I'm gathering information to become a professional organizer. I believe this is something that would not feel like work. Really enjoy watching your videos.
Hi, I am considering becoming an organizer . I have always like to irganize to make my life easier. I hired a professional organizer once recently because I couldn't catch up with my things to do. It was the first time and I began to consider the idea!
Spot on! I am a professional organizer and I love to hear what other organizers are dealing with. This is exactly what I would have said, cancellations, can't change people, have to be ON, but being my own boss, and making such fast and obvious improvements in someone's space and potentially life is so so worth it!!! It can be so hard to not be able to "fix" my clients though.
I am thinking about being an organizer. I have a background in librarianship - for long I thought about a career in something around this, but your videos have helped me to refine my knowledge and direction. Thanks!
This is a great intro for anyone who is thinking about becoming a professional organizer. Katherine is very open about the pros and cons. As an 11-year veteran organizer, I even clarified a few of the feelings I have when working with a client who is chronically disorganized.
Thank you for sharing! I’m at the very early stages of starting my business. None of this scares or deters me. I worked for 15 years as an account manager, so managing people and being a self starter is what I’m used to. I leave my job on Tuesday to stay home with my kids this summer and start working on my business. Will def be checking out your class!
Just wonderful, I been tryin to find out about "how can i become a professional organizer" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Xanmily Yonandon Finder - (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my colleague got excellent success with it.
Wow, you are awesome! I recently sold my software business and decided to start another business that I actually LOVE doing everyday! Would honestly love to meet you in person, you are so genuine!
All of my life this is what I have wanted to do, but have pushed it in the back of my mind convincing myself that I can’t earn a living as a single woman with a house and car payments...etc. But I am tired of searching for jobs or a career that I’d love when I know that I LOVE doing this! What tools should I use to get started with my own business? How long should I expect it to take before I start making money doing what I love/this?
I started my business as a single lady with a car payment and a mortgage 😉 I worked at it full time and had part-time side hustles as a safety net. You have to have some training and do a ton of marketing. I don't know if I'm typical because I hear of people taking years to launch their businesses, but I was taking clients within 3 months and had a decent income after 6 months. I hope to provide an insight as to the tools, forms, and marketing strategies I use on this channel, so I hope you'll keep watching!
Katherine Lawrence Thank you so much for your reply. It is very encouraging. I am doing the same thing at the moment doing side jobs so I can have that safety net.
Great video!! I’ve been wanting to start an organizing business, feel like such a big leap of faith. Fears..asking for what ‘I’m worth’ and still getting enough business to keep myself afloat. All the thoughts
Aloha Katherine! Thanks so much for your videos. I am finally, seriously contemplating starting a PO business. It’s something I have thought about and my friends have suggested to me for years. Your videos are so helpful. Mahalo!
Katherine Lawrence thank you! What should my first steps be in starting my business? Insurance or start out and gage the local market to see if it’s feasible where I live?
Research local market, do a few pro bono projects for testimonials and photos, start your marketing efforts, get training 😀 I highly recommend having insurance once you take paying clients and it may be a requirement to get work from other companies
I am starting the process of becoming a professional organizer. Already find a course. But will follow your video to help me along my way to this new path.
Your videos are so informative. Thank you so much! I am really interested in becoming a professional organizer but I am worried because I am not physically strong and often cannot lift up heavy objects. Do you know if this will be a big obstacle for me? Thank you so much. I would really appreciate a response
There are different types of organizers - you could focus more on consultations, design, training,, speaking, or writing, which require no heavy lifting. If you want to declutter for and with your client, bring and assistant or work with a junk removal company. I've done this many times and it helps reduce the physical burden of moving papers, books, furniture, and other heavy items.
I am really just getting started as a Professional Organizer. I am getting all my basics together ie: business cards, website, etc. The main questions i have are around marketing and obtaining clients. What are the marketing strategies that have worked best for you? Where and how do you advertise? What kinds of people have been your clients most often? Thank you!!! Great videos!
