10 Undeniable Signs (With Examples) It’s Time to Hire a Professional Organiser

“You are feeling stressed out…

You are feeling sick and tired of your workspace or home being so disorganised and chaotic…

You are feeling tired of non-stop cleaning, but the mess seems to want to stay…

You are distracted by the daily clutter and do not know where to start…”

If you are saying, “Oh yes, that’s me!”, then I warmly welcome you to this humble digital home.

And let me just assure you that you are not facing these feelings all by yourself.

These are familiar struggles for most adults, such as hands-on parents or mothers, working or stay-at-home, on-the-go professionals, and active and busy families including the young ones, too.

Before diving in, let me clear the air.

You don’t need a professional to make you feel you have it all together, like organising your space. Most people think they can handle their clutter and perfectly organise their own space with the available resources on the internet. But, realistically and based on my experience, not everyone's born with that instinct to figure things out by themselves.

And so, here is the head-scratching question…

How do you know when it’s time to hire a professional organiser?

Here are the ten signs that will help you understand and decide when to hire a professional organiser. I am sharing some real-life examples in this blog post to help you relate and will provide you with practical insights that you can connect with on a personal level. These examples will assist you in gauging between assumptions and reality and will allow you to see how these scenarios play out in everyday life and how they apply to yours.

1.     Your Valuable Space Is Becoming More Like a Storage Unit

We often experience that sinking feeling upon entering a room filled with an overwhelming amount of items. A living space that’s meant to comfort you after a busy day of work has now become a storage area for rarely-used seasonal decorations and long-forgotten knick-knacks. If this resonates or sounds vaguely familiar, it may be time to get some professional help.

Example:

Anya is a busy mother of three, and as you can imagine, her usual daily routine includes avoiding her garage to save her from more unnecessary stress triggers, particularly in the morning run to school and work and in the afternoon after arriving from work and childcare pickup. Their garage, which is intended as a place for parking their vehicles and storing seasonal appliances, had become a dumping ground for all sorts of items, from outgrown children’s clothing to forgotten holiday trinkets and broken furniture. The thought of tackling the messy garage herself left her paralysed.

So, when should you bring in a professional organiser in this situation? A professional can efficiently navigate through your clutter without being emotionally attached and assist you in organising your possessions into categories for keeping, donating, or discarding. They can implement systems that prevent items from accumulating in your home again. They can help you reclaim your valuable space much sooner than if you wait for the "perfect time" to handle the task yourself, which often gets delayed due to other priorities.

2.     You are Always Late or No-Show to your Appointments

Did you realise that being disorganised doesn't just impact your physical space but can also have consequences on your time management? If you find yourself frequently running late, missing important dates, or constantly searching for items like your keys or important documents before leaving the house or for an appointment, it might be a sign that your life could benefit from some expert organisational skills.

Example:

Roberto was an accomplished business executive who diligently juggled multiple agenda items in his schedule. However, hectic schedules and pressing commitments both in his professional and personal lives resulted in a pattern of missed meetings and deadlines. His once-pristine reputation was starting to take a hit.

A professional organiser can help you understand your current situation and make systems that manage your time more effectively. Take back control of your calendar, your time and your life by hiring someone to establish systems and processes to track appointments, deadlines, and tasks, and physically organise your spaces.

3.     You’ve Tried to be Organised, but Nothing Works

You have previously made efforts to become more organised by decluttering, categorising, and investing in storage solutions, but unfortunately, your attempts have been unsuccessful. Despite spending money and valuable time, your paperwork continues to pile up, your closet remains chaotic, and finding important documents is like embarking on a scavenger hunt. If you can relate to these struggles, it might be time to reach out to a professional organiser, who can serve as your supportive guide in changing your decluttering and organising mindset and establishing lasting habits.

Example:

The Francesco family embarked on a joint effort to declutter their chaotic home during the serene summer recess. Initially enthusiastic, they dedicated the entire month to sorting, clearing out, and organising the primary cluttered zones of their residence. Progress seemed promising for a while, but as a few weeks passed, their initial excitement dwindled, old habits resurfaced, and clutter began to accumulate once more.

