Q&A: Qualifications to start as a Professional Organizer

Back from hiatus, we’re answering the questions you sent through the summer. Today we begin with several of you asking about qualifications and certification.

Q: Knoxville, TN - Is it hard to start up a business like this unless you have the accreditation?
Q: How does one get qualified to start a business?

A: There are not any regulations for starting an organizing business - certification or financial. You must be able to demonstrate to your potential clients that you know what you’re doing, but that is the minimum. The organizing industry does not have a regulating board. And since many people can learn these skills independently, it makes sense for the business to operate in this manner.

Q: Spring Hill, FL - How do I get started without any college?

A: You do not need a college degree to help people get organized. Follow the steps you would take to start any business.

Q: Fort Worth, Tx - how do I know if I have what it takes to be a professional organizer?

A: Ask yourself these questions:

Do you have the basic skill set? (sorting, categorizing, focus on one project)
When you are organizing, does time pass quickly?
When you organize with other people, do they request more help? Thank you? Praise your talents?
Do you value organization?
Do you enjoy teaching others?
Can you be non-judgmental about situations and just look for cause and solutions instead of blame?
Are you resourceful?

If you answer yes to these honestly, you are likely to be a good candidate. You don’t have to be super duper organized in your own home. Most organizers are just organized enough to be reasonably organized and effective.

In the next post, we will address how to get trained as a professional organizer.