Oh wow - so many things!!! You definitely want to network with people face to face in addition to your website/social media. What is your niche? I found a lot of success getting people (even other Professional Organizers) to refer business to me because I offered a service that they did not - like digital organizing or paper management. Print advertising never really worked for me, I would spend your money attending networking events and tradeshows unless it's digital advertising that sends people to your website or a direct e-mail lead like from www.findmyorganizer.com. Stay in touch!
@@KatherineLawrenceCPO this is great info for someone also looking to start a business. Can you recommend any networking events that worked for you? How did you find them when you first started?
Hah, your worried about days thatre over 32°C? That's very average for summer in Australia, where I am. I'd definitely leave the house when it's like that. Of course, it's not fun though. I'd cap it at 40°C
I’m thinking of becoming an organizer. I as happy to hear you are in Virginia. I would love to intern with you on one or more projects just to get some hands on experience.
Hi Katherine, I'm tinking of starting my own professional organizing business & your videos are wonderful resources. I have a couple questions - What is the typical initial expense for start up of a new business? What is a range for monthly expenses as far as website & marketing? Or if you have any resources you could refer I would most appreciate it.
That is great! I do think I need to do a video on budget and start up cost. if I recall I spent maybe 3k to set up my business? It was for training, legal setup, web design and graphic design. I now do my own graphic design and website, but I spend a good amount of money on software in addition to my professional dues and insurance.
I was curious about the amount of dirt, bugs and mice droppings that you may encounter working with old houses, basements and attics? I was just wondering why you didn’t mention it. But overall, thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Autumn, that is great news. Did you get the free eBook? #4 is "work a few pro bono jobs", that is a good place to start (be sure to get before and after pictures and a testimonial). This will be the start of your marketing campaign and help you get referrals and experience! Good Luck!
Hi Katherine, I ran into your channel today and I'm loving it! I live in Canada and am starting to plan my PO business. I'm looking into your Udemy course. Is there a new coupon code I can use? Thanks!
Thank you for this video! Do you use a CPA or do your own taxes? I’ll be keeping track of expenses and income and balance sheets so I’ll be organized in that sense. I’m getting general liability insurance in May so I can start taking on clients after the quarantine is over, not sure what other legal things I need to think about! What am I missing?
I've done both ... depending on how complicated my situation was that year 🤣 The big things are legal structure, accounting, insurance, and local government (like do you need a business license). I hope you'll consider getting the Essential Forms course because the bonus business discovery guide discusses the questions for each 😃 katherine-lawrence.teachable.com/p/essential-forms-for-professional-organizers/?product_id=1785970&coupon_code=7HR90W Keep it up!
Question! Are there many men who do this as a career? I’m thinking of a new career change,...As of right now I am a chef at a private club and I’ve been doing this for many many years now and I am no longer getting enjoyment out of it so I’m just considering a new career and I’ve been told that I’m very good at organizing things and a few people have mentioned to me that I should consider being an organizer, I don’t see very many men in this field, are there any men that you know of, I’m in Canada, not sure where you are from, any info would be great. Great videos here lots of helpful tips ty!
It is certainly a female dominated industry but there are clean-out experts like Peter Walsh, Matt Paxton and Cory Chalmers. In my market we have Compass Home Solutions facebook.com/CompassHomeSolutionsRVA/ who stays very busy. Barry Izsak was the NAPO president for some time and wrote a garage organizing book. In Canada you could connect with members of POC www.organizersincanada.com/ and do some market research...
I am in the beginning stages of putting my business together. Love your videos. Do you ever take calls to discuss the business or possibly communicate via email. Thank you, Mike
Thanks Mike! I'm going to set-up a webinar in the next month or two to answer questions, are you on my e-mail list? If you want to do 1x1 coaching drop me a line at info@myspacematters.com or schedule a coach call via myspacematters.com/schedule/
I just happened across one of your videos. I’m retired, just before that I was in an accident that fractured my Cu, T1 -3. I am a hoarder. I’m a crafter. I was just wondering if you could tell me how to find someone in. Memphis TN, I actually live 3p miles N. We have a large house and I have things hid everywhere. I realize my house is not set up correctly. It was purchased during the time I was off work from car accident. I was just wondering if you help me connect to someone here. My husband is newly disabled.so I lost my help there. I watched your video on organizing your kitchen. And getting it set up right. I might be able to do this over time. Anyhow your video lit a candle under me to get my liver in gear. Thanks.
