In addition to being asked how to become a professional organizer, I’m also often asked what I DO as a Professional Organizer.

Becca Clark of convenientlyorganized.com , a Professional Organizer in central Arkansas, shared this fantastic ‘job description’ in a recent newsletter;

“Professional Organizer” can mean many things to different people, and because the industry is still relatively new we are continually defining and describing the services we offer.
Here are just a few of the job titles and descriptions collected from NAPO organizers –
{in alphabetical order of course}!  

1.  Big Picture Breaker Downer – Is your goal feeling too big to even begin?  We help you visualize the end result then chunk it into manageable bites to get started.

2. Clutter Adviser – We help you set up a system to manage the clutter and give you new ways to think about stuff and its relationship to your real life.

3.  Coach – Are you stuck?  We help you see the issues, then guide you toward the solutions that will get you moving forward again.

4.  Downsizing Specialist – Moving to a smaller space?  We help you determine what fits your new life and space, and then find the best and most meaningful ways to share the rest.

5.  Environmentalist – Want to eliminate the excess but not add to landfills?  Organizers offer thoughtful and knowledgeable options for donating/disposing of your reusable things. 

6.  Family Mediator – Differing opinions about how to use shared spaces?  We work with entire families  to find compatible systems that everyone can live with.

7.  Feeling Overwhelmed Tackler – Not sure where or how to begin?   We know about that overwhelmed feeling and can help you make that start and find motivation to keep going. 

8.  Laborer – Need helping hands to tackle any situation – from a drawer to a storage unit to a whole house?  Organizers don’t see any job as too big, and we’re ready to jump in!

11.  Positive Nag – Need reinforcement?  We’ll encourage you to keep going – in the kindest way!

12.  Product Adviser – Don’t know the best storage and organization products and tools?   We do, and we can find the best deals and customize to what works best for you.

13.  Teacher – Want to learn new strategies, skills, and motivators?  Our most important function is to transfer skills so you can take on any organizing project and earn an A+!

14.  Time Saver – Always rushing around, running late, looking for you important stuff?  We teach time management skills and best practices along with organizing your stuff.

15.  Cheerleader – Need a pep talk?  We understand and appreciate your efforts and successes. and we love to celebrate with you!

Yep, I’d have to say that sums up the work of a Professional Organizer quite well!