How much does it cost to hire a professional organizer?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

We have all reached that place where clutter seems to take over and becomes almost impossible to tackle. Life is busy, stuff adds up, and little things that go left undone become big piles that create even more avoidance because people are suddenly overwhelmed with no idea where to begin. Professional organizers can assist with decluttering and organizing your home or business space. They can also teach you how to become more organized and efficient daily, saving time and making your life easier.

The national average cost to hire a professional organizer is around $300 to $800, with most people spending about $450 for a consultation and 3 hours of organizational services. This project’s low cost is $50 for a simple consultation with an organizer on a small project with only 1 hour of work. The high cost is $2,000 for a full home organization and decluttering that involves 3 or more rooms and 15 hours of work.

Cost of Decluttering Service

What Does a Professional Organizer Do?

A professional organizer earns a living by helping others organize their lives. They assist with general home and business decluttering and organization, bills and financial organization, list-making, appointments, and help develop ways to stay organized and keep things running in your home or business. Even the best intentions are often thwarted by things like a lack of time, uncertainty about where to start, and the anxiety that often comes from feeling overwhelmed. This can make it difficult to succeed at getting and staying organized.

They can also teach you how to maintain your organization. Individual organizers may have a smaller menu of services or lower rates for their service. Large companies that provide organizers offer more availability or a wider range of organization solutions and specialty services.

Most organizers charge per hour. Some organizers have a flat-rate service for certain tasks or total project rates, but this is less common. Some organizers offer pre-packaged sessions, such as a set of 3-hour sessions that allow you to use their services.

Professional Organizer Cost per Hour

The price for these services varies based on several factors, but the average organizer cost per hour ranges from $50 to $150. Bear in mind that while you can find people who may only work for 1 to 2 hours, many organizers have an hourly minimum of 3 hours of service to make it worth their while and ensure projects can be completed.

Professional organizers may also offer additional support through telephone coaching or email support. This could be to check on the progress of a project, see how things are going after a project, and ask questions or get last-minute assistance. This may add to the hourly cost of your organizer’s services. The organizer’s hourly rate does not usually include file cabinets, shelving, or storage tools. If your organizer is going to provide them, your final cost may be significantly higher. Ensure your estimate specifies all included services so that you know what to expect.

Professional Organizer Pricing Packages

Because organizing is a complex task, pricing can sometimes be confusing. To simplify the process, many organizers offer packages. They typically start at around $400 to $500 for a 3-hour session package, with most people spending an average of $1,750 to $2,250 for a 5-pack of 3-hour sessions. Many organizers have a 3-hour minimum service requirement to make it worth their time and effort. Not only that but most projects cannot be completed properly in less than 3 hours, even for a single room or closet space. Packages are a nice way to get a bulk order of sessions with an organizer at once and a discounted rate by paying in advance. Not everyone offers this solution, but those who do typically offer packages like those listed in the table below.

Professional Organizer Cost by Type of Organizing Service

The organizing being done by a professional can affect the final prices that a homeowner pays for the services. It all comes down to the type of work being done, the labor required, and how intricate the process is. On the low end, bringing someone in to organize a computer ranges from $50 to $150 an hour. On the higher end, a professional organizer specializing in financial situations might cost $200 to $400 an hour due to the added expertise. Below, the table provides information about the price for hourly organizing services.

Computer Organizer

Computer organization services are usually performed by a dedicated digital personal organizer, with most people spending an average of $50 to $150 an hour for a few hours of digital organization assistance. This can include cleaning files, running maintenance programs, deleting programs and repairing minor issues, and customizing and installing programs to improve organization. Anything that improves your digital organization can be included in this service, which may be performed as part of a larger organization project or standalone job.

Business Organizer

A professional business organizer costs about the same as hiring a home organizer. Most people spend $50 to $150 an hour for 3 to 5 hours of basic organization services for a small business. Electronic or digital record management, technology services, and other business-related needs are available but may incur additional charges. They may assist with improving planning, processes, and time management. Many provide coaching, support, and ongoing assistance with a business focus.

