anticipate any potential cash shortages and plan accordingly.
• Include a profit and loss statement (income statement) that summarizes your revenue, expenses, and net income or loss over a specific period.

Remember that financial projections are not set in stone and may require adjustments as your business unfolds. Regularly review and update your projections to reflect any changes in your pricing, expenses, or business strategy.

Develop A Marketing And Branding Strategy

Once you have identified your target audience and understand your competition, it is crucial to develop a strong marketing and branding strategy for your professional organizing business. This strategy will help you effectively promote your services and distinguish your business from others in the market.

1. Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

One of the first steps in developing your marketing and branding strategy is to determine your unique selling proposition (USP). This is what sets you apart from your competition and gives clients a compelling reason to choose your services. Consider what unique skills, experience, or approaches you bring to the table that others may not offer.

• Highlight your specialized expertise in organizing specific areas such as closets, offices, or kitchens.
• Emphasize any certifications or training you have acquired in professional organizing.
• Showcase any success stories or testimonials from satisfied clients.

2. Determine Your Marketing Channels

Next, you need to identify the most effective marketing channels for reaching your target audience. This could include online platforms such as social media, your business website, or industry-specific directories. Additionally, consider offline channels like networking events, local publications, or partnerships with complementary businesses.

• Create engaging and informative content for your website or blog to attract potential clients and establish yourself as an expert in the field.
• Utilize social media platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram, to showcase before-and-after photos of your organizational projects.
• Consider offering a free consultation or organizing tips through webinars or workshops to attract potential clients.

3. Develop Your Brand Identity

Your branding plays a crucial role in conveying your professionalism and expertise to potential clients. Consider the visual elements such as your logo, color palette, and typography that align with your target audience's preferences. Additionally, develop a brand voice and messaging that resonates with your ideal clients.

• Ensure consistency in your branding across all marketing materials and platforms.
• Create a professional and visually appealing website that highlights your services, testimonials, and contact information.
• Use strategic keywords related to professional organizing on your website, blog, and social media to improve search engine visibility.

4. Implement Marketing Strategies and Evaluate Results

Once you have defined your marketing channels and developed your brand identity, it's time to put your strategies into action. Implement your marketing plan and consistently monitor and evaluate the results. Stay open to adjusting your strategies based on feedback and data to ensure you are continuously reaching your target audience effectively.

• Track the source of your leads or clients, whether it's through online forms, referral sources, or other means, to gauge the effectiveness of your marketing channels.
• Regularly update and optimize your website and social media profiles based on analytics and user feedback.
• Seek feedback from your clients to gauge the effectiveness of your services and use positive testimonials to enhance your marketing efforts.

Determine Legal And Licensing Requirements

When starting a professional organizing business, it is essential to understand and comply with the legal and licensing requirements in your area. This step ensures that you operate your business legally and avoid facing any penalties or liabilities down the line.

1. Research local regulations: Begin by researching the legal requirements specific to your location. Check with your city or county government to identify the necessary permits and licenses required for operating a professional organizing business.

• Contact your local Small Business Administration (SBA) office for guidance on legal requirements in your area.
• Consider consulting with an attorney or legal expert to ensure you fully understand the regulations and compliance obligations.

2. Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Once you have identified the required permits and licenses, complete the application process. This may include submitting forms, paying fees, and providing documentation such as proof of insurance or background checks.

• Ensure that you maintain all necessary permits and licenses and renew them as required.
• Keep copies of all documentation related to permits and licenses organized and easily accessible.

3. Understand zoning regulations: Check the zoning regulations in your area to ensure that operating a professional organizing business is allowed in your chosen location. Some areas may have specific restrictions or requirements for home-based businesses.

• If you plan to operate your business from your home, research any additional permits or permissions required for a home-based professional organizing business.
• Consider consulting with a real estate professional or zoning expert to navigate any potential zoning challenges.

4. Comply with legal obligations: Familiarize yourself with your legal obligations as a business owner. This may include registering your business with the appropriate government agencies, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and understanding tax obligations.

• Consult with a certified public accountant (CPA) to ensure you have a clear understanding of your tax obligations and to set up proper accounting systems.
• Consider obtaining liability insurance to protect yourself and your business in case of any unforeseen incidents.

By taking the time to determine and fulfill the legal and licensing requirements for your professional organizing business, you lay a solid foundation for long-term success and ensure that you operate your business ethically and responsibly.

Create A Detailed Description Of Services

Creating a detailed description of your services is an essential step in developing a business plan for professional organizing. This description will help potential clients understand exactly what you offer and how you can help them achieve their organizational goals.

When outlining your services, it's important to be clear and concise . Use language that is easy for clients to understand and avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse them. Break down your services into specific categories or packages, so that clients can easily identify which option is the best fit for their needs.

Consider including the following details in your description:

• The types of organizing services you offer, such as decluttering, space design, or systems organization
• The specific tasks or activities you will undertake during each service
• The duration of each service or session
• Any materials or tools you will bring or require clients to provide
• Whether you offer virtual or in-person organizing services
• Any additional value-added services, such as consultation or coaching, that you provide

Tips for creating an effective service description:

• Emphasize the benefits and outcomes clients can expect from your services. Focus on how you can help them save time, increase productivity, or create a more organized and efficient space.
• Consider using visuals, such as before and after photos, to showcase the transformations you can achieve for clients.
• Include testimonials or client success stories to build credibility and demonstrate the positive impact of your services.
• Use descriptive and persuasive language to entice clients and make your services stand out from the competition.

Ultimately, your detailed description of services should convey the value and expertise you bring as a professional organizer. It should give potential clients a clear understanding of what they can expect when they hire you and why they should choose you over other competitors in the market.

Identify Potential Partnerships or Collaborations

As a professional organizer, it is important to consider potential partnerships or collaborations that can enhance your services and expand your reach. By teaming up with other businesses or professionals in related fields, you can provide a comprehensive solution to your clients' organizing needs and attract new customers. Here are some important steps to consider when identifying potential partnerships or collaborations:

• Research complementary businesses: Look for businesses that offer products or services that complement your own. For example, you could consider partnering with a cleaning company, interior designer, or home stager. These collaborations can help you provide a more holistic approach to organizing, giving clients a one-stop solution for their needs.
• Attend industry events and networking opportunities: Participating in industry events, conferences, or local networking groups can be a great way to meet potential partners or collaborators. These gatherings provide a platform for sharing ideas, connecting with like-minded professionals, and expanding your professional network.
• Reach out to professionals in related fields: Once you have identified potential partners, reach out to them to explore collaboration opportunities. Start by sending an introductory email or requesting a meeting to discuss how your services can complement each other. Highlight the potential benefits and value that a partnership can bring to both parties.
• Consider forming strategic alliances: In addition to one-off collaborations, you may also consider establishing strategic alliances with key partners. Strategic alliances involve long-term partnerships where you mutually promote each other's services and share resources. This can lead to a steady stream of referrals and a wider client base.
• Establish clear guidelines and expectations: When entering into a partnership or collaboration, it is essential to establish clear guidelines and expectations from the beginning. Clearly define each party's roles, responsibilities, and desired outcomes. This will help minimize misunderstandings and ensure a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.

Tips for Identifying Potential Partnerships or Collaborations:

• Focus on businesses or professionals who share a similar target audience but offer different services.
• Consider local businesses or professionals to establish a strong community presence and support local economies.
• Look for partners with a good reputation and a track record of delivering quality services.
• Build relationships with potential partners before approaching them with collaboration proposals.
• Stay open to innovative and unique collaboration ideas that can differentiate your business in the market.

Identifying potential partnerships or collaborations can greatly benefit your professional organizing business. By joining forces with complementary businesses or professionals, you can add value to your services, attract more clients, and establish yourself as a trusted go-to resource for all their organizing needs.

Writing a business plan is an essential step in starting a professional organizing business. By following these 9 steps, you can ensure that you have a solid foundation for success. Conduct thorough market research, identify your target audience, analyze the competition, and define your business goals and objectives. Determine your pricing and financial projections, develop a strategic marketing and branding strategy, and familiarize yourself with the legal and licensing requirements. Create a detailed description of your services and explore potential partnerships or collaborations. With a well-crafted business plan, you can confidently launch your professional organizing business and thrive in this growing industry.

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• Download Free Checklist

How to Start an Organizing Business [45-Point Checklist]

• March 2, 2023

Are you interested in learning how to start an organizing business? Are you looking to turn your passion into a profitable business venture?

Starting a professional organizing business can be a lucrative and rewarding career path for those with a passion for tidying up.

But where do you even begin?

With so many moving parts to starting a business, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But fear not. We’ve compiled a comprehensive 45-point checklist to help guide you through starting your own organizing business.

So grab a pen and paper, and let’s dive and start a professional organizing business!

Research the Professional Organizing Industry

Researching the professional organizing industry as a whole and your local market is step one. Pursuing further education through professional organizing books, blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts, courses, and coaching can help you develop the knowledge necessary to excel in the industry.

These resources can provide you with valuable insights into organizing professionals’ methodologies and ways to grow your business from those who have already done it. Additionally, being aware of the competition in your local market is crucial. Understanding who and what you are competing with is important. Consider reviewing local competitors’ social media, websites, and other marketing material to gauge your local market. Once you’ve researched the industry and your local market, it’s time to name and set up your business.

Name & Set Up Your Professional Organizer Business

When starting an organizing business, one of the first things you’ll need to do is choose a name for your company. The name you choose should be easy to remember, descriptive of what you do, and not already in use by another business.

You should also consider how the name will look in your logo, on your website, and on social media platforms.

While the process of naming your organizing business and setting it up legally may seem overwhelming, it’s important to remember that these are crucial steps that will set you up for success in the long run. It’s not uncommon for organizers to get stuck at this stage, but don’t let that discourage you!

Once you have these important pieces in place, you’ll be able to focus on what you do best: helping your clients organize their spaces and simplify their lives. So, take a deep breath, do your research, and move forward with confidence!

Set Up Accounts and Systems for Business Administration

Set up banking & payments.

Another crucial step in starting your business is setting up a system to take payments. Without this step, you can’t make any money! First, set up your business bank account online or in person at your local bank. Once you’ve set up your bank account, consider getting a credit card for business purchases and setting up your payment processing system.

We personally use Square for payments and highly recommend it. Square allows you to create contracts and invoices, store customer information, take payments, and more.

Additionally, it’s recommended to set up your business accounting with a highly recommended tool such as QuickBooks.

Develop Your Brand & Begin Marketing

Marketing and branding are critical components for any professional organizing businesses.

Your marketing efforts are what will set you apart from other professional organizers and attract clients to your business. By investing the time and resources into creating a strong brand and marketing strategy, you’ll be able to build credibility, increase visibility, and ultimately grow your business.

Fortunately, there are a variety of online and offline marketing channels that can help you do just that. Online channels include social media accounts, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and more. Each channel offers unique advantages, and we personally use all of them to drive new leads to our organizing business.

Offline marketing channels can also be effective, particularly for reaching local clients. These can include networking events, community outreach programs, tradeshows, and print advertising in local publications. By combining online and offline marketing efforts, you can create a well-rounded marketing strategy that reaches potential clients through multiple channels.

One important factor to remember when it comes to marketing is the return on investment (ROI) . This refers to the amount of revenue generated from a given marketing initiative compared to the amount of money invested.

By tracking your ROI for each marketing channel, you can make informed decisions about where to invest more of your marketing budget and which channels drive the most new leads and business.

Develop Your Organizing Services & Pricing

When developing your pricing, it’s important to consider your costs and set your prices appropriately. (Think marketing costs, gas, business insurance, paying team members, etc)

It’s okay to start your prices lower and raise them as you gain more experience. I actually encourage it!

When developing your services, consider what services you enjoy. Get crystal clear on the services you offer and let it be known on all of your marketing material.

Create descriptions for each service of what each entails (such as the total amount of hours and whether it includes donation hauls, etc.).

If you’re really unsure of what to offer, take a look at other successful professional organizers, and see how they’ve mapped out their services and pricing.

Finally, it’s important to regularly review and evaluate your pricing and services to ensure that they are still meeting the needs of your business and your clients.

This involves monitoring your costs, analyzing your pricing strategy, and soliciting feedback from clients on the quality of your services. By regularly reviewing your pricing and services, you can make adjustments as needed.

Create Systems to Streamline Your Business

Once you’ve set up your business, it’s important to document the repetitive steps you take to improve efficiency in your own business.

Congratulations, you’re one step closer to starting your own organizing business!

Remember, starting a business takes time, effort, and patience. It’s okay to take things one step at a time and not rush the process. Don’t be too hard on yourself for not starting earlier. You’re doing it now, and that’s what counts. The comprehensive 45-point checklist we’ve compiled lists the exact steps we took to build our successful business. From researching the industry to setting up your branding and marketing, we’ve covered it all. Just remember, building a business takes time and effort, but with passion and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding and lucrative business and career!

Before You Start Your Own Professional Organizing Business

Starting a professional organizing business isn’t necessarily that hard. The hardest part, in my experience, is managing it! Sure, a professional organizing business plan sounds nice, but you won’t learn until you get your hands dirty. Starting a home organizing business can be a fun and rewarding experience. So go for it!

One of the keys to success is finding clients to help grow your business. It might seem overwhelming at first, but fear not!

Check out our latest post on how to get more clients! How to Find Clients For Your Professional Organizing Business

Download the PDF Version

Download a PDF version of the 45-point checklist to start your professional organizing business!

Aaron Traub

Download the free 45-point checklist for starting a professional organizing business.

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How To Start a Professional Organizing Business

As a professional organizer, you will help people declutter their homes and lives. You will teach them how to let go of things they don’t need, and how to organize their space so that it is functional and efficient. To start this business, you’ll need to complete a few steps.

Here are the 10 steps you can take to get started on building your very own professional organizing business.

10 Steps to Launching a New Professional Organizing Business

1. choose your type of professional organizing business.

