How to Start a Clean Out and Organizing Business

Helping people get organized can be a rewarding business.

Clutter just seems to accumulate for some people, no matter how hard they try to keep it at bay. For some, time constraints limit their ability to do a thorough clean-out of their stuff. Others are simply overwhelmed by clutter and need someone to come in and help them take control. If you are exceedingly organized and love to create order from chaos, starting a clean-out and organizing business is a profitable opportunity.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning supplies
• Computer
• Internet access
• Telephone
• Promotional materials

Instructions

The Organizing Business is Big and Growing

1. The organizing business is bigger than ever, according to the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). As people accumulate more stuff and work more hours, they have less time to deal with their possessions. Study methods of organizing various items and then work on breaking these tasks into steps that your clients can easily achieve.

2. Research your market. Look at the other cleaning services available in your area. If there are a lot of general organizers, for example, you may want to concentrate on a niche market, like garage clean-outs or offices. If there are a lot of residential cleaning services, consider targeting businesses or offering your services as a consultant. You could expand offerings to include phone coaching or offer to subcontract with a real estate agency or home stager to increase your chances of success.

3. Evaluate your financial situation. As with any business, you will have initial investment costs. Even if you are working out of your home, you will still need to pay for advertising, logo design, promotional materials and cleaning supplies. If you are currently working at a job and are unable to pay your regular bills without a steady income, consider starting your business on the side and working with people on weekends and in the evenings (or in your off-hours) until you are established.

4. Design your promotional materials. Decide on a name for your business and create a logo. Put the logo on your business cards, brochures, website and on signage for your car. If you or someone you know is good with web design, develop a site where people can contact you and schedule appointments.

5. Promote your business with events and classes. Hold a class at your local library on organization techniques. It is likely that some of your students will want to retain your services. Write press releases for the local newspaper focusing on organization skills. Organizing clutter is a hot topic and a reporter looking for a source for a story will come to you as the local expert. Write a blog about organizing issues and submit your posts to other home or family blogs. You could even write a how-to manual for organizing and offer to give it away as a promotion for a first-time consultation.

6. Advertise your services in local publications and on local radio. There are many websites that will let you post ads for free. Many local communities also offer weekly shoppers, classified ad-only papers and parenting publications. Generate interest in your ad by giving away your manual or offering a free consultation.

7. Be available to your clients. It is likely that your client will need to call on you again for help, even if it's just by phone. Answer these calls and be helpful, but be sure to establish guidelines for phone consultations. You may want to include a number of calling minutes in your initial contract or agree to take one or two calls for free, but charge a certain amount beyond that limit.

8. Create a contract. As with most service businesses, a contract is required to set your terms and price. Most people will not take advantage of someone who helps them out, but some people will continue to call and ask for help without thought of the time and money they cost your business. Be clear in your contract about what you are offering to do for the price you are charging. There are sample contracts for cleaning and other businesses on the Internet. Find one that is similar to your business model and modify it to fit your needs.

9. Get certification from the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO). While certification is not required in any state to start an organizing business, having this voluntary certification will help you identify yourself as a serious professional. According to BCPO, certification will help you "differentiate yourself from the competition...and confirm your dedication to the professional organizing industry." Requirements for the certification include documentation of at least 1,500 hours of paid work in the last three years, a high school diploma and successfully completing an examination.

References

• Entrepreneur Magazine: How to Start a Cleaning Service
• Business Ideas: Start an Organizing Business and Be a Professional Organizer
• National Association of Professional Organizers: Organizer Business Models
• Board of Certification for Professional Organizers: Eligibility Requirements
• Board of Certification for Professional Organizers: Get Certified