Believe it or not, it actually takes many hours of training to be a Professional Organizer. Professional Organizers follow a code of ethics and invest in continuing education. For example, Professional Organizers must keep client information confidential. Professional Organizers are insured and bonded. They need to know document retention guidelines. They provide professional written agreements for their clients and have references.
There is a BIG difference between an Organizer and a Professional Organizer.
Make sure you are working with a trained professional. Here are a few questions to ask when interviewing for a Professional Organizer:
- How long have you been a Professional Organizer?
- Are you insured?
- Are you bonded?
- Can you provide a list of references that I can call?
- Do you hold any certifications related to your work?
- What type of training have you had?
- What areas do you specialize in?
- Who will be doing the actual work? Do you assign employees and what are their credentials?
- What is your fee structure?
- Do you provide a written agreement specifying the scope of work?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What does a typical work session look like? (how long, what part do I play etc.)
- Are you a member of NAPO, the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals?
