What is a Professional Organizer and How Do I Find One? What is a professional organizer? What can a professional organizer do for me? Why would I want to hire a NAPO organizer versus a non-NAPO organizer? I've always been disorganized, is there really hope for me? Will a professional organizer make me throw away all my "stuff"? Does the professional organizer do the work or does he/she tell me how to do it? I am a very private person. Will my sessions with a professional organizer be confidential? How much does a professional organizer charge? Is the most expensive organizer the best? How long will it take to get me organized? How do I find a professional organizer? How do I select a professional organizer? Q: What is a professional organizer? A: Professional Organizers provide information, products and assistance to help others organize to meet their needs. A professional organizer should guide, encourage and educate clients about basic principles of organizing by offering support, focus and direction.   Q: What can a professional organizer do for me? A: A professional organizer can provide ideas, information, structure, solutions, and systems, which can increase productivity, reduce stress, and create a newfound freedom and sense of being in control.   Q: Why would I want to hire a NAPO organizer versus a non-NAPO organizer? A: The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) is recognized as the association for organizers. NAPO offers organizers opportunities to sharpen their skills through ongoing education and professional development. NAPO has a Code of Ethics by which members are expected to abide. A professional organizer who is a NAPO member has made a commitment to his/her business and thus to you, the client.   Q: I've always been disorganized, is there really hope for me? A: It is possible to learn the basic principles and formulas of organizing. However, in order to experience long-lasting, life-changing results, a professional organizer can teach you how to maintain your systems on a regular basis.   Q: Will a professional organizer make me throw away all my "stuff"? A: A professional organizer is a consultant who will ask questions, make observations and suggestions to help you decide what is or is not important to you. Ultimately, you, the client, are the final decision-maker.   Q: Does the professional organizer do the work or does he/she tell me how to do it? A: This is a personal decision based on your needs and budget. While some clients prefer working alongside their organizers others just need direction and an action plan to get them going.   Q: I am a very private person. Will my sessions with a professional organizer be confidential? A: A NAPO professional organizer is aware of the high level of trust placed in them by their clients. They should never do or say anything to breach that trust. Integrity, honesty and confidentiality are guiding principles of NAPO.   Q: How much does a professional organizer charge? A: Based on a 1998 NAPO survey, fees range from $40 an hour to $200 an hour. This is based on your geographic location, the type of organizing service(s), and the experience of the organizer you are contracting.   Q: Is the most expensive organizer the best? A: The best professional organizer for you is the one with the background, training and personality that suits you.   Q: How long will it take to get me organized? A: There is no set answer as each organizing project is different. Length of a project will depend primarily on the size of your home or office, the amount of clutter and/or paper that has built up, and how quickly you can make decisions.   Q: How do I find a professional organizer? A: One of the best ways is to contact the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) for referral to a NAPO member in your area. You may also find professional organizers listed in the yellow pages under "O" for organizing, in your classified ads, or ask others in your area.   Q: How do I select a professional organizer? A: In selecting a professional organizer, it is important to find someone you like and with whom you feel comfortable. If possible, interview several professional organizers in your area. Here are some questions to may want to ask: How long have you been in business? What is your background and/or training? What is your specialty or particular area of expertise, if any? Are you member of NAPO? How long have you been a NAPO member?