Home Organizer Business Overview

A recent poll revealed that over half of the US population feels overwhelmed by the clutter in their home, and a quarter of all Americans have admitted to having a problem with a messy house. And that statement is not just about the look and feel of an untidy space. Living in a disorganized environment can negatively impact your mental and physical health, as well as your relationships and social interactions. 

A home organizer helps people organize their space by decluttering, arranging, and creating systems for maintaining order in their living spaces. These professionals transform cluttered areas into organized, functional spaces by sorting items, designing storage solutions, and teaching clients how to maintain organization.

Home organizers work in various residential settings, from small apartments to large estates, helping clients organize closets, kitchens, garages, home offices, and storage areas. They assess each space, develop customized organization plans, and implement solutions that match their clients’ lifestyles and needs. Many organizers also assist with life transitions such as moving, downsizing, or combining households, helping clients sort belongings, and establishing new organizational systems.

The most common business models in the home organizing industry include:

• Solo Practitioner: A single organizer who works directly with clients in their homes, offering personalized organization services
• Organization Company: A business with multiple organizers who handle various client projects, often specializing in different areas of home organization
• Virtual Organization: Organizers who provide remote consultations and guidance through video calls and digital platforms

Related: Checklist To Start A Business

How Do Home Organizers Make Money?

Home organizers generate their primary income through hourly service fees, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on their location and experience. Projects often require multiple sessions, with most clients needing between 3 to 10 hours of organizing assistance per project. Some organizers offer package rates for larger projects or charge by the project rather than hourly. The time spent organizing includes hands-on work and the initial walk-through, planning, and setup of organizational systems.

Additional revenue sources for home organizing businesses include:

• Product Sales: Selling storage containers, labels, and organizing tools that clients need to maintain their organized spaces
• Consultation Services: Offering initial assessments and planning sessions before starting organizing projects
• Workshop Facilitation: Teaching group classes about organization methods and decluttering techniques
• Maintenance Programs: Providing regular follow-up visits to help clients maintain their organized spaces
• Digital Products: Creating and selling organization guides, checklists, and planning templates that clients can use independently

Industry Statistics

The professional organizing industry operates under NAICS code 561499: All Other Business Support Services. This classification includes businesses that provide organizing and decluttering services to residential and commercial clients.

Here are some statistics about the professional organizing industry:

Professional Organizing Industry Size & Growth: The professional organizing industry generated $11 billion in revenue last year. The industry has shown strong and steady growth, with projections indicating the market will reach $28.5 billion within the next seven years. This represents a projected annual growth rate of 11.6%. This growth is driven by increased consumer spending on home services, rising awareness of organization benefits, and expanding demand from both residential and commercial clients. (Verified Market Research)

Number of Professional Organizers: Several major companies dominate the professional organizing landscape, including The Home Edit, NEAT Method, and Tidy To Go. These larger organizations primarily serve high-population areas and affluent communities, while independent organizers make up the majority of service providers in the industry. (Verified Market Research)

Professional Organizer Profit Margin: Professional organizing businesses typically maintain gross profit margins between 45% and 60%, with net profit margins ranging from 15% to 25% after accounting for operating expenses and overhead costs. (American Society of Professional Organizers)

States with Most Professional Organizers: Professional organizing businesses concentrate in states with large urban populations and high median incomes. California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois have the highest concentration of professional organizing services. (U.S. Census Bureau)

Costs To Start a Home Organizing Business

Starting a home organizing business typically costs between $900 and $7,000, depending on the scale of operations and initial inventory investment. This type of business can be started with minimal overhead since most work is performed at client locations.

There are several expenses to consider when starting, but here are some of the more expensive items:

Equipment and Tools: Professional organizing equipment costs between $500 and $2,000. This includes heavy-duty storage bins, label makers, measuring tools, cleaning supplies, and basic tools for installing organizational systems. Many organizers also need sturdy containers and boxes for sorting items during client sessions.

Insurance: Professional liability insurance and general business insurance typically ranges from $400 to $1,500 annually. This coverage protects against potential damages or accidents while working in clients’ homes and provides general liability protection.

Professional Certification: While not required, professional certification through organizing associations costs between $300 and $1,000. This includes training materials, examination fees, and initial membership dues. Many clients look for certified organizers, making this investment valuable for credibility.

Vehicle: A reliable vehicle capable of transporting organizing supplies and equipment to client locations is necessary. If a new vehicle is needed, this cost will need to be added to the total.

These estimates are rough figures, and actual costs will vary based on location and business size.