Home Organizer

The average home organization services cost is around $50 to $150 an hour, typically for 4 to 6 hours of consulting and organizing services. This cost does not include materials because those incur an additional charge or are purchased by the homeowner. A professional organizer specializing in residential jobs may call themselves a home organizer because they offer general organizational services for various rooms, filing or paperwork, and other home management tips and tools. They may also offer cleaning or shopping services with basic organization, but these typically incur additional costs.

Life Organizer

Most people spend about $50 to $200 per hour for 4 to 6 hours with a life coach, including a consultation. Also known as a life coach, a life organizer’s rates are slightly higher than a professional organizer’s. Life organizers help develop schedules, habits, and routines. They can teach time management skills, help set and monitor daily and life goals, and help the entire family with scheduling and organization, ensuring the household runs smoothly. You can hire a life coach for a long-term commitment with periodic check-in or hire them for a one-time service.

Professional Organizer for Hoarders

The average cost of professional organizer professionals trained to deal with the unique needs of hoarders is around $150 to $300 an hour. A total cleanout includes cleaning, restoration and repair, and organization and can easily cost $20,000 in extreme hoarding situations. An organizer specializing in hoarding knows how to be more sensitive to these people’s needs and abilities and take things slowly. They also understand the importance of finding the right strategies for them moving forward because they may not be able to stick to routines and habits like people without hoarding conditions. Hazardous cleanup requires special services, and costs climb toward the top of the price range for even small properties.

Home Financial Organizer

A home financial organizer generally costs around $200 to $400 an hour for 2 to 3 hours of organizational advice and assistance. Projects are typically charged hourly, depending on their level of experience and training and what financial organization and planning they provide. If they do all accounting, bill paying, and financial planning, expect to spend the higher end of the spectrum per hour for a financial planner. The hourly rate is much lower if you just need someone to come and organize your bills and finances. These organizers can handle all financial decluttering and organization, including helping with tips and tools to keep you on track.

Professional Organizer Price by Location

Home organization services include a few hours of organizational assistance focused on a specific area. Their efforts may be geared more toward cleaning and decluttering than helping you improve your personal habits, but a good organizer does both. Several home organization services are available, from whole-house organization to hoarding assistance and even pool and outdoor organization. The table and subsections below discuss the costs of each and what their services typically include.

Closet Organizer

Hiring a closet organizer costs $150 to $250. Some people pay as little as $50 to have a self-proclaimed part-time organizer or even a friend come over and help clean and organize their small closet when it only takes an hour. Others could spend thousands on custom closet organization, including new custom storage shelving. A closet organizer helps sort and organize clothes, shoes, and other accessories or items in the closet. You can even hire them to handle several closets at once. This may get you a slight discount on their services. To choose the right organizer, ask how they charge and what they do.

Room

Organizing a single room in the home, except the kitchen, costs about $200 to $300, depending on the organizer’s hourly rate and minimum service requirements. A professional house organizer can provide cleaning, decluttering, and rearranging for all rooms, with living rooms and bedrooms being the most popular. They can consult on using the space better, implement Feng Shui and other design practices, and even help you become better at cleaning and organization after they leave by showing you tips and tricks for success. It may cost more if the room requires a deep cleaning or has food, garbage, or hazardous waste. See the section on hoarding organizers.

Pool

You can hire professional organizers to assist with organizing a pool area for an additional $200 to $300. This is not usually a service that most list outright, so you may have to inquire if they can help you. Pool organization could include deflating and storing toys, preparing the pool and area for winter, helping you organize the pump system, supplies, and chemicals, or setting a maintenance routine. Pool organization is more of a product than a service and typically costs homeowners about $50 to $150 for deck boxes, storage cabinets, and organizational supplies.

