At heart, professional organizing is about helping people create order to find a deeper sense of calm, but the role extends far beyond tidying up.
Organizers guide clients through physical and emotional transformation, helping them let go of clutter, establish systems, and reconnect with what truly matters. This can look different for every person and vary every day.
To better understand what professional organizers do to make their living, we surveyed 30+ certified KonMari Consultants about their businesses and experiences. Their answers revealed just how varied – and meaningful – this profession can be.
The Many Roles of a Professional Organizer
So what does a day in the life of an organizer look like? And what services do they actually offer?
While some choose to run their organizing businesses part-time (a popular option for Consultants with kids at home, as well as some retirees who decide to launch a professional organizing business for some extra income), nearly 60% operate full-time.
As for what they do, we rarely refer to our KonMari Consultants as “home organizers” – although they do offer that – because most of them provide a wide range of services beyond tidying a home.
Professional organizers also do much more than sort and label, especially when they’ve trained through a vetted organizing program.
KonMari Consultants are trained first and foremost in helping clients design workflows and systems that reflect their ideal lifestyle. Starting with systems means that clients feel empowered to maintain their newly organized spaces long after they’re done working with a professional organizer.
Based on our survey, most KonMari Consultants offer the following:
- Full-home tidying and category-based decluttering (100% offer this core skill to clients, as a holistic, full-home tidying festival embodies the KonMari Method philosophy)
- One-off projects, such as closet, kitchen, and office organization (81%)
- Virtual or hybrid consultations, including “digital tidying” projects, like inbox organization (70%)
“I once catalogued a personal library – over 5,000 books, albums, and journals – so the client could finally search her collection digitally.”
Other fairly common services include:
- Corporate office organization
- Downsizing and move preparation
- Public speaking
- Online workshops and courses.
From there, our certified professional organizers aren’t afraid to get creative with revenue streams. Some have podcasts; others write columns on organizing for their local papers. Still others have tackled – and loved – projects they never expected.
“I got to organize a horse barn with a favorite client! It's strange organizing items when you have no idea what they are.”
Whether it’s a studio apartment or an art collection, certified organizers are professionally trained to create systems that make everyday life lighter, more intentional, and more joyful.
As one organizer puts it best: “Every client ends up being unique, and that’s something I love about this job.”
How Long Do Professional Organizers Stay in Business?
Among the KonMari Consultants we surveyed, 43.8% have been in business for five years or more, and nearly 90% have been Consultants for more than two years. A resounding 93% said they expect to still work as professional organizers in five years’ time.
By comparison, only about 20% of small businesses survive past their first year in the U.S. That makes KonMari-trained organizers exceptional – proof that a values-based business model can stand the test of time.
Many Consultants say that focusing on joy, not just organizing, keeps both them and their clients motivated long-term.
“43.8% of KonMari Certified professional organizers have been in business for five years or more. A resounding 93% said they expect to still work as professional organizers in five years’ time.”
What Does It Take to Become a Professional Organizer?
Professional organizing requires more than a love of neatness. It’s a blend of empathy, creativity, and structure – and the ability to help others make decisions from a place of peace, not pressure.
Essential skills include:
- Deep listening and emotional intelligence
- Systems thinking and attention to detail
- The ability to guide without judgment, among others
For a detailed look at how to become a professional organizer, read our guide. You may also want to take a look at this comparison between the KonMari Consultant Program and other professional organizing certifications.
Why Many Organizers Choose the KonMari Consultant Path
Through the KonMari Consultant Program, organizers gain both the practical and emotional tools to build a thriving business. Participants learn not only the KonMari Method™ but also how to design client services, manage operations, and grow sustainably – all within a global community of support.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining an existing business, KonMari certification can help you build a practice rooted in clarity, compassion, and longevity.
