Don’t Be Fooled: Dispelling 5 Myths About Professional Organizing
Professional organizing has grown in popularity over the years, thanks to TV shows, social media, and the minimalist movement. 22 years ago, when I started Put It There, a lot of people were unfamiliar with what I do each and every day. However, with the popularity of the industry there are now a fair number of myths of professional organizing. Many people have a skewed idea of what professional organizers actually do and how they can help. Allow me to address the biggest misconceptions about the world of professional organizing.
1. Professional Organizers Will Force You to Get Rid of Everything
One of the most common myths is that hiring a professional organizer means you’ll have to part with most of your belongings. While decluttering is often part of the process, we will not force you to part with anything you’re not ready to let go of. Instead, we help you assess what truly serves you and find ways to store and arrange your belongings efficiently and in a way that maximizes your space. Our goal is to create a functional, clutter-free space that works for you and your family—not to impose a minimalist lifestyle.
2. Only Messy People Need Professional Organizers
A common assumption is that professional organizing is only for people who live in complete chaos. In reality, people at all levels of organization seek our help. Even naturally tidy individuals might struggle with a specific area, need assistance streamlining systems, make the most of small spaces, or prepare for a major life transition (such as moving, having a baby, or downsizing). Organizing isn’t just about “cleaning up”—it’s about creating systems that allow life to run easier and be less stressful.
3. It’s Just About Making Things Look Pretty
Thanks to Pinterest-worthy images of color-coded closets and perfectly arranged pantries, many people believe professional organizing is all about aesthetics. While a visually pleasing space is often a byproduct, the main goal is functionality. In fact, it’s been really nice to see the marriage of function and aesthetics through the years. 22 years ago, if it was pretty it is wasn’t functional, and if it was functional it tended to not be especially pretty. Professional organizers focus on designing sustainable systems within a client’s budget that fit a client’s lifestyle, not just creating Instagram-ready spaces that are not realistic or are hard to maintain.
4. Professional Organizing Is a One-Time Fix
Some people expect that hiring a professional organizer will magically solve their clutter problems forever. Sadly, I don’t travel with a magic wand! Organizing isn’t a one-time event—it is a process that requires ongoing maintenance. Setting up spaces is the easier part of the process. The habit changing that needs to come with it is harder. It takes time, practice, encouragement, positive reinforcement and lots of support. Without consistent upkeep, even the best organizational systems can fall apart. That’s why most of us offer follow-up sessions and maintenance plans to keep things running smoothly, tweaking when necessary and adjusting as family members age or jobs or activities change.
5. Professional Organizers Judge Their Clients
Absolutely not! There is NO room in this process or in my client relationships for opinions or judgements! We are there to help – plain and simple. Many people hesitate to hire a professional organizer because they’re embarrassed about their clutter or are afraid of being judged. The truth is, we approach our work with compassion, empathy, patience and without judgment. Most of us have seen all levels of clutter, and our focus is on solutions, not shame. We want to make our clients feel empowered, not overwhelmed. We want to support you as we work together to meet your organizational goals.
If you’ve been holding back from working with a professional organizer due to these misconceptions, hopefully, this has given you some clarity as I addressed some common myths about professional organizing! Organizers don’t just declutter—we create sustainable solutions tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to streamline your home, maximize storage, or improve your time management skills, a Professional Organizer can be a valuable resource in transforming your space and your life. To find an organizer near you, the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals is a great resource.
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