Garden

Garden organization typically works along the same lines as a room organization for a professional organizer and costs around $200 to $300. The work is more difficult, but gardens are not usually as large as entire rooms, so they balance out. Inquire with an organizer if they can provide this service and how much they charge ahead of time. Some gardening enthusiasts and local green thumbs might offer assistance for less than the pros, but carefully consider this because you want the correct people for the job.

Kitchen

Hiring an organizer specifically to assist with kitchen organization averages $250 to $400. This is one 3-hour session with an organizer that includes cabinet organization, pantry cleaning and organization, and refrigerator organizing and arranging to improve function and daily use. Some organizers also assist with meal prep and planning, shopping lists and grocery shopping, budgeting, couponing, and other aspects of the kitchen, groceries, and food. Depending on the amount of organization, you may require additional hours of service, raising costs. If the organizer does not require a 3-hour minimum or you hire someone with lower rates, you might be able to get this service done for less.

Home Office

A home office organizer costs $250 to $400. This rate covers a few hours of work that involves organizing, decluttering, and rearranging your home office. It may include financial assistance or bill planning, but this varies by the organizer. This service can help you sort through important paperwork, discard items that are no longer necessary, and figure out a better office solution to keep things in order. Professional office organizers also offer insights and tips to help you form new habits.

A Professional Home Organizer to Organize Your Garage

An in-depth garage organization with several shelves and storage units with the organizer’s consultation and labor costs averages $1,000 to $2,500. Organizing the garage can include setting up better storage, organizing tools and toys, and making space for the cars to protect them from the elements. The garage is one of the most neglected spaces in almost every home. Hiring a professional to help you organize it can be a great choice.

Whole House

Hiring a home or apartment organizer for a whole-house organization typically costs $1,500 for a 1,200 sq.ft. space with moderate clutter and organization needs in 3 or more rooms. Some people spend $5,000 or more on larger homes or situations with more serious organizational needs, but that is far less common. Several discounts are available when you have an entire house organized compared to paying for room-by-room organization. Whole-house organization also includes tips and insight on improving your household’s function and management and how to keep it organized in the future.

Add-On Costs to Your Professional Organization Project

Some individuals spend an average of $150 to $4,000 on specialty organizing services, such as professional organizers specializing in bill payment, interior design prep and staging, and construction organization. These services typically go above and beyond what a traditional organizer does and incurs an additional cost.

Bill paying is one service where a homeowner receives help with bills and other financial needs. A professional garage sale organizer helps you handle the yard sale process. They might sort items, help with pricing, and set up and tear down the even when it is over. A designer organizer offers many services, such as design-based organizational solutions, home prep or new move-ins or renovations, and other work related to aesthetic design.

Another option is home staging, which involves making a space look great when it is for rent or sale. The final specialty professional organizer is a home building organizer. This professional can clean and set up a new home after construction is complete. This includes filling the house with furnishings, dishes, silverware, and everything else you need. The prices for these services are included in the table.

What to Ask a Professional Organizer?

Ask questions of a professional organizer before bringing them on for a project in your home. You should feel comfortable with the organizer and know they have the expertise for your project. Asking questions about their areas of expertise can be useful. You also should find out if the professional organizer is certified and insured. Ask the person if they belong to professional organizations and inquire about references to speak with past clients.

Beyond knowing how professional the person is, you may want to inquire about how long the person has been in the industry, what hours and days of the week they are available, and if supplies are included in the price or are an additional fee. Ask about fees, whether items are removed from your property for you if they need to be disposed of, and if the person works alone or with a team. Homeowners also may wish to ask whether fees are flat or calculated. It is also a good idea to ask about cancellation policies.

Top professional organizers are good listeners, diplomatic, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. The person should also be trustworthy, creative, and patient. If you feel uncomfortable after speaking with a professional organizer, it may be best to choose someone else. Having the right person available is important because they work with you and spend time on your property.