The first step in launching an organizing business is to identify the type of professional organizing business you want to launch. You might choose from the following types among others:

Home-based business : You can operate your professional organizing business from a home office. This type of business has low overhead costs, but you’ll need to be comfortable working in other people’s homes instead of in an office.

Online business : You can launch an online professional organizing business and reach clients all over the world. You’ll need a strong website and online marketing strategy to make this type of business successful.

Storefront business : You can open a brick-and-mortar organizing business. This type of business requires more overhead costs, but it can be a great way to build a brand and reach local clients.

2. Name Your Professional Organizing Business

Give your professional organizing business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your professional organizing business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.

The main goal for naming your professional organizing business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so that clients will want to work with your company.

3. Determine Your Professional Organizing Business Model

There are several possible types of business models for a professional organizing business including:

• One-on-one sessions : You can work with clients one-on-one to help them declutter and organize their homes. This type of business model requires a lot of time and energy, but you can charge higher rates.
• Group sessions : You can also offer group sessions to help people declutter and organize their homes. This type of business model is less time-consuming, but you’ll need to charge lower rates.
• Do-it-for-them service : You can offer a do-it-for-them service where you declutter and organize people’s homes for them. This type of business model is the most time-consuming, but you can charge the highest rates.
• Do-it-with-them service : You can offer a do-it-with-them service where you help people declutter and organize their homes with them. This type of business model is somewhere in between the other two options in terms of time commitment and rates.

No matter which model you choose, make sure that it aligns with your business goals and the professional organizing services you offer.

4. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business

By incorporating your professional organizing business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.

The business structure you choose for your professional organizing business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.

Read our article comparing the most common professional organizing business structures .

5. Write a Professional Organizing Business Plan

All professional organizing business owners should develop a business plan. 

A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.

When developing your professional organizing business plan and strategy, you should think about the following questions your customers might have:

• What services do you offer?
• How much do your services cost?
• Do you have any before and after pictures of your work?
• What are your qualifications?
• Can you provide a list of references?
• Do you have insurance?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• What are your hours of operation?
• Do you offer a free consultation?
• Are you bonded?
• Do you offer any discounts?
• What forms of payment do you accept?

Read our article about how to write a professional organizing business plan .

6. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses

There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your professional organizing business.

For example, if you’re going to sell organizing products, you may need a reseller’s permit and/or a retail sales license.

You must also register your professional organizing business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.

Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.

7. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed

In developing your professional organizing business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.

If you have your own funds to invest in your professional organizing business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your professional organizing business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.

8. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently

When you start your professional organizing business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues. 

You may also want to invest in project management software to help keep track of your clients’ projects, as well as your own to-do list.

Other professional organizing business owners use scheduling software to manage their time and appointments with clients.

Some popular project management and scheduling software programs include Trello, Basecamp, and Wrike.

9. Market Your Professional Organizing Business to Potential Clients

Before you start selling your services , you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your services and how they benefit them.

After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the professional organizing industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business. 

You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Professional organizing businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared: 

• Offer free consultations to potential clients to show them what services you offer and how you can help them.
• Create helpful content on your website, such as tips for organizing your home, office, or garage.
• Develop relationships with other professionals who may be able to refer clients to your business, such as real estate agents, interior designers, and home stagers.
• Sponsor or attend community events related to organization, such as garage sales, home shows, and business expos.
• Volunteer your services to a local charity or non-profit organization to get exposure for your business.

Read our article about how to market your professional organizing business for more tips.

10. Get New Clients & Grow Your Business

When you promote your services , you’ll start to get interest from potential clients . 

Make sure you’re ready to serve these clients . Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your professional organizing business.

Read our article about how to effectively grow your professional organizing business to learn more.

Starting a Professional Organizing Business FAQs

Why start a professional organizing business.

There are many reasons to start a professional organizing business. Perhaps you’re passionate about helping people get their lives in order and you want to turn that passion into a career. Or, maybe you’re good at organizing and you’re looking for a business opportunity with low start-up costs. Whatever your reason, if you’re thinking about starting a professional organizing business, there are a few things you should know.

What is Needed to Start a Successful Professional Organizing Business?

To start a successful professional organizing business, you need to be organized yourself. That means having systems in place to track your finances, manage your time, and keep your projects on track. You also need to be good at promoting your business and finding new clients. And, finally, you need to be able to execute your projects and deliver results that exceed the expectations of your clients.

How Can I Start a Professional Organizing Business From Home?

Starting a professional organizing business from home is a great way to get your business up and running quickly with minimal overhead costs. To get started, all you need is a quiet space to work, a computer, and a phone. You can also connect with clients online using video conferencing tools like Skype or Google Hangouts. Once you have the basics in place, you can start promoting your business and finding new clients.

How Can I Start a Professional Organizing Business Online?

Starting a professional organizing business online is a great way to reach a wide audience of potential clients. To get started, you need to create a website and start promoting your business through social media and other online channels. You can also use online tools to connect with clients and manage your projects. Once you have the basics in place, you can start building your business and finding new clients.

Ensure that clients can book your services online.

What are Some Tips for Starting a Professional Organizing Business?

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Get organized yourself. Before you can help others get organized, you need to have your own systems in place.
• Develop a business plan . This will help define your business goals and objectives and map out a path to success.
• Promote your business. Get the word out about your business through social media, networking, and advertising.
• Find new clients . Use online tools to connect with potential clients and grow your business.
• Deliver results . Exceed the expectations of your clients by delivering quality results that meet their needs.
• Grow your business . As your business grows, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs.
• Train your team . As you grow your business, you’ll need to find and train the right people to help you achieve your goals.
• Manage your finances . Keep track of your income and expenses and manage your cash flow so you can continue to grow your business.
• Stay organized . As your business grows, it’s important to stay organized so you can continue to deliver high-quality results to your clients.

Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Professional Organizing Business?

A simple checklist to use when starting an professional organizing business follows:

• Choose Your Type of Professional Organizing Firm : This should be based on what you are best at and how much experience you have. Remember to keep your interests, skills, and experience in mind at all times.
• Name Your Professional Organizing Business : This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
• Choose a Legal Form for Your Business : Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
• Determine Your Professional Organizing Business Model : Determine how your business will make money. Will you sell products, services, or a combination of both?
• Write a Professional Organizing Business Plan : Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow .
• Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses : In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
• Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed : You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
• Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently : You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
• Market Your Professional Organizing Business to Potential Clients : A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the services they truly need. 
• Get Clients & Grow Your Business : Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your services . 

Starting a professional organizing business can be a great way to help others get their lives in order, while also making a good income. However, there are many things to consider before launching such a business. Use the checklist provided to make sure you have everything covered and then put together a detailed business plan so you can hit the ground running.

Other Helpful Articles

Professional Organizer Salary: How Much Do They Make?

How To Become a Professional Organizer

10 Organizing Business Ideas For You To Start Today

How to Start a Professional Organizing Business

Turn Your Skills for Tidying Up Into Income

• Home Business
• Small Business
• Online Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Operations & Success

Leslie Truex has over 20 years of experience as a writer and a home entrepreneur. She is the author of multiple books on running a home business.

A professional organizer turns clutter and chaos into an efficient space for households and businesses. Jobs can range from organizing a small shoe closet to designing a storage space for a marketing firm.

Because throwing things out can be difficult for clients, organizers often need to also act as coaches, helping clients process their feelings around objects. Further, organizers need to learn about their clients to design systems they can be successful at using. 

Organizers may be involved in some of the handiwork, but they often give large tasks, such as painting or shelving construction jobs, to subcontractors. There is no widely accepted licensing for professional organizers, but anyone who enters the business can contact the National Association for Professional Organizers , which offers courses and other perks to organizers.

Startup overhead is low.

No official training is necessary.

It's an extension of what the organizationally inclined have been doing most of their life.

It's easy to start a portfolio by doing small jobs for family and friends.

Classes and websites devoted to organizing are easy to find.

You can expand services easily or offer retainer services.

You can add other income streams, such as speaking and training, e-courses and books for those who are DIYers.

It can be a challenge to differentiate yourself from other organizers.

You need to be comfortable entering other people's messy and disorganized homes or offices.

You need patience, particularly with clients who want to hold on to items or have difficulty adapting to organizational systems.

Unglamorous tasks, such as cleaning up for people with hoarding disorders, are part of the job.

Time management in a paid-by-the-hour arrangement can be tricky, given the unpredictable aspects of the job.

Subtracting for large projects can cut into profit, and it's potentially time-consuming to find the right subcontractors.

What You Need to Get Started

If you enjoy cutting through the clutter and helping others get their lives and spaces organized, starting a home-based professional organizing business can be relatively easy if you follow these steps:

• Decide if you'll specialize or generalize your organization service. For example, will you help everyone or focus just on homes or business? Or, you can specialize in a specific area, such as garages or paper management. 
• Obtain a business licenseand liability insurance.
• Create a detailed business plan outlining your service, pricing, and financial situation and goals.
• Develop your marketing planand promotional materials.
• Create a system for getting testimonials and referrals , which is the best way to get new clients for little marketing investment.
• Consider doing organization seminars or training either in-person or through online webinars or e-courses. It can be a way to show off your expertise and generate extra income, as well as garner new clients.
• Do sample projects for those you know, and showcase them with before-and-after photos to be used in physical and online portfolios.
• Develop good networking skills to lure customers and subcontractors you can trust.
• Use low-cost or free advertising such as newspapers, flyers, and signage on your car to promote yourself.
• Incorporate internet marketing, such as a blog or website, and social media .
• Gather a few basic tools, including a notepad, camera, tape measure, rubber gloves, face mask, tape, and a kit with screwdrivers and power tools (if you're going to be doing some of the dirty work yourself).
• Provide quality service, and always ask for a testimonial and referral from your satisfied clients.
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Planning Your (Successful!) Professional Organizing Business

Growing Your Organizing Business in Phases

As the great marketer Napoleon Hill once said, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Planning your new professional organizing business will be a crucial step for your success.

Let’s take a look at some of the things you’ll need to consider when planning to make your organizing passion into a business.

Disclosure:  This site contains affiliate links to products and services I have purchased and used for my business. If you decide to use one of the products or services listed on this site, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

1. Your Available Time

How much time can you devote to your new business?

If you’re currently working full-time or if you’re the primary caregiver to your children, you must consider how much time you’ll have available to dedicate to the development of your organizing business, to attend classes, events, meet and network, and of course to organize your clients.

Each of us will do this differently, but here is how I did it.

When I started my business back in 2010, my children were starting first grade and kindergarten. That gave me the school hours and the evenings to work and learn after they were in bed. In the morning, I made myself available to work with clients, initially as a sub-contractor, and I’d work at night on listening to ICD, NAPO, and business development classes. This routine would quickly add up to 8 hours of work a day, and I followed it for many years, and I am glad I did it.

Remember that this initial period of building a new business can be pretty intense. But it is not only gratifying; it will create a strong base for your business to grow. When your clients start filling up your calendar, you’ll already have what you need in place.

My best tip: use this time to get the groundwork done.

2. Know Thyself

When we’re just starting, we may feel that anyone with a pulse and checkbook can be our clients, and while you may be eager to fill up your calendar, start making money and want to try different types of organizing projects and clients, with time you’ll find you may not love all of them.

The truth is that most people associate professional organizing with closets, garages, and pantries. Still, the fact is that this industry has evolved into an extensive list of possibilities, and a quick search on NAPO’s website will show you the many specialties it now offers. From students to digital, seniors to people with disabilities, there is a specialty that’s just for you.

For you to find your sweet spot, that thing that gets you out of bed excited for a new project, I recommend that you understand and fully embrace who you are, know your strengths and how you perform your best.

Consider what services you can offer and with who you’d like to work. Do you enjoy working alone or with a team? What age group would you like to spend time with? Do you have professional or academic expertise you’d like to integrate with your new business? These are just initial questions to get you thinking about the direction you may want to go. For example, if you love transforming people’s homes into a super-organized space, spending time rolling up your sleeve, and getting in the thick of it while surrounded by families, pets, and more, great. On the flip side, if you prefer working in a professional setting, you may want to focus your efforts on organizing small businesses or corporate-size offices.

My best tip: Focus on who you are and what you like, and don’t compromise on what is essential for you. You and your future clients will be glad you stayed true to yourself.

What to do when starting your Professional Organizing Business? Follow me!

3. Consider Location

Like with who you’ll like to work with, this will evolve as your business grows but in any case, if you have limited hours and if your location permits, I suggest you stick to zip codes you’ll be willing to drive to.

If you live in a smaller city, you may have to be open to driving to nearby towns to expand your business; however, if you live in a large city, stick to nearby areas and save time, gas, and your sanity.

I started accepting clients far from my home, but as I realized how much time I was spending in traffic, I started narrowing it down to no more than a 20 min drive and would stretch that only for larger projects or longer working blocks of time.

Best tip: List the cities/neighborhoods you’ll be willing to serve and list them on your website at the bottom of every service page.

4. Consider Your Business Branding

An exciting part of starting your organizing business will be the development of your branding. However, this can also become a distraction. So, if you’re not sure if professional organizing is for you, wait a bit to invest in this area later on. As you commit to it and the business idea matures, you can invest resources on what’s needed.

Selecting a Business Name

When choosing a business name, pick one that communicates what you do. Have fun with it using a tool like bustaname.com. Once you select some contenders, be sure to search online with your Secretary of State to verify if the name is available. Also, search on social media platforms to see if another business is using the name. 

Think of the ideal URL for your business. Skip on abbreviations that only make sense to you; keep it short, sweet, and clear.

As I said, you can always start working with your name, and as your business grows and you understand what you want to offer, you can decide on your business name.

Selecting the Elements of Your Business Brand

Start paying close attention to what you like in terms of colors, typography (fonts), images, and the language used in the communication of your favorite websites, magazines, stores, coffee shops, etc. Ask yourself, “what do I like about them?”.

Create a Pinterest board with the elements you’d like to consider, or even build a vision board where you can add printouts of magazines you like.

Research and read about branding to educate yourself on what’s important to keep in mind. A fellow B-Schooler and branding expert whose work I love and always recommend is Sarah Hart. You can take her branding quiz as a first step in figuring out what you want your branding to communicate.

