laptop computer and notebook

If you’re thinking about starting a professional organizing business, consider taking time for necessary reading and training in some of the business basics for new organizers.

When starting out, inexperienced professional organizers often focus their enthusiasm solely on hands-on organizing, but they’ll need to organize their own business before organizing for others. Take time to make wise administrative and financial decisions that will give your organizing business a professional edge.

Be Outgoing

The outgoing message on your voicemail should accomplish two objectives: provide general information and ensure callers that they’ve reached someone who can help. Plan what you’re going to say – write it down, if necessary – to sound natural, upbeat, and motivating. Be brief, and focus on essentials, like your name and your profession:

“You’ve reached the mobile voicemail for Katie Smith. If you’re calling about organizing services, please leave a message including your name, number, and the best time to reach you.”

A simple message like this is suitable for professional organizers who haven’t yet named their companies and for those who are subcontracting for others. If and when you have your own business, you can include your company name and reference your website.

Call your voicemail and listen to how your message sounds. Is it clear? Do you sound professional and warm? Enlist feedback to make sure your first impression is a great one.

A Rose by Any Other Name

Your company’s name should be unique, memorable, and meaningful. To make sure it’s unique, use a search engine to see if there are other similarly named companies. But don’t stop there! Check professional organizing association membership websites to verify that no other professional organizers are using your preferred name. Also, confirm that no one has trademarked the name by visiting the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, or the appropriate agency in your locale.

Creativity is great, but don’t let it run wild. A memorable name is not only easy to recall – but it should also be easy to spell and easy to pronounce. Prospective clients can search for you without difficulty, and so others can confidently ask for you by name or make referrals to you. A meaningful business name clearly signifies the kinds of services you provide – don’t make them guess!

Be sure to register your business name with your state or municipality, if required by law.

Bank on It

Mingling is for cocktail parties, not finances. In order to run your business professionally, it’s essential to separate your personal and business accounts. Open a bank account in the name of your business. This partitions your personal and business income and expenses. In the event of an audit, you can prove that your activities support a profit-oriented venture and not a hobby. Plus, if you opt to subcontract for more established professional organizers while growing your own business, they can write checks to your company name instead of to you. This will ensure you will not be mistaken for an employee.

These three marketing, legal and financial steps, while not time-consuming, will help position your company for a successful launch.

New Organizers’ Essentials

Over 90 pages of customizable forms, templates, guidelines, and checklists.


Whether you are an experienced Professional Organizer or just starting and looking for information on Professional Organizer Training, I encourage you to go to our New Professional Organizer’s section, where you’ll find resources, products, and all the information you need to become a successful Professional Organizer.


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.