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When a home is cluttered and unorganized, residents may feel anxious and scattered. For those who are ready to get organized but unsure how to, hiring a professional home organizer may be the answer. Professional organizers offer permanent solutions to achieve a tidy home by devising solutions and creating systems to store items in a way that works the best for the customer. The best home organization services provide in-person, hands-on help or virtual appointments to help customers conquer their clutter.
Customers will want to keep in mind that a house cleaner and a home organization service are not the same. A house cleaner or maid service provides cleaning services and will scrub the home from top to bottom—without decluttering or organizing. A home organizer will come into a home and help residents sort through piles and restore order while eliminating the cluttered messes around the home. Which task is completed first comes down to personal preference, as some prefer to declutter and organize before cleaning, and others may clean before getting into the details of organizing.
As residents choose the right home organization service for their needs, it’s important to keep in mind that some companies will encourage customer participation in the organizational process, while others will not. Customers will want to determine if they want the home organization service to provide storage solutions, training, unwanted item disposal, or virtual support before hiring a professional organizer for their home. Searching for “home organization near me” can yield closer-to-home results, but this curated list of the best home organization services provides homeowners and renters with an excellent starting point.
- BEST OVERALL: NEAT Method
- RUNNER-UP: Horderly
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Clutterbusters
- LUXURY PICK: The Home Edit
- BEST MARKETPLACE: Handy
- BEST PRODUCT SELECTION: The Container Store
- ALSO CONSIDER: Merry Maids
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Transparent Pricing | Appointment Type | Moving Services | Organizer Training | Organizing Products Supplied | |
| NEAT Method | No | Virtual and In-Person | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Horderly | No | Virtual and In-Person | Yes | Unknown | Yes |
| Clutterbusters!! | Yes | Virtual and In-Person | No | Yes | No |
| The Home Edit | Yes (for virtual services) | Virtual and In-Person | No | Unknown | Yes |
| Handy | No | Varies by organizer | Yes | Varies by organizer | Varies by organizer |
| The Container Store | No | In-person | Yes | Unknown | Yes |
| Merry Maids | No | In-person | No | Yes | No |
Photo: istockphoto.com
What to Consider When Choosing a Home Organization Service
Before a homeowner hires a professional organizer, there are a few factors to consider. Homeowners may want to weigh the flexibility and availability of the organizer, what type of organizational help is needed, the experience of the organizer, what type of education they have and certificates they hold, and any other types of additional services they may provide.
Flexibility and Availability
Some home organization services have wide availability since they have national retail locations, and others may have more rigid schedules or limited locations. Most companies will offer in-home consultations and in-person decluttering sessions as well as virtual options. Some companies also have flexible scheduling with organizers available on holidays and weekends. The majority of professional organizing services will provide an action plan to manage storage spaces and stay organized so you’re not left wondering how to stay on track after the appointment is over.
Scale of Organization Needs
Before hiring a professional organizer, homeowners may want to consider what they need organized. Do they need a professional closet organizer to help with their wardrobe, or is their entire home in disarray? Hiring an experienced organizer can help with the moving process, the transition after a major life event like a wedding or divorce, and when an adult child moves out. Some organizing services specialize in revamping and decluttering the whole home, while others may tackle smaller spaces or offer specialized services, like working with people with disabilities, the elderly, or those who suffer from a hoarding disorder. Still others might focus on bedroom organizer or clothes organizer services.
Homeowner Presence and Participation
Many organizers will involve the client in the process of organization and decluttering. Typically, the customer will have the final say whether an item stays or goes. Homeowners should be prepared to be asked questions regarding what they want their space to be like or why they’re clinging to an item. A professional organizer will tell clients the hard truth about what they should let go of while being respectful and supportive. A pro will also provide tips on how to declutter your home in the future so homeowners can stay organized.
Education, Certification, and Experience
Some home organization companies utilize their own methods and certify their organizers according to their own standards. But, like many other industries, there is an association dedicated to educating professional organizers and maintaining standards. The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) is an organization that is dedicated to helping people be efficient and bring order to their lives. They provide continuing education via the NAPO University, research, business connections, offer credentials through the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers, and expand public awareness. They also supply a directory of professional organizers and productivity consultants in your area. While an organizer does not need to be NAPO certified to be good at their job, it’s recommended to look for an experienced organizer to help homeowners with the type of service they need.
Additional Services
Some organizers will provide additional services, such as providing storage bins or containers to keep a home organized or offering the option to shop for storage solutions such as clothing organizers or portable closets for an additional charge. They can also hang shelving, install closet organizing storage units, clean, paint, move furniture, hang window treatments, label and categorize, and replace furniture. Not all organizing companies provide these services, however, and if they do, the costs can quickly add up. If you’re interested in these extra services, be sure to ask the organizer what types of work they do before hiring.