Once you are sure you want to invest in this business and take it seriously, have the logo designed professionally. To have an idea of what’s available in this area, search sites like 99designs.com .

Best tip: invest in your branding once you’ve decided professional organizing is for you.

5. Choose a Business Structure

Decide on the type of legal organization you want for your business.

Professional organizers’ most commonly used business structures are the sole proprietorship  and  Limited Liability Company (LLC.). Still, there are others, and you should consult with a CPA or a small business lawyer to understand each of them and what you should do next, like applying for a Tax ID or Employee Identification Number (EIN). You can learn more about the EIN here.

You will find more detailed information about each business structure option here and on your State’s Secretary of State website. Also, count on services like legalzoom.com, which I have used before and have always been happy with their services and support.

Best tip: invest in a consultation with a CPA or a small business lawyer. 

6. Set-Up Your Business Bank Account

Once you have decided and established your business entity, you may set up a business bank account. Research your options to avoid fees and minimum balances. Also, consider placing some start-up money in the account to get your business off the ground, but otherwise, always keep your personal finances separate from your business ones.

You won’t have significant expenses initially, even more so if you’re testing the waters. Still, as you decide to make professional organizing a real business, you’ll need money to invest in the basics, which we’ll cover later.

Best tip: invest in an accounting tool like Freshbooks or Quickbooks online.

7. Set-Up Your Workspace

No matter how small, try to create a workspace where you can answer calls from prospective clients, take classes and sit down to write and create your business-related materials. As your work with clients expands, so will the admin needs. Having a space to open the computer and get things done will be a great way to ground and dedicate yourself to your business growth.

Best tip: Start small with an IKEA desk and drawer unit in a quiet corner of your house.

8. Balance Your Time

This will fall under the time management category. Still, as you see your business grow, you’ll have to find the perfect balance between working with clients, marketing your business regularly, taking care of administrative tasks such as replying to emails or accounting, and your professional development.

Planning allows you to recognize and work out any kinks in your system before facing them. This gives you more time later to focus on tasks that help you grow your business.

Best tip: to avoid burnout, you need to understand that you’re in this for the long term and commit to what needs to make your business succeed and make you happy.

And there you have it! I hope this list and tips will help you get your professional organizing business started.

I know it may seem like a lot, but remember that you are starting a business and not a hobby and that you can always pace yourself; after all, this is  your business!

Helena Alkhas é Personal Organizer nos Estados Unidos desde 2010. Criadora do curso online para personal organizers, Profissão Personal Organizer®, Helena treina profissionais de organização ao redor do mundo. Helena é autora do livro Vivendo Sem Empregada e compartilha suas dicas de organização no blog, Instagram e YouTube.

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How to Start a Professional Organizer Business Plan

Help others tidy up as a professional organizer..

By: Deborah Sweeney

Do you think of yourself as an organizer? For instance, are you naturally tidy? In addition, do you enjoy storing everything in a neat place? Likewise, do you view cleaning up as an opportunity to refresh a space?

Did you say yes to each of these questions? In short, you may be ready to start a business as a professional organizer.

A professional organizer clears out the clutter. They develop a system that creates functional, mess-free spaces. Many people seek organization in their personal and professional lives. In other words, these may be your future clients! Therefore, follow these steps to start your business.

1. Determine Your Service Offerings

This is a little like starting a business in an industry like landscaping and lawn care . You must determine what kinds of professional organizer services you will offer clients. Consider organizing in a specific category:

• Closet or refrigerator organization.
• Kitchen, attic, home office, or garage organization.
• Professional office organization. This niche allows you to design storage spaces for large firms and corporations.
• Paper management. You may manually organizing paperwork. Or you may create planners. Individuals will buy and use these planners to organize their days. What else can you offer besides paper management? Similarly, you may offer photo and memorabilia organization services.

2. Join Relevant Organizations

Technically, there isn’t official training to become a professional organizer.

However, you should understand what it means to be an organizer. Understand the ins and outs of your niche. Be ready to differentiate yourself from other professional organizers. Know how to work with clients. Learn which organizational challenges they struggle with the most. For example, some might have difficulty parting with their belongings. Similarly, others may have a tough time keeping their space neat.

Read books about organization. Review blog posts. Listen to relevant podcasts. Watch vlogs. In addition, join a networking organization. Consider the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). Attend virtual conferences. Consult other professional organizers. In short, you may receive their mentoring and coaching expertise.

3. Draft a Business Plan

A professional organizer business needs a written business plan . This document allows you to set goals for the business. Similarly, it establishes a common vision for the business.

Your professional organizing business plan should detail challenges facing your clients.  Similarly, develop an organizational system to address these issues. Document the types of services you’ll offer. Determine how much you will charge. Understand your target audience. In addition, conduct an industry analysis of your competition. Do you need additional funding for your business? Make a note as part of your funding request.

4. Incorporate the Business

One of the best ways to protect your professional organizer business is to form an LLC . Certainly, we recommend forming a limited liability company. This entity provides limited liability protection. This creates a separation between personal and professional assets.

An LLC allows you to save a bit of money on taxes. Moreover, it helps build credibility with clients. For instance, they may be likely to work with you. Above all, this is because your business is fully incorporated.

5. File for a Trademark

The name of your professional organizer business should be original. Clients should be able to hear it and easily identify you. In conclusion, this is your trademark.

Likewise, come up with a clever business name. After that, conduct a name search . This allows you to check if the trademark is available. The mark may also be pending registration elsewhere. Is the trademark available? After that, file to register the trademark . Registering the trademark gives the owner exclusive rights. In addition, it ensures nobody plagiarizes the mark.

6. File for a DBA

Will you operate your business under a different name? This is a doing business as name (DBA) which differs from your existing business name. You may file for a doing business as name (DBA) in your state of incorporation.

7. Obtain Business Licenses

You may need to obtain certain business licenses . These licenses allow you to conduct business in the city, county, and state.

Therefore, check in with your local Secretary of State. Find out which documents your professional organizing business needs to operate. After that, obtain the necessary business licenses.

8. Apply for a Tax ID

Your company will need its own business bank account. This ensures the money you make from your organization business doesn’t co-mingle with personal funds. You may open a business bank account by obtaining a tax ID. This is known as an employer identification number (EIN) .

An EIN is a federal tax ID. It is a nine-digit number. The IRS issues it to businesses to legally identify the business. This tax ID ensures the business pays federal and payroll taxes. In short, it helps businesses stay in compliance.

9. Build a Website

Your business website acts as a portfolio. It allows you to showcase your professional organizer business. In addition, you may use it for a variety of branding purposes.

• Introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.
• Highlight projects you have successfully completed. For example, these may include before and after photos.
• Offer tidying tips and additional advice on your blog.
• Share testimonials and positive customer reviews.
• Provide your contact information. This includes your email address, phone number, and social media handles. In short, this helps connect with new clients.

In addition, obtain a relevant, keyword-rich domain name for your website. Create business cards . Print marketing materials may also be beneficial. For example, you may hand out brochures to prospective clients.

Additional Professional Organization Startup Information

In conclusion, this is a basic guide for starting a professional organizer business. To sum up, you can find more information through additional resources. These include the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the Institute for Professional Organizers .

Let’s help incorporate your business today! Visit us at mycorporation.com or call us at 877-692-6772.  

If you experience any difficulty in accessing our content, please contact us at 877.692.6772 or email us at [email protected] .

Start a Professional Organizing Business

Transforming Clutter into Clarity: The Call of a Professional Organizer

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING BUSINESS

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, professional organizing mini business plan, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, actions to hit those numbers:, professional skills development:, marketing and client acquisition:, pricing and services:, operations:, cost control:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if the business is right endeavor, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, examples on ways to make money, step 2: name the business, step 3: create a business plan, step 4: obtain licenses and permits, step 5: secure financing, step 6: choose a location, step 7: obtain licenses and permits, step 7: market your business, step 8: hire employees, step 9: track your progress, explore more categories, take the next steps.

Your Organizing Business

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When starting your organizing business, the thought of writing a business plan can seem pretty intimidating. How can you answer all those questions about a business that only exists in your mind? Ramona Creel, who’s been operating a successful organizing business since 1998, is here today to guide you through the process.

You might be thinking to yourself, “Why should I waste my time writing a business plan? I know what (web designers, freelance writers, professional organizers) do!” Knowing intellectually what your industry is all about and pinpointing exactly where you want your business to go are two entirely different propositions.

The Value Of Putting It On Paper

Something happens when you empty vague ideas out of your head and solidify them on paper. Suddenly, it seems easier to move forward on projects for your business. Resources appear out of nowhere. You begin meeting people who can help you accomplish your goals. Sound like magic? It isn’t. But having a clear idea of what you want to accomplish makes you more aware when you encounter someone or something that can help get you there.

Unfortunately, some people see creating a business plan as an almost insurmountable feat — they may work on their plan for years, never reaching the end. This is absurd! Putting a business plan together involves nothing more than asking yourself a series of questions about how you will structure your company. Moreover, it’s okay if you leave some things out the first time through. As time passes, you will have the opportunity to revise your business plan to reflect your changing focus. The type of business plan we are developing is merely a short-term roadmap for your entrepreneurial activities — to help you understand your financial needs, set “production” goals, think through any potential obstacles, and develop your daily business operating procedures.

Your Company’s “Vital Statistics”

We will begin with the easy part — a straightforward description of who and where your company is today. Include your business name, address, phone, the entity (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.), and type of business. You also want to describe any clients that you have secured. If you are new in business, you might say, “I don’t have any clients yet.” But if you have spoken to anyone about this business venture, I’m sure you’ve heard, “Let me know when you get your business going. I need your help!” So be sure to include those potential clients on your list.

Who Needs Your Services?

Let’s take a look at why someone would hire you. Your potential clients all face certain problems that will cause them to seek out your assistance — and you must tailor your services to those needs. So take a minute to imagine some of your “typical” clients. What is causing them problems, and what can you do to help them? And be specific. When I started as a Professional Organizer, a statement like, “My clients are disorganized and need me to organize them,” didn’t do much to define my client base. But rephrasing it to say, “My clients are overburdened with paper and they need me to help them set up filing systems and learn how to manage incoming paper,” brought me one step closer to setting up my business structure.

Market Opportunities

Every market has a “no-brainer” — a huge, under-served, or untapped population that is just sitting there waiting to be serviced by you! You just need to figure out who those clients are. If you live in Florida, you might find an overabundance of elderly clients who are downsizing to a retirement community and need help cleaning out — a great market for Professional Organizers. Big cities are filled with busy executives who don’t have time to stay on top of their daily responsibilities — perfect for service businesses that “come to you” (grocery delivery, car detailing at your office). And most suburbs are overflowing with overwhelmed homemakers — they need help maintaining their homes (handyman services), looking after their children (tutors, child care providers), and getting their errands done (concierge services). No one is limiting you to just one population. But finding a “niche” can help build your business quickly and give you a steady client base.

Describing Your Market

Now we are ready to focus in on your market — those clients that you plan to serve. Be very specific about who your clients will be. Don’t just say that your market is “everyone who needs their car serviced” or “anyone with hair.” Are you limited to a specific geographic area (say, within 50 miles of your office)? Do you plan to work with the elderly, busy executives, single parents, men, women, or kids? Will you offer different kinds of services to different clients (closet organizing for some and paper management for others)? What about different levels of service (consulting versus doing the hands-on work yourself)? Will your business slow down during the summer or pick up at the first of the year? Try to think through each question thoroughly and pinpoint the demographics of your client population.

Who Is Your Competition?

Before you begin any business venture, it is always a good idea to know your competition. Some fields, like Professional Organizing, are much more collaborative than competitive — others, such as PR and advertising, are very cut-throat. However, competition in the abstract is still always a concern. If a client has a choice between you and even one other organizer, that’s technically competition. You will need to make yourself more attractive to the client than your competitors to win the job. Do some research to find out what other professionals in your area are doing (check with your professional association, look in the Yellow Pages, and scan the classified ads). And don’t be afraid to ask others in your field how they do business — you might be surprised how many people are willing to share.

Making Your Company Stand Out In The Crowd

This is the hard part — deciding how you will make your company seem more attractive to clients than the competitors. You are going to have to get inside the mind of your consumer and understand what influences their purchasing decisions. Is it price? Quality of service? The reputation of the organizer? Begin by asking the people around you how they would decide which organizer to hire. Then, you need to determine how you will make your company stand out. Will you offer discounts or “value-added” services? Share testimonials about your work? Create flashy brochures? Decide how you are different from the others and capitalize on that idea.

Your Profitability

Even if you aren’t planning on taking out a business loan, you still need to know whether or not your company will be profitable. First, examine how you charge for your services — is it by the hour? By the job? Based on an up-front estimate? Now look at the number of clients you can reasonably service each week, month, or quarter. Be sure to leave time in there for a personal life — remember that you can’t see clients 24 hours a day (no matter how attractive that big paycheck may seem!) Based on these two figures, what is your projected income for the next year?

Next, take a look at your regular business expenses — how much do you spend each year on office supplies? Travel? Marketing? If you don’t know, that’s your first goal for the new year — to set up an accounting system that will track your expenses and income! How do you expect those expenses to change over the next year? Do you have any big purchases or investments planned?

When you compare your projected income to your projected expenses, how do you come out? Ahead? Breaking even? In the red? Let’s think about some ways you could either increase your income — you could work more hours, raise your rates, expand the services you offer, increase your profit margin on organizing supplies you sell. You can also consider reducing your expenses — cutting back cell phone minutes, meeting networking contacts for coffee instead of lunch, buying supplies in bulk. Try to come up with a list of at 10 different ways you can improve your profit margin.

Advertising And Promotions

The next big question is how you are going to market to your clients — how you will educate them about the services you provide and the benefits of working with your company. The first step is to think about the big picture — your marketing strategy. Are you selling your company based on the speed with which you work, your price, or extra services? Then emphasize that as the central theme in all of your marketing efforts. Is your intention to put your name in front of as many people as possible, or a specifically targeted population? Do you want your company to be the most recognized name in the industry or the organizer for the elite? Your marketing strategy should be shaped first by whom you want to reach, and then how you plan to reach them.

