Frequently Asked Questions

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 almost 4,000 members throughout the U.S. and in eight other countries.
What is NAPO?: 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 almost 4,000 members through education, networking, industry resources, and promoting the profession to the public. By joining NAPO, an organizer is demonstrating her (or his) commitment to her business
What is NAPO St. Louis?: 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 and its board looks forward to further growth. Members meet every other month for programs that enhance their organizing and business knowledge. Guests are welcome to attend up to two 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 NAPO St. Louis membership application (pdf) fill it out, and mail it to membership director Maureen Wielansky with a check for dues. Prospective associate members—companies that serve the organizing industry—should contact Maureen Wielansky for an application.
Where and when are chapter meetings?: The chapter meets on the second Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. All 2008 meetings 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. (Please note that the November 10, 2008 meeting will be held at the conference room at St. Louis Closet Company located at 2626 Big Bend Blvd., Maplewood, MO 63143. 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.
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.
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, an organizer demonstrates her commitment to growth within her 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’ve struggled with organizational issues themselves and want to share the solutions they’ve found. Opportunities are available for credentialing, however. In 2007 NAPO established a formal certification program (www.certifiedprofessionalorganizers.com). 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. Also, the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (www.nsgcd.org) offers several levels of certificates of study, specialist certificates and the designation CPO-CD for those who are certified in working with the chronically disorganized. In addition, some individual organizers and companies conduct training and certification. This includes the Clear and Simple Training and certification (www.clearsimple.com), Eyes of a Stranger training and certification (www.theuntangledweb.com/organizer_training.htm), and Freedom Filer training and certification (www.freedomfiler.com).