I'm glad you are finding motivation 😍 You can find a Professional Organizer in your area by visiting napo.net pro.napo.net/ Just search by your zip code. You can see who is certified and who works with hoarding behavior...hope that helps!
@@KatherineLawrenceCPOHi! I just happened to read your comment and I live in Memphis. I might know someone who could help you. What part of Memphis do you live?
It varies a lot depending on your niche and previous experience. I continue to take courses even though I've been working as a PO almost 20 years. I have a 129 intro dollar course designed to give you the confidence and know how to take your first clients katherine-lawrence.teachable.com/p/introduction-to-professional-organizing/?product_id=1335576&coupon_code=ORG99!
Do you have any advice on developing the "steps" or process for organization? Did you base your steps off a certain system, or develop them on your own?
My advice is to practice, practice, practice. Use the 3 steps (Gather & Sort, Make Decisions, and Put Away) on something small like a drawer, then move to larger projects like closets, and then rooms or major categories (like clothing, books, tools etc.). I developed my practice over years of organizing and training others. I imagine all good PO's start with a form of sorting after an initial assessment. I call my process GDP to keep my client's and team members on track and working efficiently so everyone knows what the focus is at any given moment of the project. If you start making decisions or recommending products before you have sorted all of one category you will waste a lot of time 😀👌
It's funny, I want to become a professional organizer to help other people like me, who can't stay organized. I absolutely know how to organize. My mom taught me to organize things in a functional way and I organize periodically. Even when I see anything about organization its like porn to my eyes 😂 but I suck at time management and actually keeping things organized. My house is messy most of the time so I feel like it's crazy for me to wanna do this for a living lmao.
That is certainly a dilemma!! I define organization as having a place for everything. My house gets a little "messy" throughout the week, just from working a lot and living on a farm with lots of pets. I just make a point every Sunday to put everything back in its place, and wash all the dishes and laundry. Setting that weekly goal keeps things in order 😀 Keep working at it! Helping others organize will sharpen your skills as well!
@@KatherineLawrenceCPO yess. I'm currently working on creating new habits for myself to help me keep things as tidy as possible (with 2 toddlers) so when I've got that part figured out I'd also like to coach people to becoming more tidy themselves. I'm trying to figure this out on my own so it's a struggle but I'm improving! But I'd really like to get into this. Plus I feel like organizing other people's homes might not be as hard as my own because I can come into their house with a clear head. Whereas now I'm a stay at home mom with constant mess and tantrums that wear me out mentally.
This was great, been searching for "professional house cleaning and organizing" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Xanmily Yonandon Finder - (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my mate got amazing results with it.
I'm gathering information to become a professional organizer.
I believe this is something that would not feel like work. Really enjoy watching your videos.
Hi, I am considering becoming an organizer . I have always like to irganize to make my life easier. I hired a professional organizer once recently because I couldn't catch up with my things to do. It was the first time and I began to consider the idea!
Spot on! I am a professional organizer and I love to hear what other organizers are dealing with. This is exactly what I would have said, cancellations, can't change people, have to be ON, but being my own boss, and making such fast and obvious improvements in someone's space and potentially life is so so worth it!!! It can be so hard to not be able to "fix" my clients though.
Totally!
I am thinking about being an organizer. I have a background in librarianship - for long I thought about a career in something around this, but your videos have helped me to refine my knowledge and direction. Thanks!
Hey, I'm thinking about becoming a professional organizer! Organizing brings me joy, comes easy to me, and makes me happy!
You can do it!
I love your honesty!
