Professional organizing

Professional organizing is a service that helps individuals and businesses determine what to do with their items--which are generally found in a disorganized, cluttered state--then helps efficiently arrange the items and create systems to maximize the utility and visual appeal of a particular area and allow easy retrieval. A person who performs this service is a "Professional Organizer" or sometimes referred to simply as an "Organizer."

Types of organizing

There are several categories and specializations of professional organizing that the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) has identified:

Organizing process

Professional organizing often involves the development or introduction of customized or off-the-shelf organizing systems so the client can find needed items in a minimal amount of time. The organizer's primary skill is in helping the client decide what should be done with their items, educating the client on organizational techniques, and developing strategies and installing systems so the client can maintain the organized space for the long-term. According to the National Association of Professional Organizers, a professional organizer "enhances the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and through transferring organizing skills. A professional organizer also educates the public on organizing solutions and the resulting benefits. Professional organizers help individuals and businesses take control of their surroundings, their time, their paper, and their systems for life."Fact|date=April 2007

Growth of the industry

There are approximately 4,000 professional organizers in the U.S. and 8 foreign countries who are members of the trade association NAPO [cite web|url=http://www.napo.net/press_room/facts.html|title=NAPO facts|publisher=NAPO] . There are several popular television programs like Clean Sweep, Neat, , Clean House, Life Laundry and NeatTV as well as magazines like Real Simple, and many articles that appear on a regular basis in a wide range of media.

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