Now, the question arises: When and why should you consider engaging a professional organiser? These experts not only assist in organising alongside you but also guide you in establishing enduring habits and systems that suit your lifestyle. This ensures that you can sustain and manage the organisation even after their services have concluded.

4.     You’re buying things that you already own

Have you ever bought something only to find out later you had it already but didn’t find it in the clutter? Say “Aye” if you are guilty! Yes! It is an expensive by-product of disorganisation. And surely, it’s not a habit you wish to create unless you want to put a dent in your bank account.

Example:

Laura was a busy businessman who always bought new office supplies. She knew she had plenty of them at home, but when she needed them, she could never find them. She eventually realised that she had acquired seven staplers, too many pens to count, and more notebooks than she could use in a lifetime.

A professional organiser will help you create an inventory system that allocates a designated place for your items for ease of access and location. This will not only save you a few bucks and time but also help you reduce waste and clutter.

5.     You’re More Stressed Out Than Ever

Many life coaching professionals will say that decluttering and organising have a positive impact on your mental health, as well as your life and relationships. If you’re tired of stressing or worrying about the condition of your home or office, maybe it’s time you got a little help from a professional.

Example:

Mark and Emily Graham are a young couple who argue more each day about their growing stuff in their small apartment. The mess was a constant source of stress that affected their relationship and their quality of life.

When to hire a professional organiser, and why in this particular situation? An organiser advocates a calm environment, which helps in reducing conflict stress levels caused by disorganisation and clutter at home. They can train you on how to maintain order, and order frequently translates into better relationships and better mental health.

6.     You’re Too Embarrassed to Invite Over Visitors

By contrast, your home should be a cosy place to entertain family and friends. If you’re putting off having guests over because you’re way too embarrassed about how your space looks or what your visitors will say about you and your place, it might be time to consider getting a professional organising service.

Example:

Sandra, a single mother who liked to entertain, hadn’t thrown a dinner party in years. The thought of anyone seeing her cluttered living room and kitchen horrifies her. She began declining invitations to host book club gatherings or arrange playdates for her children.

A professional organiser can transform your space so you will be happy to show it off when people come over. Their expertise enables them to develop systems that provide simple and manageable home maintenance despite a busy and stressful routine.

7.     You Are Experiencing a Significant Life Transition

Moving, getting married, having a baby, downsizing — all these life changes can be stressful. A lot of these transitions happen with a burst of activity in a short period. When there is already so much happening during these times, allow yourself to seek the assistance of a professional organiser to let you focus on your key priorities.

Example:

The Grays, a family of four, were preparing for a cross-country relocation. Just the thought of tackling through more than a decade’s worth of stuff — sorting out what to keep, what to donate or sell, what to toss and packing it all up — was intimidating.

This is precisely when — and why — hiring a professional organiser can help turn the messy battle around. They can assist you with organising your items, deciding what to keep, sell or donate, and creating a strategy for your new space to be organised and be up and running in no time.

8.     You Have Accumulated Years of Paper Clutter

Managing household or office paperwork can be overwhelming, especially when documents accumulate over the years. These can include old bills, receipts, outdated files, or sentimental notes, paper clutter can quickly become unmanageable. While some people can tackle the mess on their own, there comes a point when hiring a professional organiser becomes the best solution.

Example:

Ahman, a busy professional, had been keeping years’ worth of bank statements, medical records, and old work documents in various boxes around her home. Whenever she needed a specific paper, it took hours to find - if she found it at all. She finally decided to hire a professional organiser, who helped her categorise essential documents, create a filing system, and digitise records for ease of access. Now, she no longer dreads dealing with paperwork, and her space feels lighter and more functional.

9.     You Have a Hard Time Letting Go of Things

Clutter often builds up not just because of a lack of organisation but because of an emotional attachment to items. Many people struggle with letting go of belongings due to sentimental value, fear of needing them in the future, or simply not knowing where to start. Over time, this can lead to an overwhelming and cluttered space, making daily life stressful. If you find it difficult to part with things, hiring a professional organiser can help you make decisions with confidence and clarity.