This is a great intro for anyone who is thinking about becoming a professional organizer. Katherine is very open about the pros and cons. As an 11-year veteran organizer, I even clarified a few of the feelings I have when working with a client who is chronically disorganized.
Thank you for sharing! I’m at the very early stages of starting my business. None of this scares or deters me. I worked for 15 years as an account manager, so managing people and being a self starter is what I’m used to. I leave my job on Tuesday to stay home with my kids this summer and start working on my business. Will def be checking out your class!
Awesome! This is your year!
Just wonderful, I been tryin to find out about "how can i become a professional organizer" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Xanmily Yonandon Finder - (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my colleague got excellent success with it.
Wow, you are awesome! I recently sold my software business and decided to start another business that I actually LOVE doing everyday! Would honestly love to meet you in person, you are so genuine!
Oh thank you! Do you have an organizing business? If so, send me the website
Great tips and ideas
I want to start doing this full time. I am so excited.
Awesome! Have you had any clients yet? What are you finding most challenging so far?
All of my life this is what I have wanted to do, but have pushed it in the back of my mind convincing myself that I can’t earn a living as a single woman with a house and car payments...etc. But I am tired of searching for jobs or a career that I’d love when I know that I LOVE doing this!
What tools should I use to get started with my own business? How long should I expect it to take before I start making money doing what I love/this?
I started my business as a single lady with a car payment and a mortgage 😉 I worked at it full time and had part-time side hustles as a safety net. You have to have some training and do a ton of marketing. I don't know if I'm typical because I hear of people taking years to launch their businesses, but I was taking clients within 3 months and had a decent income after 6 months. I hope to provide an insight as to the tools, forms, and marketing strategies I use on this channel, so I hope you'll keep watching!
Katherine Lawrence Thank you so much for your reply. It is very encouraging. I am doing the same thing at the moment doing side jobs so I can have that safety net.
Have you started taking clients yet? What do you love/don't love about this job?
Great video!!
I’ve been wanting to start an organizing business, feel like such a big leap of faith. Fears..asking for what ‘I’m worth’ and still getting enough business to keep myself afloat. All the thoughts
You're worth a lot I'm sure!😁
Aloha Katherine! Thanks so much for your videos. I am finally, seriously contemplating starting a PO business. It’s something I have thought about and my friends have suggested to me for years. Your videos are so helpful. Mahalo!
Awesome! Keep watching....more to come. Also feel free to submit questions so I have more to chat with you guys about 😄👏
Katherine Lawrence thank you! What should my first steps be in starting my business? Insurance or start out and gage the local market to see if it’s feasible where I live?
Research local market, do a few pro bono projects for testimonials and photos, start your marketing efforts, get training 😀 I highly recommend having insurance once you take paying clients and it may be a requirement to get work from other companies
Katherine Lawrence Thanks so much! Still researching.
I am starting the process of becoming a professional organizer. Already find a course. But will follow your video to help me along my way to this new path.
Best of luck! What course are you taking?
Even though I am not looking into being a professional organizer as a career, I watch these videos to help motivate me to clean haha.
That's great!
You are the sweetest
Your videos are so informative. Thank you so much! I am really interested in becoming a professional organizer but I am worried because I am not physically strong and often cannot lift up heavy objects. Do you know if this will be a big obstacle for me? Thank you so much. I would really appreciate a response
There are different types of organizers - you could focus more on consultations, design, training,, speaking, or writing, which require no heavy lifting. If you want to declutter for and with your client, bring and assistant or work with a junk removal company. I've done this many times and it helps reduce the physical burden of moving papers, books, furniture, and other heavy items.
I am really just getting started as a Professional Organizer. I am getting all my basics together ie: business cards, website, etc. The main questions i have are around marketing and obtaining clients. What are the marketing strategies that have worked best for you? Where and how do you advertise? What kinds of people have been your clients most often? Thank you!!! Great videos!