National Association of Professional Organizers

The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is responsible for holding members to a strong Code of Ethics, giving consumers more trust in the professional organizer they hire. This is not the only association of professional organizers, but it is the most noted and used by industry pros. The organization requires members to maintain a strict professional demeanor and level of confidentiality with all clients, understanding that inviting someone into your home to go through your personal belongings can be a slightly scary process.

NAPO has over 3,500 members worldwide dedicated to helping businesses and individuals get organized and bring peace and efficiency to their daily lives. It was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles when a small group of female organizers got together to share ideas and network. Today, the organization offers training, continuing education, credentialing, networking, and other support for professional organizers. While membership and certification are not mandatory in this field, being a NAPO organizer enhances their reputation and potential earnings.

Professional Organizers vs Home Organization Companies

Professional organizers typically work independently or in small teams of 3 to 5 people. However, larger cities have bigger organizing services available with 50 or more employees. Both choices provide the same solution if you choose qualified people who suit your needs. However, they have some differences. First, while larger companies may be more readily available, working with an individual could make the process easier, even if you have to wait longer or deal with scheduling issues.

Furthermore, professional independent organizers may be booked. However, they prioritize your project and provide tips and insights you do not get from some corporate group that comes in, organizes, and leaves. Working with a larger company may be beneficial if you need multiple services or something like a severe hoarding cleanout. They can typically handle multiple services, including hazardous waste removal, allowing you to get everything from one place. This can also make services less expensive because they are combined. However, an individual could do the job if you just need basic services. Either way, ensure you choose a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) who can prove they passed an examination and have met the required hours of experience for certification.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Professional Cleaning Services

Professional cleaning services, when required in addition to a professional organizer, average $150 to $250 for a one-time cleaning service in a 2,000 sq.ft. home. This cleaning involves wiping everything down after reorganization, sweeping and mopping, dusting fans, cleaning windows, and decluttering. Most organizers are hired to help remove clutter and get your home, business, or life organized. If you also need professional cleaning, you typically have to find it elsewhere.

Organizational Tools

The average cost of an organizational tools project is $100 to $200, depending on what is needed. This cost is in addition to the professional organizer’s hourly rate. All fees and costs are discussed at the consultation. The needed tools could include storage containers, filing cabinets, boxes, shelves, and other storage and organization products. Some organizers purchase the necessary materials and bill the client, while others have the client purchase the items they choose and incorporate them in the design. Large filing cabinets usually cost $75 to $150, while other storage boxes and stackable containers range from $20 to $60. Hiring a handyman to install shelving or organizational items costs $50 to $100 per hour.

Feng Shui Consultant

Hiring a Feng Shui consultant costs about $300 to $1,000. Some homeowners attempt Feng Shui by reading up on the practice, making this a no-cost project if you do it yourself. However, it is not recommended because mistakes are common. This design practice is based on Chinese philosophy that the placement of objects in your home impacts physical, mental, and spiritual health and your overall success in life. The theory is that the home’s “energy flow” interacts with your body’s energy flow, and when the two are aligned, people can live better. Plus, the principles of this theory allow for streamlined, uncluttered designs that make spaces feel more peaceful and welcoming.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• House organization app. You can find plenty of free apps to help with home organization and premium apps that average $5 to $25 per year. Free apps may have limited tools and resources. However, both can be effective, depending on the organization you need. Some apps help with specific areas like scheduling or financial management, while others help with all aspects of house management and running your home life.
• Personal property. Clients should communicate plans for objects with sentimental value and discuss the items that should be left untouched. This prevents items from being discarded, moved, or potentially damaged. While organizers do not intend to cause harm, miscommunication and mistakes can happen. Planning ahead is best.
• DIY. There are several DIY tutorials online for organizing. However, it is advised that you contact a professional instead of doing it yourself. An experienced professional can provide better methods of organizing projects and rooms with assessing and planning expertise.