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Starting a business — not just one as a productivity consultant or professional organizer — requires a lot of mental and physical energy. While many people think that starting an organizing business is as easy as announcing yourself, there’s a lot more to it.

I receive a lot of questions about this process from new organizers.

While starting a new business as a professional organizer is certainly more affordable than many other business start-ups, it’s unrealistic to think that a $500 budget is going to do it. New business owners need to be prepared to invest money, time, and energy.

Here are some things you should know in advance:

Create a Business Plan

Every business requires a blueprint and systems. While writing a business plan is intimidating, having a “mock-up” of one in place is a good idea. Sound too difficult? Give it a try. A business plan will help you think through a lot of what-if situations. For example, what if:

  • you injure yourself on the job?
  • your computer gets hacked?
  • you’re great at hands-on work with clients, but not so great at marketing?

A business plan also helps you think about a lot of costs that you might overlook: insurance, apps, business forms, or even the cost of attending a conference (registration fee, airfare, hotel, transfer to and from the airport, parking fees, sightseeing, coffee, cocktails, meals, and tips). If you attend a conference, don’t forget the cost of being away from your business and home (child care, pet care, house sitter).  

Anatomy of a Business Plan

There are a variety of places to learn more about writing a business plan, but here are the main components:

  • Table of Contents
  • Executive summary
  • Business Description
  • Marketing Plan
  • Financial Plan + Statements
  • Appendices

For more information, explore this free The One Page Business Plan ®.

Start-Up Costs

Many organizers are surprised at the start-up costs. Here are just a few things to consider:

  • Office Costs: Will you have an office outside your home? Whether your office is outside the home or inside, you’ll need office equipment, furniture, and supplies, including business marketing or collateral materials (brochures, business cards, stationery, etc.), a computer, phone headset, phone, printer. You may want a video camera and microphone for online calls or to make recordings.
  • Organizing Tools: From a label-maker to file folders, you’ll need some supplies to use as you help your clients get organized. Rely on our Professional Organizer’s Favorite Tools List for ideas.
  • Payment Costs: How will you accept payments? Investigate your options. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll have banking and credit card processing fees.
  • Business License/Permit: Check with the Register of Deeds and/or Secretary of State’s office.
  • Dues/Subscriptions: If you decide to join an industry organization such as NAPO or ICD, that means there will be dues associated with membership. You may also want to subscribe to industry services or publications.
  • Website: You’ll want an online presence to promote yourself and your services. The cost of a website can vary depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional web designer/developer to create it for you. Remember, you’ll also most likely be paying annually for your URL, also known as your domain name.
  • Insurance: Health insurance, some type of disability insurance in case you cannot work, business insurance, and maybe insurance for your equipment. Do you want to be bonded?
  • Taxes: As a self-employed person, your tax and legal status will change depending on your choice of business entity.

Professional Development

Professional development is an important part of staying current in any field. This is one area many businesses overlook. While it may seem smart to cut this cost initially, you will miss out on expertise and certifications that can give your company credibility and competitive advantage over time.

Here are a few ways to stay current:

Organize Your Dream Team

Many new professional organizers and other small business owners do a lot of work on their own at first. But you’ll soon realize it’s easier, more efficient, and more effective to work with experts who can help you manage things. Here are just some of the people you may need:

  • Accountant
  • Attorney
  • Coach
  • Editor(s)
  • Photographer
  • Writer(s)
  • Website Manager/Creator/Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click manager
  • Virtual Assistant

Tools for your Toolkit

Ready to get started? Here are some helpful shortcuts:

Software + Apps For Consideration


Consider using software and apps to handle the following:

  • Calendars, tasks, and to-do lists.  
  • Productivity: processes for laundry, health records, projects, meals, home inventory, mileage, receipts, photos, and contacts. 
  • Data and website backup.
  • Password management.

Read more articles related to budget and finance for your professional organizing business.


Read more about: Administrative tasks associated with being a professional organizer. Becoming a professional organizer + owning an organizing business. Financial, legal, and insurance matters related to professional organizers. Marketing + branding for professional organizers. Growing + specializing in the organizing industry. Purchase 1+1 career coaching call or essential business forms.