Example:

John had a garage filled with old furniture, broken electronics, and boxes of childhood memorabilia. Every time he attempted to declutter, he felt paralysed by memories and "what-if" scenarios. After years of struggling, he hired a professional organiser. With their help, he learned to keep only the most meaningful and useful items while donating or discarding the rest. Now, his garage is a functional space rather than a storage unit for the past.

Letting go can be tough, but with the right support, it becomes much easier.

10.    You Are Too Busy to Tackle It on Your Own

Life can get hectic, and organising often falls to the bottom of the priority list. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, finding the time and energy to declutter and reorganise can feel impossible. If your clutter is piling up simply because you don’t have the bandwidth to deal with it, a professional organiser can step in to create order efficiently—without adding stress to your already packed schedule.

Life can become quite busy, leading to organising tasks being neglected. Juggling work, family, and various conflicting obligations can make it seem nearly impossible to find the time and motivation for decluttering and reorganising. If clutter keeps piling up due to a lack of capacity to address it, a professional organiser can step in and efficiently bring order without adding more stress to your already full schedule.

Example:

Geraldine, a working mother of two, struggled to keep her home organised. Between managing a demanding job, taking care of her kids, and handling household chores, decluttering always got pushed aside. Every time she tried to start, she was interrupted or too exhausted to continue. She finally decided to hire a professional organiser, who worked efficiently to declutter and create storage solutions tailored to her family’s needs. Now, her home is more functional, and she doesn’t have to stress about finding time to organise.

If you’re too busy to tackle clutter alone, professional help can save you time and sanity.

How Hiring a Professional Organiser is So Worthwhile

Now that you’ve read through the signs, let’s talk about why hiring a professional organiser is so worth it:

Knowledge:

Professional organisers possess extensive experience, having encountered a wide range of organising challenges. They excel in tackling even the most daunting situations with ease. Their innovative and practical solutions cater directly to your unique needs, exceeding what you might envision independently. Emphasising both functionality and aesthetics, they ensure your space not only looks appealing but also remains user-friendly and easy to maintain.

Objectivity:

The truth is, it’s hard to be ruthless with our “own” stuff. That is why an objective third party, a professional organiser, is a neutral sounding board to help you with your decision-making on what to keep and what to donate or take to the dump. They can guide you with your decision making if you are having a hard time to let go of your stuff.

Time-saving:

It might require months or even years to accomplish a task by yourself, but with the help of a professional, you could potentially finish it in just a few days by setting specific goals. Believe me, that long-standing "to-do list" hanging on your wall to organise your closet, pantry, or wardrobe can be crossed off within days. Allowing a professional to organise your space can significantly streamline your daily routine, saving you valuable time.

Tailor-made solutions:

Professional planners do not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they take the time to understand your unique situation, goals, and the specific areas of your home that need attention. They design customised systems tailored to your exact requirements, budget, and lifestyle choices. Throughout the process, they are available to support you as you adapt to the new setup and make any necessary tweaks to ensure it aligns perfectly with your daily routines.

Skill-building:

A professional organiser is like a coach because they guide you through the process of decluttering, organising, and maintaining order in your spaces. Just as a coach helps individuals achieve goals through structure, motivation, and accountability, an organiser provides you strategies, encouragement, and practical solutions tailored to your needs. They empower you to change your mindset on how to treat your space and belongings and and build habits to improve the quality of your life.

Making the Decision

The ultimate first step in all of this is that you need to acknowledge that you need help. If you can identify with most of the signs I’ve shared with you so far, it might be time to hire a professional organiser.

“Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. “

It can even be a step toward living a better life. Professional organisers are rooting for you, not judging you. They understand that life is sometimes messy and that they have the skills and experience to help you get back on track.

But should you decide you need a professional organiser, you should take time to investigate potential candidates to make sure you find one that fits both your needs and your personality. Most of the time, organisers will have an initial consultation they offer, which is a great way to see whether someone is going to work for you.

If your space constantly stresses you out with its chaotic appearance or consumes your time while you try to make it presentable, it might be time to seek help from professional organisers. Investing in their services can be highly rewarding, as they save you time, reduce stress, and enhance the overall quality of your living or working environment. Don't wait until things spiral out of control; take action now to transform your dream space and become the best version of yourself!

Reclaim your space and peace of mind.

Let’s start mapping your spaces!

Lots of Love, map