Demand for Home Organizers Surges Amidst Major Life Transitions

The professional organizing industry is experiencing a surge in demand, driven largely by individuals navigating major life transitions. Experts point to two primary catalysts: relationship breakups and the preparation for starting a family.

Melissa Riepe, a professional organizer, notes that clients, particularly women in their 30s, often seek her services after ending a relationship. "I think a breakup usually hits women pretty hard," Riepe told The Post. "It really is a crossroads moment when they end a relationship in their 30s and have to evaluate their life moving forward." For clients like Chiara Giovanni, organizing became a way to reclaim her space and identity after a split. "I wanted to take steps toward making this a forever home," Giovanni said, emphasizing the emotional aspect of decluttering items that held significance to her past relationship.

The National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) reports a growing market for home organizers, with projections indicating significant growth in the coming years. Jalene Bowersmith, executive director of NAPO, highlights that while do-it-yourself organizing is common, the comprehensive process and emotional support offered by professionals are often necessary. "People can always try to do it themselves," Bowersmith stated, "But on Tiktok, you see a before and after, and a quick video of a messy room being organized. You are not seeing the whole process."

Organizers like Riepe often find themselves dealing with clients who have accumulated items not only from past relationships but also due to impulsive shopping or new hobbies that didn't stick. "They describe themselves as out of control," Riepe said. "They open the door with embarrassment and shame."

Beyond breakups, preparing for a new family is another significant driver of demand. Riepe has seen an increase in clients who are in the process of nesting and preparing for a baby. These clients often face challenges with limited space in urban environments, such as New York City apartments, where space is at a premium. Lara Roth, preparing for a baby, sought organizational help to make her small apartment more functional. "I felt so embarrassed about the apartment for so long," Roth said. "Decluttering, she said, 'changed my mental state and my day-to-day. It was transformative for my vision of my life. It doesn’t feel like having a child is impossible.'"

Professional organizers typically charge rates that can range up to $250 per hour, offering half-day, full-day, or package sessions. Despite the cost, many clients find the investment worthwhile for the emotional and practical benefits of a decluttered and organized living space. "The pain of living with the clutter has started to outweigh the discomfort of getting rid of things," noted Sharon Lowenheim, owner of The Organizing Goddess, who has been in the business for 20 years. While most clients and organizers are women, the services are also available to men, though organizers maintain strict boundaries when couples hire them, ensuring that each individual takes responsibility for their own belongings.