Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions about NAPO, NAPO-St. Louis, and the profession of organizing.

What is a Professional Organizer?

Professional Organizers help people take control of their surroundings, their time, their paper and help establish systems that will last for life. NAPO has put together this definition of a Professional Organizer:

A Professional Organizer enhances the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and by transferring organizing skills. A Professional Organizer also educates the public on organizing solutions and the resulting benefits.

It’s a burgeoning field. NAPO has more than 4,000 members throughout the U.S. and in eight other countries.

Why hire a Professional Organizer?

Some people who struggle with disorganization feel that they should be able to tackle their problems on their own. But by hiring a professional to objectively evaluate your situation, and design and teach you to use systems, all based on established organizing principles, you may find that your organizing goals become realities. A Professional Organizer can keep you focused and on task and provide invaluable assistance in making decisions as you work through the process of getting organized.

How does a Professional Organizer work? Is it like what I have seen on television?

All organizing projects, such as clearing clutter, weeding through paper, or setting up a new office, require decision-making. Professional Organizers help you make the necessary decisions by asking questions, offering advice and providing hands-on help. They do this on-site (e.g. in your home or office) often in multi-hour work sessions. Many organizers also offer an assessment, which is a written or verbal overview of the work that needs to be done and a plan for getting it done. This assessment is usually offered as an initial appointment or within the first work session. Professional Organizers may also offer phone or e-mail consultation services.

Unlike cable television reality shows, which feature many hours’ worth of work in each episode, a “real life” organizing project usually involves fewer people and more time (e.g. multiple work sessions). Rather than providing a crew of help (which would cost you significantly more money), most Professional Organizers work in a one-on-one partnership with you – so it’s important that the organizer and client “click”, in order to work well together.

How do I find a Professional Organizer to help me?

If you know of friends, colleagues or others who have used a Professional Organizer, consider asking for recommendations.

You can also use the free and confidential Find an Organizer search tool provided by NAPO-St. Louis. We recommend that you contact at least three Professional Organizers to find the one who best matches your organizing needs, personality, and budget.

NAPO-St. Louis Members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics so clients can feel safe opening their door to NAPO-St. Louis members.

What is NAPO and NAPO-St. Louis?

NAPO is a non-profit, educational organization founded in 1985. It is the premier National Association dedicated to the field of organizing. NAPO serves its 4,200 members through education, networking, industry resources, and promoting the profession to the public. By joining NAPO, organizers demonstrate commitment to their business.

NAPO-St. Louis, the 24th NAPO Chapter, was officially established in 2006; the groundwork was laid through informal meetings of local organizers that took place in 2005. In its first year, NAPO-St. Louis attracted 25 Members and two Associate Members; by 2011 that number grew to 31 Regular Members and nine Associate Members. Members meet nine months out of the year for programs that enhance their organizing and business knowledge. Guests are welcome to attend up to four times before being asked to join.

Why hire a NAPO member?

By hiring a NAPO member, you know that you’ll be working with a skilled professional with access to high-quality education, exposure to the latest trends in organizing, access to manufacturers of organizing products, and knowledge about and exposure to the latest products. By joining NAPO, a Professional Organizer demonstrates his/her commitment to growth within the field.

What types of services do NAPO members offer?

The Chapter represents a diversity of services, from residential to home-based business to corporations. They offer assistance on organizing space, paper and time. Some use coaching principles in their businesses. Some offer teleconsulting. By using the searchable member directory you can find a local organizer who specializes in the type of help you’re looking for.

What credentials are required before becoming a Professional Organizer?

There are no formal prerequisites for becoming a Professional Organizer. Many join this profession because of a lifetime of being organized and a desire to help others. Some join because they have struggled with their own organizational issues and want to share the solutions they have found. Opportunities are available for credentialing, however:

In 2007, NAPO established a formal certification program Certified Professional Organizer. The initials CPO (Certified Professional Organizer) after an organizer’s name indicates that he or she has met a series of rigorous requirements, including passing an examination.

CPO®
Seal of the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers

NAPO-St. Louis members with CPO® after their name have attained the credential of Certified Professional Organizer by passing a written exam administered by the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers SM. Only organizers who can document 1500 paid client hours in the past three years (or 1250 paid client hours and 250 substitute hours of education or professional development) may sit for the exam.

CPO-CD®

NAPO-St. Louis members with the credential CPO-CD® after their names have attained the credential Certified Professional Organizer through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (formally known as the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization). To do so, they must complete an 18-month learning program and pass an oral peer review exam. Read more about CPO-CD Certification.

The ICD offers several levels or certificates of study, specialist certificates and the designation CPO-CD for those who are certified in working with the chronically disorganized.

Golden Circle
Golden Circle Member

NAPO Golden Circle members have been in business for at least five years and have been members of NAPO for at least one. NAPO Golden Circle membership is NAPO’s way of acknowledging the expertise and elevated level of experience of seasoned professional organizers. NAPO Golden Circle membership is indicated by the Golden Circle logo.

In addition, some individual organizers and companies conduct training and certification. This includes the Clear and Simple Training and Certification, Eyes of a Stranger Training and Certification, and Freedom Filer Training and Certification

I am a news reporter/producer and would like to do a story on organizing. Who should I talk to?

You may contact our Director of Marketing, Diana Leutkemeyer at dluetkemeyer(‘at’ sign)gmail.com, or for general information on our Chapter, contact our President, Tiffany Engler at Tiffany(‘at’ sign)yourlifeorganizedstl.com.