When you go shopping, do you know what you are looking for? Even if you do not go into a store and select something off the shelf with purpose, you may just be window shopping and waiting for that magical moment…when you can ‘feel’ how right something is.

Selecting the right Professional Organizer for your needs is not unlike shopping. When hiring someone to provide a service, it is similar to hiring a caretaker for your children. Would you select someone based on price alone? The right candidate will be privy to sensitive and confidential information you keep in the drawers of your desk, much less privy to what you may keep in your underwear drawer.

Some criteria I would recommend you look at when hiring a Professional Organizer:

1. Website – have a look at how the Professional Organizer’s website is laid out and the image it portrays. This may be an indicator as to the Organizer’s approach and style. You are hiring someone to provide you direction on how to organize and maintain your home or work spaces. Does their website look organized and is easy to navigate?
2. Telephone Conversation – do not avoid having a phone conversation. You will be surprised about the impression you get about someone after having a conversation with them. You will be spending hours and potentially days with your Professional Organizer. Best be able to get along with their personality and style/approach.
   Reference Checks – ask for a list of previous clients and/or speak to past or current clients for testimonials. This I not unlike a job interview.
3. Process – determine what approach the Professional Organizer takes. Are they hands-on? Is it a team approach? Have they defined a process from which you will be working with? You want to ensure that you are hiring someone to lead you and teach you about how to organize and then maintain your space – not just be a cleaner.
4. Past Experience – determine what the Professional Organizer’s background is. Professional Organizing is still a young industry in Canada (since 1998) compared to the US market from 1985. Check out their professional background to determine what skills they bring to the table.

Linda Chu is the President of Professional Organizers in Canada.