We’ve gathered some of the most common questions that we get asked and assembled the answers for you. If there is something that isn’t covered here, just email us and we would be happy to answer your questions.
Select a question to view the answer.
Becoming an Organizer
- What is a professional organizer?
A professional organizer provides information, products and assistance to help individuals and businesses organize to meet their needs. Organizing professionals guide, encourage and educate their clients about the basic principles of organizing by offering support, focus and direction.
- Could I be a professional organizer?
Professional organizers come from every background imaginable. In addition to basic administrative and business skills as well as organizational skills, there are several traits and qualities that are required. A professional organizer needs to be:
- A people person – To communicate easily with all types of people.
- Non-judgmental – To provide the client with a safe environment.
- A good listener – To really hear the client’s goals.
- Intuitive – To pick up on what is not being said.
- A creative problem solver – To create the right solution for the client’s challenge.
- Flexible – To understand that one size does not fit all.
- Collaborative – To engage the client in the process so that they have ownership.
- Nurturing – To help clients learn new ways of doing things.
- Committed – To continually upgrade skills, providing value to the client.
- Ethical and Honest – To treat clients in fair, professional manner.
- What are the benefits of being a professional organizer?
There are countless benefits to pursuing a career as a professional organizer, but these are the ones we hear time and time again:
- Flexibility – Professional organizers are able to set their own hours, and you can easily start your business on a part-time basis.
- Satisfaction – Organizers get strong professional and personal satisfaction from helping people streamline and simplify their lives and reduce stress.
- Freedom – Owning your own business means you are no longer chained to a nine-to-five office scenario.
- Where can I take some classes or get training?
If you are considering a career as a professional organizer, we highly recommend you to take the Zoom class “Should I Become A Professional Organizer?“ This course will answer all your questions about the field of professional organizing.
POC is also an excellent resource for referrals to professional organizers who provide mentoring and/or coaching for those who wish to become a professional organizer. Also see our community groups to get info about the individual groups.
While there are no official credentials to become a professional organizer, you need to have a good understanding of what an organizer does, have a thorough knowledge of organizing products and services and, of course, excellent organizational skills.
- What do you mean there are no official certification programs?
At the present time there is no certification program offered by POC or other non-profit professional organizing association in Canada. However, POC offers a Training Program for Professional Organizers. The POC Trained Professional Organizer program is a training program, not an accreditation program, and as such does not entitle the organizer to use words such as certified, endorsed, authorized, accredited, or qualified Professional Organizer in their marketing material, or the initials TPO following their name. There are a number of private training programs available that are not currently endorsed by any professional association.
Most organizers explain to prospective clients what training they have taken (if any), what membership(s) they have with various industry associations, such as POC, and that they are guided by the association’s code of ethics. Professional organizers interested in working with the chronically disorganized may wish to join the Institute for Challenging Disorganization and also work toward their specialized certification.
You can also find certification through The Board of Certified Professional Organizers to obtain the world-wide recognized CPO certification.
- Do I have to join an association to become a professional organizer?
As well as POC for Canadian organizers, there are other associations you may be interested in. We recommend that any new professional organizer consider the following organizations that are dedicated to promoting and supporting our industry.
- How else can I support my business and get clients?
POC has put together an extensive list of resources that covers provincial resources, networking opportunities, suggested reading and government programs. POC offers courses to assist you in building your business. Also, check with your local Chamber of Commerce for local initiatives.
While networking is one part of getting clients, you will need a marketing plan to determine your target audience and ways to reach them. Successful strategies include speaking at events, writing articles for local newspapers, advertising on your vehicle, getting involved within community organizations, and creating a website.
- How do I set my prices?
Many different options exist for pricing. While many organizers charge an hourly fee, others work on a project or package basis. When developing your structure, consider these factors:
- Your areas of expertise
- Level of experience
- Geographical location
- Travel distance
- Existing market/competition prices
Pricing and rates are individual and unique to different markets and services provided. Conducting a marketing analysis, having a business plan and drafting a budget will all assist in setting a rate that works for you. To learn more, POC offers a Finances for Professional Organizers course.
And don’t forget about GST/HST and provincial taxes! Charging GST/HST and provincial taxes is based on your company’s income and where your company is registered in Canada. You can take a POC course that will provide information on this. Please visit the Government of Canada website for more details.
