As a Professional Organizer, you learn that there is a wide range of client needs that can be met with our services. Some homeowners require the full package of 1:1 onsite guidance, organizing and support to accomplish their goals.
Others need professional guidance on how to approach the space but are willing to complete the work themselves.
I like to call these clients DIY Homeowners.
In the last decade, the DIY or Do It Yourself mantra has become a household term for many. These are people that have a certain “can do” attitude about a variety of items ranging from craft projects to home repairs.
Typically, the DIY culture is centred around two things; upcycling & saving money, both of which are great for homeowners & creative people alike.
I admit I am a fan of completing household chores and simple repairs the DIY way. It gives me a sense of accomplishment while allowing me to be creative in my home décor. I’ve been lost in the black hole of Pinterest more often than not, filling the Board with ideas and simple “hacks” to better my house & home. In reality, most of these Pins end up sitting on Boards that I forgot I created 3 or 4 years ago.
How does DIY organizing work?
When it comes to Professional Organizing, working with clients who consider themselves to be “DIY Homeowners” can be both challenging and rewarding.
A Professional Organizer’s staple service is in-home organizing with 1:1 support from start to finish.
However, there is also something to be said for those DIY clients!
As a person who loves to assist people, no matter how big or small the job/request is, I LOVE working with DIY homeowners. I feel respected for my expertise and knowledge when a Client asks me to provide them with advice and recommendations for their space.
I pride myself on my diverse service catalogue. Not only does it allow me to expand my reach within my community but demonstrates to prospective clients that organizing is not a “one size fits all” service. To help as many homeowners as possible, including those who looking for a push in the right direction, I happily offer a Consultation Report service as part of my catalogue.
What exactly is a Consultation Report?
For my clients who request a consult report, I create a robust PDF document based on the information they provide me about their specific space. This report will include:
Organizing advice (i.e. types of items to de-clutter/keep/dispose of)
Organizing recommendations (i.e. tips/tricks for specific spaces to keep the place tidy long-term)
Organizational item options (including name, price & dimensions) for the specified space
Step-by-step walkthrough of my organizing process the same as 1:1 onsite packages)
Maintenance tips for the space to keep it organized long term.
Eco-friendly tips to implement throughout the home when possible.
All of the above information would be provided to the client electronically, giving them a robust overview of the organizing work and steps for a fraction of the price of hiring an organizer to complete the work.
This report is filled with the exact information a DIY homeowner would want from a Professional Organizer to feel prepared and capable of achieving their organizing goals!
So what are the benefits of a Consultation report? This document is the perfect balance between professional guidance and cost savings. It is the perfect solution for DIY homeowners willing to put in the time and effort themselves but unsure how to bring their vision to life.
It is also a great option for those on a budget, for it provides the client with the value of 1:1 organizing without the cost associated to have an Organizer on site completing the work.
Finally, for Clients that are on the fence if they want to proceed with hiring a Professional Organizer, a Consultation report is a great way to visually see the level of effort required to complete the project and help decide on completing the work yourself or hiring an organizer.
When you as a homeowner consider taking the necessary steps to address the clutter in your life, don’t overlook the power and value of working with a Professional Organizer to provide you with industry expertise and advice. Purchasing a consultation report from an Organizer is a great first step in your organizing journey, regardless if you’re a DIY homeowner or not.
As a Professional Organizer, it is important to recognize that every client is different. This is exactly why I offer so many diverse services that can be personalized and altered to meet the individual needs of each client. As amazing as it is to work 1:1 with clients in their homes, don’t neglect or ignore those just looking for advice, they are just as important as any other client.
Ready to get started?
So am I! Please check out my consultation report service page to learn more!
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About the Author: Brittany Smith lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband and feline furbaby Zoey. She is a Certified Professional Organizer, Owner, and Founder of Control the Chaos, a Professional Organizing business that provides personalized in-home, virtual and digital organizing services aimed at transforming anyone's chaos into calm.