When it comes to choosing a marketing vehicle, you have a lot of choices — direct mail, radio and TV, trade shows, public appearances, word of mouth, special promotions. Which are the best methods for you? Start by talking to other professionals about what works for them. And use your gut instinct — think about what you can afford, which method will best reach your audience, and what would attract you to a company. Don’t feel as though you have to envision 10 years’ worth of advertising right now — marketing, like all other parts of running a business, is a constantly developing process.

Day-To-Day Operations

It’s also important for you to give some thought to how you will manage the daily details of your business. Planning ahead for simple things — how you will stay on top of your accounting, who will manage different administrative duties, what technology you will utilize — will make running a business easier in the end. Make a list of tools and technologies you plan to employ — everything from your planner to your accounting program to your cell phone. Also think about the professional help you plan to employ — advisers like your CPA and attorney, freelance consultants, and even paid employees. Who are these people? What skills or experience do they bring to the table? How will their involvement benefit your business?

Competitive Analysis

Finally, we must determine how well your business will fare among the competition. To do this, you must have a clear idea of how you will know you are succeeding. Will you base your success on income, number of clients, level of happiness, or fame? Once you know what success looks like, you need to identify any strengths or weaknesses that will affect your chances of achieving that success. Finally, you must develop a plan for overcoming those weaknesses. That may involve improving your business skills — or hiring someone else to do work that is outside your realm of expertise. Be as honest as you can when answering these questions — the more candid you are in developing your business plan, the easier it will be to carry out. Good luck!

Copyright Ramona Creel, all rights reserved. Used with permission.

Photo © JNT Visual – Fotolia.com

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Join the conversation.

Thanks Ramona! I’ve been struggling with my business plan for over a month now. You cleared up most of my confusion with your easy-to-read, very informative article. Thanks again!

I just love the approachability of Ramona’s wisdom here. Starting a business and writing a business plan can feel very intimidating. Often, if you just go online and look for how to do it, the process seems overwhelming. Yes, it is a lot. At the same time, yes, it can be done. I’ll be sharing this for sure.

I found it really hard, because you have to guess at a lot of numbers. But just the process of looking at the many aspects of running a business is helpful – better to plan 70% than not at all!

My business has evolved a lot since I created mine, but many of the core principles have remained constant.

This is a wonderful reminder for even the most experienced Professional Organizer! Thank you. I agree; we need to revisit it when the goal changes. I have done this a least three times throughout my 25+ years.

Absolutely! I don’t know many people whose business stayed the same as the original vision, but at least having everything documented means you don’t have to start from scratch every time you make a change.

It’s no surprise that Ramona, the ultimate industry veteran, knows how to take a straightforward process that usually sounds dry and uninviting and make it more of fact-finding adventure. I read a lot of books on creating a start-up in 2001 and on through 2022, but I would have felt much better about my business plan had I had an article like this to demystify it (and make it less scary). Thanks, Ramona, and thanks to Janet for giving this a platform.

Business plans can be so daunting, thank you for these great tips and resources.

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start a professional organizing business

Starting a professional organizing business can seem overwhelming, especially in a field as specialized as professional organizing. But, what if we told you that you can learn how to start a professional organizing business in just 5 days? Yes, it’s possible, and with the right steps and determination, you can embark on this fulfilling journey. Here’s your quick guide to becoming a professional organizer in less than a week.

Table of contents

Day 1: research and decide your niche, day 2: draft your business plan, day 3: legalities and logistics, day 4: branding and marketing, day 5: training and launch, final thoughts.

• Understand the Industry: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the world of professional organizing business. Knowing the ins and outs will ensure you’re not entering the market blind when starting a professional organizing business.
• For example, a niche service that you can offer is wardrobe management. This is an attractive service for your corporate clients. It includes selecting the wardrobe, accessories, and shoes, as well as organizing the closet.
• This can be prepared for a duration of a two-week period. Help your client create a capsule wardrobe, which can consist of a set number of tops, bottoms, jackets, and shoes.
• Another niche service to consider is helping seniors downsize their homes. This involves assisting them in sorting through decades of belongings, determining what to keep, donate, or discard, and organizing the items they choose to retain in a more manageable space. This service can be especially valuable for those transitioning to assisted living or smaller residences.

Every successful venture starts with a well-thought-out business plan, especially if you’re considering starting a professional organizing business. Here’s what you need to include when considering how to start a professional organizing business:

1. Executive Summary:

From our firsthand experience, launching a professional organizing business requires a clear vision. In this section, present a comprehensive snapshot of your organizing business, detailing the services you provide, your mission, and what sets you apart from the competition.

2. Market Analysis:

Drawing from our experience, it’s crucial to understand the current demand for professional organizing in your area.

• Delve into the local landscape – who are your competitors? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Most importantly, identify any market gaps or unmet needs that your business can address to stand out.

3. Service Offerings:

Over the years, we’ve realized the importance of specificity. Think about the range of services you want to provide. Whether it’s residential decluttering, corporate space optimization, or specialized services like digital organization, be clear and concise in what you can deliver.

4. Financial Projections:

Based on our past ventures, maintaining a clear financial road map is pivotal. Outline your projected income, anticipated expenses, and potential profit margins. It’s essential to be realistic yet optimistic, taking into account both best-case and worst-case scenarios.

5. Marketing Strategy:

Reflecting on our tried-and-tested methods, attracting clients requires a multi-faceted approach. Consider online platforms like social media and your website for digital outreach, but don’t overlook the power of local advertising, community engagements, and the timeless effectiveness of word-of-mouth recommendations. Incorporate both passive and active strategies to build a strong client base.

1. Business Registration:

Register your professional organizing business with relevant local authorities. The first step in how to start a professional organizing business is ensuring you’re legal and compliant. The process might differ based on your location, so ensure you’re familiar with local requirements.

• Begin your business name registration by checking your state’s Secretary of State website and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) at  www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search .
• Business registration methods vary by state. For instance, some states require sole proprietorships to register with their local Town Clerk’s Office. Hence, ensure your search includes the state’s website, the USPTO, and local town or county.

2. Choose a Business Structure

Consider your options. You can register your business as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an LLC or a corporation. When you register your business as a legal business entity, you increase your credibility. Additionally, this helps protect you from personal liability if your business is sued.

• Sole Proprietorship – In this structure, you personally own and operate the business. It’s straightforward and does not differentiate between the business entity and the owner, meaning customers engage directly with the owner.
• Partnership – This is a collaborative arrangement where two or more individuals agree to run a business together. Profits, responsibilities, and liabilities are typically shared among the partners according to the terms set out in a partnership agreement.
• LLC (Limited Liability Company) – An LLC allows you to operate your business with the added benefit of limited liability. It combines the operational flexibility of a sole proprietorship with the legal protection of a corporation. The owners, called members, aren’t personally liable for the company’s debts or legal obligations, ensuring their personal assets remain protected.
• Corporation – In a corporate structure, the business is an independent legal entity separate from its owners. Owners become shareholders who have shares representing their stake in the company. The corporation, not the shareholders, holds the legal title to the business assets.

3. Insurance:

When starting a professional organizing business, researching about insurance is key. Considering the nature of a professional organizing business, having liability insurance is crucial. Liability insurance is a must for any business and will help protect you from potential unforeseen circumstances that might occur. Clients expect you to be insured!

• Commercial General Liability Insurance of 1 or 2 million dollars, which protects you from incidents such as fire, damage, and injury.
• Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) of 1 or 2 million dollars includes protection for professional advice given that results in losses for the client.

Do your research: Liability insurance is provided by industry, and given that the Professional Organizing industry is a smaller, specialized industry, not all insurance companies offer Liability Insurance for Organizers.

1. Create a Brand Name:

When we were brainstorming names for Ultimate Academy®, we realized the importance of a name that truly encapsulates the essence of our services. When you’re starting a professional organizing business, your business deserves a name that resonates with the audience and communicates your brand’s ethos seamlessly.

• Naming a business requires a delicate balance between creativity, relevance, and marketability. For example, consider a name like “SpaceSage”. This name not only conveys the core service of organizing but also offers a sense of the brand’s character. “SpaceSage” indicates wisdom in spatial organization.
• To find the right name, brainstorm a list, gather feedback, and ensure it’s unique. A valuable resource for checking name availability and insights is the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s website at https://www.uspto.gov/ .

2. Design a Logo:

Drawing from our own experience at Ultimate Academy®, we recognized that a logo is not just a symbol but a brand’s promise to its customers. It’s an emblem of trust, quality, and the services offered. When we were crafting our logo, we collaborated with skilled designers to ensure that it not only looked professional but also genuinely resonated with our vision. A meticulously designed logo can significantly elevate your brand’s perception and set a strong first impression.

• Your logo is the visual heartbeat of your brand. For a name like “SpaceSage,” an abstract, wise owl integrated with storage boxes or shelves would be a fitting logo.
• To ensure your logo is both distinctive and effective, work with professional designers who understand brand strategy. Platforms like Fiverr , Upwork , Behance , or Dribbble can be excellent resources to find skilled designers or to gather inspiration for your logo design.

3. Develop an Online Presence:

In the modern era, maintaining a digital presence is not merely an option but a prerequisite. A comprehensive website backed by an engaging social media strategy is paramount. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are particularly advantageous for professional organizers. They offer an ideal space to exhibit transformational before-and-after photos, a testament to your skills and dedication.

TikTok has emerged as a platform that can't be overlooked. Here's why:

Dynamic Visual Content: TikTok’s short-form video format is perfect for capturing and retaining audience attention. The platform’s design encourages creativity, making it ideal for showcasing engaging content like DIY organization videos.

Time-lapse Videos: One of the trending formats on TikTok is time-lapse videos. Professional organizers can utilize this to show the entire process of, say, stocking a fridge or organizing a cabinet in just a few seconds. Additionally, for those interested in how to start a home organizing business, a well-executed time-lapse can offer a glimpse into the day-to-day operations and transformations they can expect. This not only showcases the organizer’s methodology but also the dramatic transformation, creating a visually satisfying and shareable content piece.

Viral Potential: TikTok’s algorithm is designed to showcase trending content, and with the right mix of creativity and strategy, even a single video can reach millions. For professional organizers or those showcasing how to start a home organizing business, a viral video can mean a significant boost in brand visibility and potential client inquiries.

Interactive Community: The TikTok community is known for its interactive nature. The platform encourages users to participate in challenges, duets, and react to other videos. For professional organizers, this means an opportunity to start trends related to organization or to join existing ones, further amplifying their reach.

Diverse Audience: TikTok boasts a wide demographic of users. While it started as a platform popular among Gen Z, it has quickly gained traction among older demographics as well. This diversity means that professional organizers can target a broad audience, from college students looking to organize their dorms to families wanting to declutter their homes.

1. Gain Knowledge Through Certification Courses:

When embarking on the journey of starting a professional organizing business, it’s advisable to take courses on professional organizing. This step is crucial for understanding how to effectively start such a venture. While certification isn’t always a prerequisite, it undeniably boosts your credibility. Moreover, many customers prefer to work with individuals who are certified professionals. They value collaboration with those who not only showcase their skills but also invest time in enhancing their knowledge and business acumen, as evidenced by completing certification courses like  Ultimate Academy®’s 5-day Professional Organizing course .

In this comprehensive course, students dive deep into the practical, theoretical, and strategic aspects of professional organizing. Beyond this, the curriculum encompasses the business, sales, and marketing components essential for successfully starting and operating a professional organizing enterprise. Students are introduced to invaluable resources, including a pricing matrix, specialized forms for consultation reports, and more. All these tools aim to empower you, ensuring you complete the course feeling both confident and competent in your profession.

2. Equipment & Supplies:

Every professional organizer should have a foundational kit that enables them to efficiently serve clients and demonstrate their professionalism. Here are some tools and products that every new professional organizer might consider for their basic kit:

• Measuring Tape: Vital for ensuring furniture, storage solutions, and items fit in designated spaces.
• Label Maker: For creating clear, easy-to-read labels to categorize and identify items.
• Permanent Markers & Notepads: Useful for jotting down quick notes, inventory, or creating temporary labels.
• Storage Bins & Containers: A variety of sizes can be helpful for sorting items during the decluttering process.
• Sticky Notes: Great for categorizing or temporarily labeling items, especially during the initial sorting phase.
• Drawer Dividers & Organizers: For sorting and organizing items in drawers.
• Zippered Pouches: Useful for small items or documents.
• Hooks & Command Strips: For hanging items without damaging walls.
• Digital Camera or Smartphone: To take before and after photos, which can also serve as a testament to your work for prospective clients.
• Gloves: Protects your hands when dealing with dusty or potentially sharp items.
• Tote Bag or Toolbox: To carry all your organizing tools and products.
• Folders & Accordion Files: For those who do not want to go paperless, folders and accordion files are good for paper and document organization.
• Cleaning Supplies: Basic items like multi-surface cleaner, microfiber cloths, and disinfecting wipes can be handy.  
• Shelving Units or Racks: These can be portable ones that you bring to jobs to help clients visualize storage solutions.

3. Practice:

Before you dive into serving clients or even exploring how to start a home organizing business, organize a friend’s space or even your own. It will give you hands-on experience and a portfolio to showcase.

With everything set up, it’s time to officially launch your organizing business. Begin by offering special rates or promotions to attract initial clients. Collect testimonials and reviews to build trust.

Starting an organizing business is a journey of passion and dedication. As a professional organizer, you’ll transform cluttered spaces into harmonious environments, making a tangible difference in people’s lives. By following this step-by-step guide, in just 5 days, you’ll be on the right path to making your organizing business dream a reality. Stay dedicated, keep learning, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way.

Learn About our Professional Organizing Certification

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Professional Organizer Business Plan

JUN.13, 2023

What is a Professional Organizer Business Plan?