Customers can also ask for recommendations for more specific services, such as the best interior design services or the best closet design companies. If the professional organizer doesn’t offer these services, they may be able to recommend someone who can.
Our Top Picks
We considered factors such as services offered, area of service, pricing transparency, online services, contract terms, rates, and comprehensive service to customers to determine the best home organization services. We also thoroughly researched each company by evaluating their sites, getting quotes, and considering customer reviews and experiences.
Best Overall
NEAT Method
Why It Made the Cut: NEAT Method provides organization and storage solutions tailored to each customer’s needs and will even take care of unwanted clutter in a customer’s home.
NEAT Method offers home organization solutions that are customized to each individual customer’s needs. Every customer will get an individualized organization plan that aims to effectively declutter the home and create organization systems that are easy for the customer to maintain. Customers are not required to be home while NEAT Method is organizing, but they’ll need to be available for a short walk-through after the work is complete to ensure the service is to their satisfaction.
Prices vary by market, so customers will need to contact their local franchise to get specific pricing information. The company has a relatively extensive service area with 100 locations in 35 states and Washington, D.C., and franchise owners may be willing to travel to a customer’s home for a consultation. Those who live outside the service area can take advantage of the company’s virtual organizing services, where they’ll get professional advice on a plan they can implement themselves.
In addition to virtual and in-person consultations, NEAT Method will take care of purchasing organization products and donating unwanted items, allowing customers to be as hands-off as they like throughout the process.
Specs
- Transparent pricing: No
- Appointment type: Virtual and in-person
- Moving services: Yes
- Organizer training: Yes
- Organizing products supplied: Yes
Pros
- Extensive service area with 100 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and the ability to travel to a client’s location
- Comprehensive turnkey home organization services
- Experienced organizers create an individualized plan to effectively declutter and create organization systems
- Customer participation not required
Cons
- Prices vary by market
Runner-Up
Horderly
Why It Made the Cut: In addition to home organization services, New York-based Horderly offers business organizing and home staging services and will travel to customers outside its service area.
Named after the founders, Jamie and Fillip Hord, Horderly has one goal: to make customers’ lives streamlined and clutter-free. Customers can contact Horderly via an email form on its website, though there are no other contact methods listed. Horderly has offices in the New York City metropolitan area but will travel anywhere in the country for an additional fee, although this service is only offered for projects with a minimum price of $8,000. This high price may be more than some customers are willing to spend, but those with a higher budget will appreciate the convenience and accessibility of the service.
In addition to helping customers organize their homes, Horderly encourages customers to donate unwanted items they no longer love to nonprofits. This can help customers feel good that the items they no longer need are helping others, whether the items are donated to a thrift store or to a local shelter. In addition to organizing residential spaces, Horderly offers organization services for business clients. These services include organizing paperwork, configuring desks, and organizing supply rooms. Horderly also offers home staging services to help clients’ homes stand out on the real estate market, which may result in a higher selling price.
Specs
- Transparent pricing: No
- Appointment type: Virtual and in-person
- Moving services: Yes
- Organizer training: Unknown
- Organizing products supplied: Yes
Pros
- Removes and donates unwanted clothes and shoes
- Additional workplace organization and home staging services available
- Ability to travel to client’s location
Cons
- High $8,000 minimum price for services outside the New York metropolitan area
- Customer service only available via email form
Best Bang for the Buck
Clutterbusters
Why It Made the Cut: Clutterbusters!! offers free phone consultations, flexible appointment schedule, and transparent pricing to ensure customers aren’t faced with surprise charges.
Clutterbusters!! is a woman-owned professional organizing company serving several areas, including the Washington, D.C., metro area; Olympia, Washington; Boise, Idaho; and Scottsdale, Arizona. Although this service area is relatively limited, customers in these areas will appreciate the company’s transparent pricing. Clutterbusters!! charges a rate of $85 per hour, per organizer, and this price includes taxes, tips, travel, and gas, so customers won’t see any unexpected charges on their final bill. Clutterbusters!! does have a 4-hour minimum for hands-on appointments, so the total cost per appointment will be at least $340.
Clutterbusters!! specifies that customers might need several sessions to fully organize their home—especially those who have years of accumulation to work through. This may seem inconvenient for those who want the project completed as soon as possible, but the result will be a thorough organization of the home rather than a rushed one.
Customers can schedule a free initial phone conversation on the Clutterbusters!! website to see if the company is a match for their organizing needs. From there, they can schedule their hands-on appointment online by providing contact information and details about the areas of the home they want to work on during the appointment. Clutterbusters!! will then contact the customer with date and time options for their appointment. Scheduling is flexible; organizers often work on weekends and holidays to fit in with customers’ schedules. Next-day appointments are also available if a customer calls before noon the day before.
