Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I find a Professional Organizer?

If you are looking for a Professional Organizer to assist you, you have come to the right place. Visit our Member Search page to find a St. Louis Professional Organizer.

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

Where and when are Chapter meetings?

The Chapter meets on the second Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. All 2010 meetings (except for our September meeting) will be held at the Kirkwood branch of Commerce Bank, located at 300 North Kirkwood Road, at the corner of Kirkwood and Adams, in Kirkwood, Missouri. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. and end about 1:30 p.m. Non-members are welcome as guests up to four meetings. The meeting fee for guests is $20.

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 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.

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.

What credentials are required before becoming a Professional Organizer?

There are no formal prerequisites for becoming a Professional Organizer. However, opportunities for credentialing are available. Some NAPO St. Louis members have additional credentials, which you’ll see in their member listing:

CPO®

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 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.

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.

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 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 2010 that number grew to 34 Regular Members and seven Associate Members. Members meet every other month for programs that enhance their organizing and business knowledge. Guests are welcome to attend up to four times before being asked to join.

How do I join NAPO St. Louis?

Membership is open to any organizer or prospective organizer who has already joined NAPO on a national level. Opportunities are also available for Associate Membership for industry professionals. To join, download the Regular Membership Application fill it out, and mail it to our Director of Membership, Sue Anderson, CPO®, with a check for dues. Prospective Associate Members—companies that serve the organizing industry—should contact Sue Anderson for an application.

How do I become a Professional Organizer?

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Professional Organizer we encourage you to look at the National Website. We also invite you to join our next NAPO St. Louis meeting. Meetings give you a chance to network with other organizers about starting your own business, learn about the industry, enjoy short workshops and much more. Click here to learn more about our upcoming meeting.