Oh wow - so many things!!! You definitely want to network with people face to face in addition to your website/social media. What is your niche? I found a lot of success getting people (even other Professional Organizers) to refer business to me because I offered a service that they did not - like digital organizing or paper management. Print advertising never really worked for me, I would spend your money attending networking events and tradeshows unless it's digital advertising that sends people to your website or a direct e-mail lead like from www.findmyorganizer.com. Stay in touch!
@@KatherineLawrenceCPO this is great info for someone also looking to start a business. Can you recommend any networking events that worked for you? How did you find them when you first started?
Hah, your worried about days thatre over 32°C?
That's very average for summer in Australia, where I am. I'd definitely leave the house when it's like that. Of course, it's not fun though. I'd cap it at 40°C
I’m thinking of becoming an organizer. I as happy to hear you are in Virginia. I would love to intern with you on one or more projects just to get some hands on experience.
Are you in Richmond? Let's stay in touch!
I’m in northern va.
@@kelegirl78 have you attended a NAPO chapter meeting up there? Sometimes I go to the MidAtlantic conference in Bethesda...
Hi Katherine,
I'm tinking of starting my own professional organizing business & your videos are wonderful resources. I have a couple questions - What is the typical initial expense for start up of a new business? What is a range for monthly expenses as far as website & marketing? Or if you have any resources you could refer I would most appreciate it.
That is great! I do think I need to do a video on budget and start up cost. if I recall I spent maybe 3k to set up my business? It was for training, legal setup, web design and graphic design. I now do my own graphic design and website, but I spend a good amount of money on software in addition to my professional dues and insurance.
I was curious about the amount of dirt, bugs and mice droppings that you may encounter working with old houses, basements and attics?
I was just wondering why you didn’t mention it.
But overall, thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Thank you.
Hi, Thank you so much for your videos are very helpful!
Hi Katherine! thanks for this video. I am hoping to become a professional organizer and I wondered how you recommend I get started?
Hi Autumn, that is great news. Did you get the free eBook? #4 is "work a few pro bono jobs", that is a good place to start (be sure to get before and after pictures and a testimonial). This will be the start of your marketing campaign and help you get referrals and experience! Good Luck!
Hi Katherine, I ran into your channel today and I'm loving it! I live in Canada and am starting to plan my PO business. I'm looking into your Udemy course. Is there a new coupon code I can use? Thanks!
Hi Andrea, I just sent you an email. Sorry for the delay, I was out of the office for several days 😁
good effort
Thank you for this video! Do you use a CPA or do your own taxes? I’ll be keeping track of expenses and income and balance sheets so I’ll be organized in that sense. I’m getting general liability insurance in May so I can start taking on clients after the quarantine is over, not sure what other legal things I need to think about! What am I missing?
I've done both ... depending on how complicated my situation was that year 🤣 The big things are legal structure, accounting, insurance, and local government (like do you need a business license). I hope you'll consider getting the Essential Forms course because the bonus business discovery guide discusses the questions for each 😃 katherine-lawrence.teachable.com/p/essential-forms-for-professional-organizers/?product_id=1785970&coupon_code=7HR90W Keep it up!
Katherine Lawrence thank you!
Question! Are there many men who do this as a career? I’m thinking of a new career change,...As of right now I am a chef at a private club and I’ve been doing this for many many years now and I am no longer getting enjoyment out of it so I’m just considering a new career and I’ve been told that I’m very good at organizing things and a few people have mentioned to me that I should consider being an organizer, I don’t see very many men in this field, are there any men that you know of, I’m in Canada, not sure where you are from, any info would be great. Great videos here lots of helpful tips ty!
It is certainly a female dominated industry but there are clean-out experts like Peter Walsh, Matt Paxton and Cory Chalmers. In my market we have Compass Home Solutions facebook.com/CompassHomeSolutionsRVA/ who stays very busy. Barry Izsak was the NAPO president for some time and wrote a garage organizing book. In Canada you could connect with members of POC www.organizersincanada.com/ and do some market research...
@@KatherineLawrenceCPO ty very much, fantastic videos you have, very insightful
Men also physically have upper body strength that enables them to lift things that women can’t. That’s an advantage in a number of jobs.