In today’s world, you work and relax better with things in order. Professional organizers help people by making problems go away and making dirty spaces neat and useful. If you like to help others be organized, you can start a professional organizing business to use your skills and talents. And you need a Professional Organizing Business Plan to start one.

A professional organizer business plan is a formal written document that outlines your business goals, strategies, and financial projections. It serves as a roadmap for organizing business, helping you make informed decisions and track progress. Whether starting a small-scale residential organizing service or launching a large-scale corporate organizing firm, a business plan is essential for success.

Why Do You Need a Professional Organizing Business Plan Template?

Writing a professional organizing business plan can be challenging. It requires extensive research and industry knowledge. A sample business plan for professional organizing, like the HR Consultant Business Plan template can help you get started by providing a framework for your plan.

A professional organizer business plan can help you to:

• Structure your ideas and information
• Save time and effort by providing a ready-made format
• Ensure you cover all the essential aspects of your business idea

If you are serious about starting a professional organizing business, OGSCapital can help you. We have business plans for professional organizers, made by good writers, like Brandi Marcene, our business plan expert with more than ten years of experience. Brandi has made many entrepreneurs glad with her professional business plans.

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a short summary of the business plan. It should include information about the business’s mission, history, products or services, target market, competitive advantage, financial projections, and goals. The executive summary must grab potential investors’ and lenders’ attention. It should concisely show them why the business deserves support.

Here is the executive summary of a professional organizing business plan for “ Minimalist Solutions ”, a professional organizng business would include:

Business Overview

Minimalist Solutions helps Texans tidy up and systematize their home and work realms. We design customized strategies for household, office and business areas seeking enhanced time and space efficiency. Our tribe encompasses busy experts, clans and petite enterprises.

Employing a customized methodology, competitively-priced offerings and muscular digital footprint, we proffer unrivaled organizational support. We now quest capital to amplify our operations.

Our quests are increasing our client roster, magnifying web visibility and fusioning strategic alliances. We endeavor to actualize functional, stress-free environments for patrons through quintessential customer service and tailored TLC.

Minimalist Solutions furnishes personalized offerings to assist patrons organize their lives and step up productivity – from household organizing to festivity planning. Our services include:

• Home Organizing
• Office Organizing
• Business Organizing
• Event Planning
• Time Management Coaching

Customer Focus

Minimalist Solutions pledges premier service and customized fixes for each patron’s distinctive necessities. Our quest is to evolve into a trusted companion on their odyssey towards optimization.

We start with a free consultation to understand their goals, then develop a customized plan to achieve them through hands-on decluttering and organizing. Ongoing support helps maintain their newfound organization.

Management Team

Minimalist Solutions is led by a management team with a combined experience of over 20 years in the professional organizing industry. Our team of passionate, certified professional organizers is led by CEO Jane Doe, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. Jane is a member of NAPO and a certified time management coach.

Apart from our chief executive, we have a lead technology guru with over a decade of mastery and a lead marketing maven with 7+ years under their belt. Our experts stay hip to industry shifts while providing bespoke aid and ace assistance.

Success Factor

Several key factors contribute to the success of our Minimalist Solutions troupe:

• Mastery – Our team of seasoned organizers has extensive know-how of the organizing sphere and are hip to the latest organizing trends and techniques.
• Customer relationships – We build strong relationships with our clients by offering customized organizing solutions that meet their individual goals.
• Trailblazing – We are perpetually pioneering and integrating new organizing methodologies to refine our services and furnish our patrons with the crème de la crème experience.

Minimalist Solutions is seeking funding to expand its operations. The financial projections for Minimalist Solutions indicate a steady growth trajectory over the next three years. With an emphasis on cost optimization and strategic marketing maneuvers, we envision elevating our market slice and gains. The company is also endeavoring to snag a petite enterprise cash infusion of $100,000 to assist fuel the scaling.

• Projected revenue in the first year of operation – $100,000
• Projected cost in the first year of operations – $50,000
• Net profit (after adjusting expenses, such as rent, utilities, wages, salaries, and marketing) – $50,000
• Seeking funding to expand its operations.
• Seeking a $100,000 loan to purchase new software and equipment, and to hire additional staff (As explained in our Staffing Company Business Plan ).

Company Overview

Who is minimalist solutions.

Minimalist Solutions is an LLC furnishing professional organizing services to Texan individuals and businesses. With highly skilled and innovative organizers, we specialize in decluttering, organizing, and actualising bespoke solutions tailored to each client’s distinct needs. Our vision is aiding individuals in creating tidy, purposeful areas enhancing welfare and efficiency.

Our company’s aims are to:

• Furnish premier and tailored organizing solutions.
• Forge enduring bonds with patrons.
• Enlighten clients on the perks of organizing and outfit them with pointers and materials.
• Amplify the company’s image and renown through word-of-mouth referrals, online kudos, social media maneuvers and networking festivities.
• Grow the company’s revenue and profitability by increasing its market share and reducing its costs.

Minimalist Solutions History

Minimalist Solutions, established in 2019 by CEO Jane Doe, a certified professional organizer, serves various clients: busy professionals, families, small businesses, and corporations. We transform homes and offices into functional spaces reflecting clients’ styles. Recognized by local media, online platforms, and loyal clients, we prioritize integrity, efficiency, and customer service.

Industry Analysis

The professional organizing sphere is an expanding and dynamic arena that proffers diverse services to assist individuals and enterprises refine, systematize, and administer their environments. According to research by Digital Journal , the global Professional Organizer market size is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030.

Herewith are additional intriguing discernments concerning the professional organizing domain:

• The domestic organization sector is projected to proliferate at a CAGR of 4% from 2021 to 2025, contingent absent deviations in extant inclinations. In 2021, the market size of the home organizing industry has reached approximately $11.4 billion. (Source – Onedesk )
• The demand for professional organizers is expected to grow 7% between 2018 and 2028, creating 9,600 job opportunities across the US. (Source – Step by Step Business)
• Most professional organizers work for private companies, with the non-profit sector employing the most professional organizers.
• Education companies employ 25% of professional organizers, public companies employ 15%, private companies employ 54%, and government companies employ 6%. (Source – Zippa )

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Minimalist Solutions’ target market consists of individuals and businesses in the Texas area who need professional help to declutter and organize their spaces. The demographic profile of our target market is as follows:

• Age – 25-65 years old
• Gender – Male and female
• Income – $50,000-$150,000 per year
• Education – College degree or higher
• Occupation – Professionals, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, freelancers (Check our Freelance Business Plan )
• Marital Status – Single, married, divorced, widowed
• Family Size – 1-4 members
• Lifestyle – Busy, active, ambitious, social

Customer Segmentation

• Residential customers – These are individuals or families who need help organizing their homes or specific rooms, such as closets, kitchens, home offices, garages, and attics due to variety of reasons, such as moving, renovating, downsizing, merging households, having a baby, retiring, or simply wanting a change.
• Business customers – These are small businesses or organizations that need professional help to organize their offices or specific areas, such as desks, cabinets, files, and storage rooms. They may have a variety of goals for seeking organizing services, such as improving productivity, efficiency, creativity, collaboration, or image.

Competitive Analysis

This segment elucidates Minimalist Solutions’ direct and indirect competitors, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. It also illuminates our competitive advantage.

Direct and Indirect Competitors

Direct competitors.

• Organize to Optimize – This is a professional organizing company that helps people transform their homes and offices into stylish, functional spaces. They offer a kaleidoscopic range of services including closet orchestration, home office enhancement, kitchen rectification, garage reconstruction, document administration, and digital synchronization.
• Method Seattle Professional Organizing – This is a professional organizing company based in Bellevue, Washington. They furnish sundry services to help individuals and entities organize, systematize, and optimize their spaces. Their offerings include closet and icebox organization, kitchen, attic, home office and garage enhancement, office renovation, photo curation, and virtual organizing.
• Eliminate Chaos – This is a professional organizing company based in Redmond that provides expert organization, packing, moving and relocation, digital organizing and decluttering services. They provide amenities like household organization, relocation support for residential and commercial spaces, home office consulting, digital decluttering, virtual organizing and coaching.

Indirect Competitors

Indirect competitors offer alternative or complementary solutions to the same problem or need that Minimalist Solutions addresses. They are not directly competing with Minimalist Solutions for the same customers or market share but they may influence the customers’ decision making process or satisfaction level. Some of the indirect competitors are:

• Self-storage facilities – These are businesses that offer storage space for rent to individuals or businesses who need extra space for their belongings.
• Online platforms and apps – These are websites or applications that connect organizers and clients, such as FindMyOrganizer, Sortly, and Clutter.

Competitive Advantage

At Minimalist Solutions, our competitive edge is our all-encompassing approach to organizing. We ponder not only the physical dimensions of a space, but also the emotional and psychological elements of the client. We collaborate with patrons to comprehend their aspirations, obstacles, personality contours, habits, predilections, and lifestyle. Then we architect a bespoke regimen catered to their necessities and budget. We also follow-up with clients post-project to guarantee their contentment and furnish ongoing reinforcement.

Marketing Plan

This section outlines how Minimalist Solutions will promote its services to its target market and generate sales and revenue. It also includes information about the company’s promotions strategy and pricing.

Promotions Strategy

Minimalist Solutions’ promotion strategy is based on three principles:

• Building awareness and credibility – We will increase our visibility and reputation in the market by using various channels, such as online platforms, referrals, social media, local advertising, and networking events.
• Educating and engaging customers – We will enlighten and entrance prospective and current patrons regarding the boons of organizing and the merit of our offerings through diverse conduits. These include blogs, newsletters, webinars, workshops, podcasts, videos, and ebooks.
• Generating leads and conversions – We will generate leads and conversions for our services through various channels, such as online platforms, referrals, social media, local advertising, and networking events.

Minimalist Solutions’ pricing strategy is based on the following principles:

• Value-based pricing
• Competitive pricing
• Flexible pricing

Some of the specific prices that Minimalist Solutions’ will charge for its services are:

• Hourly rate
• $75 per hour for residential customers
• $100 per hour for business customers.

2. Flat fee

• $300 for a closet organization
• $500 for a home office organization
• $800 for a kitchen organization
• $1,000 for a garage organization

3. Project-based fee

• $2,000 for a full home organization
• $3,000 for a small business office organization
• $5,000 for a moving service.

Operations Plan

This section describes how Minimalist Solutions will run its day-to-day operations and achieve its milestones. It should include information about the company’s operation functions and timeline.

Operation Functions

• Marketing – This function is responsible for creating and implementing the marketing plan that was outlined in the previous section.
• Sales – This function is responsible for converting leads into customers and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Service delivery – This function is responsible for providing high-quality and customized organizing services to customers.
• Administration – This function is responsible for managing the financial and legal aspects of the business.
• Launching the website by January 2023 (Marketing)
• Registering on online platforms by February 2023 (Marketing)
• Creating social media accounts by March 2023 (Marketing)
• Securing 10 residential customers by May 2023 (Sales)
• Securing 5 business customers by June 2023 (Sales)
• Hiring 2 additional staff by July 2023 (Check our Headhunter Business Plan for more information)
• Reaching $50,000 in revenue by August 2023 (Administration)
• Reaching $100,000 in revenue by December 2023 (Administration)
• Reaching $150,000 in revenue by June 2024 (Administration)

This section tells about the people who are in charge of Minimalist Solutions. It should have information about their jobs, duties, skills, experience, abilities, and successes.

Financial Plan

This section provides an overview of the financial performance and projections of Minimalist Solutions. It should include information about the company’s key revenue and costs, funding requirements and use of funds, key assumptions, and financial statements.

Key Revenue and Costs

Minimalist Solutions’ key revenue sources are:

• Residential organizing services
• Business organizing services
• Moving services

Minimalist Solutions’ key costs are:

• Staff salaries
• Marketing expenses
• Travel expenses
• Tools and supplies
• Miscellaneous expenses

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Minimalist Solutions requires $50,000 in funding to operate and expand the business. The funding will be used for the following purposes:

• Marketing expenses – $15,000
• Travel expenses – $10,000
• Tools and supplies – $10,000
• Insurance – $5,000
• Taxes – $5,000
• Miscellaneous expenses – $5,000

Key Assumptions

Minimalist Solutions’ financial plan is based on the following key assumptions:

• The market size and growth rate of the professional organizing industry in the US are based on the data from IBISWorld.
• The market share and customer base are based on the data from online platforms and local advertising.
• The revenue and cost projections are based on the data from similar companies in Seattle.
• The inflation rate and tax rate are based on the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Internal Revenue Service.

Financial Projections

• Income Statement (H4)
• Balance Sheet (H4)
• Cash Flow Statement (H4)

Experience the Expertise of OGSCapital Consultants for Professional Organizing Business Plan

At Minimalist Solutions, we appreciate that a strong business plan is crucial for our success and our goal fulfillment. That’s why we have teamed up with OGSCapital, the best in the business of business planning and consulting, to help us create a detailed and powerful professional organizing business plan.

With OGSCapital Consultants as our reliable ally in business planning, we can boldly start our journey to success. OGSCapital’s industry savvy, personalized approach, and financial acumen will enable us to emerge as a first-rate professional organizing business, provide excellent value to our customers, and achieve our ultimate goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. How do I start a professional organizing business? If you’re confused about how to start your own organizing business, you need to have a passion and skill for organizing, a business plan, a legal entity, a marketing strategy, and a service delivery system.
• Q. Is professional organizing a lucrative business? Starting a professional organizing business can be profitable if you offer clients real value, build a base of repeat customers, charge competitive rates, and keep your overhead costs low.

Download Professional Organizing Business Plan Sample in PDF

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

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Professional Organizer Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » B2C Sector

Are you about starting a professional organizer business? If YES, here is a complete sample professional organizer business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a professional organizer business. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample professional organizer marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for professional organizers. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Being a professional organizer means that you will be engaged in promoting the professional interest of members of your organization and their profession as a whole. You will also conduct research, develop statistics and certification standards, lobby and publish materials for your members and clients.