Specs
- Transparent pricing: Yes
- Appointment type: Virtual and in-person
- Moving services: No
- Organizer training: Yes
- Organizing products supplied: No
Pros
- Transparent, relatively affordable pricing
- Easy and convenient online booking
- Flexible next-day, weekend, and holiday appointments available
Cons
- Limited service area
- Several home organization sessions may be necessary
Luxury Pick
The Home Edit
Why It Made the Cut: In addition to its Netflix show and series of books, The Home Edit offers a trendy and luxurious organization service for customers around the country.
The Home Edit is known for its Netflix show and series of books that spurred the popularity of home organization. In addition to the TV show, The Home Edit offers in-home home organization services in 10 U.S. cities with the option to travel to customers in additional locations. The Home Edit also offers virtual home organization services and displays the pricing for these services online. Customers may find that prices for The Home Edit’s services are relatively high at around $895 for a virtual consultation, and in-home projects that involve the company are likely to be much pricier due to the additional costs involved. However, customers who like the company’s style options or follow the show on Netflix may be more than willing to pay for these services.
The Home Edit’s signature style includes organizational features such as cubbies, containers, and shelves, which might not suit everyone’s aesthetic, but on the flip side, the simple organization style may be ideal for customers who want to be able to easily maintain their home organization system. In all, the Nashville, Tennessee–based company could be a good fit for customers looking for luxury organization services.
Specs
- Transparent pricing: Yes (for virtual services)
- Appointment type: Virtual and in-person
- Moving services: No
- Organizer training: Unknown
- Organizing products supplied: Yes
Pros
- Ability to travel to a client’s location
- Customer support available via phone and email
Cons
- Relatively high prices
- Limited style options for home organization products and solutions
Best Marketplace
Handy
Why It Made the Cut: Handy makes it easy for customers to find a screened and vetted organizer in their area, and it backs all services with the Handy Guarantee.
Handy is a marketplace app that connects users with various types of home service professionals. These independent contractors, including home organizers, can be booked directly through the Handy app or website, making it an ideal option for customers who prefer to schedule services through a digital platform rather than call a company during business hours. Customers will want to note that there are few options for contacting Handy customer service besides 24/7 live chat in the app, which might not be the preferred method for some customers. However, Handy will provide customers with a phone number for the professional they hire so they can contact them directly with any questions about the service.
Since organizers are independent contractors and not Handy employees, customers may find that their experience differs depending on the contractor they use. But Handy offers a satisfaction guarantee called the Handy Guarantee, which promises to send out another pro at no additional charge if the customer is dissatisfied with their initial service. All professionals are also screened and vetted by Handy, which gives customers additional peace of mind that the pro they hire is trustworthy.
Specs
- Transparent pricing: No
- Appointment type: Varies by organizer
- Moving services: Yes
- Organizer training: Varies by organizer
- Organizing products supplied: Varies by organizer
Pros
- Wide range of screened and vetted local professionals available for hire
- Convenient booking via the Handy app or website
- Satisfaction guarantee included
Cons
- Costs, services, and customer experience may vary
- Limited customer service options
Best Product Selection
The Container Store
Why It Made the Cut: In addition to home organization services, The Container Store stocks a wide range of products and storage solutions to help customers declutter and organize their home the best way for them.
The Container Store has locations in 34 states and Washington, D.C., making it a viable option for a wide range of customers. Customers can choose from an assortment of products and storage solutions from The Container Store, whether they plan to organize their home themselves or use a pro. The Container Store also offers an in-home organization service that consists of an initial meeting, a written proposal, and the actual organization. There is no option for a virtual consultation, which could be a disadvantage for some customers, but the in-person consultation could result in a more detailed organization plan.
Customers may need to schedule a consultation to learn more about The Container Store’s home organization services, as the company’s website does not offer much information regarding costs and more specific service options. However, in addition to organizing customers’ homes, the company will donate unwanted items so the customer doesn’t need to worry about what to do with them. The Container Store will also return unwanted items so the customer doesn’t need to find time in their schedule to do so. To schedule an in-home organization service, customers will need to fill in a form with their contact info on The Container Store’s website and wait for a pro to contact them within 24 hours.
Specs
- Transparent pricing: No
- Appointment type: In-Person
- Moving services: No
- Organizer training: Unknown
- Organizing products supplied: Yes
Pros
- Relatively large service area covering 34 states and Washington, D.C.
- Wide range of storage solutions available
- Removes, donates, or returns unwanted items
Cons
- Limited service information available
- Virtual consultations unavailable
Also Consider
Merry Maids
Why It Made the Cut: Merry Maids offers both cleaning and organization services, as well as a satisfaction guarantee that promises a free return visit if a customer is not satisfied with their service.