I am in the beginning stages of putting my business together. Love your videos. Do you ever take calls to discuss the business or possibly communicate via email.
Thank you, Mike
Thanks Mike! I'm going to set-up a webinar in the next month or two to answer questions, are you on my e-mail list? If you want to do 1x1 coaching drop me a line at info@myspacematters.com or schedule a coach call via myspacematters.com/schedule/
I just happened across one of your videos. I’m retired, just before that I was in an accident that fractured my Cu, T1 -3. I am a hoarder. I’m a crafter. I was just wondering if you could tell me how to find someone in. Memphis TN, I actually live 3p miles N. We have a large house and I have things hid everywhere. I realize my house is not set up correctly. It was purchased during the time I was off work from car accident. I was just wondering if you help me connect to someone here. My husband is newly disabled.so I lost my help there. I watched your video on organizing your kitchen. And getting it set up right. I might be able to do this over time. Anyhow your video lit a candle under me to get my liver in gear. Thanks.
I'm glad you are finding motivation 😍 You can find a Professional Organizer in your area by visiting napo.net pro.napo.net/ Just search by your zip code. You can see who is certified and who works with hoarding behavior...hope that helps!
@@KatherineLawrenceCPOHi! I just happened to read your comment and I live in Memphis. I might know someone who could help you. What part of Memphis do you live?
I can't download the ebook
That's great, do you have any questions or comments? Oh wait...did you mean to say "can not" download the ebook?
@@KatherineLawrenceCPO yes I cannot download it!
How much does a class cost to be a professional organizer normally?
It varies a lot depending on your niche and previous experience. I continue to take courses even though I've been working as a PO almost 20 years. I have a 129 intro dollar course designed to give you the confidence and know how to take your first clients katherine-lawrence.teachable.com/p/introduction-to-professional-organizing/?product_id=1335576&coupon_code=ORG99!
Do you have any advice on developing the "steps" or process for organization? Did you base your steps off a certain system, or develop them on your own?
My advice is to practice, practice, practice. Use the 3 steps (Gather & Sort, Make Decisions, and Put Away) on something small like a drawer, then move to larger projects like closets, and then rooms or major categories (like clothing, books, tools etc.). I developed my practice over years of organizing and training others. I imagine all good PO's start with a form of sorting after an initial assessment. I call my process GDP to keep my client's and team members on track and working efficiently so everyone knows what the focus is at any given moment of the project. If you start making decisions or recommending products before you have sorted all of one category you will waste a lot of time 😀👌
Planning to be one
Pls help😊
Love to! All my courses are listed here katherine-lawrence.teachable.com/ and I provide one on one coaching too - myspacematters.com/schedule/
It's funny, I want to become a professional organizer to help other people like me, who can't stay organized. I absolutely know how to organize. My mom taught me to organize things in a functional way and I organize periodically. Even when I see anything about organization its like porn to my eyes 😂 but I suck at time management and actually keeping things organized. My house is messy most of the time so I feel like it's crazy for me to wanna do this for a living lmao.
That is certainly a dilemma!! I define organization as having a place for everything. My house gets a little "messy" throughout the week, just from working a lot and living on a farm with lots of pets. I just make a point every Sunday to put everything back in its place, and wash all the dishes and laundry. Setting that weekly goal keeps things in order 😀 Keep working at it! Helping others organize will sharpen your skills as well!
@@KatherineLawrenceCPO yess. I'm currently working on creating new habits for myself to help me keep things as tidy as possible (with 2 toddlers) so when I've got that part figured out I'd also like to coach people to becoming more tidy themselves. I'm trying to figure this out on my own so it's a struggle but I'm improving! But I'd really like to get into this. Plus I feel like organizing other people's homes might not be as hard as my own because I can come into their house with a clear head. Whereas now I'm a stay at home mom with constant mess and tantrums that wear me out mentally.
This was great, been searching for "professional house cleaning and organizing" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Xanmily Yonandon Finder - (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my mate got amazing results with it.