How to Choose the Right Professional Organizer for You
April 12, 2025
Professional Organizing is a growing industry and has grown so much since I started my business in 2017. In the sea of organizers, choosing one that is right for you can be a difficult decision. Some of my clients have hired me after hiring other organizers - most of the time it is because the organizing solution provided wasn’t a solution after all.
One of the reasons I ask everyone to book a consultation call before we schedule a tidying session is to ensure that my organizing services align with their needs. If it’s not the right fit, it won’t be joyful for either of us. This is why I don’t just say yes to every organizing project. In some situations in the past, I’ve even advised some people they don’t need to hire me and/or have referred people to another organizer or service provider in the city.
I am not going to be the right organizer for everyone and the same goes for any other service providers out there. If you’re considering to hire a Professional Organizer in Calgary or anywhere else in the world and not sure how to choose the right person for the job, here are 5 things to consider when choosing the right Professional Organizer for you:
1. What is the organizer’s experience and approach?
In short, hire a professional and not a hobbyist. Just like all things in life, you get what you pay for. As organizing is not a regulated industry, there are many people who enjoy organizing so they decide to turn their passion into a side hustle and charge a below market rate. I’ve even seen many cases where an “organizer” is not organized at all when it comes to their own home so they are not practicing what they preach to their clients.
When hiring any service provider, it’s important to choose someone who is capable if you dont want to waste your time and money. It’s also important to choose a professional that is credible and trustworthy as this person will have access to areas in your home that many of your family and friends don’t even have access to.
Here are a few more things to consider:
Do they have related training or certifications? Working on your own space is very different to helping someone else.
Do they have a process they follow? or are they doing what you want?
Do they have an established and credible business? do they have business insurance?
Will you be working with the owner of the business or one of their contractors?
2. Can the organizer work within your budget?
Budget is an important consideration when hiring an organizer but most people aren’t sure what to expect in terms of cost. That being said, you also can’t choose based on the hourly rate alone because something that may take a week for one organizer may only take 2 days for another so you might end up spending more time and money even when though hourly rate is much lower. For me, a good way to navigate this is by discussing different services or payment options. For example, I offer different ways of working with the client to accommodate different budgets. If my standard package isn’t feasible for a client, I can suggest alternative ways to work together. When it comes to determining your budget, it’s also important to be realistic about how much work you are willing to do in between sessions to move the process along. The more you do on your own, the less help you will need from the organizer. The key is to have open and honest communication about your needs and financial constraints.
3. Can the organizer work within your timeline?
Timing can be a deciding factor when hiring a professional organizer. Personally, I’ve had to turn down many clients simply because our schedules didn’t align. This is especially common when clients are in a rush—this can be prepping a home for sale, last-minute moves, decluttering before a renovation, or even getting ready before the arrival of a new baby. For example, some organizers will book full consecutive days in a week for each project or offer services where they can work in your space while you’re away, which might be a better fit especially when you have a tight schedule and you don't have a lot of time to work with them.
4. Are you looking for a temporary fix or a lifestyle change?
Organizing can be a one-time solution or a long-term transformation—it depends on your goals. For some people organizing is a temporary fix similar to when people hire a weekly or biweekly cleaner; they know their space will eventually return to its previous state. Others are tired of living the way they have been living and want to create lasting change by adopting new habits. If you're looking for a lifestyle shift, choose an organizer who can help you develop sustainable systems and habits rather than just do the work for you.
5. Does the organizer spark joy?
Ultimately, you want to choose someone you genuinely enjoy working with. If you feel a connection with your organizer and trust their guidance, you’ll be more likely to follow through with their recommendations. On the other hand, if you’re unsure about them and question every step of their process, the process may feel slow and frustrating. Trust your instincts—pick someone whose approach resonates with you and who makes the process feel enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a professional organizer can be a game-changer, but finding the right one is key. Take the time to evaluate their experience, approach, pricing, availability, and whether their style matches your goals. When you find the right fit, the process of organizing your home can be joyful and truly transformative.
And if you’re still unsure, I’d be happy to chat—just book a consultation call! 😊 My in-home organizing services are available in Calgary and surrounding areas or virtually around the world.