Merry Maids has locations in 46 states and Washington, D.C., making it a realistic option for customers across the country. The company has a wide range of cleaning and organization services, allowing customers to use a single company to both clean and declutter their home. This makes Merry Maids a convenient solution for a variety of customers looking for the best cleaning services as well as home organization. Merry Maids only offers in-person home organization services, so those who prefer to have a virtual consultation and do the physical organizing work themselves will need to look elsewhere.
Customers can only get support from Merry Maids during regular business hours, which may be a disadvantage for some. However, the company has a “worry-free guarantee” that allows customers who are not satisfied with their service to let Merry Maids know within 24 hours. Customers will then receive additional service at no extra charge to make it right. This promise can help customers feel more confident when hiring a company to help them get their home clean and organized.
Specs
- Transparent pricing: No
- Appointment type: In-person
- Moving services: No
- Organizer training: Yes
- Organizing products supplied: No
Pros
- Relatively large service area covering 46 states and Washington, D.C.
- Wide range of cleaning and organizing services available
- Satisfaction guarantee included
Cons
- Virtual consultations unavailable
- Customer support hours may be limited
Our Verdict
Based on the overall service, availability, flexibility, personalized service, and the focus on beauty and practicality, the NEAT Method is our top pick for the best home organization service. With transparent pricing, low hourly rates, package pricing, and optional virtual appointments, Clutterbusters!! is a fantastic no-frills, budget-friendly option.
How We Chose the Best Home Organization Services
To determine the best home organization services, we researched dozens of contenders. We considered factors such as wide availability, location, online options, ease of contact, pricing, flexibility, design aesthetic, and services offered. We also focused on additional services offered, evaluated the professional reputation of the company, the quality of the service, and how the service can benefit customers across all price ranges—from an extravagant splurge to a budget-friendly pick.
Before You Hire a Best Home Organization Service
Hiring a professional organization service will cost more than DIY-ing an organization project. If homeowners feel overwhelmed and stressed by both the clutter and the thought of decluttering, a professional can help ease some of the stress. For some, hiring a skilled professional is worth the money to free up extra time, avoid organizational mistakes, have an organized space, and enjoy a streamlined and tidy home. Professional organizers can also prepare a plan to keep clients and their homes organized long after the appointment is over. Before hiring a professional, homeowners may want to consider asking these questions:
- What kind of organizing projects do you specialize in?
- Do you offer free consultations?
- What are your rates?
- What professional training do you have?
- Do you hold any professional certification?
- Do you provide a contract?
- Can you provide references?
- How will you involve me in the process?
- Do you work alone or with other organizers?
- Will you drop off donations?
If homeowners decide to organize their own space, there are plenty of tips, tricks, and cool storage ideas to help them tackle the piles of clutter.
Cost of Hiring One a Home Organization Service
The cost of hiring one of the best home organization services averages $520. The typical hourly rate ranges between $55 and $100, and most customers pay between $250 and $834. Some professionals may charge by the day or by the project. The exact price a customer pays can vary by geographic location, project complexity and location in the home, project type, and organizer experience level. Professional organizers who have expertise in a specific area, such as computer organizer or life organizer, may have higher rates. Customers can often find the best professional organizer for their needs by searching online, getting at least three quotes, and choosing a professional that works the best for their project and budget.
The Advantages of Hiring a Home Organization Service
Professional organizers take the time to understand the deep attachment some may have to their belongings. They can provide ideas to maximize space and save time, provide organizational solutions and strategies, and create systems to keep up an organized space. Here are a few services a home organization company can provide.
- Develop a filing system
- Adapt an organizing program that works the best for you
- Take inventory of your belongings
- Devise storage solutions
- Dispose of unwanted items
These services can offer clients peace of mind and allow them to have better focus in their home. With a newly organized space, clients may see an uptick in productivity, efficiency, and even positivity. While hiring a home organization service may seem unnecessary, the permanent solutions offered by experts can help save homeowners time, energy, and money in the long run.
FAQs
Deciding on the best home organization service while staying within your budget can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some frequently asked questions about home organizing services to help guide homeowners in their decisions.
Most home organization services do not provide cleaning services, but some, like Merry Maids, will. If customers are interested in this additional service, they should ask before hiring a professional organizer.
The cost to hire a professional organizer can vary depending on the market and the job’s scale. That being said, rates for these services typically run an average of $55 to $100 per hour, and most customers pay between $250 and $834 per session. The average rate runs approximately $519. Some professionals may charge by the day or by the project. Prices vary according to geographic location and complexity of the project.
Tipping home organizers is not expected. If customers feel as though a professional has gone beyond the contract specifications or provided an additional service, a gratuity would certainly be appreciated.
None of the companies in our guide offer subscription services, but some individual organizers may offer them. Be sure to check with your organizer to confirm if they offer this service.
Yes! Some professional organizers charge a different rate for garage organization. The national average runs between $1,000 and $2,500.