Starting a professional organizer company is not too expensive except for the money required to rent and furnish an office space. Running this type of business requires that you should be trained and certified in relevant field and it is indeed a very lucrative business in the United States, Canada, Australia and The United Kingdom.

If you are truly convinced that starting a professional organizer company is the right business for you to do, then you need to write your own business plan. Below is a sample professional organizer company business plan template that will help you successfully write yours with little or no stress;

A Sample Professional Organizer Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The professional organizations industry comprises of organizations that are basically engaged in promoting the professional interest of their members and their profession as a whole. These organizations also conduct research, develop statistics and certification standards, lobby or publish materials for their members.

A close study of the Professional Organizations industry shows that the industry has indeed benefited from growing employment, which increases the potential pool of members for a range of organizations, as well as disposable income and corporate profit levels, which raises the propensity of employees or employers on behalf of employees to pay membership dues for industry services.

Going forward, declining unemployment and of course rising disposable income and corporate profit will no doubt increase the number of potential members who would pick up membership from professional organizations.

The Professional Organizations Industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Australia and Canada et al.

Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 6,506 registered and licensed professional organizer company scattered all across the United States responsible for employing about 87,366and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $21 billion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at 2.2 percent annual growth within 2011 and 2016. It is important to state that there is no establishment in this industry that has a lion market share.

A recent report published by IBISWORLD shows that the Professional Organizations industry has a low level of capital intensity. They projected that in 2016, wages are expected to account for 31.6 percent of industry revenue and depreciation costs, which stand in as a proxy for capital expenditure, are estimated to account for 2.5 percent in the same year.

As a result, for every $1.00 spent on wages, only $0.08 is allocated toward capital. Although operators are increasingly investing in computers and software to engage members and market their organizations online, the industry remains highly labor intensive.

The research further states that professional organizations companies rely much more heavily on labor than technology to conduct their operations.

Lastly, one thing is certain about starting a professional organizer company, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to secure clients because there are always individuals, and corporate organization who would want to hire your services from time to time. Just ensure that the business is properly located and you have the right business network.

2. Executive Summary

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is a standard and licensed professional organizer company that will be based in Annapolis – Maryland close to Washington DC, the capital of the United States. We have been able to secure a standard and well – positioned office facility in a business district in the heart of the city capital.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will handle all aspect of professional organizer services such as promoting the professional interests of our members and the profession as a whole, conducting research, developing statistics, sponsoring quality and certification standards, lobbying public officials, organizing seminars, conferences, trade shows and other events, publishing directories, periodicals and books and providing training, testing and examination services et al.

We are aware that to run a standard professional organizer company can be demanding which is why we are well trained, licensed and equipped to perform excellently well.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is a client-focused and result driven professional organizer company that provides broad-based services at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.  We will offer standard and professional services to all to our individual clients, and corporate clients at local, state, national, and international level.

We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass our clients’ expectations whenever they pick up membership our organization. Our client’s best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professionals who are well experienced in the professional organizations et al.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our plan is to position the business to become the leading brand in the professional organizer line of business in the whole of Annapolis – Maryland, and also to be amongst the top 20 professional organizer companies in the United States of America within the first 10 years of launching the business.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Annapolis – Maryland, a location close the Washington DC is the right place to launch our professional organizer company before spreading to other parts of The United States.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is founded by Dwight McGregor and Calvin Jefferson, his business partner for many years. The organization will be managed by both of them since they have adequate working experience to manage such business.

Dwight McGregor who is the lead partner has well over 10 years of experience working at various capacities within the professional organizer industry in the United States of America.  Dwight McGregor and Calvin Jefferson are Lawyers. They both have the required experience and qualifications to build a world class professional organizer company.

3. Our Products and Services

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the professional organizations industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our professional organizer company is to favorably compete with leading players in the professional organizations industry both in the United States of America and in the world at large.

We are well prepared to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the United States to achieve our business goals, aim and ambition. Our business offerings are listed below;

• Promoting the professional interests of members and the profession as a whole
• Conducting research
• Developing statistics
• Sponsoring quality and certification standards
• Lobbying public officials
• Organizing seminars, conferences, trade shows and other events
• Publishing directories, periodicals and books
• Providing training, testing and examination services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a professional organizer company brand that will become one of the preferred choices for both individual clients and corporate clients in the whole of Annapolis – Maryland. Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
• Our mission is to provide professional and trusted professional organizer services that assist individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations in achieving their personal and business goals.

We are going to position the business to become one of the leading brands in the professional organizer line of business in the whole of Annapolis – Maryland, and also to be amongst the top 20 professional organizer companies in the United States of America within the first 10 years of launching the business.

Our Business Structure

Normally we would have settled for two or three full – time employees, but as part of our plans to build a standard professional organizer company in Annapolis – Maryland, we have perfected plans to get it right from the beginning which is why we are going the extra mile to ensure that we have competent, honest and hardworking employees to occupy all the available positions in our organization.

The picture of the kind of professional organizer company we intend building and the business goals we want to achieve is what informed the amount we are ready to pay for the best hands available in and around Annapolis – Maryland.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer / Principal Partner

Event Planning Consultant

Professional Lobbyist / Training and Development Consultant

• Company Lawyer

Admin and HR Manager

• Business Developer
• Customer Care Executives

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Office / Principal Partner:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Organizes seminars, conferences, trade shows and other events
• Responsible for interviewing and hiring vendors, selecting and ordering materials, negotiating rates, coordinating the sequence of events, following up with guests and vendors and producing full-scale events.
• Plans, designs and produces events while managing all project delivery elements within time limits
• Liaises with clients to identify their needs and to ensure customer satisfaction
• Conducts market research, gathers information and negotiate contracts prior to closing any deals
• Provides feedback and periodic reports to stakeholders
• Proposes ideas to improve provided services and event quality
• Organizes facilities and manage all events’ details such as decor, catering, entertainment, transportation, location, invitee list, special guests, equipment, promotional material etc.
• Ensures compliance with insurance, legal, health and safety obligations
• Specify staff requirements and coordinate their activities
• Cooperates with marketing and PR to promote and publicize event
• Proactively handle any arising issues and troubleshoot any emerging problems on the event day
• Conducts pre- and post – event evaluations and report on outcomes
• Researches market, identify event opportunities and generate interest
• Provides training, testing and examination services
• Promotes the professional interests of members and the profession as a whole
• Develops statistics
• Sponsors quality and certification standards
• Lobbies public officials
• Manages the organization’s training school
• Coordinates training programs facilitated by Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
• Identifies trains and develops needs for staff through job analysis, appraisals and consultation
• Facilitates and coordinates strategic sessions.
• Works directly with clients in a non-advising capacity, such as answering questions, scheduling appointments and making sure all training concerns are properly taken care off
• Responsible for handling all trainings both internal and external trainings

Company’s Lawyer / Secretary / Legal Counsel

• Handles mitigation and remediation regarding any maintenance issues, generally within a budget, with prior or conveyed consent via a Limited Power of Attorney legally agreed to by the property owner.
• Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
• Consults and handles all corporate legal processes (e.g. intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, financial / securities offerings, compliance issues, transactions, agreements, lawsuits and patents et al)
• Develops company policy and position on legal issues
• Researches, anticipates and guards company against legal risks
• Represents company in legal proceedings (administrative boards, court trials et al)
• Plays a part in business deals negotiation and take minutes of meetings
• Responsible for analyzing legal documents on behalf of the company
• Prepares annual reports for the company
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Marketing Executive

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the company

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
• Distribute mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the line manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Going by our vision, our mission and the kind of business we want to set – up, we don’t have any other option than to follow due process. Following due process involves hiring business consultant to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our business.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP hired the services of a seasoned business consultant with bias in start – ups in the United States to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to guide us in formulating other business strategies that will help us grow our business and favorable compete in the professional organizations industry.

As a company, we look forward to maximizing our strength and opportunities and also to work around our weaknesses and threats. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP.

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in the professional organizations industry.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected team members and our strong online presence, Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is well positioned in a city with the right demography close to Washington DC and we know we will attract loads of corporate and individual clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new professional organizer company in Annapolis – Maryland, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated professional organizations industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. So also, we may not have the required money to give the business the kind of publicity that we would love to give the business.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities available in the professional organization industry is massive considering the number of people lobbying for government positions, contractors and events that takes places on a daily basis in the United States. As a standard and licensed professional organizer company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a professional organizer company operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies , the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects purchasing power. There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The professional organizations industry is in a continuous state of evolution and as such, ground breaking strategies and ideas that are once highly successful are no longer as productive as they were in time past. Close observation of the trend in the industry reveals that the past few years have seen the rise and proliferation of social media and new tech tools.

The trend also extend to increased attention paid to engagement and new market segments, adopting eco-friendly measures and sustainability when planning events, and of course increase in demands from event sponsors.

Although operators in the professional organizations industry are increasingly investing in computers and software to engage members and market their organizations online, the industry remains highly labor intensive. The research further states that professional organizations companies rely much more heavily on labor than technology to conduct their operations.

As a matter of fact, social media has now become one of the most important tools event planners and lobbyists leverage on to disseminate information about their events, interact with attendees, solicit feedback, and create year-round engagement with their target audience.

Furthermore, new software apps and emerging technology have made it easier for event planners cum professional organizers to gather all the needed data and information that will help them plan and project for the future.

In recent time, mobile event apps are becoming more popular; event planner cum professional organizers can now successfully host events via social media platforms / online platforms. In the United States for example, there several vendors providing mobile apps with more event planners patronizing the apps.

Over and above, with the invention of event apps, it is now compulsory for event planners and venue owners to offer Wi-Fi throughout the event, in all meeting rooms. The truth is that it will no longer be acceptable to not have Wi-Fi accessible at events; people will hardly rent halls without Wi-Fi facility.

8. Our Target Market

Even though Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will initially serve small to medium sized business, from new ventures to well established businesses and individual clients, but that does not in any way stop us from growing to be able to compete with the leading professional organizer companies in the United States.

As a standard and licensed professional organizer company, Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP offers a wide range of services hence we are well trained and equipped to services a wide range of clientele base.

Our target market cuts across people of different class and people from all walks of life, local and international organizations as well. We are coming into the industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the highly – placed people and companies in the country and at the same with the lowly placed people and smaller businesses.

Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically design our products and services for;

• Government contractors
• Blue – chips companies
• Corporate organizations
• Religious organizations
• Political parties / politicians
• Households / families
• The government (public sector)
• Schools (high schools, colleges and universities)
• Sport organizations
• Celebrities and public figures
• Entrepreneurs and Start – Ups

Our competitive advantage

No doubt, the professional organizations industry is indeed a very prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients will only hire your services if they know that you can successfully help them organize their events, win government contracts, secure government positions and achieve their personal and professional goals.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the professional organizations industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your clients should be able to improve the business and PR of your clients and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP might be a new professional organizer company in Annapolis – Maryland, but the management team and the owner of the business are considered gurus in the industry.

They are people who are core professionals, licensed and highly qualified, people that can successfully help her clients win government contracts, secure political appointment and achieve their professional and personal goal within a short period of time. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Aside from our robust experience and expertise of our team of experts, we have a very strong online presence that will enable us train and promote clients in different parts of the world from our online portals.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups professional organizer companies in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the professional organizations industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis and sign retainer – ship with most of our clients.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will generate income by offering the following services to individual clients and for corporate organizations;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be politicians and contractors who are lobbying for contracts and political appointments and also there would always be parties and events in the United States of America and as such the services of professional organizer companies will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in the United States and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond Annapolis to other cities in Maryland and other states in the U.S.

We have been able to critically examine the professional organizations market space and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Annapolis – Maryland.

Below are the sales projections for Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP, it is based on the location of our business and the wide range of services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $150,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $650,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $1,000,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. There won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competitions amongst professional organizer companies in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.

We will also ensure that our excellent job deliveries speak for us in the marketplace; we want to build a standard professional organizer business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow our professional organizer company to become one of the top 20 professional organizer companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in the Annapolis – Maryland, but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, contractors, households and key stake holders in Annapolis and other cities in Maryland.
• Promptness in bidding for event planning / event management contracts from the government and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality event planning services to them
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
• Join local chambers of commerce and industries with the aim of networking and marketing our services

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to take the professional organizations industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our company. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Annapolis – Maryland
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations by calling them up and informing them of Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP and the services we offer
• List our private counseling firm in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our professional organizer company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Just like in consulting business, hourly billing for event planning / event management / training services is also a long – time tradition in the industry. However, for some types of professional organizations services like lobbying for a contract or political appointment, flat fees make more sense because they allow clients to better predict the overall service charges.

As a result of this, Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will charge our clients both flat fee and hourly billing as long as it favors both parties.

At Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to start – ups, nonprofits, cooperatives, and small social enterprises.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need regular access to professional organizations consultancy and advisory services and assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Starting a professional organization business can be cost effective; this is so because on the average, you are not expected to acquire expensive machines and equipment.

Basically, what you should be concerned about is the amount needed to secure a standard office facility in a good and busy business district, the amount needed to furniture and equip the office, the amount to purchase the required software applications, the amount needed to pay bills, promote the business and obtain the appropriate business license and certifications.

However, this is what it would cost us to start our own standard and world class professional organizer company in the United States of America;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space that will accommodate the number of employees we intend employing for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
• Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
• The cost for accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and Utilities (gas, sewer, water and electric) deposits – ( $3,500 ).
• Launching an official website will cost – $500
• Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000
• Miscellaneous – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about one hundred and fifty thousand ( 150,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard professional organizer company in the United States of America. Please note that the salary for the payment of staff members for the first 3 months is included.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is a partnership business that will be owned by Dwight McGregor and he will run the business with his business partner for many years Calvin Jefferson. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 ( Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our professional organization services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Dwight McGregor & Co®, LLP will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing a standard office facility in a good location plus reconstruction: In progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the school: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating awareness for the business in Smethport – Pennsylvania: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress

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How to Start a Business as a Professional Organizer

Starting a new business in professional organizing can be a very profitable and exciting venture . However, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get started. This is why, in today’s article, we’ll teach you how to start a business as a professional organizer in 6 easy steps!

