January is naturally a time for getting organized — what with New Year’s resolutions and all those winter days stuck indoors. This year, Netflix’s Tidying Up With Marie Kondo has elevated decluttering to the level of cultural zeitgeist. If you got a particularly joyful thrill by watching her work her magic from the safety of your living room, you might be wondering: Could I be the next Marie Kondo?Okay, maybe you don’t want to snatch Kondo’s crown from her sweet, perfectly coiffed head, but you really could turn your own passion for tidying up into a job. Organizing has been a legitimate, money-earning business for decades (at least!). The National Organization of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) first began 35 years ago and now counts 3,500 members in its ranks, and 98 percent of them are women.”There are women who had successful careers in a multitude of different backgrounds in the corporate world, psychology, teaching, lawyers, doctors…but many of them made the decision to move to running their own business, because they wanted the flexibility," Jennifer Pastore Monroy, executive director of NAPO, tells Refinery29. "But now, we’re seeing millennials who are coming in as a first career route… And I think that’s reflective of the gig economy; people are looking to make their own path."That path can be standard residential decluttering and organizing, or it can be something more specialized, such as helping people before and after big moves, cleaning up estates after a death, downsizing seniors, working with people with ADHD, optimizing business productivity, and even sorting through digital messes. Some organizers work solo, while others prefer to be part of a team. There are side hustlers who just do their thing on nights and weekends, and others who work six days a week. That makes it difficult to say just how much someone can expect to earn in this profession (especially because of geographical variances, too), but the pros we spoke to charge rates ranging from about $60-$150 per hour. Some entrepreneurs can earn in the mid–six figures, especially if they have people working under them.Most of the organizers we spoke to are happy that Tidying Up is creating more awareness of their industry, and they’re not worried about an influx of new wannabes. At the moment, they say there’s still plenty of work to go around, and professional organizers are a very supportive community willing to help out newcomers. Just don’t expect the work to look like what Kondo does on TV, where she stops by, delivers her wise words, and leaves her clients to follow her rules on their own."It’s not a magic wand that you wave," says Amanda Wiss, owner of Urban Clarity in New York City. "But if you can be there side-by-side with your client in the trenches, that’s the kind of support that people need. It’s like having a personal trainer."Read on for more about what Wiss and her colleagues do and how they got to these jobs they clearly love.Julie Naylon, No Wire Hangers, Los Angeles, CAOrganizing since birth: "I’ve been doing it since I was a kid. I would go to my friends’ houses and rearrange their bedrooms and organize. I just always loved to do it. I didn’t realize that it was a skill, either, because I was born this way. So I thought everybody knew how to do what I did."Going pro: Naylon was working in TV and movies when she started organizing part time in 2004. By 2008, she decided to establish herself as a "green" organizer full-time. Now she sees at least two clients a day, six days a week. "Everything I use to this day is trying to be earth-friendly. [I encourage clients to] think what you’re buying, and what you’re bringing into your home, and consumption."Rewarding in more ways than one: "It’s amazing in one session how much you can help somebody and change their life. When they’re calling an organizer, usually they’re at the end [of their rope] and they don’t know how to start or where to begin… The reward also is the donations I then take to a battered-women’s shelter or organization where they can put those things to use, so it’s a win-win on both ends."Plus, Naylon adds, there’s the aesthetic satisfaction she gets when she sees a completed space: "You definitely go back and look at it over and over again."The toughest part of the job: "When somebody has died, I think going through that stuff is really hard, because there’s so much. Separating what’s important and what you can let go of, with all the emotions that are on top of that."Begin with NAPO: Though Naylon felt she needed no training to become an organizer, she doesn’t discount the role NAPO has in helping everyone in her profession, and she definitely recommends it for people just starting out. "It’s just good to connect with other people. The industry’s really supportive. Everybody is really wonderful and helping people. Whatever level you’re at, it’s a good way to find out more and, if you want, to assist for other organizers."Angie Fico, Angie Organizes, Philadelphia, PAYou mean, like Kim Kardashian? Angie Fico had her own cleaning business while she was in college and always found herself organizing her clients’ homes. After graduating, she tried working in a bank, a book-distribution company, and a composting company before discovering this career. "I lumped organizers in with personal shoppers," says Fico. "I had some faint idea that [personal organizers] existed, but I didn’t know anyone who actually made a living doing it. Kim Kardashian used to organize closets for celebrities like Paris Hilton; she was probably the closest thing to an organizer that I knew about for a long time."Helping those who really need it: "I’ve worked with people with bipolar disorder, ADD, ADHD, depression, hoarding disorder… You would probably be surprised how many low-income people I have worked for. Some people might see organizing services as a luxury, but people can have such a difficult time, they will give up spending their money on other necessities to get some help… It’s hard to part with things when you’ve spent your hard-earned money on it, especially if you have fallen on hard times."Yes, there are hoarders: "I do work with some clients who suffer from chronic disorganization or hoarding, and sometimes (not always) these people have very dirty homes. I don’t mind a messy job, but some days I’m really not in the mood to deal with bugs and dirt. But it’s my job, and I do it with a smile and never judge."Amanda Wiss, Urban Clarity, New York, NYHer moments of clarity: "I read a book called Organizing From the Inside Out by Julie Morgenstern a long