- Do I need to present my clients with a contract or a service agreement?
That’s entirely up to you. However, it is highly recommended to have a document that covers basic terms, ensures clarity and lends credibility to your services. Consider what a contract does:
- It lays out all of your business policies (including pricing, cancellations, the purchase of supplies, etc.)
- It ensures that there is no confusion between you and the client
- It educates clients about how you work
- It adds to your professionalism
- It protects both parties equally
- Do I need insurance?
Carrying insurance adds to your credibility and protects you from financial jeopardy. The POC Business Insurance Program provides comprehensive business coverage and is a benefit that is available to POC members only. Your level of coverage will depend on what type of services you offer (residential organizing vs. corporate organizing) and of course the premium that you want to pay.
- What is POC?
Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) is a registered, national association representing professional organizers across the country. The association was officially registered in 2000 and currently represents more than 450 members in community groups across Canada.
Our Mission and Vision: Providing Visibility, Credibility, and Connection.
Our one goal is to provide an environment in which professional organizers can flourish and exceed their business goals. POC promotes networking, the sharing of ideas, and encourages referrals.
- Why should I join Professional Organizers in Canada? What's in it for me?
POC gives you the opportunity to connect with other organizers and build a support network. In addition, we also provide a number of educational initiatives and business building opportunities to keep you at the top of your game. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Keep on top of trends and industry news through our newsletter, POC Talk
- Connect with local organizers at free community group meetings – network, share ideas and support each other!
- Learn from community group and professional development day guest speakers how to grow your business.
- Membership allows for trade discounts by retailers and industry suppliers.
- Get special members only rates for the annual in-person conference or virtual summit.
- Access to business insurance specifically tailored for Professional Organizers.
- Attract new clients through a listing in POC’s “Find an Organizer” directory.
- Promote your business through POC’s Annual Conference/Summit.
- Establish credibility with a professional affiliation.
Not a member yet? What are you waiting for? Fill out the online Application Form.
- How much is membership?
Membership in POC costs *$349.00 per year, with a one-time administrative fee of $50.00. If you do not renew your membership, your name will be automatically removed from the “Find an Organizer” directory.
*Fee subject to change.
- My application was declined. What do I do?
If this happened, perhaps a credit card number was given incorrectly (missing a number or transposed numbers) and we were not able to put through your application. Contact us and we will do our best to get the membership processed. Please note we only accept payment by credit card.
- How long does it take to process my application? When do I receive my optional name tag and certificate?
Typically, applications are processed the moment we receive membership payment. Your electronic new member kit will take approximately two to three weeks to arrive in your email inbox. Your name badge (optional at an additional fee) will take four to six weeks to arrive. Upon joining, you will also receive an email that provides details on how to access all the benefits and services that POC offers.
- Why is my name not showing on the "Find an Organizer" directory?
New members to POC are required to complete three specific classes prior to inclusion on the “Find an Organizer” directory. These three classes are:
- Introduction to Professional Organizing
- Ethical Standards for POC Members
- Safety Practices for Professional Organizers
Once you have completed these courses, your profile will be added to the “Find an Organizer” directory (usually within 24-48 hours).
If you took these courses before joining POC, please contact us so that we may find your records in our database and add this information to your profile.
- Can I still become a member if I don't have a company name or website?
Yes, organizers without a company or website are always welcome to join. Simply fill in the Join POC application form on our website. Leave the company name field and website field blank and when you are ready, you can log into the Members Only section and update your profile at any time.
- What community group do I choose?
A member should choose the in-person, virtual or hybrid community group closest to their location or in their area of expertise or interest. Members can belong to any community group however, some restrictions may apply. Learn more about POC Community Groups.
- When can I start going to community/special interest group meetings?
You may attend an in-person or virtual community group meeting as soon as your membership application has been processed and you have applied to become a member of a community group(s). You may also check out a in-person community group meeting prior to joining POC. All in-person community groups welcome guests, free of charge, or with only a small guest fee.
- When can I start taking classes?
You may attend classes at any time and as soon as your membership application has been processed you will receive our special member rate. Login to the POC website with your member log-in information before signing up to automatically receive your membership discount.