We’ll also break down how to market your new company, provide advice on what services to offer your clients, and give some awesome tips on the type of training you should get.

So, if you’re ready to get your clients’ homes in order, keep reading!

How much does it cost to start a professional organizing business.

Before you can get the ball rolling, you first need to have an idea of the money required to build your business from the ground up. The price of launching a company can depend on a bunch of factors, such as the size of it, the services you want to offer, etc. Generally speaking, though, you’ll need to invest in some basic start-up fees, such as:

• A computer and/or laptop
• Telephone line and headset
• Business cards
• A professional business website

It’s typically recommended that you save up at least $15,000-$20,000 before starting operations. However, this number may be higher or lower, depending on how big you want your company to be, whether you want to run it out of your home vs. an office space, etc.

In  a recent blog post published by Shopify, they stated that an entrepreneur is likely to spend an average of approximately $40,000 in their first year of business. Now, it’s worth keeping in mind that many of Shopify’s customers are business owners selling and shipping physical products from an online store. As a result, some of the data within this article might not necessarily apply to a professional organizing business owner.

Still, the info they give in this article is definitely worth the read, in our opinion!

Another investment you may want to consider is purchasing business management software that can help you streamline the process a little easier. Depending on whether you plan to offer other types of design services as well, this may extend into purchasing specific design software, too.

Ultimately, how much you wind up spending the start-up costs of your business will largely depend on YOUR specific needs and budget.

How Much Money Can You Make as a Professional Organizer?

Is professional organizing a lucrative business? Will your start-up investments ultimately be worth it?

The answer is a resounding YES!

Here are the average incomes for professional organizers, based on a few example countries:

• United States : Between approx. $25,000 USD to $63,500 USD per year. (Source: ZipRecruiter )
• Canada : Between approx. $35,000 CAD to $67,000 CAD per year. (Source: Glassdoor )
• United Kingdom : Between approx. £18,500 GBP to £24,000 GBP per year. (Source: Salary Expert )
• Australia : Approx. $50 AUD per hour. (Source: Payscale )

It’s important to keep in mind that these are merely averages and estimates, based on what other people have earned over time. You may end up making less or more than them, depending how savvy of a marketer you are, whether you wish to offer additional design services, and whether or not there’s high demand for your services within your specific area.

That said, if you play your cards right early on in this business venture, you could absolutely pull in a hefty profit by the end of your first year!

What Does a Professional Organizing Entrepreneur Do Day-to-Day?

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s move on to what a professional organizer actually does on a daily basis. In this field, you can expect to be responsible for a variety of tasks and duties, such as:

• Meeting with clients in-person and/or virtually;
• Touring the client’s home and taking measurements/notes;
• Assessing what areas need decluttering/organizing the most;
• Recommending solutions and strategies for improvement;
• Helping to put these plans into action;
• Coordinating with other professionals, such as cleaners, movers, painters, etc.;
• Following up with clients post-organizing to ensure they’re staying on track;

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into being a successful professional organizer. But that said, do you have the passion and drive to make a client’s home (and by extension, their lives) look and feel its best?

If so, then this career path is still the perfect one for you!

How Do I Start a Professional Organizer Business?

We’ll let you in on a little secret: the key to answering this question is to first ask your, “How do I become a certified professional organizer?”

Indeed, this is the single BEST way to start a successful career in this area of the design industry! This is why we recommend enrolling in an online course that specializes in professional organizing. A trustworthy program will teach you everything you need to know to do your job right and launch a thriving company.

Furthermore, completing an accredited online course will arm you with a reputable certification that you can add to your professional resume! We’ll talk more about the type of online professional organizer training you should get a little later on in this article…

How Much Should I Charge for My Services?

There are a lot of factors that go into pricing your professional organizer services. Some of the questions we recommend asking yourself include:

• How long have you been in business?
• What are your qualifications as an organizer?
• How much real-world experience is already under your belt?
• How many clients do you have at the moment?
• Do you also want to offer clients other design services as well, such as interior decorating, home staging, color consulting, etc.?
• Are you planning to launch your business with a team, or on your own?
• If the former, how experienced are your staff/team members when it comes to professional organizing and other areas of home design?
• Do you want to specialize in a niche, such as working with hoarders, preparing clients to move (or helping them move  in ), etc.?
• How much time does each client take up per month, or per year?
• How profitable is the organizing industry within your specific area right now?

Once you’re done brainstorming these questions, you can better determine how much money it’d cost you to run your company over a set period of time (e.g. the first year, years 2-5, etc.). This article by The Balance Small Business provides even more info on properly pricing your services, so we recommend giving it a read.

What Type(s) of Services Do I Want to Offer My Clients?

When building a professional organizing business, it’s important to decide which services you want to offer your clients. For example, will you be specializing in assisting hoarding situations? Moves? Specific rooms of the home?

You don’t have to limit yourself to one area of the professional organizing spectrum! In fact, many organizers offer a variety of services. Either way, it’s important to choose the services that you’re most comfortable with – and that you know you can deliver on successfully.

Here are just some of the services you can offer your customers:

• Residential organizing
• Decluttering
• Organization for specific areas of the home (e.g. kitchens, closets, bedrooms, etc.)
• Business organizing
• Paper and filing management
• Time management
• Life coaching
• Photo/memorabilia organizing
• Move-in and move-out services
• Organization for specific target demographics (i.e. hoarders, children, senior citizens, special needs clients, etc.)

Not to mention, if you’re trained and knowledgeable in other types of home design, too, you can also offer those services as part of your business as well! Some examples can include:

• Interior decorating
• Home staging
• Feng Shui design
• Color consulting
• Aging in Place design
• Virtual design
• Floral arrangements
• Landscape design

Fun Fact: Did you know that QC Design School offers internationally-recognized training in ALL of the above services? It’s true! Learn about our full list of self-paced, online courses here !

Alright, now that we’ve answered some of the most popular FAQs, let’s look at the 6 steps involved in starting a business as a professional organizer from scratch!

Step One: Get Trained and Certified as a Professional Organizer!

First thing’s first, you’re going to need a proper education. In fact, we’d even argue that getting professionally certified is the single BEST way to become a professional organizer and achieve success!

When it comes to obtaining a solid, reliable education, there’s no better option than to enroll in an accredited, internationally-recognized school! QC Design School , for instance, offers a self-paced, online Professional Organizing Course that you can complete right from the comfort of home in as little as 3-6 months!

The beauty of this course is that it isn’t only geared towards those already working within the design industry, who are looking to upskill or add additional services to their company. Rather, they’ve been carefully crafted for entrepreneurs who want to start their own business and break out into the world of professional design, too.

This means that  regardless  of your skill level or past experience, you’ll absolutely benefit from the knowledge and expertise offered in QC’s Professional Organizing! Not to mention, once you’ve completed this program, you’ll become a globally-recognized Advanced International Organizing Professional (AIOP) and have a certification to add to your resume as well.

How awesome is that?!

Want to learn even more about QC Design School’s wildly popular Professional Organizing Course? Check out our full course page here !

Step two: figure out what you want your business to look like.

Once you’ve gotten your education under your belt, it’s time to start thinking about what you want your business to actually look like. For example, how will you structure it? How much money are you willing to invest in getting it started up and running smoothly? Do you eventually want to hire on fellow team members/staff, etc.?

Now is also a great time to self-reflect! Grab a pen and paper, and brainstorm the following questions:

• What kind of professional organizing/design services do I want to provide to my clients?
• How willing am I to work evenings and/or weekends?
• Do I have enough money saved up to both get this business started  and support myself while I’m in the beginning stages?
• How much money do I need vs. how much do I ideally want to make?
• How many hours am I willing to work per week, month, and year?
• Do I want to provide additional design services as well?
• What are my short-term and long-term goals for my professional organizer business (i.e., what do you want it to look like a few years down the road)?

Your Business Name and Brand

Lastly, you’ll also want to  figure out your company’s brand . How do you want people to perceive you and your business? Are there any colors you’d like associated with your company? What kind of vibe(s) are you going for (i.e., fun, posh, modern, etc.)?

(And once you’ve chosen your company name, don’t forget to get it legally registered. This way, no one else can steal it from you!)

During this step, you’ll also want to start coming up with ideas for your business’s name! This can be fun and stressful at the same time, so don’t worry if it feels like a bit of a struggle at first. One option at your disposal is to try out an online business name generator. There are all sorts of decent ones out there that, if nothing else, can at least help you get the creative gears turning!

We recommend doing plenty of research on this. This way, you can figure out what would work well with your target audience! The key is to find something that you feel comfortable with, that also allows you to stand out from your local competitors.

Step Three: Come Up With a Plan for Your Professional Organizer Business!

By this stage, you’ve got your education under your belt and have decided what kind of business you want to start up. Furthermore, you’ve figured out how it’ll be branded.

As such, it’s now time for step three: putting your business plan together!

A high-quality business plan will help you outline all of the important details about your company and include the services you’ll offer, how you’ll market yourself, and what your expenses and revenue will be. Plus, it’ll also help you determine who your target audience is.

A good way to approach your business plan is to think of it as a roadmap. When properly executed, it can help you figure out what your next steps should be along the way. Plus, banks and other financial institutions often require a business plan from anyone looking to take out a loan for their business. This means you can also think of it as the blueprints for your company, too!

Never written a business plan before? No problem! There are lots of great online resources (such as this one ) that can help you get started!

Step Four: Build Your Business Website and Social Media Presence!

Once you’ve completed step three, it’s time to develop your official website and social media channels! This is where you’ll be able to showcase all of your amazing work for the world to see – as well as give potential clients a little taste of what they can expect from you.

If you’ve never put together a professional website before, or run social media channels for a business, we offer some truly EXCELLENT tips in this blog article that’ll help you do these things, as well as find new clients!

Above all else, the key is to make sure that both your website and social media accounts are up-to-date, always. Moreover, they should always reflect the brand that you worked so hard on in the last step.

Step Five: Establish How You’ll Get Clients and Market Your Professional Organizing Business!

By this point, it’s time to think about how you’ll actually get customers. How will people know that you’re a professional organizer – and even more  importantly, that they should hire YOU for their next big shindig?

Furthermore, what kind of marketing materials will you need to create (i.e. a website, business cards, online ad marketing, social media profiles, etc.)? How often will you need to update these things? Are there any other ways for you to get your name out there?

One business-savvy way to kick things off is by creating a list of potential referral partners or affiliates. Do some research and compile a list of color consultants, painters, interior designers, interior decorators, home stagers, moving companies, and other design service providers in your area that might be interested in working together. You can also see if you can meet with these businesses in-person, to discuss how you can help each other out!

When it comes to getting your business seen, it’s also worth knowing right away that online marketing will be your BEST FRIEND. After all, that’s the entire point of a website and social media presence!

Establishing a budget for your marketing efforts is always a smart idea, too. Start this by asking yourself how frequently you’ll be able to put money aside for advertising. From there, try to answer these additional questions:

• How much do you have available each month and each quarter?
• How can this allotted amount help get people interested in what you’re offering?
• What do you know about Search Engine Optimization (a.k.a. SEO)? Are you willing to learn about it, and put in the efforts required to maintain a high-ranking for your company?
• What sort of online marketing are you interested in maximizing? (I.e. paid ads on Google and/or social media, email campaigns, monthly newsletters, etc.)
• Are you interested in creating a marketing budget at the start of each new year, so you have time to plan ahead?

Step Six: Start Networking and Getting Real-World Experience as a Professional Organizer!

Last (but certainly not least), it’s time to start networking and getting hands-on experience in the real world of design. Luckily, there are all sorts of ways you can put your skills to practice, such as:

• Attending industry events, conferences, and meetups.
• Participating in online forums and/or communities related to home design and professional organizing.
• Volunteering your time with local charities or non-profit organizations.
• Offering free professional organizing consultations (and even services) to friends or family in need of them.
• Collaborating with other industry experts in a stylized photoshoot, etc.

The more you put yourself out there, the more people will know about your business – and the better your chances will be of landing some wonderful clients! Also, don’t forget to network with other  professional organizers in your area, too. Sure, they’re technically you’re “competition”. But the fact is, there’s always room for more than one organizer in the design industry.

If anything, you’ll quickly come to realize that ALL of your fellow designers will make for some of the greatest friends (and allies) as you navigate life as a business owner!

We hope this article has been helpful, and has outlined how YOU can start a business from scratch as a professional organizer. Just remember to be patient, do your research, and more than anything, have fun.

As the saying goes: “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Neither, too, shall your business be! But so long as you follow this 6-step process, you’ll be seeing success in no time!

Ready to start a professional organizing business right from the comfort of home? Enroll in QC Design School’s online Professional Organizing Course today!

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Organizing Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur launching a business for the first time, or a seasoned professional ready to take your venture to the next level, success begins with an effective business plan. The #1 Organizing Business Plan Template & Guidebook is the essential guide for organizing your plan and setting yourself up for success. This comprehensive template and guidebook provides step-by-step instructions on developing a complete and well-structured business plan so you can turn your vision into reality.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Organizing Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Organizing Business Ideas [2023]
• 25 Catchy Organizing Business Names:
• List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Organizing Business:

How to Write a Organizing Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your organizing business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your organizing business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a organizing business:

Our purpose at [Organizing Business Name] is to provide efficient and organized solutions that help our clients to live and work in an orderly and stress-free environment. We strive to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages productivity while maintaining the comfort and style of our clients’ homes and offices.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Organizing Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your organizing business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your organizing business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your organizing business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your organizing business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a organizing business?

Start-up equipment and supplies for a organizing business may include:

• Office space and furniture
• Computer and printer/copier/scanner
• Office supplies like stationery, pens, paper clips, filing cabinets, etc.
• Invoicing or accounting software
• Database software to record customer information
• Business licenses and permits needed to operate in your area

5. Management & Organization of Your Organizing Business.

The second part of your organizing business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your organizing business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Organizing Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a organizing business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a organizing business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your organizing business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your organizing business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your organizing business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a organizing business.