time ago and was amazed to realize that this was a profession. You know how the light bulb goes off and you’re like, ‘That’s something I could do and do really well’?"Wiss continued to work at an education company, gathering the professional skills she knew she’d one day need to start her own business. After having two kids, she finally went to her first NAPO meeting. "I just remember walking into my first meeting and knowing that I totally found my people. There are people here who do this and get it. You can say something and they won’t think you’re totally OCD, or anal. They’ll just laugh with you."Working with a team: "I started off as a solopreneur, which is the standard for most organizers," she says. "If you’re a decent marketer, this business is actually relatively scalable." Wiss doesn’t have to turn down work when she’s already booked, and she and her team are able to tackle big jobs, like unpacking an entire brownstone in a day, or sorting out an estate when the surviving family members live out of town.Her role as an organizer: "You’re part therapist, you’re part interior designer, you’re part drill sergeant. There are some times when you’re someone’s friend… You’re literally in people’s underwear drawer. You jump several levels of intimacy on day one of meeting someone, if you are doing your job well. So that means inherently, you have to have a high level of trust, respect, and the person has to really feel comfortable with you. It’s why there’s so much good word of mouth for this type of business. Someone brings you in and loves you, and then all of a sudden, they’re telling their friends."Jeni Aron, Clutter Cowgirl, New York, NYOrganized juggling act: "Organizing was always a side gig and something I did nights and weekends," says Aron, who began organizing in 2003. "I was in the TV business and a stand-up comedian. After years and years, I was like, ‘Okay, I’m either going to make this organizing thing happen, or I have to let it go.’ So in 2016, I went full-time."Charge your friends: When you’re first starting out in any business, it’s tempting to give friends and family your services for free. Aron says that’s the wrong move. "When you charge for something, it creates value. The person who’s paying for the service feels like they are entitled to get something out of it. And the person who is receiving payment and giving the service feels validated and knows that their time is worth money."That comedy background helps: "Thankfully, 99% of my clients have an amazing sense of humor. Most New Yorkers are into sarcasm, and they can poke fun at themselves. After a little bit of warming up, I see where I can poke fun at the situation, so that they loosen up and we can get a lot of work done that way. That way I’m not like a drill sergeant coming in… I’m also very sensitive and nonjudgmental, and I can turn off the clown vibes for a minute."The three-hour system: After an initial phone consultation, Aron books her clients only three hours at a time. "I found that that amount of time was enough where we could designate the problem and then get a lot done physically, but it’s not too much time, or the client or I will burn out energy-wise… Then between the sessions is when they can send things out for donation or go through that one pile of papers that we weren’t able to get to in the three hours. But I definitely tie it up in a nice bow at the end. I don’t leave them with a mountain of clothes on the bed."Opportunity is out there: "New York City is an amazing laboratory for this, because you can find people, especially when you’re starting out and [not charging much], who really need you… It just keeps getting more and more obvious how much of a need there is for this type of work."Mary Cate Claudias, Charm City Organizers, Baltimore, MDThe leap of faith: The former teacher and coach, who also worked in nonprofit management, realized that organizing was her path to fulfillment. "I have always been a people person and love watching others succeed. I realized I had a unique set of skills that could empower others to find their true potential through learning how to organize for themselves." She left a full-time job with benefits during the recession in order to start her organizing business. That meant waiting tables at night to raise capital.Every client is different: "Generally, when a client is struggling with the organizing process, above all else, we are trained to be patient and active listeners. We have been trusted as professional and kind confidants to enter another person’s home or space that can open them up to some very personal and often deep-rooted issues. Once we build a rapport with a client and learn what is truly holding them back, getting to the ‘root of the disorganization,’ we can craft and deliver a personal approach that suits their needs. It is never a one-size-fits-all method."The business side of organizing: Now that her company has grown, Claudias has employees tackle residential jobs, while she works as a productivity specialist. "I work with clients in business who are seeking more efficient, productive methods to get more done in their day and increase their bottom line."Cary Prince, Cary Prince Organizing, Santa Monica, CAOrganizing in her previous life: "For many years, I directed the international careers for recording artists, which involved organizing large-scale promotional tours, marketing campaigns, and concert appearances across the globe," says Prince, a former VP of International at Disney Music Group. "I always enjoyed that ‘organizing’ part of my job. I had a friend who was a professional organizer who worked with actors in Hollywood. I realized that I knew a lot of musicians (and their teams) and thought that I could apply my skills to helping them on a more personal and truly tangible level. That immediate gratification was very appealing to me."Empaths, apply here: "I am a very positive but empathetic person. If I sense any hesitation, I slow down, read the client’s emotions, and meet them where they are. It’s very important to help your client identify and visualize their goals before you begin. That way, if they become challenged or stuck, you are able to remind them of their ideal dream outcome and keep the process going."Why become a Certified Professional Organizer? NAPO offers a series of courses, followed by an exam, which allows people to add a “CPO” after their name, assuring clients of their commitment to certain standards. They have to keep up their education with additional courses every three years, too. "As someone who has B.A., M.A., and