Startup cost
$1.0k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Professional Organizing Business
Decision Snapshot
Professional Organizing
Idea Score
69
Profit margin
21%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
2 wk–8 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start a Professional Organizing business - Background
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.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Professional Organizing business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
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:
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Liability insurance, the cost depending on your area and how much insurance you need.
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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.
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Transportation. Most likely you will use your own vehicle, so you won’t need to invest in a new one.
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Computer. Chances are you already have one.
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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.
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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.
How much can you charge customers?
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.
Day-to-Day and Growth
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.
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.
Part 2 - Is a Professional Organizing business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Professional Organizing business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Professional Organizing Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Professional Organizing business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.