A business plan is an essential tool for any business, including an organizing business. It provides a roadmap to help you understand where you are starting from, establish goals and growth plans, and measure progress. It also serves as a document for investors or lenders to review when considering investing in or lending money to your business.

Who should you ask for help with your organizing business plan?

You should consult with a qualified business advisor or accountant to help with your organizing business plan. They will be able to provide insight, analysis and advice to help you develop a successful plan. Additionally, many small business resources are available online that can provide guidance and tips on developing an effective plan.

Can you write a organizing business plan yourself?

Writing a business plan can be a daunting task, but it is possible to write a business plan yourself if you have the time and knowledge to do so. There are many resources available online that can help guide you through the process of creating a professional business plan. Additionally, there are professional business plan consultants who specialize in helping entrepreneurs create an effective and comprehensive plan that will serve as a roadmap for success.

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Handbag Business Plan Template & Guidebook

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

• Business Type
• Business Plan for Professional Organizer

Professional Organizer Small Business Idea and Business Plan

Starting your own small business in the UK isn’t easy but having a properly developed business plan will help you achieve success.

To start a Professional Organizer business in the UK, take the time and explain the idea via a business plan.

Understanding all of the aspects of the business idea will be the key to getting the Professional Organizer business running like a well-oiled machine. The business plan you develop will help you organize the elements needed into a strategy that you can actually use to startup, by paving a clear road map as to what you need to follow for the lifespan of your business.

Starting a Professional Organizer business isn’t easy, but when done right, it can lead to a lot of success.

To help you get started, you can use the free business plan builder tool to develop your own Professional Organizer business plan.

The business plan template is very easy to use, is interactive and will quickly and easily help you create your business plan just by answering the needed questions about your small business idea.

Create your own Professional Organizer business plan for free using the Business Plan Builder

The free business plan template builder is divided into a few easy to follow steps.

The free business plan builder template is provided by UKStartups.org to help you develop your own business plan. For step by step guidance, see the 5 steps below.

Once completed, the result will be a clean, professional plan that will help you start your own Professional Organizer small business in the UK.

When you have completed your Professional Organizer business plan, the next step will be to find available funding that will help, or to speak with a funding adviser who will assist you each step of the way to securing the needed funds to make your Professional Organizer business startup.

If you are looking to limit your startup costs when starting up a Professional Organizer small business in the UK, this free business plan builder tool will be it.

Starting a Professional Organizer business is only one of the ways others have used this free business plan tool. There are hundreds of different ideas you can start, and if you need guidance, do reach out to a UKStartups expert to get the needed assistance and guidance.

Step 1. Your business information

To develop a proper Professional Organizer business plan with the free business plan builder template, it is important to answer each of the questions about your business to the best of your abilities.

What is your business? What are the products/services you provide? Who are your customers? What are your goals…etc?

Having a clear explanation will help you create a in-depth business plan that you can actually use to start the Professional Organizer business and to apply for needed funding to cover your startup costs.

Step 2. Projecting your revenues/income

The Professional Organizer industry can have great results. Planning and projecting the financial figures to approximate what you will make each year is crucial to building a strong business plan.

What do you think your business will make from each of its products/services? Simply list your products/services, enter the appropriate financial figures (costs and expenses).

If you don’t have the figures, in many cases it is recommended to do a a bit more research on other Professional Organizer businesses locally and within your own region to get an idea of potential revenue. You can do your best to estimate the figures and growth potential.

If you need assistance in projecting, you can always contact UK Startups funding experts for the help.

Step 3. Your business market

As a Professional Organizer business, having a clear explanation of the market and industry that you are in will help you plan for the figure and will ensure you can take the business to the next level.

Explain your location of business, share specifics about your customers, showcase your competition and explain the advantages you have over your competition.

Step 4. The future plan

Starting your own Professional Organizer business and getting it off the ground is important to you.

No matter if you’re planning on applying for government funding for your Professional Organizer business or not, it is important to plan out the future and provide an explanation of how you will grow the business. This means explaining your marketing plan, your sales strategy and clearly outlining a growth plan for the next few years.

Be sure to break this down step by step to show how you intend on making sure your Professional Organizer business can grow each year.

Keep in mind that often business plans are focused on key people. Be sure to discuss yourself, your role and any other key figures in the business as well.

Step 5. The financials

In the end, it all comes down to the financials. If you are seeking funding, or not – the business plan you develop needs to have clearly defined financials or projections. The business plan builder tool makes it easy to develop your financial charts by simply entering your expected revenues per month and year. If you don’t have the figures as it’s a new business be sure to project the figures based on your expectations. If you need help with this, ask the UK Startups experts .

A clear breakdown of your funding needs is also recommended in case you are seeking funding and this free business plan template will help you with exactly that. When developing your Professional Organizer business plan using this free template, the above 5 steps are recommended in order to succeed. While there are other key points that will assist you in starting your business, finding funding...etc, the free template will help put you on the right path

Be sure to request a professional to review your business plan , to answer any questions you may have and to help you with the funding search once you’ve done the initial free template. You can request this directly via UKStartups.org and through the Small Business Startup Platform as a member.

If starting a Professional Organizer business is just one of your ideas, perhaps considering other options, here are some popular small business’s others have chosen to startup

• Laser Hair Removal Service
• Jewelry Buyer
• Industrial Gas Supplier

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How To Design a Professional Development Plan for Career Growth

Updated: March 11, 2024

Published: September 25, 2023

Climbing the corporate ladder or growing your own business requires constant learning and improvement. 

Sometimes, you’ll learn from mistakes and general experience while working in the field daily. However, having a clear plan to develop your skills is necessary to grow in your profession and reach new heights over the long term.

A professional development plan is a tool that can ensure you gain and enhance your skills in a structured manner.

What is a professional development plan?

A professional development plan is a strategic road map designed to help individuals enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise in their chosen field. It serves as a guide for setting goals, identifying areas for improvement, and mapping out actionable steps for continuous growth and career development. 

Why do you need a professional development plan?

If you’re on a career path with opportunities to expand into new or higher positions, then odds are you need a plan to develop your skill set. Creating one can increase your odds of earning spots in roles you weren’t eligible for before.

For example, imagine a content editor who aspires to become a digital marketing strategist. In order to earn that promotion and move into that new role, they will need to improve their digital marketing skills. This may involve attending industry conferences and events, enrolling in online courses, earning a new degree, and seeking mentorship from experienced digital marketers, amongst other strategies. 

By following a well-crafted plan, individuals can unlock their full potential and stay ahead in today’s competitive job market.

Benefits of a professional development plan

Here’s a look at some of the other benefits of having a professional development plan: 

It clarifies your goals

A development plan defines specific goals you want to reach, such as earning a promotion, learning new technologies, improving your communication, and enhancing your leadership skills . For example, a software engineer in product design may set a goal to become proficient in a new programming language to expand their job opportunities.

It identifies strengths and weaknesses

Professional development plans don’t just guide your next steps — they review your current performance to identify strengths and weaknesses. By assessing your current skills and knowledge, you can identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement. For instance, a sales professional may realize they excel at building relationships but lack negotiation skills.

It keeps you motivated and focused

Having a development plan keeps you motivated and focused on your career growth. It provides a sense of direction and purpose, helping you overcome obstacles and stay committed to your goals.

A human resources professional who has a goal of becoming a director within a year, for example, may become disenchanted with her goal if she doesn’t have a clear-cut way of achieving it. Building a professional development plan that outlines the skills she needs to foster and the strategies she can use to do so can keep her motivated over the long term.

It helps you maintain a competitive edge

The business landscape constantly evolves. A development plan ensures you stay up to date with industry trends and advancements. For instance, a health care professional may include continuous education in their plan, as well as a goal of attending conferences to stay informed about the latest medical breakthroughs.

It increases job satisfaction

A development plan allows you to pursue your passions and interests within your profession. By aligning your career goals with your personal aspirations, you can find greater fulfillment and satisfaction in your work. For example, a graphic designer may focus on developing their illustration skills to work on print projects that align with their artistic interests.

Remember, a professional development plan isn’t a one-time task, but an ongoing process that evolves with your career aspirations. As you accomplish pieces of your plan and start to realize your goals, you should constantly return to your plan and think about what else you may want to add.

How to create a professional development plan

It’s time to walk the talk of improving your professional skills. But where should you begin when creating your professional development plan?

Follow these five steps.

Step 1: Assess your current skills and knowledge

Creating a professional development plan starts with assessing your current skills and knowledge. This identifies your strengths and areas for improvement.

Here’s how to assess your current skills and knowledge:

• Conduct a self-assessment: Reflect on your current skills, knowledge, and experience. What things can you do well? What projects or tasks do you struggle with the most? Then determine where you’d like to invest time to grow professionally.
• Seek feedback: Request feedback from your supervisors, colleagues, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights into your performance and areas where you can further develop your skills.
• Evaluate performance reviews: Review your past performance evaluations or appraisals to identify any recurring feedback or areas for improvement.
• Identify skill gaps: Compare your current skills and knowledge with the requirements of your desired career path or future roles. Identify any gaps that need addressing to achieve your professional goals.

By assessing your current skills and knowledge, you gain a clear understanding of where you stand professionally and can identify the areas that require further development.

Step 2: Set SMART goals

After assessing your current skills and knowledge, the next step is to set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Setting SMART goals ensures your objectives are clear, actionable, and aligned with your professional growth.

Here’s how you can set SMART goals:

1. Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Be specific about the skills or knowledge you want to develop and the outcomes you expect.

Example: Improve my presentation skills to deliver engaging presentations to clients and stakeholders confidently.

2. Measurable: Set criteria to measure your progress and success. This tracks your development and increases motivation.

Example: Increase my presentation skills rating from 7 to 9 on a scale of 1-10 within six months.

3. Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic and attainable. Consider your available resources, time, and capabilities.

Example: Attend presentation skills workshops, practice presentations regularly, and seek feedback from colleagues and mentors.

4. Relevant: Align your goals with your career aspirations and the needs of your role or industry. Ensure that they contribute to your professional growth.

Example: Enhance presentation skills to excel in client-facing roles and contribute to business development efforts.

5. Time-Bound: Set a deadline or timeline for achieving your goals. This adds a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused.

Example: Improve presentation skills within six months by attending two workshops, practicing presentations weekly, and receiving feedback from colleagues.

When we put all those pieces together, we get a single goal that says, “Improve presentation skills within six months by attending two workshops, practicing presentations weekly, and receiving feedback from colleagues.” 

Step 3: Identify development opportunities

After assessing your skills and setting SMART goals, the next step is identifying development opportunities. This involves finding opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills.

Here are several ideas:

• Research available resources: Conduct thorough research to identify the resources and opportunities that can support your professional growth. This may include online platforms, books, industry publications, professional associations, and training programs.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and online courses: Participating in workshops, conferences, and online courses can provide valuable learning experiences and help you acquire new skills and knowledge. Look for relevant events and courses that align with your goals and interests.
• Seek out mentorship: Finding a mentor experienced in your field can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights. Seek out professionals who have achieved success in areas you want to develop and establish a mentorship relationship with them.
• Find networking opportunities: Engaging in networking activities allows you to connect with professionals in your industry and expand your professional network. Attend industry events, join professional groups or associations, and participate in online communities to build connections and learn from others.

The more resources and opportunities you explore, the greater the possibility you’ll have to enhance your skills and grow your career. So add one or more from the list to your professional development plan.

Step 4: Create an action plan

Once you’ve identified development opportunities, create an action plan. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable milestones and create a timeline and schedule for your development activities.

Here’s an example of how you can create an effective action plan:

1. Breaking down goals into smaller milestones: Divide your goals into smaller, achievable milestones. This helps you track your progress and stay motivated as you accomplish each milestone. Break down your goals into specific tasks or activities.

Example: If your goal is to improve your project management skills, your milestones could be completing a project management course, applying the learned skills to a real-life project, and receiving positive feedback from stakeholders.

2. Creating a timeline: Set a timeline for each milestone and the overall completion of your goals. Consider the resources available to you and any external deadlines or constraints. Be realistic in your timeline to ensure you have enough time to complete each milestone effectively.

Example: You might allocate three months for completing the project management course, two months for applying the skills to a real-life project, and one month for receiving feedback and making improvements.

3. Scheduling development activities: Create a schedule for your development activities. Determine when and how often you’ll engage in each activity, such as attending workshops and networking events, or working on specific tasks. This helps you allocate time and resources effectively.

Example: You might attend a project management workshop every other week, spend two hours each week practicing project management techniques, and allocate dedicated time for networking activities on a monthly basis.

Creating an action plan establishes a clear road map for achieving your goals. This helps you stay organized, focused, and accountable, and ensures you take a structured approach to  reaching your goals.

Step 5: Implement and review the plan

With your action plan in place, it’s time to implement it and regularly review your progress.

Here’s how you can effectively implement and review your professional development plan:

• Stay committed to the plan: Prioritize the activities outlined in your action plan. Make a conscious effort to allocate time and resources for your development activities and treat them as a priority.
• Schedule regular check-ins: Set specific dates or intervals to check in on your progress. This allows you to assess how well you’re sticking to your plan and achieving your milestones. Regular check-ins help you stay accountable and make any necessary adjustments to your plan if needed.
• Review your progress: During your check-ins, review your progress toward your goals and milestones. Evaluate what’s working well and which areas need improvement. Reflect on the outcomes of your development activities and assess whether they’re helping you achieve your desired outcomes.
• Make adjustments: Based on your progress reviews, make any necessary adjustments to your plan. This may involve modifying timelines, revising milestones, or exploring additional development opportunities. Stay flexible and adapt your plan as needed to ensure continued growth and success.
• Celebrate achievements: Recognize and celebrate your achievements along the way. Acknowledge the progress you’ve made and the skills you’ve developed. This helps to maintain motivation and positive momentum in your professional development journey.

Measuring success and adjusting your professional development plan are crucial for growth. By tracking progress, identifying areas for improvement, and making necessary adjustments, you can ensure your plan remains effective and aligned with your goals. So stay proactive and adaptable to achieve continuous professional growth.

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