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Professional (home) Organiser

First things first and in case you didn't know...

 

A home organiser helps individuals or families declutter, organise, and optimise their living spaces. This can include arranging closets, kitchens, offices, garages, and even digital files. It can also include disposing of unwanted items, either for charity, recycling or refuge purposes.

 

The goal is to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and stress-free environments tailored to the client's lifestyle and needs.

Key skills/talents

Being a home organiser is more than just tidying up, it’s about creating tailored systems that transform a chaotic space into a functional haven. To succeed, you need more than a knack for neatness; it’s a blend of practical, emotional, and creative skills. From understanding the emotional ties clients have to their belongings to devising smart storage solutions, these key talents ensure you can deliver a service that’s not only efficient but also compassionate and sustainable.

 

Below we have listed the 10 most important skills:

  1. Organisation Skills - Ability to plan, sort, and structure spaces efficiently.

  2. Empathy and Patience - Understanding client emotions tied to belongings.

  3. Time Management - Completing tasks within agreed deadlines.

  4. Communication Skills - Clear, sensitive, and professional interaction with clients.

  5. Problem-Solving - Creative approaches to tackle unique organisation challenges.

  6. Attention to Detail - Spotting inefficiencies and opportunities for better organisation.

  7. Physical Stamina - Managing manual tasks like lifting or moving items.

  8. Confidentiality - Respecting and protecting client privacy.

  9. Design and Aesthetic Sense - Creating visually appealing spaces.

  10. Business Acumen - Marketing, budgeting, and managing your services effectively.

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​Qualifications required

While formal qualifications aren't always essential, they can enhance your credibility and professionalism. Consider...

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It might seem surprising, but working in someone’s home to declutter or reorganise their spaces can stir up a range of emotions for your client. While certain objects might appear trivial to you, they can hold deep sentimental value for them. Taking a mental health awareness course could be a valuable step to help you navigate these sensitive situations with empathy and care: https://freecoursesinengland.co.uk/mental-health-first-aid

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Rules and regs

Working as a home organiser, you must adhere to several laws, as well as UK regulations. These include...

 

The Data Protection Act: If you handle personal information, you must comply with data protection laws: https://www.gov.uk/data-protection 

 

Health and Safety Regulations: Ensure you follow health and safety guidelines, especially when handling hazardous materials or heavy items. Also, you will be working in your clients home, so it’s important to know your do’s and don'ts: https://www.worksafe.uk.com/health-and-safety-law/the-complete-guide-to-health-and-safety-legislation

 

As a home organiser, having the right insurance is crucial to protect both yourself and your clients. Public Liability Insurance safeguards you against claims for injury or property damage that might occur during your work. Professional Indemnity Insurance offers protection if a client raises concerns about the advice or services you provide. While optional, Contents Insurance can cover any client belongings under your care, adding an extra layer of security. Additionally, Business Equipment Insurance ensures your tools and materials are protected, allowing you to work with confidence and peace of mind.


There are many insurance companies that will be able to offer you these insurances. Below is a link for a company called Policy Bee who are experts in small business insurance: https://www.policybee.co.uk

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Remuneration framework

Prices to charge out will vary according to geolocation most of all; but thereafter, based on how qualified and experienced the organiser is (it's rare that someone will let a fully untrained novice into their home to go through their personal belongings). 

 

Abi’s prices are transparent on her website:

 

3 hour sort = £100 (a 3 hour session is the minimum booking)

5 hour sort = £155

10 hours = £295

20 hours = £565

 

And subject to the equipment costs needed (cleaning, bags, an element of light storage etc), plus travel, and of course your time; as long as you’re marketing yourself well and have a steady pace of clients, there is good money to be earned in a role like this… And, no doubt, an immense sense of satisfaction from clearing and sorting and seeing amazing end results.

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How to get started

Begin by researching the industry to identify your niche, whether it’s minimalist living, family homes, or digital organisation. Or if you have no interest in focussing on a niche, consider the types of customer that you would ‘like’ to work for, and the type of work you would like to do. This will be key with marketing and networking later down the line.

 

If you want to do some level of qualification, which we would recommend, find one that works and suits you, and then like Abi did, just get started with it, via friends, family, and of course your own home and work space…Build an image portfolio showcasing your own projects or offering free or discounted services to friends and family. 

 

And of course, establish an online presence with a professional website and active social media profiles to attract clients and share testimonials. Networking is also key - partner with local real estate agents, interior designers, or moving companies to broaden your reach. 

 

Finally, invest in essential organising tools like bins, labels, and storage solutions to ensure you’re ready to deliver a professional service from day one.

 

To give you a few more ideas, try researching home organisers on social media, who often share with their followers their own stories of getting started.

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Job site links

Finding work as a home organiser often means tapping into various channels to connect with clients. Many professionals, aside from pushing their social media presence, start by offering freelance services through platforms like TaskRabbit, Bark, or Airtasker, which cater to individuals seeking organising help…

 

https://www.taskrabbit.co.uk

https://www.airtasker.com/uk

 

Traditional job boards such as Indeed, Totaljobs, and Gumtree can also feature opportunities, although most organisers operate independently. What existing organisers might do, however, is post and list ‘support’ hours, which if you are unsure about whether you would like this kind of role, might be a good way to start… Undertake some flexi hours with an existing organiser, and see what it’s like.

 

Networking at local events, particularly those related to real estate or interior design, can open doors to partnerships and referrals. Ultimately, many home organisers choose to establish their own businesses, building a client base through word-of-mouth, online visibility, and strong professional relationships.

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Associations or official bodies to register with

  • APDO (Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers), offers membership, training, and a professional directory listing: https://www.apdo.co.uk/membership.html 

  • The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), is international but still relevant for resources: https://www.napo.net

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Progression pathway​

You’re one person, so as per a lot of jobs on TWWork, there’s always going to be a limit to the hours you can work, and the money you can earn, as ‘yourself’. 

 

However, you could expand into hiring staff and in doing so widening your geo location so that you can physically ‘do’ more houses (i.e. if you establish a solid enough brand, you could, in effect, franchise your name out to others further afield).

 

Beyond that, your main progression options are to diversify within your own realm. In Abi’s case, she is starting to offer online courses for normal folk that want to declutter their own house.

 

Obviously, if you/your brand becomes very well known, like Abi’s mentor, Dilly Carter, then there are books to be written, ‘bigger’ courses to offer, products to make and sell etc etc.

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Additional Information/links

HMRC Self-Employment Guide: https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself will help with understanding areas like taxes and self-employment registration.

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