now CPO after their name, I’m a big believer in training and education," Prince says. "I sought out classes and conferences in professional organizing to establish a firm foundation and give me the confidence to approach any situation with a client and help them articulate and achieve their goals."Scott Johnson, Your Move Simplified, Atlanta, GAHow do you even begin in a referral-based business? "I was at a crossroads with my career [in the insurance industry] and decided if I was going to make a change, there was no time like the present. So I sold my business and dove in head first into this industry… I wasn’t working with my own clients right away, but I worked as a subcontractor under other organizers to learn the ropes — how to speak to clients, what kinds of questions to ask, and so on. I’ve been in business now for six years, and I’d say it took about 18-24 months to really feel like I was gaining traction and acquiring my own clients."Finding his niche: "One of the most interesting and dynamic things about this industry is you can curate your ideal client. If you like to work with busy mothers, single parents, or students with learning disabilities, you can absolutely do that… I work exclusively with clients that need to get their home ready to go on the market by providing downsizing and decluttering services. Once it sells, we provide full packing and unpacking services. We also offer full move coordination by vetting and hiring the mover, managing the move out and managing the move in."When training helps: "When it comes to understanding basic organizing principles and best practices, I do think you can study to learn those. There are also certain populations that you’ll absolutely want to have a better understanding of before you begin to work with them. There are clients that could have certain medical conditions that will prevent them from fully engaging with you. There are chronically disorganized people, people on the hoarding scale, people with learning disabilities and attention issues. If you aren’t trained to understand how to work them, you will not only not be effective, but you could do more harm than good."When you’ve got to learn on your own: "The courses and the coaching were very helpful, but I do think you need to just start and see how things feel. You’ll learn your own words to use with a client. You’ll learn to become more comfortable, and your conversations will be more natural. You just have to learn your own flow."Kate Martin, Organized Joy LLC, Round Rock, TXFrom art teacher to creative organizer: When she wanted to leave teaching for a job with more flexibility, a life coach led Martin to realize how organizing could be a profession. That doesn’t mean she’s left her other skills behind. "I think being creative is huge in the organizing industry," she says. "We have to continually find creative solutions to problems people have had for years or lifetimes. So being able to solve clutter puzzles and find secret pockets of time in people’s schedules is key. There is no one way to get organized. You have to see a problem from many sides and figure out what works best for each individual client, because none of them are the same. My background as an art teacher gives me a unique perspective on balancing creativity and structure that my clients always appreciate."Know when to stop: "The toughest part of my job is stopping. When I get going on a project with a client, I long to move into their spaces and help them with everything until it’s done. But that’s not practical for either of us, so over the years I’ve learned to focus on one project at a time and let go of what is not getting done in the moment."Making your own hours means different things: "I worked for another organizer for several years to learn more about our industry. I quickly went full-time within two months — as much as you can in a non–9-to-5 job. Meaning, my schedule was open for clients, and some days I worked eight hours and sometimes none."Once she started her own business, things got overwhelming. "When I started, I worked six days a week and even weekends and evenings, but I found myself right back into the issues I had with full-time teaching. I was helping my family monetarily, but I wasn’t present in their lives." Now she has only three clients per week and spends other parts of her day writing, speaking, and teaching workshops.Wendy Buglio, Living Peace, Arlington, MAHandling the emotional labor: "At Living Peace, we take a holistic approach to organizing. This means that we want to gain a deeper understanding of how clutter is affecting our clients on many levels — physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually," explains Buglio, who left a career in advertising because she wanted to be self-employed. "It’s our goal to help get at the root causes of disorganization so that we can help bring about lasting change for our clients. Due to this approach and focus, we encounter a wide range of emotions with our clients every day. It’s important to us to hold space for them to acknowledge and experience the emotions, so that we can break through and continue with the organizing work. Sometimes that can be too much, and so we can try switching gears to a different, less emotionally charged project, or by taking a quick break. In addition, it’s important for the organizer to have good boundaries and self-care, so that we can stay grounded and avoid taking on our clients’ emotions ourselves. Our team spends a lot of time practicing this and developing these skills, because it’s such an important part of our work."Know your worth: "When you are setting your fees, keep in mind how many billable hours you can realistically fit in a given week, factoring in travel time and other limitations. If you are planning to do sessions with clients that are three hours long, it’s unlikely you would be able to do more than two a day, even when the stars align and you’re fully booked. There is quite a bit of unbillable time that you will need to spend on your business (networking, bookkeeping, marketing, training/classes, attending meetings, etc.) that will need to be compensated by your billable hours. There are many expenses to consider for your business, including marketing, website, insurance, supplies, and much more."Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?A Week In Orange County, CA, On $21.20 Per HourHow To End A Work Email Without Annoying Your RecipientThis Is How Much Money Marie Kondo Has Made From Her Tidying Empire
Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Source: Refinery29