Organizing a house requires an amount of time, effort, patience, investment, and discipline, you can make it easy by hiring a professional organizer.
Advantages of Hiring a Professional Organizer
Apart from the aesthetic appeal of an organized pantry, numerous benefits come with hiring an organizer.
According to Palau, the greatest advantage is “having someone with the perspective and experience to guide you through what can be an overwhelming process and reclaiming time in your life. ”
Clients often discover that getting organized saves them time as the implemented systems help them locate their belongings more easily.
It also saves money in the long run by preventing duplicate purchases of forgotten items and promoting more thoughtful buying habits. Additionally, tidying up can reduce stress levels and enhance relationships with other household members.
When to Seek the Services of a Professional Organizer
“Many people reach out to an organizer when they have reached their breaking point, feeling physically or mentally exhausted and at a standstill,” says Palau.
Major life events, such as births, deaths, divorces, or moves, often prompt individuals to reevaluate their space and belongings.
However, not all situations are urgent or serious, and Palau highlights two types of people who seek professional help with organizing.
“The first group is overwhelmed by clutter, which negatively impacts their lives and homes. They prioritize paying bills on time rather than neatly decanted cereal bins,” she explains.
“The second group desires the aesthetic benefits of an organized space but needs assistance in achieving it. “.
Some clients fall into both categories, and many organizers strive to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
What to Consider When Hiring a Professional Organizer
Organizers often specialize in specific areas.
For example, if you struggle with hoarding tendencies, it’s advisable to find someone with certifications in that particular area. If the style is a top priority, you can browse through an organizer’s website or social media to determine if their aesthetic aligns with yours or the one you’ve saved on your Pinterest board.
In general, Palau suggests hiring someone who asks a lot of questions and listens to your needs and goals.
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to organizing, and similar to a therapist, you want to find someone with whom you connect and trust. ” Clients should feel assured that the organizing process is judgment-free, and the same should be true for the professional organizer they choose to hire.
Cost of Professional Organizing Services
Professional organizing services are an investment, and the cost will vary based on factors such as location (organizers in larger cities tend to charge higher fees) and the scale of the project.
Some organizers also charge for work performed outside the house, such as custom labeling, so it’s important to consider these additional expenses when evaluating the overall cost.
“When considering the cost, you should take into account the time spent on-site as well as off-site time required for planning, research, and preparation, which may involve shopping for products or arranging donation pickups, among other tasks.
There’s more involved in a project than most people realize,” explains Palau.
Some organizers charge by the hour, while others charge by the project.
Palau, who charges by the project, emphasizes that she never wants her clients to feel rushed to make decisions due to time constraints. She prefers to divide the job into sessions, which are blocks of time, allowing the client to focus on getting organized without worrying about the clock.
Whether based on an hourly rate or session-based pricing, the overall cost of hiring a professional organizer does not vary significantly when broken down.
According to Thumbtack, the average cost of a professional organizer is $65 per hour, with higher-end organizers charging up to $200 per hour.
Fortunately, this investment is typically a one-time cost.
While some clients request maintenance sessions or occasional organizing sessions for different spaces (such as organizing a nursery after having a baby), the majority of the expense for a professional organizer is upfront, and the benefits continue to be realized over time.
*The information is for reference only.