If attempts to get organized on your own have not led to the desired results, it’s time to consider working with a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant. Finding and hiring a professional is no different than choosing an accountant, personal trainer, doctor, or other service provider. You’ll want to work with someone who takes the time to get to know you, understands your needs, and has the expertise to advise you and help you achieve your goals.
Before starting your search, think about the following:
- What kind of services am I looking for?
Professional Organizers and Productivity Consultants offer a wide range of residential and business services, so being specific as to what you would like to accomplish to become better organized and productive will help in finding the best service provider to help you. Examples of services include the following:
| ADD/ADHD Support | Living Spaces |
| Author/Writer | Moving/Relocation |
| Chronic Disorganization Support | Office Organizing |
| Closets | Paper Management |
| Coaching | People with Disabilities |
| Collections and Inventories | Photos/Memorabilia |
| Eco-Organizing | Professional Offices (medical, legal, etc.) |
| Electronic Documents & Filing | Public Speaking/Training |
| Event/Meeting Planning | Senior Organizing |
| Financial/Bookkeeping/Bill Paying | Space Planning |
| Garage and Estate Sales | Storage Spaces (garage, attic, warehouse, etc.) |
| Hoarding Tendencies Support | Student Organizing |
| Home Offices | Time Management |
| Kitchens | Virtual Organizing |
- What questions should you ask?
As a starting point, NAPO has developed a list of suggested questions to ask when interviewing a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant. This list is available for download here.
- What should you expect to pay?
As with most professions, fees vary widely based on experience, geographic location, and the type of services requested. Many organizing and productivity professionals charge by the hour, while others offer packages or charge by the project. Establish a budget for your project based on your conversations and decide what feels most comfortable to you.
- How do you decide which Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant is right for you?
Your relationship with a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant will be a personal one. An experienced professional will ask a lot of questions about you, what you are looking for, and the issues you believe have thwarted your attempts to get organized in the past. They want to understand your objectives and determine whether they will be a good fit for you. It is in your best interest to be as candid and clear as possible about your needs and what you want to achieve.
Avoid choosing a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant strictly by price. Instead, focus on finding someone with the personality and skill set that match your needs. That person is most likely to deliver the greatest value by achieving the results you desire in the shortest amount of time.
Keep in mind that your choice of a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant is not irreversible. If you begin working with someone and decide along the way that you are not comfortable with his or her particular style, be sure to let the person know how you feel. You are rarely under obligation to continue the relationship. More than likely, he or she will be happy to recommend a colleague.
Ultimately, the “right choice” for you will be the person who has the expertise, skill set, and personality that best suit you and your goals.
Courtesy of: www.napo.net